Report on Human Rights Abuse Against some Army Personnel Submitted

COAS Receives Reports from Board of Inquiry and Committee for Establishment of Army University

The Nigerian Army Special Board of Enquiry on allegations of Human Rights abuse against some personnel of the Nigerian Army has submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, today Wednesday 31st May 2017, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

It will be recalled that the Special Board of Inquiry which was headed by a former Director of Military Intelligence, Major General AT Jibrin (rtd), was inaugurated on Wednesday, 8th March 2017.

In another development, the committee for the establishment of the Nigerian Army University Biu today, Wednesday 31st May 2017,  submitted its report to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, at the Army Headquarters, Abuja.

It will be recalled that the committee to ensure the smooth upgrading of the Nigerian Army Institute of Technology and Environmental Studies (NAITES) to a full pledged university was inaugurated recently which was headed by Major General MA Efevbokhan (rtd).

Other members include the Commandant of NAITES, Major General CO Ojo, the Director General, Nigerian Army Education Corps, Brigadier General LF Abdullahi, a senior lecturer at the National Defence College, Brigadier General A Dadan-Garba (rtd), Professor UA Mohammed, Alhaji Kalli Kori and Colonel AO Agwu, the Secretary of the Committee.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Director Army Public Relations

Biafra: Fani-Kayode Pays Glowing Tribute 11

50 YEARS ON: AN ODE TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN AND NIGERIA'S INCONVENIENT TRUTH (PART 2)


What is even more revealing and brings home the true horror of what transpired during the war itself was provided by Mr. Anayo Johnpaul, a historian and public commentator. He wrote as follows:


"Shocking revelations of the hatred for Igbos and how the north used the Nigerian Federal troops and locals in the South-West and

North to commit genocide with the help of Great Britain and America during the civil war.

Permit me to share some excerpts from the confessions of the perpetrators.


“I want to see no Red Cross, no Caritas, no World Council of Churches, no Pope, no missionary,  no UN delegation. I want to prevent even one Ibo from having  even one piece of food to eat before their capitulation. We shoot at everything that moves and when our troops march into the centre of Igbo territory, we shoot at everything: even things that do not move”- (Benjamin Adekunle, Commander, 3rd Marine Commander Division, Nigerian Army to French Radio Reporter).


“All is fair in war and starvation is one of the weapons of war. I don’t see why we should feed our enemies fat in order for them to fight harder”- (Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nigerian Minister of Finance, July 28, 1969).


“Until now efforts to relieve the Biafran people have been thwarted by the desire of the central government to pursue total and unconditional victory and by the fear of the Igbo people that surrender means wholesale atrocities and genocide. But genocide is what is taking place right now and starvation is the grim reaper. This is not the time to stand on ceremony, or go through channels or to observe diplomatic niceties. The destruction of an entire people is immoral objective, even in the most moral of wars. It can never be condoned”- (Richard Nixon, during the presidential campaign, September 9, 1968).


“Federal troops killed, or stood while mobs killed, more than 5000 Ibos in Warri, Sapele, Agbor”- (New York Times, 10th January, 1968).


“It (mass starvation) is a  legitimate aspect of war"- (Anthony Enahoro, Nigerian Commissioner for Information at a press conference in New York, July 1968).


“Starvation is a weapon of war and we have every intention of using it against the rebels”- (Mr Alison Ayida, Head of Nigerian delegation, Niamey Peace talks, July 1968).


“The Igbos must be considerably reduced in number”- Lagos Policeman quoted in New York Review 21 December, 1967).




“One word now describes the policy of the Nigerian military government towards secessionist Biafra: genocide. It is ugly and  extreme but it is the only word which fits Nigeria’s decision to stop international Red Cross and other relief agencies from flying food to Biafra"- ( Washington Post editorial, July 2, 1969).


“In some areas in the east, Igbos were killed by local people with at least  the acquiescence of the Federal forces, 1000 Igbo civilians perished in Benin in this way”- (Max Edward Reporter, reporter on the ground -  New York Review, 21 December 1967).


“After Federal forces took over Benin, troops killed about 500 Igbo civilians after a house to house search with the aid of willing locals”- (Washington Morning Post, 27 September, 1967).


“The greatest single massacre occurred in the Igbo town of Asaba where 700 Igbo males were lined up and shot as terrified women/children were forced to watch”- (London Observer, 21 January,1968).


“Federal troops killed or stood by while mobs killed more than 5000 Ibos in Warri, Sapele, Agbor- (New York Times, 10th January, 1968).


“There has been genocide on the occasion of the 1966 massacres, the region between the towns of Benin and Asaba where only widows and orphans remain, Federal troops having, for unknown reasons, massacred all the men”-(Paris Le Monde, 5th April, 1968).


“In Calabar, Federal forces shot at least 1000 and perhaps 2000 Igbos, most of them civilians”- (New York Times, 18th January,1968).


“Bestialities and indignities of all kinds were visited on the Biafrans in 1966. In Ikeja Barracks (Western Nigeria) Biafrans were forcibly fed on a mixture of human urine and faeces. In Northern Nigeria numerous housewives and nursing mothers were violated before their husbands and children. Young girls were abducted from their homes, walking places and schools and forced into intercourse with sick, demented and leprous men”- (Mr Eric Spiff, German War Correspondent, eyewitness, 1967).


“650 refugee camps, contained about 700,000 haggard bundles of human flotsam waiting hopelessly for a meal, outside the camps, was the reminder of an estimated four and half to five million displaced Kwashiokor scourge, a million and half children, suffer(ed) from it during January; that put the forecast death toll at another 300,000 children. More than the pogroms of 1966, more than the war casualties, than the terror bombings, it was the experience of watching helplessly their children waste away and die that gave birth to, a deep and unrelenting loathing. It is a feeling that will one day reap bitter harvest unless”- (Frederick Forsyth, British Writer, January 21st 1969).


“The Nazis had resurrected just here as Nigerian forces”- (Washington Post, editorial, July 2, 1969).




“The loss of life from starvation continues at more than 10,000 persons per day over 1,000,000 lives in recent months. Without emergency measures now, the number will climb to 25,000 per day, within a month and 2,000,000 deaths by the end of the year. The new year will only bring greater disaster to people caught in the passion of fratricidal war, we cant allow this to continue or those responsible to go free”- (Senator Ted Kennedy appeals to Americans Sunday November 17, 1968).


“Myself and the same UNICEF representatives went on to convey something of what lay behind this intransigence:  Among the large majority hailing from that tribe who are the most vocal in inciting the complete extermination of the Igbos. I often heard remarks that all Nigeria’s ills will be cured once the Igbos have been exterminated from the human map.”- (Dr Conor Cruise O’Bien, 21 December, 1967, New York Review". (CONCLUDED).


As harrowing as these words are they accurately and graphically capture the mood and horrific essence of the civil war.


They also reveal an inconvenient truth which is as follows: that the Nigerian people and General Yakubu Gowon owe the people of the east a sincere and unwavering apology for the barbaric and criminal manner in which they conducted the civil war.


We also have an obligation to make restitution to them, offer them compensation for all they have lost and to bring to justice all those that were directly or indirectly involved in the commission of the barbaric and hideous atocities and crimes against humanity that were visited upon the Igbo civilian population and defenceless Igbo women and children.


I refuse to describe the killer of children and the murderer of women and defenceless civilians as war heroes. My conscience does not permit it.


If the German people could find it in their hearts to ask the Jews to forgive them for what they did to them in the Second World War, the Nigerian people should be big-hearted enough and strong enough to ask the same of the Igbo.


 Such a course of action does not diminish or weaken us: it makes us more humane.


And neither do I believe that offering them "more cake" as President Olusegun Obasanjo has suggested can make up for all that we have subjected them to over the last 51 years.


The last person that suggested the offering of cake to the irate masses and victims of injustice as a way of calming them down and getting them to stop their agitation for emancipation was Queen Marie Antoinnete of France. That was in 1789.




Unfortunately it did not go down too well and a few weeks later the French revolution took place and both the Marie Antoinette and her husband King Louis XV1, together with much of the French royal family, courtiers, nobles and landed gentry were arrested by the Jacobins, publicly humiliated, tried in the people's courts of law and had their heads chopped off with a guillotine.


That signified the end of the monarchy in France,  the demise of the long rulership of the proud and distinguished royal Bourbon lineage and family and the beginning of the great French Republic which changed the face of Europe, the history of world and which endures till today.


So much for the offering of cake as a panacea or solution to the unjust and barbarous treatment of the oppressed and the deprived.




I do not believe that the dream of Biafra can be shattered and obliterated by promises of cake and a few crumbs from the masters table.


And neither do I believe that they can be wished away or destroyed by reckless and dangerous attempts to break their will and dampen their spirits by killing them in the streets or incarcerating them indefinately or with threats of wiping them off the face of the earth and total and complete annihilation.


I am a man of peace and I believe that war is evil. It is the darkness that seeks the darkness. It is utterly repugnant and manifestly destructive.


It is a complete and total descent into madness, barbarism, hell, chaos and inhumanity.


Those that glorify it or encourage and endorse it any shape or form are either shallow, naive or simply insane.


It is the will and law of God to fight for freedom, equity and justice. Our cause is just. What we must NOT do is use violence or shed blood.


Yet despite this fundamental principle which I hold dear, one thing that I know is this: If, God forbid, there were ever to be any major conflict or war in our country again the Igbo would not be left to fight it on their own.


If, God forbid, there were to ever be a round two of our civil war I have little doubt that this time around the entire south and the Middle Belt would stand together as one against our common oppressors and those that kill and slaughter our people at will in the name of ethnic supremacy and faith.


I pray that it never happens and I hope that we either restructure the country or peacefully go our separate ways before it is too late.


Those that resist that course are playing with fire and are sitting on a keg of gunpowder.


When it ignites no-one will be left standing, no-one will come out whole and no-one will escape being amongst the victims of the cataclysmic and horrendous events that will follow.


As a matter of urgency we must pray fervently for peace in Nigeria. We must counsel and encourage restraint, understanding and patience from all sides.


Most important of all we must find it in our hearts to display and express a high degree of regret and contrition for what we did to the Igbo, pay them compensation and make restitution for what we subjected them to before, during and after the civil war. God demands it and justice requires it.


Until this is done every Nigerian, including yours truly, should hold himself partially responsible for the atrocities that have been committed against the Igbo in our country over the last 51 years.


May the souls of all those that lost their lives on both sides of the divide during the course of our civil war rest in peace and may May 30 1967, the day that the war started 50 years ago today, be acknowledged and set aside as a day of honor for the unsung heroes of the Biafran struggle.

BIAFRA : Fani-Kayode Pays Glowing Tribute to Igbo

50 YEARS ON: AN ODE TO THE LAND OF THE RISING SUN AND NIGERIA'S INCONVENIENT TRUTH (PART 1)


"O Igbo arise! O Igbo arise! O Igbo arise!


Let the chains of subjugation be broken, let the yoke of slavery be shattered and let the shackles of servitude fall.


For the voices of your ancestors and your dead are calling. The voices of your slaughtered children wail, scream and screech through the night and they shed whimpering and pitiful tears through the day.


They call for justice and vengeance that their souls may be appeased and that they may find peace and eternal rest.


For they were slaughtered in their millions by the barbarians and infidels and they were butchered like cattle in the sanctity and privacy of their churches and homes.


They cry for Biafra. They cry for the land of the rising sun.  They cry for the memory of the fallen and those that stood like men to defend their honor. They cry for the pitiful souls of the chidren yet unborn.


Heed their cry and honor their sacrifice. Forget not the land of the rising sun. Forget not Biafra.


Forget not the slaughtered millions and those that were cut short in the prime of their infancy"-  'The Land Of The Rising Sun', Femi Fani-Kayode, May 30th 2017.


I have written this essay as a historian and not as a politician. Consequently I am not guided or bound by political correctness but rather by truth.


I do not seek to create division but rather to establish the facts with a view to ensuring justice and healing the wounds.


I do not believe that we can ever have peace in our country without that justice. I write this essay for the helpless and innocent victims of ethnic cleansing, mass murder and genocide that were cut short during the civil war and I dedicate it to them.


I write it as a patriotuc Nigerian who fervently and passionately believes in the equality of every Nigerian, regardless of ethnicity or faith, and in justice for all.


I write it as the voice of the voiceless, the servant of truth and for those that cannot speak for themselves because they are either dead and buried or because they do not have the skill, the reach or the wherewithal to do so.


I write it for the young and new generation of Nigerians and particularly the Igbo who have no knowledge or recollection of most of these ugly events and who were never taught history in our schools because the powers that be did not want them to know. I write it in the name of God and by the power of the Holy Spirit.


It is not an essay for the cowardly, the faint-hearted, the slow, the intellectually challenged or the dull but rather for those that courageously seek truth and that thirst for knowledge about our very ugly past.


It seeks to shine the light of truth into the darkness of deceit, lies, historical revisionism and the continuos and godless supression of the ugly and utterly barbaric facts.


It is a long essay and consequently I have broken it into two parts. I urge each and every Nigerian and Biafran that is interested in seeking truth, no matter how ugly and inconvenient that truth may be, to read both parts and to meditate earnestly on its contents and assertions. Fasten your seat belts and come fly with me!


50 years ago today the Nigerian civil war began and the struggle for the sovereign state of Biafra commenced.


Since then it has been 50 years of blood, sweat and tears for the Igbo people of south eastern Nigeria.


The only redeeming factor is the fact the last few years has witnessed the rise of a new generation of relatively young, fresh, strong-willed and deeply courageous Igbo nationalist leaders who have made it their life's work and calling to ressurect the noble vision and compelling dream of Biafra.


Names like the heroic Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and notable leaders of other Igbo nationalist groups come to mind.


Words cannot possibly express the indignities, anguish and turmoil that the Igbo have suffered in the hands of Nigeria over the last 50 years.




And no matter how one attempts to put it or narrate the story it is difficult, nay next to impossible, to fully comprehend their degradation and suffering.


Few events come close to it in world history. Some of those events are as follows. Firstly the slaughter of 10 million natives of the African Congo by King Leopold 11 of Belgium.


Secondly the mass murder of 6 mllion Jews by Hitler's Nazis during the course of the Second World War.


Thirdly the massacre of 1 million Armenians by the Turks whilst under the leadership of Kamal Ataturk, the founder of Turkey.


Fourthly the almost total elimination of the Red Indian tribes and races in the plains and prairies of the American "wild west" by the white American settlers.


Fifthly the commission of genocide and ethnic cleansing of almost 1 million Tutsis by the indigenous Hutu population in Rwanda.


Sixthly the 30 million black Africans that were killed by white and Arab slave traders and slave owners over a period of three hundred years in north Africa, the Middle East and the west.


Seventhly the butchering of at least 2 million innocent Cambodians by Pol Pot's Khmer Rouge in the killing fields of Cambodia.


Eighthly the ethnic cleansing, mass murder and premeditated starvation of 1 million Irish farmers, peasants and serfs by successive English monarchs.


Ninthly the almost entire elimination of the indegenous black Aboriginal tribes in Australia by the British settlers.


Tenthly the systematic and cold-blooded elimination of 25 million ethnic Russians and dissident Soviets by Russia's Josef Stalin.


And finally the mass murder of thousands of Bosnian civilians by the Serbs during the Yugoslavian civil war.


Yet, as unbelievable as it may sound, none of these monumental tragedies and acts of the most hideous, barbaric, cruel and sublime forms of wickedness come close to the suffering of the Igbo people of Nigeria.


This is because in all the other cases over the years there has been a conscious attempt by humanity to stop the madness, to bring the perpertrators of these horrific crimes to book, to serve them justice, to show varying degrees of contrition and remorse, to compensate the victims and to come to the firm and clear resolve that such a thing must NEVER be allowed to happen again.


In the case of Nigeria and Biafra this has not been the case. Instead of contrition and remorse for the horrific events that they were subjected to both before and during the civil war, the Igbo have been visited with even more mass murder, humiliation, degradation, shame, marginalisation, deprivation and subjugation since 1970 when the civil war ended right up until today.


50 years after the first shot was fired in a brutal and gruelling civil war in which we slaughtered no less than 3 million innocent Igbo civilians in cold blood (1 million of them being little children) the Federal Republic of Nigeria has learnt no lessons and shown no remorse.


In fact the contrary has beem the case. Rather than stop, the slaughter of the Igbo has continued in the northern pary of pur country without any apology and has become something of an expected ritual and regular sport.


The Bible says "the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel".  How true this is. What a country and what a people we are.


Yet the suffering and dehumanisation of the Igbo did not begin during the civil war and neither did it end with it 3 years later.


It started on the night of July 29th 1966, almost one year before the war began, and it persists till today.


Permit me to share a narrative that was sent to me by an Igbo friend who I believe captured the history of the pre-civil war suffering very well in the following words.


He titled it "What A Country and the Origins Of The Offensive Word Nyamiri". He wrote:


"Aguiyi-Ironsi and Francis Fajuyi had just been killed in Ibadan by a horde of blood thirsty northern officers. The northern military had seized most barracks in the country and were performing the ethnic Igbo cleansing that had been planned all along.

From the eve of July 29, 1966 over 270 Igbo senior military officers were killed in Abeokuta, Ibadan , Lagos, Zaria etc.. As this butchery of human beings was going on in what was tagged a retaliatory coup, the northern officers declared "araba" and ferried their families home to secede from the rest of Nigeria.

But this plan was discarded when the Britain sold the idea of oil to them and how they will profit from taking control of the oil.

As the killing of military officers of Igbo origin was getting to a climax, the northern civilians unleashed their clubs and matchetes on innocent civilians all through the north. People were cut into pieces. In 60 days over 100,000 Igbo lives were mowed down by this sheer barbarism. In those days rail transportation was the major means of traveling to the east from the north. So when the train departed one will have to wait for its return before another set of Igbo could depart from the North.

The orgy of violence by the northern civilians was without limits. Students killed their Igbo teachers. Colleagues at work killed their fellow Igbo colleagues. House owners killed their Igbo tenants. It was in this frenzy and death orgy that the Igbo devised a plan of survival. The plan was to run to the emirate and seek refuge until the train that left for the east returned.

Many Igbo ran to the Emir's palaces in the north seeking refuge not knowing that the emirate was planning the final Igbo solution. As they ran into the palace they were all welcomed. So this encouraged other Igbo who were hiding to run to the palace as well. Then the final solution set in when the numbers of Igbo seeking refuge was increased. They will be allowed to die slowly: no food and no water must be offered to them. For days the Igbo seeking refuge from the northern pogrom were denied food and water. They started crying, begging the palace to give them water in their local Igbo dialect "nye mu mmiri " but the northern civilian heard "nya miri". So that was the origin of the offensive name called the Igbo by the north. Whenever they call you "nyamiri" they are trying to remind you of your Igbo predecessors who they starved of food and water until they all died. May 30th is another day to remember all those defenceless Igbo civilians who died in that progrom that preceded the war.

May 30th is another day we remember those who sought refuge in the emirate but were allowed to die slowly in pain. May 30th is another day for retrospection and introspection on our commitment to building up our homeland to cater for all the Igbo aspirations the world over. Ozoemena. Maka odinma Ndi Igbo. ( meaning "another should not happen for the good of Igbo people"). Send to all ur friends".

NBA Lambasts Buhari Over Continued Detention of Dasuki, ElZakzaky

PRNigeria News Release

Rule of Law: NBA Lambasts FG over Continued Detention of Dasuki, ElZakzaky

The Nigerian Bar Association NBA has lambasted the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government over the continued detention of a former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Das‎uki and the leader of Shi'ite movement, El-Zakyzaky despite court orders which admitted them to bail.

The National President of the Bar, Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud SAN who lambasted the government ‎during a press briefing in Abuja to mark this year's democracy day added that such disobedience to court orders is uncalled for and does not show compliance to rule of law.

"The NBA is appalled at the continued detention of certain individuals in blatant disobedient to court orders. Among these individuals are Sheikh Ibrahim El Zakyzaky and his wife, and also Col. Sambo Dasuki. While we recognize the seriousness of the charges in which individuals were held, we nevertheless viewed their continued detention as unjustified and contrary to the express court orders. We call on the government to without further delays respect theses orders".

In the same light, the NBA further called for the termination of investigations against judges who were accused of corruption but have not been charged before the court since the past eight months.

"In the wake of the arrest and detention of certain judicial officers by the DSS, the NBA had taken the view that the judges affected should recluse themselves from judicial functions until the investigation and outcomes of those investigations were determined, we note that nearly eight months after those investigations were launched, some of the judges have not been prosecuted or charged before any court of law.

"This situation is completely unsatisfactory and unacceptable. The NBA calls on the government to terminate the investigation against those judges to enable them resume their work as judicial officers".

On the issue of agitation succession by some groups in the country, the NBA called for a better way of showing grievances aside the threat to break up.

"NBA affirms commitment to unity and building a strong Federal system. We urged all groups to continue to agitate peaceful existence among citizens of the country".

On the issue of security, the NBA commended the Federal Government especially in the fight against Boko Haram in the North East and the recent release of 82 Chibok girls.

Speaking on the anti corruption crusade‎ of the government, the bar noted that , "efforts of anti corruption agency is commendable. New anti corruption strategy has been developed. Stakeholders should help the FG towards the success of the policy. We commend whistle blower policy. The government should fund the anti corruption agencies.

"The lingering issue of EFCC leadership should be tackled once and for all. The investigative agency should be more careful and thorough in carrying out its investigation. Media investigation should not be encouraged".

IPOB : No Shooting in the Whole Southeast -Army

No Shootings In Aba, Umuahia And The Entire South Eastern Region

The attention of 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to another allegation made by IPOB in a  Statement the group released at about 1645 hours on Monday 29 May 2017, that - "there was sporadic shootings by the Army in Aba and Umuahia axis".. and that soldiers opened fire on its members in Aba during a procession in honour of those who died during the Biafra civil war".

The Division wishes to state  there was no soldier at the venue or vicinity where the procession took place. Also, there was no crisis or breakdown of law and order in Aba, Umuahia and in the whole of South Eastern part of Nigeria as to warrant/justify  "use of firearms' as falsely and mischievously alleged by IPOB propagandists.

What is obvious, however, is an increase in the presence of security agencies on routine patrols in different locations in the region, particularly areas that are regarded as real or potential flash points. The aim is to pro actively checkmate possible security breaches in view of sordid/divisive utterances and in some cases blatant actions by secessionist agitators.

SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Deputy Director Public Relations 82 Division

36 States Generate N801bn IGR Against N2.6trn from FAAC

State Viability Index; 36 States Generate N801bn IGR Against N2.6trn from FAAC

.... Lagos Generates More IGR than 31 States Combined …

... Economic Viable States: Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Kwara and Delta States

... Poor IGR States:  Borno, Ebonyi, Kebbi, Jigawa



The Economic Confidential, the award winning Economic Intelligence Magazine, has released its Annual States Viability Index ( ASVI) which shows that fourteen States are insolvent as their Internally Generated Revenues (IGR) in 2016 were far below 10% of their Federation Account Allocations (FAA) in the same year.


The index, carefully and painstakingly computed proved that without the monthly disbursement from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC), many states remain unviable, and cannot survive without the federally collected revenue.


The IGR are generated by states through Pay-As-You-Earn Tax (PAYE), Direct Assessment, Road Taxes and revenues from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDA)s.


The report by this economic intelligence magazine further indicates that the IGR of Lagos State of N302bn is higher than that of 30 States put together excluding Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Kwara and Delta States whose IGRs are very impressive at more than 30% each. The 30 other states merely generated a total of N258bn in 2016.


Recently the magazine published the total allocation received by each state in Nigeria from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA) between January to December 2016. The latest report on IGR reveals that only Lagos and Ogun States generated more revenue than their allocations from the Federation Account by 169% and 127% respectively and no any other state has up to 100% of IGR to the federal largesse.


The IGR of the 36 states of the federation totalled N801.95 billion in 2016 as compared to N682.67 billion in 2015, an increase of N119.28 billion. While the report provides shocking discoveries to the effect that 14 states which have less than 10% IGR may not stay afloat outside the Federation Account Allocation due to socio-political crises including insurgency, militancy and herdsmen attacks, others lack foresight in revenue generation drive coupled with arm-chair governance.


The states that may not survive without the Federation Account due to poor internal revenue generation include Borno which realized a meagre N2.6bn compared to a total of N73.8bn it received from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA)  in 2016 representing about 4%. Others are: Ebonyi with IGR of N2.3bn compared to FAA of N46.6bn representing 5%; Kebbi N3.1bn compared to FAA of N60.88bn representing 5.14%; Jigawa with N3.5bn compared to N68.52bn of FAA representing 5.15% and Yobe with IGR of N3.24nn compared to N53.93bn of FAA representing 6.0% within the period under review.


Other poor internal revenue earners are Gombe which generated N2.94bn compared to FAA of N46bn representing 6.26%; Ekiti N2.99bn compared to FAA of N47.56bn representing 6.28%;  Katsina N5.54bn compared to FAA of N83bn representing 6.65% and Sokoto N4.54bn compared to FAA of N65.97bn representing 6.88%.


Meanwhile Lagos State remained steadfast in its number one position in IGR with a total revenue generation of N302bn compared to FAA of N178bn which translate to 169% in the twelve months of 2016. It is followed by Ogun State which generated IGR of N72.98bn compared to FAA of N57bn representing 127%.


Others with impressive IGR include Rivers with N85bn compared to FAA of N134bn representing 63%;  Edo with IGR of N23bn compared to FAA of N59bn representing 38%. Kwara State however with low receipt from the Federation Account has greatly improved in its IGR of N17bn compared to FAA of N49bn representing 35% while Delta with IGR of N44bn compared to FAA of N126bn representing 6.88%.


The Economic Confidential ASVI further showed that only three states in the entire Northern region have IGR above 20%. They are Kwara, Kano, and Kaduna States. Meanwhile eight states in the South recorded over 20% IGR in 2016. They are Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Edo, Delta, Cross River, Enugu, and Oyo States State.


The states with the poorest Internally Generated Revenue of less than 10% in the South are Imo, Bayelsa, Ekiti, and Ebonyi States while in the North we have Niger, Nasarawa, Sokoto, Katsina, Gombe, Yobe, Jigawa, Kebbi and Borno States.


Meanwhile the IGR of the respective states can improve through aggressive diversification of the economy to productive sectors rather than relying on the monthly Federation Account revenue that largely come from the oil sector.


NOTE: Please see the attached table on the Ranking of IGR of States in 2016 compared to their Federation Account Allocations (FAA) between January - December 2016 with the percentages. Read more and Table at: https://economicconfidential.com/financial/facts-a-figures/asvi-lagos-igr-30-states/

Nigeria Embraces Preventive Disaster Management, NEMA

Nigeria Embraces Preventive Disaster Management, NEMA

For sustainable proactive disaster management, Nigeria has adopted the implementation of measures aimed at increasing capacity of its citizens to promote risk reduction and reduce their vulnerabilities, Director General of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Engr. Mustapha Maihaja has said.

Addressing the 2017 General Session of the Global Platform on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) in Cancun, Mexico at the weekend, he said support from the political leadership has enabled a giant strides towards ensuring appropriate actions on reducing risks, disaster preparedness, mitigation and recovery in the country.

He said the Federal Government has empowered and equipped NEMA"to comprehensively manage disasters in Nigeria, with a fully functional Department of Disaster Risk Reduction" already created in the agency.

In furtherance to this, he said the agency has continued to engage and champion Disaster Risk Reduction activities both at National and International level. Some of these, according to him include the hosting of the Fifth Africa’s Regional Platform in Abuja, National Sensitization Workshop on the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, produced and validated a plan of action for the implementation of the Sendai Framework, established and set up machinery to further strengthen the National Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction and development of a draft National Policy on Disaster Risk Reduction.

Maihaja, said the measures adopted by the government through NEMA would also help to address some of the internal challenges due to "climatic changes that have negatively affected our socio-economic activities leading to low productivity, low economic growth, social conflicts, diseases, human migrations, cross border conflicts and rise in crime rate, among others."

He also identified the problem of insurgency as one of the major challenges that the government has been confronting, noting that "our nation is currently emerging from the effects of her worst humanitarian challenges, - The Boko haram insurgency, an unwarranted conflict that has brought untold hardship and monumental losses, resulting in high number of displaced persons, some have even been forced to take refuge in neighboring countries. "The Recovery process is daunting and we continue to solicit for support."  "Most recently we have also had to face the challenge of responding to the human losses due to Meningitis."

While also noting the trans-boundary nature of the conflicts and disasters, Maihaja solicited "a united front to fight our common enemies including terrorism, climate change and conflicts."

Sani Datti
Head Media and Public relations
29th May 2017

Civil Society Mourns Prof Abubakar Momoh

CISLAC, CDD mourn Prof. Abubakar Momoh

The Board of Trustees, Members of the Advisory Council and staff of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) and Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD) wish to commiserate with Nigerians on the death of an erudite scholar, a selfless personality and brilliant political scientist, Prof. Abubakar Momoh, who was a Member of our Advisory Council and Director-General of the Electoral Institute until his death.

While we condole with the family, friends, academic world and the entire country on the loss, we do not only recall and commend the memorable and outstanding technical supports we enjoyed from the deceased, but also recount his laudable contributions to humanity, academic world and nation’s democracy through persistent advocacy and public outcry for social justice and good governance.

As a founding member of CISLAC, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and other Civil Society Organisations, Prof. Momoh had excelled by voluntarily offering holistic and tremendous supports for the establishment and sustenance of the Centres. He largely contributed to their present tracked records in advocacy for transparency, accountability and good governance within and outside Nigeria.

Serving as Director-General of the Electoral Institute of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), he was at the forefront advocating for free, fair, credible and participatory electoral system through research, capacity building for the staff of the Commission, and engagement of vigorous voter education activities.

Also, as the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Lagos State University, LASU and member of Executive of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Prof. Momoh was prominent for his doggedness in maintaining high level integrity and professionalism, and selfless defence of staff and students’ welfares, as well as strictly adherence to ethical standard on addressing issues that affected staff and students.

Apart from serving as a member of several technical teams of the African Union Commission (AUC) and election observer to several African countries on behalf of ECOWAS and African Union, Prof. Momoh had served on several government technical committees including being member and coordinator of “Foreign Policy” Subcommittee of Federal Republic of Nigeria “Vision 20:20” Technical Committee; and policy on “Peace Support Operations (PSOS) for the Federal Government.

CISLAC and CDD are presently consulting the immediate family of the deceased and will announce a public event in honour of the great scholar.

Signed:

Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani)
Executive Director, CISLAC

Idayat Hassan
Executive Director, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD)

Jesus Always Has Time For You - Joseph Prince

“I am…the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

Revelation 1:8 - MAY 28 -
JESUS ALWAYS HAS TIME FOR YOU

Ever been too busy to get something done, and then find out that it’s too late when you finally get down to it? As human beings, we live our lives constrained by time. But Jesus, the one who created time, is not time-bound. He always has time for each one of us!

Even in His earthly ministry, in His limited form as Man, He always had time to minister to people. Consider a typical day in His ministry: When a severely demon-possessed man cried out from the tombs of a distant region, He had time to sail all the way from Galilee to the country of the Gadarenes to save that lonely, tormented man. On the way there, He had time to respond to the cries of His disciples when a fierce storm arose. He awoke from a much-deserved sleep and calmed the storm for them.

After He saved the demonized man and returned to Galilee, another man, Jairus, came to him for help. Jairus’ 12-year-old daughter was dying and he begged Jesus to come to his house to heal her. Jesus agreed—He had time. But on His way there, a woman with a 12-year bleeding condition secretly touched the hem of His garment and received her healing. Though Jairus’ daughter was in the throes of death, Jesus had time to find out who had touched Him, just so that He could minister to that person.

While Jesus was ministering to the woman, He received a death report concerning Jairus’ daughter. Now, in the natural, Jesus was “too late”. Yet, He did not consider it a waste of time to encourage Jairus, “Do not be afraid; only believe, and she will be made well.” (Luke 8:49–50) He wasn’t troubled or harried. He took time to go to Jairus’ house and He raised the little damsel from the dead.

My friend, this same loving Jesus always has time for you, His beloved. He hears your cries, cares about the little and big things that bother you, and will come and save you. Even when He is “busy”, He has time to stop and minister to you. Even when it seems “too late”, He will still see to it that you get your miracle!

Air Force Provides Free Cancer Treatment for Women in IDP Camps

NAF Provides Free Cancer Treatment for Women in IDP Camps

Over 40 women from different Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps in Borno State have benefitted from the recently concluded Nigerian Air Force (NAF) one-week free cancer screening exercise. The exercise was held at the newly established NAF Cancer Screening Centre at 109 Composite Group in Maiduguri from 16 - 20 May 2017. It was in fulfillment of the pledge earlier made by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, to extend healthcare delivery to less privileged Nigerians, particularly those in IDP camps. The screening, which covered cancer of the breast, cervix, ovaries, colon and liver, was also extended to NAF personnel and their dependants.

The screening and treatment were conducted by NAF medical personnel, who had earlier received in-house training as part of the capacity-building efforts of the NAF leadership. The screening methods used by the NAF medical personnel included colposcopy, ultra-sound, mammogram and laboratory test of various tumor markers. During the screening exercise, those detected with early stages of cancer of the cervix were promptly treated, free of charge, using colposcopy.

The women from the IDP camps equally took advantage of the opportunity to examine other key aspects of their health status at no cost. It would be recalled that the CAS had assured officers and men of the NAF during the week-long training of healthcare practitioners by the NAF Medical Services in 2016 that the cervical screening facilities at the NAF Hospital Abuja would be provided in other hospitals across the country. Air Marshal Abubakar has reassured the IDPs and other members of the public that the exercise would be a continuous one.


OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
AIR COMMODORE
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Getting Filled with the Fullness of God - Joseph Prince

to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3:19 - MAY 26 -
GETTING FILLED WITH ALL THE FULLNESS OF GOD

We would all like to experience more health, abundance and success in our lives. God, being God, has all of these things, won’t you agree? So to be full of God is to be full of health, abundance and success. But how does one become full of God?

In the past, I was told that to be “filled with all the fullness of God”, I had to fast a certain number of days, pray a certain number of hours and speak in tongues incessantly! I am not belittling fasting, praying or speaking in tongues, but to be filled with all the fullness of God is not about what you do. It is not even about your love for Christ. It is actually about knowing the love of Christ! No one ever told me that if I knew how much God loves me and focused on His love for me, I would be full of Him.

When God made you, He designed you to run at optimal level when you are filled with His love, like a car that runs at its best when it is filled with the right kind of petrol or gasoline. When you realize how much God loves you and you feed on His love for you, you will be supernaturally filled with the fullness of God.

And to be full of God is to be full of everything God is to you and has for you. To be full of God is to come to a place of life, health, peace, abundance—total wellness.

Also, when you are conscious of how much God loves you and you become filled with the fullness of God, what follows is the next verse—God doing exceedingly abundantly above all that you can ask or think, according to the power that works in you. (Ephesians 3:20) You will experience the tremendous blessings of God exploding in your life! You will become a blessing magnet!

So as God’s beloved, continue to be nourished by His love for you, and experience more health, abundance and success in your life!

Discover What the Name of Jesus Can Do - Kenneth Copeland

Discover What the Name Can Do

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth.

– Philippians 2:9-10

Once you make up your mind to keep the commands of Jesus and begin to allow the Word to dwell in you richly, the Name of Jesus will become far more powerful to you. It will become more than just a word. It will become a force that will cause every circumstance and every demon that tries to stand in your way to bow its knee to your command.

I tell you, the Name of Jesus works. There is far greater power in it than any of us have yet realized.

My faith is so set on the authority of the Name of Jesus that there are times I just say, “In the Name” and the power of God comes on the scene.

In fact, I’ve discovered that the Name of Jesus—just the Name alone—is effective when spoken by a Word-abiding believer. Revelation 19:13 says the Name of Jesus is the Word of God! So, when an evil spirit is trying to bring sickness, poverty, depression or any other garbage into my household, I don’t have to quote every scripture I know to stop him. I can just point my finger at him and say, “Jesus!” That’s like throwing the whole Word of God in his face at one time!

Discover for yourself what the exalted Name can do. Begin to speak it with confidence and authority. There is power in the Name of Jesus.

The Sharing of Cake and "Biafra at 50" - Fani-Kayode

THE SHARING OF CAKE AND "BIAFRA AT 50"  - Fani-Kayode

I believe that it is not only the height of naivety but also deeply insulting to say that the way to stop the Biafran agitation is to offer the Igbo cake.

Quite apart from that I find it curious, incredulous and somewhat patronising that those behind the "Biafra at 50" event, which took place at the Yar'adua Centre in Abuja today, would think it  appropiate to invite the leaders and representatives of a government that has blood on its hands and that is committing genocide against the Igbo and IPOB members on a daily basis to their programme.

They talk peace and reconciliation but can there really be peace and reconciliation without restitution and justice?

You can say anything and rationalise it in any manner that you deem fit but the reality is that 1 million innocent igbo children were purposely starved to death in the civil war and 2 million igbos were killed.

Worse still the problems and atrocities that the Igbo complained of in 1966 are still with us today. The very reasons that they were forced to fight that war are still with us today.

If you want peace and reconciliation, if you want to celebrate or remember Biafra at 50 and if you want to honor the memory of those that lost their lives during the struggle for Biafra the promise of a greater share in the national cake will not cut it.

Instead the first thing that you need to do is to get the Nigerian state and authorities to give an unconditional apology for the atrocities committed against the Igbo during before and after the civil war.

Secondly you must reach out to those that are agitating for Biafra today with love and genuine affection and endevour to make it worth their while to stay in Nigeria by treating them with love, compassion, respect and sensitivity.

You do NOT kill them in the streets, lock up their leaders and attempt to kill their dream of emancipation from subjugation and servitude and at the same time claim that you want and believe in reconciliation. It is either one or the other.

You either love and honor them or you fight them and reject their attempt to express themselves freely or to exercise their right of self-determination.

This charade of kill them and pretend to love them all at the same time sickens me. It dishonours the memory of ALL those who fought for and believed in the ideal of Biafra.

It is like dancing on their graves and spitting on their blood.

How can you talk about Biafra and celebrate Biafra at 50 when the leaders of the new Biafra like Nnamdi Kanu of IPOB and others are not there.

How can you talk about Biafra when a contractor and compromiser from Igboland who has lost every sense of self-worth and dignity is invited to the gathering.

The Federal Government is killing his kinsmen with their security forces and refusing to protect them from the relentless carnage and barharic slaughter of the Fulani militias and this despicable man who has fed fat on Nigeria will come to such a gathering and say that he will fight anyone that wants to leave Nigeria, including Oduduwa and Arewa. I really dont know whether to laugh or cry.

These are clearly the words of a desperate comedian who has lost all sense of self-respect and who is prepared to do anything in order to remain in perpetual servitude.

Such a man is shameful. He is dishonorable. He is cowardly. He is evil. Worse of all he is a grave danger to those that he claims to speak for and represent.

If anyone really wants peace in this country and true reconciliation the only way to achieve it is to set into motion a process of and a programme for restructuring and the devolution of power from the centre. They must also accord due respect to every ethnic nationality in this country including the Igbo.

Failing that it is only a matter of time before Nigeria breaks into two or more pieces and this will be done peacefully or not so peacefully depending on the attitude and disposition of those who believe they own Nigeria and that the rest of us are slaves.

Encouraging was the fact that Chief John Nwodo, the respected and much-loved Chairman of Ohaeneze, was at the Abuja event.

Of all the Igbo leaders that attended he, together with Pat Utomi and a handful of others, are amongst those that I trust and admire.

What a leader this man is. Nwodo is a man of immense wisdom and courage and he is very well bred too.

He comes from a well-educated, noble and illustrious lineage of statesmen and political leaders of the rarest kind. That explains his courage.

He will never bow down to ANYONE that attempts to undermine the interests of the Igbo and he will never sacrifice or betray any of the millions of young men and women from the south-east who are yearning for Biafra.

With him at the helm of affairs of Ohaeneze I have no doubt that the Igbo are in safe hands and that they will not be fooled by the wolves in sheeps clothing that organised and engendered this shameful event.

Sent from my iPhone

Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission Partners Civil Defence Corps

                             

NIGERIA CHRISTIAN PILGRIM COMMISSION PARTNERS NSCDC ON PILGRIMAGE IMPORTANCE



The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Abdullahi Gana Muhammadu, ably represented by the Assistant Commandant General, Yakubu Claudius, says it is imperative for all mankind to have unshakable faith in the Living God, asserting that, the Nation of Israel was earmarked by God Almighty for a special purpose.



This elating declaration was made during the NCPC courtesy  visit to the NSCDC National Headquarters, Abuja.



Zonal Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Office, Farry-Okuobeya Kohwo .E, highlighted that the core value of the NCPC is to encourage persons from all walks of life to embark on pilgrimage to the holy land Jerusalem in Israel.



Kohwo noted, that pilgrimage is a spiritual  journey, pointing out that Israel is a blessed Nation and all who have contact with Israel are blessed.



She said it is important in one's life time for one to visit the holy land Jerusalem.



The Coordinator explained that the fare for pilgrimage to Israel has been made in such a way that persons desiring to go on pilgrimage can do savings on instalment basis before the due date of the pilgrimage to Jerusalem.



Head Mobilization NCPC, Sunny Udeh, posited that it is the will of God for Christains to embark on pilgrimage as it is one of the core belief of Christendom. He referred to the holy Land as a special place where anyone can have contact with his or her Maker.



ACG Yakubu expressed delight at the large turnout of Personnel at the chapel  where the courtesy visit cum worship and praise session was held.



Yakubu disclosed that he has gone on pilgrimage to Jerusalem and that the experience is unique, explaining that the more one goes on pilgrimage one will always have different wonderful experiences.



The Man of God affirmed that pilgrimage to Israel will lift ones morale, asserting vehemently, that it is imperative for all mankind to have  unshakable faith in the Living God.



National Chaplain of the NSCDC, Commandant Shodeinde Taofeek Shehu noted, that God is at work in Civil Defence for bringing the NCPC to visit the Corps. He revealed that the Commandant General appreciates the request by NCPC for the Corps to nominate Personnel to visit the Holy Land this year, noting that over the years the Corps and the NCPC have a solid relationship existing between the two Agencies.



ACC EMMANUEL OKEH

CDPRO

nscdcnhqpro@gmail.com

Don't Abandon Us else They Will Finish Us - Shiite Muslims tell Southern Leaders

Don’t Abandon Us or they will Finish Us, Shiite Muslims cry out to Southern Leaders

Leaders of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN, otherwise known as Shiites, have cried out to Southern leaders not to abandon them as they create and strengthen alliances in agitating for a better deal for their people in the country.

Speaking at the public presentation of the book, “The Vanity of ‘Change’ and the Audacity of Truth” written by Jude Ndukwe, which held at Merit House, Abuja on Wednesday, 24th of May, 2017, leaders of the Islamic sect pleaded with southern leaders that they should not forget the minorities of the north like Shiites and people of Southern Kaduna who have suddenly become endangered species as they are subjected to mass murders of genocidal proportions under the government of president Muhammadu Buhari.

He spoke in reaction to the call by the keynote address speaker at the occasion, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, former minister of aviation, who had earlier reeled out a series of what he termed “wicked and inhuman” acts of the present day government against the citizens that have led Nigerians from the south and the middle belt to seek alliances on how they would stop what he called “the tyranny of  the Buhari administration against the people” and demand the restructuring of the country.

Sheikh Mohammed Ibrahim Gamawa, speaking in an emotion laden voice, lamented the brutality which their sect has had to endure under the Buhari-led administration. He recalled how soldiers stormed the residence of their leader, Sheikh El Zakzaky, shot and killed many harmless, armless, defenceless and helpless men and women including children in their sleep, while they also shot their leader and his wife severally and took them away, refusing to release them after close to one and a half years in illegal detention despite court orders to have them released.

He said that while the southern leaders are in alliance with the Middle Belt in the growing demands for restructuring and referendum on the fate of the nation going forward, no one seems to be remembering the suffering and already traumatized minorities of the north like members of the Sect. He cautioned that if the Shiites are not protected by southern leaders, the Buhari administration is determined to exterminate them.

While acknowledging the efforts of some leaders in the north to intervene in their situation, he said political heavyweights from the region who hate them for no just cause are thwarting all efforts at ensuring justice and freedom for their people.

He further wondered what wrong they have done to deserve the wickedness being visited upon them by Buhari and Buratai, the Chief of Army Staff, calling on brave forces like Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Governor Ayodele Fayose, the author, Jude Ndukwe, and other leaders from the south to help in leading the crusade against plans of the government to finish off members of their Sect for no just cause.

The spokesperson of the Sect, Abdurrahman Yola, who was also present at the event, had earlier narrated what he described as the barbarity of events leading to the arrest of their leader and his wife, and all the killing of their members in the unfortunate incident of December 2015 which he termed the “Zaria massacre”.

Earlier Fani-Kayode had commended the author for chronicling some of these injustices, tyranny, nepotism, sophistry, incompetence and alleged murder of innocent citizens in their large numbers by the Buhari administration.

He said that the title of the book is apt as it exposes the vanity of the promised ‘change’ by the All Progressives Congress, APC, and president Muhammadu Buhari, in the run up to the last general elections. He praised the author for standing up to despotism and speaking truth to power even when it is not in any way convenient to do so, describing him as one of the rising lights of Nigeria’s modern democracy.

On her part, the reviewer of the book, Aziza Uko-Douglas, publisher of The Trent Online, described the author, Jude Ndukwe, as one with whom she has “been in the trenches of demanding for good governance, resisting the tyranny of the Muhammadu Buhari regime, and demanding for social and economic justice for the victims of the brutality of this government”.

Speaking further, Aziza said “In the course of the struggle, I have found him (Ndukwe)to be a formidable ally and a fearless warrior and it has been an honour to have walked with him on this journey to making Nigeria great for every single Nigerian”.

In his own reaction, the author, Jude Ndukwe, said that he had to write the book as his own contribution to the struggle for the emancipation of the common man who is daily dying under the brutish rule of the Buhari-led administration which has brought nothing but hardship and death upon the people. He concluded by saying that “I have no freedom of my own until every man of every faith and every race is free”.

Joseph Prince Speaks on Divine Healing

…I will put none of the diseases on you which I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.”

Exodus 15:26 - MAY 25 -
LET IT GO!

After crossing the Red Sea, the children of Israel came to a place called Marah. The waters there were bitter. That is why the place was called Marah, which means “bitter”. The Israelites could not drink any of the water, so the Lord made the bitter waters sweet. (Exodus 15:23–25) Then, He brought up the subject of the diseases of Egypt and, for the first time, revealed Himself to His people as “the Lord who heals you”.

Why did the Lord suddenly mention the diseases of the world (Egypt represents the world in the Bible) at a place called “bitter”? What do diseases have to do with bitter waters? I believe that it is because He wants His people to know that a major cause of diseases in their bodies is harboring bitterness and resentment!

Some years ago, a lady shared with me about her sister who had died of cancer at a young age. She said, “Pastor Prince, a number of years before she passed on, she went through a very bitter divorce. She was very bitter toward her ex-husband.” Then, she asked me, “Is there a relationship between her bitterness and the cancer?”

I have studied the subject of healing for many years. I have read many books. I have listened to many sermons and I have sat under many healing ministries. And they all say the same thing: If you have unforgiveness in your heart long enough, that unforgiveness can sometimes translate into a disease in your body.

So if you have been bitter about something or someone, it is time to let it go! Your health, joy and life are more important. If you are already sick and you know that bitterness has something to do with it, let it go! See Jesus as your healer. He is standing at your place of bitterness today and He is saying to you, “My child, I can make your bitter waters sweet. I am the Lord who heals you.”

My friend, let it all go and let Jesus heal not just your diseases, but your broken heart too!

NEMA Moves 270 Nigerian Returnees from Cameroon

NEMA Moves 270 Nigerian Returnees from Cameroon
The officials of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) Yola Operations Office has perfected arrangements to move 270 Nigerian returnees to Maiduguri, Borno State.

The returnees from the Republic of Cameroon we crossed into Nigeria though Sahuda Border were received at  Burn Bricks Transit Camp in Mubi south Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

NEMA and other security agencies have been collaborating in ensuring the safety, comfort and movement of returnees to their respective states.

Those largely being returned include elderly persons, mothers and children who are adequately screened for security and health reasons.

The humanitarian exercise continues.

Hafeez Mohammed Bello
Public Relations Officer
Yola Operational Office
Adamawa
25th 05 2017

NAF Acquires Security Dogs to Fight Crime

NAF ACQUIRES SECURITY DOGS, TRAINS PERSONNEL OVERSEAS ON ADVANCED HANDLING TECHNIQUES

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) recently trained 12 personnel of its Air Provost Specialty in advanced dog handling techniques to enhance their proficiency in carrying out criminal investigations and other security-related duties.


The 6-week advanced dog handlers' course was conducted at Braveheart Bio-Dog Academy in South Africa as a follow-up to the basic K9 training received at the Nigeria Police Force Dog Breeding/Training Centre Abuja. It is the first time in a while that NAF personnel would receive special training in dog handling at a reputable overseas institution.

Considering the security challenges currently being faced in the country, the newly acquired dogs, which have been trained to detect explosives, arms and ammunitions, narcotics as well as other substances, are expected to serve as a complement to explosive detection devices.


The attendance of the advanced dog handlers’ course has further boosted the capacity of the affected NAF personnel and also exposed them to international best practices in the use of dogs for security purposes.


It is recalled that human capacity development through robust and result oriented training for enhanced professional performance is one of the key drivers of the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

The NAF Air Provost Marshal, Air Commodore Christopher Dola, represented the CAS at the graduation ceremony of the newly trained NAF personnel in Pretoria, South Africa on 20 May 2017 and has since returned to Nigeria.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
AIR COMMODORE
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

Kenneth Copeland Gives You An Effective Prayer Points

Awake to Righteousness

Awake to righteousness, and sin not....

– 1 Corinthians 15:34

When your alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning, don’t just wake up to another day. Do what the Word says to do and “awake to righteousness”! Reawaken yourself to the glorious fact that you’ve been made the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus and given right-standing with Almighty God.

Why? Because tomorrow—and every other day of your life on this earth—Satan is going to try to convince you that you don’t have any right to the things of God. He’s going to try to bring you into bondage again to sin in order to control your life. But he won’t be able to do it if you’ll reawaken yourself every day to who you really are in Jesus.

Here’s a prayerful confession to help that revelation come alive in you:

“Father, I confess anew Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior today. Lord, You are the head of my life. I completely yield myself to You. My will is now Your will. My plans are now Your plans.

“As a new creation in Christ Jesus, I accept the gift of righteousness and all that gift includes: health, prosperity, peace, joy and life abundant. I put aside every weight and the sin that so easily besets me. I now look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith.

“According to Your Word, I can now reign in this life as a king. The power of sin and death in my life has been overcome. No longer am I ruled by the forces of evil but by the God above all gods. I am more than a conqueror through Him who loves me.

“I determine today to walk conscious of my right-standing with You, Lord, and with every step to draw closer and closer to You. Thank You for the gift of righteousness. Because of that gift, I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.

“In Jesus’ Name. Amen!”

Federal Govt's Action Escalated Terrorism in Nigeria - Obasanjo

OBJ: FG's Failure to Obey Court's Order to Compensate Boko Haram, Escalated Insurgency

•Says govt use of "stick" only not useful
•Monguno calls for coordinated efforts to end exteimism

The former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has alleged that the  refusal of Federal Government to pay compensation to members of the Boko Haram sect as ordered by the court at the early stage of its formation under Mohammed Yusuf,  was responsible for the escalation of violence extremism.

Obasanjo disclosed this in Abuja  at a two-day National Workshop on Preventing Violent Extremism, organized by Club De Madrid (CdM) in collaboration with the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the European Union (EU).

He attributed the escalation  of insurgent activities in the North East and concomitant high cost to human and economic life of people of the region to a disproportionate use of 'stick' rather than 'carrot' in quelling the insurgency.

The elder statesman who is a member and Nigerian representative of CdM, which is a Club of former Presidents said  said when Boko Haram's founder, Mohammed Yusuf, realised that his followers were bugged down by poverty and youth unemployment, he decided to find solutions to their needs.

According to him, the disproportionate use of force as against the conciliatory solution, was partly to blame for escalation of insurgency in the entire region, adding that counsels given to the contrary were largely ignored.

He insisted that hat government use of the "stick" approach, drove  the adherents to violent extremism.

Obasanjo said that Mohammed Yusuf who founded the group Boko Haram was a scholar who wanted good things for his people but was rebuffed by the authorities.

He said: "Anybody you talk to in Maiduguri, where Boko Haram festered like a bad sore, will tell you that the man, who reared it, Mohammed Yusuf, was...learned in Islamic religion, and a good orator and preacher. When he was confronted with the poverty and lack of job opportunity for his followers, he decided to try and find solution. "

On whether the government did what it ought to do, to nip it in the bud, the former President said "no".

"What were the solutions he found? Hate preaching and being lawless within the community..."

The former President  said he has always advocated the stick and carrot approach to addressing such grievances and  insisted that government approach to deal with problem was faulty.

"The narrative became the stick, and he knocked at the door and the door was not opened, he went legal, some of his followers went legal, they got compensation government did not pay, their members where being hunted and hounded, so they went into violence and that violence has festered to what we have today" he said .

Also speaking , the National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, said addressing violent extremism require a coordinated, comprehensive approach that addresses underlying structural and economic problems.

Monguno added nations should as well significantly improve their capacity in securing their borders while denying terrorists mobility and safe havens.

"This approach must necessarily be anchored on continued political and economic growth and improvement, including good governance, strengthening institutions, especially the criminal justice system, and increasing access to jobs and education opportunities for a bulging youth population, build an inclusive administration that takes into account yearnings and aspirations of all," he said .

The NSA traced the rise of violent extremism and terrorism which swept through the sahel region to events in Libya and Mali which he said emboldened radical and criminal elements in the subregion, increasing their access to sofisticated weapons

He said the theme of the workshop is quite appropriate as it will add to the growing body of knowledge that would shape national, regional and global policy in tackling the many challenges of violent extreme.



A stable future he said,  depends on a coordinated approach to security, peace and development.

" I believe that such a coordinated approach should prioritise the restoration of democratic governance, protection of civilian populations and victims of violence, promote human rights, undertake security sector reform, and consistently build the capacity of state institutions to discharge their primary responsibilities. Doing all this is important in each country because terrorists dislodged in one country could show up in other ungoverned territories. This realisation calls for a joint and collaborative effort in all countries of the World. Organisations such as Club de Madrid, comprising leaders all over the World can positively contribute to this effort."

The NSA also emphasized need to care for  the humanitarian challenges caused by food insecurity, drought, climate change and Internally Displaced Persons from conflict areas, estimated at over 20 million people in the Sahel region alone .

" In the long run our success will depend on how effectively we address the underlying causes of insecurity and instability by finding lasting solutions to the challenges of governance, democratic institutions, and a lack of opportunities.

'To be effective in preventing violent extremism, we must always act regionally and internationally in our efforts. Such efforts must address the security threat posed by violent extremists and criminal networks, while building capacity and strengthening institutions.

" This has become crucial if we consider recent happenings in our society. The rise of misguided groups who hijack and misinterpret the true meaning of scripture and religious text to justify criminality and cause loss of lives in monumental scales.

"We must be in anguish to see how within a very short period our communities have suffered from attacks, bombings, including suicide bombings and kidnappings. While we are in pain we cannot afford to despair and not ask the right questions. Our finding points to the fact that these groups, especially Boko Haram believe they are waging a Jihad. Boko Haram is against the constitution, against nationhood, education and democracy and believe that Muslims should not work in government, nor co-exist with non Muslims.

"They have consistently proclaimed these beliefs through their messages online and offline.

" Understanding these violent narratives is a precondition to effectively countering them. Indeed, Late Sheikh Adam Jaafar and Sheikh Awwal Albany left behind detailed counter narratives against  Boko Haram, which deconstructed the building blocks of violent extremist ideology preached by Boko Haram.

' In defeating violent extremist propaganda, we must closely examine some of these narratives and locate them within the discourse on Islam, democracy, and globalisation and what these portends for the protection of religious sanctity and community security, he said.

Accordingly he said government, researchers and the civil society must work together to understand and decimate the threat of violent extremism,.while religious preachers must counter the violent ideology propagated by extremist groups.

PRNigeria

Nigerian Army Arrests Notorious Mercenary, 12 Other Suspected Criminals

ARMY ARRESTS AND TRANSFERS NOTORIOUS MERCENARY AND 12 OTHER SUSPECTED CRIMINALS TO THE POLICE

In a rekindled efforts to checkmate farmers-herdsmen clashes, kidnappings and other sundry crimes in Taraba State and its environs, troops of 93 Battalion Takum have arrested a mercenary and 12 other suspected criminals in different parts of the State. As a standing Nigerian Army (NA) policy, the 82 Division has therefore directed the handover of all the suspects to the police,Taraba State Command.


In compliance with the instruction, the Battalion has successfully transferred/handed over the suspects and the exhibits of 1 x Ak 47 Riffle with 10 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition to the Commissioner of Police, Taraba State for further necessary action. The suspects and the evidences were handed over between 19 – 22 May 2017.


The suspects are; Mr Babatunde Oladiji – 48 years – a mercenary caught with AK 47 Rifles with 10 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition (Handed over to the Divisional Police Officer, Takum Local Government, Taraba State). Others are; Mr Igba Shiaondo – 26 years, Mr Mngo Asui – 38years, Mr Dengi Usman -28 years, Mr Sani Ali – 20 years, Mr Suleiman Yahaiya – 20 years, Mr Umar Sanda – 19 years, Mr Zakari Umar – 20 years, Mr Ishiaku Gado – 19 years, Mr Mulega Uma – 21 years, Mr Yusuf Gbokolo – 20 years, Mr Msughter Uter – 27 years and Mr Innocent Danwua – 47 years.


Similarly, two impersonators, dressed in Nigerian Army camouflage uniform with walking boots, - (Mr Makrop Jonah – 26 years and Mr Nanbal James – 22 years), were apprehended by a patrol team of 93 Battalion at Ibi Local Government Area, Delta State on 5 May 2017. On questioning, the suspects claimed to be personnel of the Nigerian Navy Tactical Operations Unit in Delta State on “reconnaissance” for possible deployment on Ibi Water Ways. Further scrutiny indicated that they are fake. Consequently, as a NA and indeed 82 Division principle, they too, were transferred to the Nigerian Police Force Taraba State for necessary action.

 


SAGIR MUSA

Colonel

Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division

Air Force Investigates Invasion of Osun State University

NAF Investigates Alleged Invasion of Osun University

The attention of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has been drawn to reports of some of its personnel being involved in a fracas on the campus of the University of Osun State at Ipetu Ijesha.

While the NAF highly regrets the entire incidence, it is noteworthy that the reported incidence is not a reflection of what the NAF stands for.

The NAF is a highly professional force that does not condone or encourage the violation of anyone's human rights. The general public is invited to kindly note that the NAF has already commenced formal investigations into the reported unfortunate incidence.

At the end of the investigations, Nigerians are assured that any NAF personnel found culpable will be dealt with in accordance with the appropriate laws.

You are please requested to disseminate the information through your medium for the awareness of the general public.

OLATOKUNBO ADESANYA
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force

No Coup Plot Against Buhari -Military

PRESS BRIEFING ON CAUTION ON RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIVILIANS AND MILITARY PERSONNEL

This briefing is to clarify on the statement credited to Army about relationship between some civilians and army personnel.

Professionally, it is a command responsibility to caution officers and men on routine basis to conform to the ethics of the military in all ramifications, which includes; interactions and exchange of visits among others.  This command responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the Service Chiefs down to the lowest levels of command.  Hence, the caution from the Army in this case .

Secondly, administratively, officers and men are regularly cautioned to exercise command and control by Appropriate Superior Authorities through commanders at various levels.  This is to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance. Thus, it is a usual practice in military administration.

However, it is pertinent to state that, if there are signs of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were, cautions or warnings are issued with possible investigations following.  Thus, in the present situation, the Armed Forces and the Army in particular has employed the due process to ensure that officers and men remain committed to performing their constitutional roles.   As such, the mention of coup plots from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed.

At this juncture, let me assure all Nigerians and lovers of this country that the Armed Forces, is and will remain totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in complete subordination to civil rule.  Furthermore, all fears about a coup should be allayed as the contemporary Nigerian Military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy.  In this regard, the military high and other levels of command will continue to ensure effective training and administration, to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, retain its place of pride amongst the military globally.

Major General John Enenche
Director Defence Information

Double For Your Trouble

Return to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.

Zechariah 9:12 - MAY 24 -
Double For Your Trouble!

I am sure that you have heard the expression, “When life throws lemons at you, make lemonade!” Well, I want you to know that when the devil throws lemons at you, God Himself will make lemonade for you! After all, the Bible says that God works all things together for your good. (Romans 8:28)

And He does it with style — He restores double for your trouble! Beloved, if you have lost a husband or wife through divorce, or a precious child through death, God can restore double to you, so that you end up having more than before, if not in quantity, then in quality!

Consider Job in the Old Testament. When he lost everything, his wife told him to curse God and die. He refused and, instead, responded to God in faith, and “the Lord gave to Job twice as much as he had before”. (Job 42:10)

When David lost the child he had with Bathsheba, he stopped pleading and started worshiping God because he trusted in the mercies of God. Later, God blessed David and Bathsheba with another son named Solomon, who became the wisest and richest king the world has ever known.

Today, God promises to restore double for your trouble — “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.” If He declared it, He will do it! So you cannot but have hope that things will be even better than before. That is why in the same verse, He calls you “prisoners of hope”. My friend, hope in the biblical sense means a confident expectation of good things happening in your life. You are a prisoner of that! You can’t help but wake up feeling hopeful. You can’t help but expect good things to happen to you!

So when trouble comes from the devil, don’t give up and say, “It is hopeless!” Don’t worry or get angry. Worship God like David did and see that trouble as an opportunity for God to bless you with more than what you originally had. And because God has declared it, be confident that you will get double for your trouble!

Sure to Win in Him - Kenneth Copeland

Sure to Win in Him

Wherefore remember, that...at that time ye were without Christ...having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.

– Ephesians 2:11-13

Have you ever really thought about what it truly means to be in Christ Jesus? Have you ever gotten a clear revelation of that? Once you do, it will revolutionize your life.

You see, it’s in Him that we’re raised up from our sins. It’s in Him that we’re made to sit in heavenly places so that God can show us the exceeding riches of His grace. It’s in Him that we’re made the righteousness of God!

If you want that revelation to explode in you, start searching out scriptures that refer to being in Christ. Watch for the words in Him, with Him, through Him or in whom. Mark those and meditate on them until the truth of them gets down into your spirit man. They’ll give you some powerful ammunition against the attacks of Satan.

When he tries to tell you, for instance, that you’re just a sinner and God doesn’t want to be bothered with your problems, you’ll know he is lying. You’ll be able to answer him boldly and say, “Thank God, I was a sinner, but now I’m the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus. I’ve been raised up to sit with Him in heavenly places. Now I’m in Him and you can’t touch me at all!”

Be prepared the next time Satan comes at you with doubt, unbelief and condemnation. Be ready to fight back with the scriptures about who you are in Jesus. You’re sure to win once you truly know you’re in Him!

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:1-14

© 1991 Eagle Mountain International Church, Inc. aka: Kenneth Copeland Publications All rights reserved.

Jesus Wore the Crown of Thorns For Your Sake - Joseph Prince

And the soldiers twisted a crown of thorns and put it on His head…

John 19:2 - MAY 23 -
JESUS WORE THE CROWN OF THORNS FOR YOU

If hard work is the formula for prosperity, then everyone who works hard should be prosperous. But this is certainly not the case. Many people who work very hard are still in lack!

I am not advocating laziness. What I am saying is that working hard by the sweat of your brow is not how God’s provision comes. In fact, if you have to work overtime all the time and are stressed out, you are probably operating under the curse.

What curse is that? It is this curse: “In the sweat of your face, you shall eat bread…” (Genesis 3:19). And it refers to the stress, struggle and anxieties that come with working hard and yet producing little. Now, work itself is not a curse since God gave Adam work before the fall—Adam was to tend the garden of Eden. It was only after he sinned that the land was cursed and it brought forth thorns, and man had to toil to eat of it. (Genesis 3:17–18)

But praise God, Jesus wore the thorns on His head to show you that He has borne this curse for you and redeemed you from it. He wore the crown of thorns so that you can work stress-free and yet have the results. You don’t have to be worried and stressed out day and night like the people of the world just to get ahead in life. Your heavenly Father can get you there without the worries and stress. (Matthew 6:31–33)

Beloved, every curse that was supposed to fall on your head fell on Jesus’ head, typified by the crown of thorns. He wore the crown of thorns for you so that you can have peace of mind. He wore the crown of thorns for you and took your curse so that you can wear the crown of glory and take His righteousness, and all the benefits of that righteousness!

Today, don’t labor and toil like the people of the world. Instead, expect to see the blessings of God come into your life without blood, sweat and tears because Jesus wore the crown of thorns for you!

The Bridegroom Cometh - Gloria Copeland

The Bridegroom Cometh

And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him.

– Matthew 25:6

The Spirit of God is delivering a vital message to you today: Get ready for Jesus’ return! It’s an old message. But there’s a fresh urgency to it. An urgency you can’t afford to ignore.

Some believers make the mistake of saying, “Oh well, I just don’t think we’re supposed to know about the Second Coming. It’s supposed to come upon us like a thief in the night!”

But they’re wrong. The Word of God says that as children of light we shouldn’t be taken by surprise. We should be so keen in the spirit that even though we don’t know the day or the hour, we should sense that the season of Jesus’ return has come.

First Corinthians 2:10 tells us that God reveals His plans to us through His Spirit. I suspect that those who are walking in the spirit on the day the Lord comes again will actually begin to anticipate that something is about to happen.

Be like the five wise virgins in Matthew 25 who were prepared when the bridegroom’s arrival was announced. Stay full of the oil of the Holy Spirit and with your light shining!

Don’t get caught sleeping when Jesus returns. Wake up now to the Holy Spirit. Let Him put you on the inside track and get you ready for your Lord. Because just as Jesus foretold, there is a cry going out at midnight. The Spirit of the Lord is announcing His return.

Can you hear it in your spirit? Can you sense the Lord saying, Get up and come out to meet Me. Fellowship with Me. Get in the light now, and at that crucial hour, you’ll be on the inside of My plans.

Obey Him quickly. For, “Behold, the bridegroom cometh”!

Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:1-13

Court Adjourns Patience Jonathan's $5.8m Forfeiture Hearing

Court Adjourns Patience Jonathan’s $5.8m Forfeiture Hearing Till Sept. 24

Justice Mojisola Olaterogun of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos has fixed September 24, 2017 for hearing in the application by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking a final forfeiture order on the sum of $5.8m allegedly belonging to Patience Jonathan, wife of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

The adjournment came following a Court of Appeal order on stay of proceedings sought by Jonathan.

The court had, on April 26, 2017, ordered an interim forfeiture of the money, following an ex-parte motion by the EFCC.

In granting the temporary forfeiture, the court had adjourned to May 18, 2017 for the respondent to show cause why the money should not be permanently forfeited to the Federal Government.

 However, at the last adjourned date, counsel to Jonathan, Ifedapo Adedipe, SAN, told the court that he needed more time to file necessary responses to the court’s order.

Adedipe also alleged that the Commission failed to publish the notice of the court’s order in a national newspaper in time.

  Jonathan’s counsel further asked for an adjournment, which was granted by the court.

However, the proceedings could not continue today owing to a pending appeal at the appellate court.

While addressing the court, counsel to the former First Lady, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, said; “The appeal in this matter has been entered and going by Rule 5 of the Court of Appeal rules, this court ceases to exercise jurisdiction to proceed in this matter. It will amount to an illegal judicial voyage, if this court embarks on the proceedings in this matter.”

 In his response, counsel to the EFCC, Rotimi Oyedepo, told the court that he was not aware of any hearing notice by the appellate court.

However, Ozekhome showed a copy of the appellate court’s hearing notice to the court.

Consequently, in his her short ruling, Justice Olatoregun said:  “As a result of the appeal notice that has been entered, coupled with the hearing notice slated for July 5, I am inclined to grant an adjournment in this matter for parties to ventilate their views in the appellate court.”

 The matter was adjourned to September 2, 2017.

Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

22 May, 2017

Ex-Naval Chief Used Family Company to Acquire N600m Property

How Ex-Naval Chief, Jibrin, Used Family Company to Acquire N600m Propety - Witness



Peter Oguebie, managing director, Petrus Ogu Nigeria Limited, who is also a witness in the trial of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Usman Jibrin, on Monday, May 22, 2017 told Justice A. S. Umar of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Maitama, Abuja that his company sold a property worth N600million to the former naval chief through a family company, Harbor Bay International Limited.



Jibrin is facing trial alongside Rear Admiral Bala Mshelia, Rear Admiral Shehu Ahmadu (all retired) and Habor Bay International Limited on a 4-count charge of criminal conspiracy preferred against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

The naval chiefs whilst in office allegedly bought a house worth N600million from the account of Naval Engineering Services without budgetary provision.

It was also alleged that, the documentation for transfer of ownership of the property was done such that a private company owned by the family of the first defendant (Vice Admiral Jibrin) became the buyer.

The offence is in contravention of Section 26 (1) (b) and punishable under Section 22 (4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offence Act 2000.

At the resumed trial today, Oguebie, who was led in evidence by counsel to EFCC Faruk Abdallah, as PW3, stated that, “payment for the property located at Plot No. 2717 Cadastral A06, Maitama, Abjua was made into our company account, Petrus Ogu Nigeria Limited, domiciled at Diamond bank, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja by Naval Engineering Services”.

He said: “all legal documents such as deed of assignment, power of attorney and sales agreement relating to the property were signed by me”



Justice Umar had earlier admitted in evidence, the power of attorney, sales agreement and deed of assignment as exhibits 1a, 1b and 1c, respectively.



Also testifying, Abdulkadir Idris Wakili, a staff with the budget office of the federation, who had earlier been subpoenaed with respect to the certification of budget of the Nigeria Navy said, “I was in court to present the certified true copy of the budget of the Nigerian Navy for 2013 and 2014”.



The prosecution sought to tender the documents in evidence, but Jibrin’s counsel, Y. C. Maikyau, SAN, objected on the grounds that, “the same documents earlier tendered by the prosecution and rejected by the court for non-certification are  being re-presented again ”.



Responding, Abdallah urged the court to discountenance Maikyau’s submission saying, “the issues are not the same”.



According to him, “There are two sets of documents: one is from the Navy forwarding their budget estimate, whereas, my Lord, the document sought to be tendered is a document approved by the National Assembly”.



In compliance with Section 106 (b) of the Evidence Act, Abdallah added that, the prosecution had listed a staff of the budget office as a witness in the proof of evidence.



At this point, Justice Umar adjourned to June 14, 2017 for ruling on the admissibility of the document.



Wilson Uwujaren

Head, Media & Publicity

22 May, 2017

Fani-Kayode: The Sons of Perdition and the Lamentation of the Blind

Instead of responding to the words of Eric Joyce, the former British MP who told the world via his twitter handle on 19th May that President Muhammadu Buhari had died in a London hospital, Deacon Femi Adesina, the Special Advisor to the President on Media, in an essay titled "They Learnt Nothing and They Forgot Nothing", wrote like a true corpsocrat, refused to clarify the matter and instead said that he was ready to follow Buhari "into battle blindfolded".


Clearly my good friend Adesina has much to learn from an essay that yours truly wrote last week titled "The Language of Slaves". I urge him to read it.


He also has a lot to learn from President J. Trump's words when he said,


"In America we worship God and not Government. We are a nation of true believers".


My advice to Adesina (and it is from the heart because he knows that I really do like him) is to firstly stop worshipping Government and secondly to seek the face of God on this matter.


I also advise him to forget Buhari because it is all over for him. He will never be the same again. This is because the blood of the innocents and the souls of the wounded and tortured are speaking against him before the Lord of Hosts and the God of Heaven.


Our President did not just kill thousands before, during and after our civil war but he also committed the crudest and most primitive form of hideous gang rape and violent armed robbery against the Nigerian nation-state by toppling a democratically-elected government in 1983 before he himself was toppled two years later.


In his essay Adesina claimed that Buhari is "not corrupt" yet what greater act of corruption, betrayal and treachery can there possibly be than the murderous, barefaced, brazen sacking, robbing, stealing and pillaging of a nations ENTIRE government and the violent imposition of one man's will over 100 million people with the barrel of a gun. That is precisely what General Muhammadu Buhari did to Nigeria in 1983.


Not only that but he also placed a dark and evil veil over our nation, unleashed hell and mayhem on thousands of innocent people, locked them up for no just cause, unjustly applied retroactive laws, destroyed many great men and prominent families, increased the suffering of the poor and sent thousands of people to an early grave.


Sadly 30 years later and since his return to power in 2015 our country has seen more division, bloodshed, strife, stagnation, abuse of power, governmental impunity, economic decline, state-sponsored genocide, carnage and butchery, ethnic cleansing, extreme poverty, Fulani hegemony, islamic domination, humiliation of the Church, murder of Christians, ethnic and religious tensions, slaughter of Shiite Muslims, butchering of northern minorities, marginalisation of southerners, humiliation of Middle Belters and reckless corruption in government than at ANY other time in our history since the civil war.


My advice to Adesina is to stop attempting to sell his repugnant "Buhari is the Messiah" gospel, rid himself of what Dr. Reuben Abati, the former Special Advisor on Media to President Goodluck Jonathan, recently described as "the Villa curse", move on with his life and let the dead bury the dead.


He should stop behaving like the stubborn fly that insists on following the corpse into the grave.


He should spend far more time seeking the face and counsel of the Lord and in deep introspection.


He should consider the sheer evil that his principal has unleashed on the Nigerian people and the injustice, wickedness and barbarity that he has soiled his hands with over the last two years.


He should learn from the powerful words of Donald Trump's inspiring speech which he delivered to Muslim leaders from all over the world in Saudi Arabia  just two days ago when he told them that they must "drive out" the radical extremists and terrorists from their midst and warned them that "terrorists do not worship God, they worship death".


And in the last two years our nation has witnessed plenty of death amd destruction. Many have been killled by the agents, friends, security forces and kinsmen of our President and their blood is speaking.


It is an act of folly to publicly profess and declare love for a man that is clearly under God's judgement.


It is an act of deceit, deception, delusion and desperation to boast and claim that "millions of Nigerians love him" and that they are "bombarding heaven with prayers for him".


It is an act of stupidity and possibly insanity to declare loyalty to a man that hates the God you claim to serve, that seeks to rubbish the Church you claim to love and that seeks to desecrate the very foundation, values and essence of the Christian faith that you profess.


The blood of thousands that have been slaughtered by his principal's security forces and his Fulani militia friends over the last two years is speaking.


The Holy Bible says "he who lives by the sword shall die by the sword".


It says "God is faithful to His own" and that He "cannot be mocked".





808 Christians were butchered on Christmas day in Southern Kaduna by Fulani militias and yet NOT ONE arrest was made and no one has been detained or prosecuted.





Thousands of others have been murdered all over the country and particularly in the south and the Middle Belt and yet no arrests have been made.


1000 Shiite Muslims (yes 1000 and NOT 347!) were slaughtered and buried in mass graves by the military in one crazy afternoon over a year ago yet no-one has been brought to justice and instead their leader, Sheik El Zak Zaky, has been shot in the eye and detained, together with his wife, for over one year.


Such was the anger and disgust that this particular episode provoked that Aliyu Smith Almusawi, a Shiite Muslim commentator, wrote the following:


"You massacred hundreds of his followers and three of his biological children. You shot him and his wife several times and denied him rights despite court orders to travel abroad for medical attention. Then Allah with his infinite mercy saved his life and punished you with confusion and dyslexic inability to even fulfill your campaign promises. And he worsened your health to the extent that despite routine foreign trips to treat your mysterious infection, you are sicker than Zakzaky".


This is a profound observation yet few in the corridors of power are listening and sadly the evil continues.


1000 people were butchered in Agatu in one afternoon some time ago by Fulani militias yet no arrests have been made.


Dozens of innocent men, women and children were butchered in Takum in Taraba state by the same monsters a few days ago and four more were killed in Southern Kaduna just six days ago yet no arrests have been made.


Hundreds of opposition members, activists, bloggers, journalists and innocent citizens have been locked up and illegally detained for no just cause and against court orders.


Thousands of pro-Biafra IPOB members have been butchered and detained by security forces simply for saying that they want their own nation and that they wish to exercise their right of self-determination.


Worst of all our tyrant President has espoused and encouraged a radical form of Islam, an openly and unashamedly ethnic agenda and a virulent and repugnant brand of Islamic fundamentalism.


Remember when he said "an attack on Boko Haram is an attack on the north" and when he asserted that it was his "intention to spread sharia to EVERY state of the Federation?"


Remember when he said "Muslims should only vote for Muslims" and when he asked "why should Christians be concerned with sharia when it is Muslim hands and legs that are being cut off?"


Remember when he asked Lam Adeshina, the Governor of Oyo state, why the Governor's Yoruba people were killing HIS OWN Fulani people?


Remember the carnage that was unleashed by the Presidents Fulani kinsmen in Osun, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Rivers, Plateau, Taraba, Ondo, Ogun, Lagos, Kaduna, Adamawa,Benue, Kwara, Kogi, Edo, Cross Rivers, Nassarawa and countless other states in the last few days, months and two years and yet no condemnations or arrests have been made by the Buhari administration?


Remember when he locked up judges and raided their homes in the middle of the night?


Remember when he sought to intimidate and criminalise the leadership of the Senate by charging them to court for spurrious and bogus offences?


Remember how he employed the services of a shady, bloodthirsty, psychotic and compromised meglomaniac and age-old government informant, collaborator and professional mole who was the original founder of Boko Haram to infiltrate, highjack and destroy the leading opposition party in a desperate attempt to create a one party state?


Remember that though we are meant to be multi-religious, multi-ethnic and multi-cultural plural state of over 170 million people, every single one of our security agencies and Armed Forces, except for the Navy, is headed by a northern Muslim.


Remember that Middle Belt and southern Nigerians are now effectively slaves and second class citizens in their own country.


Remember that millions of people, including women and children, in the Internally Displaced Persons camps in the north-east are suffering from starvation whilst millions of others all over the country are suffering from hunger.


The nightmare just goes on and on.


Adesina would do well to remember that every soul is precious to God and that every life matters to Him.


He is free to pray for his principal but one thing remains clear: the arrow of infirmity has hit home and the sword of the Lord has struck: God's judgement is irreversiblle.


The blood of the slaughtered innocents is speaking and God is not mocked.


The truth is that I don't think anyone wants the President dead: they just want him to resign, to go back to Daura, to take care of his health and to properly hand over full power to his younger, stronger, far brighter and more able second in command.


Whichever way you look at it the bottom line is that we have no respect for anybody that does not respect the Living God and that attaches no value to human life.


And neither does God honor or respect such cruel, debased and beastly and creatures.




The Holy Bible describes them as the "children of perdition": men and women of blood who are destined for hell and who delight in inflicting pain, hardship, wickedness and suffering on the weak, the innocent, the vulnerable, the defenceless and the helpless.


Buhari is one of such men and consequently he is suffering God's judgement. If he had known that he would end up in the condition that he has found himself in today two years ago he may have done things differently or not run for the Presidency at all.


Unfortunately for him the Lord hid what lay ahead from both him and his stargazers and instead hardened his heart.


Today, like Pharaoh, he weeps alone in the barren desert as he approaches his Red Sea and prepares for destruction.


Like Cain, he has been despatched and banished to the dry places and the lonely wilderness: a place that is known as the biblical land of Nod which lies far east of Eden.


And just as He once asked the murderous Cain, the Ancient of Days is asking Buhari today "where is thy brother Abel?" and He is reminding him that "his blood cries to me in heaven for vengeance".


As he once did with Cain, the Lord has marked and rejected the merciless tyrant and promised him suffering eternal, both in the land of the living and the dead.


The Holy Bible says there is no peace for the wicked. How true this is!


I pray that my friend and brother Femi Adesina learns from this and spares us his inelegent lamentations and rancid rantings.


I also pray that he and his inglorious partners in perfidy, confusion and delusion, the Minister of Information Lai Mohammed and Buhari's Luciferean cabal, spend less time sponsoring core northern groups to threaten my life and urging non-existent Yoruba groups to publicly  accuse me of plotting a coup and more time praying for their ailing boss.