Vigilant Democrats, a Jos-based group, has raised the alarm and alerted residents of Jos and Plateau State of the existence of 30 suspected foreign assassins and kidnappers deployed into Jos allegedly by those it described as “enemies of peace in Plateau” to wreak havoc on the citizens and plunge the state into another round of confusion
The group, which addressed the press Saturday morning said it had received intelligence allegedly reports that the prime targets include the Special Adviser on Special Duties to Governor Jonah Jang, who is also the governor’s son, Mr. Yakubu Jang; Chairman of the state’s Traditional Council, the Gbong Gwom Jos, Da Jacob Gyang Buba; member representing Jos South/ Jos East in the House of Representatives, Mr. Bitrus Kaze; Chairman, Barkin Ladi Local Government, Mr. Emmanuel Loman; and also the Gwom Rwei of Barkin Ladi.
Spokesman of the group, Mr. Jonathan Pwajok, disclosed that the suspected foreign mercenaries are trained as kidnappers and assassins.
“We are aware that between 1pm to 2pm on Monday, the 22nd of April, a gang of hired assassins acting on a tip-off from two prominent politicians in Jos trailed Hon Bitrus Kaze in an unmarked Brown Vectra car from his house to UTC junction along Murtala Mohammed way Jos , all the four occupants of the brown Vectra, except one, are foreign nationals; three of them were armed with FN assault rifles and were on a mission to kidnap and subsequently assassinate him.
“The assassins set out from a place of worship in Rafin Pa and were able to track Hon Kaze’s car with the help of a former Local Government chieftain, who monitored and reported his movement to the assassins shortly after he drove out of his house. They took photocopy photographs with particular attention to the official plate number of the car Hon Kaze was driving,” Pwajok alleged.
“What saved Kaze’s life was the fact that he drove to the military checkpoint at the UTC junction along Murtala Mohammed Way, where he packed and remained inside his car for over 20 minutes. “It is very unambiguous to us who these forces behind the new face of terror on the plateau are and we will not hesitate to deploy all lawful arsenals within our reach in facing them squarely.”
While condemning the alleged attempt, the group said: “It was callous to want to permanently shut out and silence our elected leader; it is barely one year since the state was thrown into mourning after the brutal murder of two prominent sons, Senator Gyang Dangtong and Hon Gyang Fulani. “We call on all prominent sons and daughters of Plateau and all peace loving citizens of the state to watch out and to increase surveillance in their vicinity.”
The group said it appreciated the efforts of the security operatives in the state in protecting lives and properties, but wondered “how an unmarked car with occupants armed to the teeth could traverse the city of Jos from Rafin-Pa, Corner-Shagari to as far as UTC junction brandishing weapons without being detected and arrested, notwithstanding the numerous military check point.,” adding, “This new dimension of terrorism is aimed at threatening our common security as Nigerians.”
The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Felicia Aslem could not be reached for possible reaction on the matter.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Supreme Court has given the go-ahead for the trial of the leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, Chief Ralph Uwazurike, and six other members of the group who were charged with conspiracy and treason.
A five-man panel of the Supreme Court led by Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour unanimously dismissed the appellants’ bid to stop the trial as “a waste of precious judicial time since all the information imaginable that the appellants would need for their appeal has been available to them before they appealed to the Court of Appeal.”
While no one expects the Supreme Court to condone treason for any political reason, many see the treatment of the MASSOB members as an issue that has scared the conscience of the country at a time amnesty is being offered insurgents by the federal government almost on bended knees. The federal government should seek a political solution to the MASSOB issue to avoid giving the impression that violence pays or is the only language the Nigerian government understands.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Former Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose speaks on the circumstances of his exit from office in October 2006, his plans to return to the Ado-Ekiti Government House in next year’s governorship election in the state, and the limits of the opposition in the country, in this interview with Vincent Obia. Excerpts
Considering the controversial manner you exited the political stage in 2006, following your impeachment, what makes you confident that you can still return to the Ekiti State governorship seat? There is nothing wrong with a man falling because the journey of life is about ups and downs. But there is a lot wrong with the man that falls and remains in a fallen state. A man must rise and continue to struggle. I fell, I don’t care what led to it and who were behind what happened, but what is important is that I have to rise and I will continue to struggle until I get to my destination. Whatever happened during the last seven years is instructive; it’s an experience that I cannot forget. For some people, Fayose did this and that, it’s okay.
To other people, Fayose was oppressed. Whether I was oppressed or it was my fault, that is in the past.
Why do you think the same Ekiti people who removed you as governor on October 16, 2006 would accept you in next year’s election? May I say that the people of Ekiti State had no hand in my departure from Government House. That was why my impeachment was based on falsehood. And up till today, my name in Ekiti State has remained an issue nobody can pretend does not exist. Like one of the presidents of America who fought and fought at different stages of his ambition until the 13th time that he became the president of America, I will rise again and be restored. If Nebuchadnezzar can be restored from becoming an animal, from a kingly position, mine will not be an exception. I will be restored to my position. I will come back with a bang, with a surprise. Nobody gave me a chance in 2003, but it happened. Then I didn’t have a godfather, I didn’t have all the big names behind me. God made a way where there was no way, and He will make a way again.
Don’t you see your case with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission as a drawback? May I explain that a man is adjudged innocent until otherwise proven by a competent court of law. Ladoja was in an EFCC case when he contested under Accord Party in Oyo State. The Action Congress of Nigeria candidate, Abubakar Audu, was in an EFCC case in 2010 when he contested against the Peoples Democratic Party candidate, Idris, in Kogi State. As I speak, so many people are facing trial. On the international scene, the president of Kenya, Uhuru Kenyatta, was facing charges at the Internal Criminal Court when he contested the presidency and won. That is to prove that it was an allegation by his enemies, not by his own people.
So, these ones are propaganda that cannot stand the test of time. I have been out of government for seven years. Some people say I have a murder case, but I have not appeared before any court for murder. It is only a political tool in the hands of my enemies. Why they are saying all these is that they know I am a strong character. I’m a force, so they would be looking for everything to stop me, blackmail me or pervert the possibility of my return. I can’t be bothered by that.
But considering the tide of progressivism in the South-west currently, do you think your party, PDP, has a strong chance? Most of the opposition parties are made up of hypocrites. What they preach is not what they do. How can ACN come back to say somebody is in EFCC court when Abubakar Audu was in EFCC and they presented him in 2010? And when you are in court facing a charge, does it mean you cannot be absolved? Have they judged me? They are afraid of me, pure and simple. What God will do He will do. If you look at the case of the South African President Jacob Zuma, he was in court, accused of abuse office as party leader, when he won election. Those looking for ways to stop me are wasting their time. They are not God.
How would you react to media reports alleging that you have a hand in the recent upsurge of violence in Ekiti State? They cannot say that. I was the one that accused ACN over the killing in Erijiyan-Ekiti. They are blackmailers. Everybody knows they operate by propaganda. Some people want to come to PDP, how can we go and unleash terror on them?
You see, when you dig a pit for your enemy, you must be careful so that you don’t fall into it. Since ACN came to power, the opposition has had no respite. If you are popular, you are the one in government, you have money, you have resources, how would you go and start shooting. People want to come to PDP and the next thing is to go and shoot them. They shy away from reality. So the police investigation must show the truth. We want to see how the police want to avert the truth here.
What is the update on this murder? I heard that they referred the matter to the federal DPP (Director of Public Prosecution). To do what? It is the court that has the right to remand anybody accused of murder and at the end of the day, the DPP will take the file and take a position. Let me summarise by saying that I have never being in violence, I will never be in violence.
You said there was an incident at your office in Ado-Ekiti today (April 23)? Up till this morning (April 23), the ACN is operating as if they are a military regime. They went to my office this morning and pulled down all the pictures on the wall, because they said they didn’t want anybody to see the picture of the opposition parties because of the burial of the deputy governor. How long can they sustain that? There was no symbol of any party. This kind of thing is strange for a party that managed to get to government the way they got there. You must be magnanimous when you are leading; the era of violence is gone. Even if you say Fayose is violent, must you toe my path? Besides, nobody can say I got involved in violence apart from them.
What were some of the major policy goals you would say you were poised to achieve in office in 2006 that your sudden exit from power prevented you from attaining? Nigerians would tell you that of all the South-west governors in my time I performed. I opened up Ekiti. I was popularly known as the architect of modern Ekiti. The reality is that the journey was ongoing. A lot of things that were supposed to be consolidated were not consolidated. Besides, I am entitled to two terms by the constitution of Nigeria. There is a lot to do in Ekiti and I’m convinced I have what it takes to complete the assignment. I used to pay salaries on the 22nd of the month. I left over N10.4 billion in the coffers of Ekiti State, aside all I did. And the infrastructural development is what all of them are repairing. Up till today, Fayemi has not built a new road. He is only repairing all that I have done, at every exorbitant prices. Recently, they went to review a road project by about N4 billion. It’s amazing. You would do less than one kilometre of road for N1 billion. We are not in Niger Delta.
But were you really frugal as a governor? When I was governor, when Oni was governor, none of us borrowed money. I spent three and a half years, Oni spent three and a half years, that is seven years. Fayemi has spent about two and a half years now, Adebayo spent four years, the two of them borrowed money. The financial situation of the state now is very serious. Fayemi is not in terms with the teachers, civil servants, local government workers. I want to see how he will come back, the magic that will bring him back. The issue of money distribution at the polling booth will not happen.
That is going to be an isolated election. The whole world will be in Ekiti, like Ondo State. So let me say clearly that I have a constitutional right to contest. I will exercise it. They should be patient. All the stumbling blocks they want to put on the way, they should continue. But they will meet God in front.
What are the things you would do differently from the current government in the state if elected? I cannot come to the newspaper and begin to talk about them. What if my opponents begin to implement them? I can’t come to the newspaper and be giving them ideas to run government. It’s obvious that Fayemi was not prepared for this job. If you were prepared for the job, you would not have unrest with the teachers, local government workers, etc. I have told the local government workers, teachers, civil servants, anybody removed from office illegally will be restored by my administration, the PDP administration that will come after Fayemi.
There seems to be a mysterious convergence of Important political dates in Ekiti State since you left. Let me give you an insight into the historic dates that have shown indication of my return to office. I left office – I ran away – October 15, 2006. I was removed by the House of Assembly against laid down regulations on October 16, 2006. Oni was removed October 15, 2010 – exactly four years after, despite all the interregnums. It was exactly four years when Salami salamalised Oni. Fayemi took over October 15, 2010, which means the day I ran away will bring to an end every government in Ekiti, because it was the day I ran away that exactly four years after Oni left. The date I was forcefully removed in 2006, October 15, was the day Fayemi was sworn in, in 2010. So my exit and the coming of the new government will continue to be historic in Ekiti State. On October 15, 2014, Fayemi would depart. October 16, 2014, I would form a new government in Ekiti State, by the grace of God. I want to say clearly that these things don’t happen by accident. They are historic values nobody can deny.
How would you describe your relationship with the grassroots in Ekiti State? These things are not about policy statements, they are about your relationship with the grassroots. Even when you do a good road, for instance, if you don’t have a good relationship with the grassroots, they won’t appreciate it. They will tell you they cannot eat coal tar. It is when they love you that they would regard for what you are doing. Most of these governors, especially Fayemi, are governors in heaven, Ekiti people are on earth. They have no relationship with the people. These are God-given values in me. I am osokomole, I am the man loved by the common people of Ekiti State. That was why when they accused Uhuru Kenyatta of all the crimes under heaven, the people of his country spoke to the world, this is our man. Ekiti will speak again eight years after and say, Fayose is our man.
At a time, you seemed to be close to ACN and you were even alleged to have campaigned for them during the last rerun governorship election. At what point did your relationship with the party strain? I didn’t work for ACN, I want to say it again. Like every other people that were aggrieved in PDP. I was aggrieved the way I was treated. I went to Vincent Ogbulafor (then PDP national chairman) several times, when I came back, to correct all these imbalances. When all my vehicles were seized by Segun Oni. I fought PDP, that is a statement of fact, I’m not denying it. It is public knowledge. And I’m saying it again, PDP has been saying repeatedly they would do a transparent primary. If they don’t do a transparent primary, they would be in crisis. I want to be quoted. Anybody asking for justice and fairness is asking for the obvious. I am asking that PDP must do a transparent primary, if I lose, I take it. If they lose, they must take it. But anything shut of transparent primary in Ekiti State, they should forget the whole exercise.
So you believe you have a good chance, despite the dazzling array of personalities that seem set to throw their hats into the ring. A man that must come to equity must have clean hands. There must be internal democracy. Anyone who would give the ticket to one man would have to go to Julius Berger to hire trucks to carry the people that would vote for them. I don’t want to be their consensus candidate; I want to be elected by the Ekiti people in the primary. If I drag all these aspirants to the primary, they would know they have an uphill task. I am saying expressly that I will defeat all of them. There are about 16 aspirants at the moment. I am working with the anticipation that all the other 15 would coalesce against me. I am not being funny here. I am saying the only means through which PDP can come back in Ekiti and the South-west is transparent primary without interference from anybody. All these peace meetings we are holding around would be unnecessary when we are transparent. The moment you don’t want to be transparent, I will not agree, I, Ayo Fayose, will not agree. I beg PDP, they should refrain from tampering with due process. The panel they would send to Ekiti must not only be transparent, but must be seen to be transparent. I am not asking for favour, I am not saying they should impose me. I want a transparent primary. I want to bring these small people contesting against me and defeat them in public.
Do you trust the current reconciliation effort by PDP in the South-west to calm most aggrieved persons in the zone down? For Ekiti, there is nothing to reconcile. The issue here is that a gubernatorial interest has entered our case. Our election is one year away. Some people are looking for peace but they are not on ground. They are weekend politicians. They live in Abuja and Lagos; they would come now and say the party is not being run well. They are wasting their time. I am not against a peaceful resolution of the issues but that does not mean I will go and call cow Mr. Cow because we want peace with cow. We must all go and earn the confidence of the people and demonstrate it in an open election. Any semblance of imposition will be resisted. You cannot ask for peace when you hide justice. Nobody is going to stay in Abuja and tell us who would be our governor.
How is your relationship with your former deputy, Biodun Olujinmi, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo?
Obasanjo is our father; I’ve gone to visit him. I wrote to him, he replied me and I went to visit him. Nobody would wish us to be fighting forever. Obasanjo is a father-figure. We had our differences, there is no denying that. The reality is that if we all love this party, we must set aside our differences. The journey to the restoration of PDP lies in our hands. I don’t see Obasanjo as a man who does not want PDP to survive. He might be aggrieved in some areas, but he is our father. I’m sure Baba would not want to be part of any imposition in Ekiti State. Even if that had happened in the past, I’m sure he wouldn’t want that now. As for my former deputy, Olujinmi, I’m her boss. I remain her boss. If Olujinmi considers me as her benefactor, all well and good, if she doesn’t see me as such, God will reward me. I know that for every journey in life, we have to work together to achieve our common goal. I have nothing against her.
What is your assessment of the opposition merger arrangement? It is a waste of time. But INEC must delete their identity now. These are strange bedfellows. I know with time some of the characters there would want to be overbearing and at the end of the day, we shall see. Nobody is going to stop Buhari from contesting, he will insist on contesting. Let us see how they would solve all that. Even if they don’t fight, the three merging parties have altogether 10 states, plus one of APGA’s two states, that is 11. Take away 11 from 36, you have 25. Even those governors threatening they want to defect, let them defect. We defected before and we came back. It is difficult to take PDP out of governance at the federal level. The only figure in the north that makes a difference is Buhari. Besides, if you leave PDP today, it would not be easy for you to take all your supporters away. So their calculation will never work. To me, it doesn’t matter the issues with PDP today, they are still better. If PDP presents anybody it will still win.
Why do you think Nigeria does not have opposition parties strong enough to defeat the ruling party? It is not about strong opposition. Nigerians have an attitude problem. People are blaming government, they are blaming leaders, but it is the kind of leadership the followers want that they get. The average Nigerian believes in being settled. You say a governor is corrupt, the same governor if you request money and he doesn’t give you, you will be abusing him. If the press write and you don’t give them money, there is problem. They will destroy you. Even the National Assembly, when the president wants to do well, they will hold him to ransom because of selfish interests. How many politicians are buying off judges to get favourable judgement? Is it Jonathan that is telling big men to misbehave? Don’t blame Jonathan for anything. No Nigerian president can do any magic. The institutions are so corrupt that they must be settled financially for the president to move forward his policies.
But is it not the responsibility of the leader to correct the anomalies in the institutions? Even if a president in Nigeria wants to correct, the other institutions will hold him to ransom. Will he kill himself?
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Leading lubricants companies in the country have resolved to take the fight against fake, adulterated lubricants and transmission fluids to the doorsteps of real automobile consumers.
The ultimate goal is to ensure that Nigerians use the right oils for their vehicles and other engines so as to reduce the menace of fake and adulterated lubes in the country and ensure that automobile consumers enjoy their vehicles for a long time.
They have therefore decided to showcase their products at the forthcoming 8th Lagos Motor Fair and second Auto Parts Expo Nigeria scheduled to hold at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos from May 10 to 16. Products to be showcased at the fair include additives, lubricants, greases, adhesives, wiper blades etc.
Already confirmed for participation at the show which is being organised by BKG Exhibitions Limited and SENEXPO International Fairs of Turkey are lubricants giants such as Mobil, Oando, Performance Enhancing Products Limited (PEPCO), Ascon Oil Limited, Coin Ventures Limited and Lubcon Limited, among others.
A source from one of the companies told CODEWIT at the weekend that “a strategic platform as the 8th Lagos Motor fair offers is very ample for us to demonstrate to Nigerians the world of differences between the genuine and fake products and thus educate them that they need to patronise the right products to enhance the efficiency and durability of their vehicles,” adding “My company, being a proactive one, will be there because it is a forum to meet our target market in their large numbers.”
Excited at the development, the organising committee of the event has commended the interest of the lubricants giants, noting that providing a platform for all segments of the automotive sector to showcase their best and latest and thereby fast tracking the development of the sector in Nigeria remains the main objective of the fair which is having its eight edition this year.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
As the federal government inaugurates the amnesty committee for Boko Haram, Vincent Obia looks at the task before the committee and the role of the religious and traditional communities in the affected states in the effort to rein in the Boko Haram uprising
Penultimate Friday, dramatic and distressing footages emerged in Borno State of a catastrophic aftermath of fighting between the Joint Taskforce, a military counter-terrorism unit, and Boko Haram insurgents. The incident occurred after JTF soldiers busted a Boko Haram hideout at the remote village of Baga, along the border with Chad. The clash killed nearly 200 people, most of who were said to be civilians, and forced thousands more out of their homes. As the military battled the insurgents, civilians watched helplessly, stuck between the crossfire. It was the bloodiest confrontation between the security agencies and Boko Haram since the group began its insurgency in 2009.
Amnesty Committee Amnesty Committee The incident happened amid federal government’s attempt to strike an amnesty deal with Boko Haram. In the media, it eclipsed Wednesday’s inauguration of the dialogue committee for the amnesty in Abuja. The federal government had on April 17 constituted a 26-member Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Peaceful Resolution of Security Challenges in the North, in a bid to end the Boko Haram insurgency.
The president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, also constituted a 17-member Presidential Committee on Small Arms and Light Weapons. These followed the report of a technical committee commissioned by the government to consider fresh ways of addressing the security challenge in northern Nigeria.
The terms of reference of the 26-member committee, headed by Minister of Special Duties Kabiru Turaki, include developing a framework for the granting of amnesty to members of the Islamic terror sect, Boko Haram, drawing up a plan through which disarmament of the insurgents could happened within 60 days, developing a comprehensive victims’ support programme, and preparing a mechanism to address the fundamental causes of such insurgencies with the aim of preventing future occurrences.
Members of the amnesty committee include former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Sheik Ahmed Lemu, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Colonel Musa Shehu (rtd), Sheik Abubakar, Senator Sodangi, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, Mohammed, Bello Matawalle, Ambassador Zakari Ibrahim, Mr. Shehu Sani, Hajiya Naja’atu Mohammed, and Mallam Adamu S. Ladan. Others are Dr. Joseph Golwa, A. I. Shehu, Mr. R. I. Nkemdirim, P. I. Leha, Professor Nur Alkali, Mallam Salihu Abubakar, Alhaji Abubakar Lugga, Ibrahim Tahir, Brigadier-general Ibrahim Sabo, Ambassador Ahmed Jidda, and Group Captain Bilal Bulama (rtd).
A representative of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation serves as secretary to the amnesty committee. Two members of the committee, Dr. Dati Ahmed and Comrade Shehu Sani, declined their appointments. But on Tuesday, the president appointed Barrister Aisha Wakil into the committee.
Optimism Though, the leader of the mainstream Boko Haram sect, Abubakar Shakau, has rejected the amnesty proposal, many opinion leaders in the north express confidence in the process. They say the amnesty committee would come up with recommendations that will help resolve the region’s security crisis.
Lemu was quoted by the Voice of America as saying, “As soon as the committee is inaugurated, I don’t think the chairman will waste time in convening the meeting and the beginning of the work. So we are looking forward to that… “The group has many people of integrity, many people who have concern for peace, security as well as development of Nigeria as a whole.
Therefore, I’m optimistic that we shall look into the problem very objectively and give our advice in the form of recommendations to Mr. President.” The federal government swore in the amnesty committee on Wednesday.
Complexity But on that fateful Friday, April 19, the complexities of the Boko Haram amnesty were caught on camera for all to see. It was just when the government was trying to firm up arrangements for an amnesty deal with the sect. The bloody clash soared already huge doubts about the morality and feasibility of an amnesty deal with the group that has murdered hundreds of Nigerians in cold blood, with several others killed in crossfire during Boko Haram-instigated confrontations with the military. The debate over the propriety of the Boko Haram amnesty has burst into the open once more.
Former president of Nigerian Bar Association, Dr. Olisa Agbakoba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, says, “Boko-Haram is a complex organisation linked to a larger issue beyond its objective to ‘Islamise’ Nigeria or ‘refute’ Western education.”
Since 2009, the government has been cracking down on the group and they have been criticised for being oppressive. But recently, the government started to change course, looking at the possibility of dialogue and amnesty to the insurgents. This has been mired in a lot of controversy. Many are questioning the rational for amnesty to a people who political, religious, and traditional leaders in the north say they do not see or know. Even the governments of the affected states have said they do not know the Boko Haram members. The Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Tuesday expressed reservation about the amnesty to Boko Haram, saying it is not in line with good judgment.
Addressing newsmen in Ikeja on the state of the nation, the Afenifere leader, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, stated, “We agree that granting amnesty in the Niger Delta region per se is in order. But we find it hard to defend the monumental abuse going on, especially among the elite managers of the scheme and are disturbed as to whether the scheme will bring a lasting peace, given episodic restlessness still being demonstrated.
“Yet, we have created a set of emergency billionaires from amnesty while the conditions in the creeks remain virtually what they were. “It is with this at the back of our mind that we have been so sceptical over the so-called amnesty for Boko Haram, which is a much more dangerous group than the Niger Delta insurgents who were known and whose demands were clear.”
Parallels being drawn between Boko Haram and the Niger Delta armed agitators have been mostly seen as baseless because the situations are not the same. Besides, amnesty is an expensive project and experts wonder where the money would come from.
But the alternative – military option – seems simply ruinous: more civilian deaths than insurgents and the unremitting destruction of the local economies in the affected northern states, which breeds more poverty, the ammunition Boko Haram desperately needs both to court sympathy with the locals and resentment for the military.
Boko Haram members take human shields. When they go into communities they hide in homesteads and households. So civilians necessarily get caught up in confrontations between the group and the military. The military say they try to minimise civilian casualties, but that is, obviously, difficult.
Agbakoba believes, “The challenge Nigeria faces is how to isolate Al-Qaeda from Boko Haram, and how to give the poor and unfortunate idle boys (Almajiri) an opportunity to work and provide (for themselves). But by far the biggest challenge is engaging Boko-Haram and building confidence to lay down arms.”
Critical Stakeholders Stakeholders, especially, in northern Nigeria, must, thus, play a critical role in the effort to rein in insurgency in the region through amnesty.
The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar 111, whose call for amnesty for Boko Haram members on March 5, at a meeting of the Central Council of Jama’atu Nasril Islam in Kaduna, was like a watershed in the pardon advocacy, would be expected to play a central role in bringing the insurgents to dialogue.
The Borno elders, too, whose position paper during Jonathan’s visit to Borno and Yobe states last month centred on the quest for amnesty for the sect headquartered in north-east state, must now prove that they did not just speak under the shadow of fear of Boko Haram.
Bauchi State Governor Isa Yuguda told journalists in Lagos on April 13 that the group that had spurned the amnesty offer by the federal government was the “criminal and political Boko Haram.”
Yuguda said, “The amnesty has been given to the real Boko Haram and I believe they are willing to accept that. That is my belief. But you know there is the criminal Boko Haram and there is the real Boko Haram.
“But the criminal and the political Boko Haram are the armed robbers and that arm of politicians that call themselves Boko Haram and they go about attacking people.”
The onus is on the political class, the traditional and religious institutions, as well as the communities in the north to facilitate the effort to curb insurgency in the region by exposing the militants in their midst.
Governor of Niger State and chairman of the Northern States Governors Forum Babangida Aliyu said after the declaration of the amnesty initiative that governors of the affected states must now bring out the Boko Haram elements for dialogue. On April 9 in Minna, while commending the president for heeding the calls for amnesty for Boko Haram, Aliyu said, “I also call on the governors in the north to begin to unmask the ghosts among them so that we will be talking to human beings and not ghosts.”
The Boko Haram insurgency intensified after the 2011 presidential election, with attacks on Christians and state institutions. Persons close to the Congress for Progressive Change presidential candidate in that election, General Muhammadu Buhari, had threatened violence should their candidate lose – even though there was hardly the remotest possibility of Buhari winning at the time.
Many believe sections of the political class in northern Nigeria may have harnessed the winter of discontent among Boko Haram adherents, following the controversial death of their leader Mohammed Yusuf, in police custody in 2009, to settle political scores in the period after the 2011 presidential poll. The amnesty committee must, thus, strive to avoid the temptation of being bogged down in politics.
Foreign Connection But the federal government faces a dilemma in its effort to contain the Boko Haram insurgency: the group’s connection with al-Qaeda and other foreign terrorist organisations, and the ineffective policing of Nigeria’s far-flung border areas in the North-east and other parts of the country.
The extraordinary thing about penultimate Friday’s bloody clash at the remote Borno village of Baga is that most of the news got out to the media only from Sunday, more than 24 hours after the violence began.
It clearly shows how difficult it is to police the remote border villages where Boko Haram seems to find sanctuary. It also shows a possible strong involvement of foreign mercenaries.
There were reports that the operation to dislodge Boko Haram from their alleged hideout in the area was a joint effort by Nigerian, Nigerien, and Chadian troops. This underscores the fears among African countries about the danger and potency of cross-border terrorism.
Northern Nigeria is a region where people are hot on religion, and loyalty to country is often sacrificed on the altar of religious affinity. Influx of illegal aliens is often encouraged by faithful who see nothing wrong with allowing people in as long as they share a common faith. But now, everything seems to be going wrong with this migrant tradition, as many of the insurgents feeding the violence in northern Nigeria are believed to be foreigners.
Agbakoba says, “With training and funds, Boko Haram will not be interested in amnesty, until the insurgency in Mali is put down by African Union forces, comprising Nigerian troops. I am not surprised that Boko Haram has rejected amnesty offers, as links to Al-Qaeda compensate.”
Hope For now, Nigeria can only hope for the best as the Boko Haram amnesty committee gets down to brass tacks. The military say they are steadily gaining major victories against Boko Haram and extensively weakening the group. And proponents of the amnesty option say it is on course, despite the contradictions.
Some things may certainly be changing for the better. But building a region where everyone feels safe to live and do business could well be the greatest test for the amnesty committee and the federal government..
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
A non-governmental organisation, Family Care Association (FCA), has called for continued funding for the eradication of malaria in the country in order to achieve the objectives of the Roll Back Malaria (RBM) initiative and the Nigerian Malaria Control and Prevention Programme (NMCPP).
The Programme Director of FCA, Joshua Kempeneer, made the call on Tuesday in Lagos during the inauguration of the Lagos leg of the activities to mark the 2013 edition of the World Malaria Day. Activities to mark the day included free screening for malaria, using fluorescence microscopy and rapid diagnostic tests (RTDs), free treatment of malaria cases using Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT).
A seminar for community agents and health workers on the modern treatment and management of malaria, as well as free distribution of long lasting Insecticidal nets (LLIN) targeted at families, nursing mothers and children under the ages of 5 were also part of the events.
According to Kempeneer, “2013 is a critical year for malaria financing especially in Sub-saharan Africa. With sustained funding rapid progress towards ending malaria deaths can continue, but without it gains could be quickly reversed, putting millions of lives at risk. According to statistics history has shown that decreases in support for fighting malaria in areas where significant progress has been made lead to a resurgence of the disease, potentially undoing years of efforts and investment.”
He added that “The need to call for more funding for the National Malaria Control and Prevention Programme has become imperative and is in line with the Theme for WMD 2013 and the coming years: Invest in the future. Defeat malaria, and the Goal for 2013 energize commitment to fight malaria.” The Akwa Ibom State leg of the programme held in Abak, Etinan, Eket and Urue Offong/Oruko Local Government Areas of the state and, lasted for five days between 7th and 11th April. The yearly celebration of World Malaria Day offers a chance to shine a spotlight on the global effort to control malaria.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Last Monday, Nigerians, particularly indigenes and residents of Taraba State, were jolted by the news of the removal of Rt. Hon. Istifanus Haruna Gbana as Speaker of Taraba State House of Assembly. Also removed along with him were the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Abel Peter Diah, Majority Leader, Hon. Charles Maijankai, and the Deputy Majority Leader, Hon. Daniel Ishaya Gani.
Gbana’s impeachment as Speaker of the Assembly brought to an end his over eight year reign as the number three citizen of the state, having been elected Speaker in 2005. During his tenure, Gbana was elected chairman of Nigerian Speakers Forum in 2007, though, he lost his re-election bid in 2012 to the Speaker of Gombe State House of Assembly. Governor’s Men
Series of allegations were levelled against Gbana and the other principal officers of the house in the notice of impeachment which was signed by 17 of the 24 members of the legislature. The allegations included gross misconduct and abuse of office. But THISDAY investigation reveals that the impeachment was sponsored by some well-placed persons in the state who had been calling for the confirmation of the acting governor, Garba Umar, as the substantive governor in view of the long absence of Governor Danbaba Suntai from the state.
The 17 members that signed the impeachment notice were Hon. Dr. A.A. Jugulde (Gembu), Hon. Dr. Mohammed D. Gwampo (Yorro), Hon. Ibrahim Adamu Imam (JalingoI), Hon. Yahaya Abdulrahaman (Gassol II), Hon. Aminu J. Umar (Jalingo II), Hon. Bonzena J. Kizito Zing), Hon. Emmanuel Dame (Ardo Kola), and Hon. Gambo Mai Kudi representing Bali II Constituency.
Other signatories to the notice of impeachment were Hon. Hamman Adamu B. Abdullahi (Bali II), Hon Haruna Tsokwa (Takum I), Hon. Iratsi Yohanna Adaki (Ussa), Hon Joseph Albasu Kunini (Lau), Hon Josiah Sabo Kente (Wukari I), Hon. Adamu Tanko Maikarfi, (Gassol I), Hon. Mohammed Abdulkarim (Ibi), Hon. Rashida Abdullahi (Nguroje), and Hon. Mohammed G. Umar (Gashaka). Besides the speaker, his deputy and the other two principal officers, other members of the house that refrained from appending their signatures to the impeachment notice were Hon. Edward Baraya (Karim II), Hon Mark Useni (Takum II) and Hon. Charles Ishaku representing Kurmi constituency.
Accusation In the impeachment notice, titled “Notice of allegation of gross misconduct against the Hon. Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Isitifanus H. Gbana, and the entire Principal Officers,” the 17 members, representing over two-third majority of the members, accused the speaker and the entire principal officers of gross misconduct and unconstitutional acts in the performance of their official functions.
The speaker was said to have unlawfully deducted N9.36 million out of the N12 million allowances approved and paid to members in December last year out of which only N110, 000 was given to the legislators. The remaining N9.3 million was alleged to have been illegally retained by the speaker and the principal officers.
The speaker and the principal officers were also accused of neglecting their roles in calling the financial and general purpose meeting with a view to intimating the members of the house and presentation of the statement of accounts for the running cost/monies allocated to them.
The aggrieved members also noted that failure to call the financial and general purpose meeting had showed the speaker’s lack of financial accountability on the allocations that accrued to the house. This, according to the legislators, amounts to gross misconduct. Other allegations levelled against Gbana include lack of dexterity and capacity in discharging the duties of his office, thereby creating disaffection, disharmony and favouratism in the running of the house. The legislators said this was in contravention of his oath of office as speaker. Gbana was also accused of sidelining the members, except a “selected four”and running the house as his personal property.
Gbana, who had survived several impeachment attempts before, was alleged to have failed to conduct legislative council meetings, in contravention of the House Standing Rules of Taraba State House of Assembly, thereby crippling the legislative dealings and competence of the house and making the public to look at the house as a bunch of incompetent representatives.
The Putsch Moving the motion for the impeachment of Gbana and the other principal officers, which was second by Hon. Dr. A.A. Jugulde, Hon. Joseph Albasu Kunini said it was the conviction of the house that the officers engaged in numerous acts of gross misconduct, contrary to Section 1 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Constitution and Section 209 of the same constitution and to all principles of transparency, accountability and due process.
In place of the Gbana, Hon. Haruna Tsokwa from Takum 1 Constituency was elected Speaker while Hon. Adamu Tanko Maikarfi, representing Gassol 1, was elected Deputy Speaker and Hon. Joseph Albasu Kunini, representing Lau Constituency, emerged as Majority Leader of the House and Hon Josiah Sabo Kente was elected Deputy Majority Leader.
Addressing journalists after being sworn-in, Tsokwa said the members were fed up with the leadership of the house saying, “We are no longer satisfied with the quality of leadership of the house and we have to remove the leadership because we want to move the state forward.” He promised to operate an open-door policy that would accelerate the growth of the state rather than drag it backward.
2015 Politics Though the removal of Gbana and the other principal officers was hinged on alleged misconduct and abuse of office, THISDAY learnt that the development may not be unconnected with political manoeuvring occasioned by the absence of Danbaba Suntai ahead of 2015. There was consensus among the Assembly members that Gbana’s conduct as speaker had led to general apathy towards the Assembly and caused the members to be treated with disrepute by the general public especially. He was also panned for his controversial role as chairman of speakers’ forum in scuttling efforts to grant financial autonomy to the state assemblies. But not a few political watchers in the state believe that Gbana’s removal was necessitated by political exigencies.
It is already six months since Suntai was moved to Germany and later United States for medical treatment following injuries he sustained in a plane crash last year. And it is over four months since his deputy, Umar, became acting governor. But there has been serious pressure from several quarters for Suntai to be declared incapacitated and Umar to be sworn-in as substantive governor.
Before the fatal blow dealt him by fate, Suntai, who is in his second term in office, was in total control of the PDP structure in the state. Though many people are believed to be interested in running for the governorship of the state in 2015, it is a known fact that the door is being shut against many of them in PDP, ostensibly, because Suntai is perceived to have an anointed successor.
Suntai’s quest to ensure he hands over the baton to his anointed in 2015 and the avowed determination of some opposition elements within PDP, led by Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan and the immediate past chairman of the party in the state, Alhaji Abdulmumuni Vaki, observers say, is responsible for the current division and infighting in the Taraba State chapter of Peoples Democratic Party.
A PDP chieftain in the state, who craved anonymity, told THISDAY that all those aspiring for the governorship of the state in 2015, except the candidate purportedly anointed by Suntai, would prefer Umar to continue in office until 2015 to Suntai coming back to conduct the governorship primaries. As such, he said, they would do everything to ensure the rug is pulled from under the feet of Suntai.
According to him, “The change of leadership in the house is part of the permutation for 2015. You are aware that before the crash, Suntai had fallen out with Senator Aisha Alhassan, Chief David Sabo Kente, and others who are said to be interested in contesting for governor in 2015. Though, I cannot categorically say they are the sponsors of the development, I know that they will prefer Umar to continue as governor of the state till 2015 to Suntai returning as governor because that is the only way they can realise their ambitions in PDP.”
Intrigue One of the members of the House of Assembly who refrained from signing the impeachment notice but said he did not want his name to be mentioned, told THISDAY that the “coup” in the house was orchestrated by Umar as part of a grand plot to sustain himself in office. He also alleged that a prominent special adviser who heads a government parastatal had provided the funds with which members of the Assembly were induced to effect the change in leadership.
According to the legislator, “I want to tell you that there is no way the acting governor can claim ignorance of what happened in house. Though, there could be external influences, it was a plot by him to ensure he continues in office as governor of the state, to the detriment of his boss. In fact, one of the special advisers, who heads a lucrative parastatal and had been a member of the house before, provided the bulk of the funds with which the members were induced to carry out the impeachment.”
However, Chief Press Secretary to the acting governor, Mr. Keffas Sule, dismissed the charge of complicity or knowledge of the change of guard at the Assembly against his boss.
Sule said, “The acting governor is grateful to God for what he has done for him and he is not power hungry. God in His infinite mercy deemed him fit to pilot the affairs of the state at this critical time and he has been doing that to the admiration of the good people of the state. In recognition and appreciation of the way he has been piloting the affairs of the state, the state House of Assembly and the national secretariat of PDP wrote separate letters to commend him for the good work he has been doing in the state. He has been extremely loyal to the cause of his boss and there is no reason whatsoever to do otherwise. So, it would be mischievous for anybody to accuse him of destabilisation in the house for his personal gain.”
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The worsening insecurity in Anambra State occasioned by the increasing spate\ of kidnappings and armed robbery has been traced to the erosion of Igbo values of hard work and honest living such that recognition is now given to people without means but who suddenly made money and brandish same in return for accolades by traditional institutions and leaders.
This submission was made by Chief Jude Osude, the former Director of Operations on Security to the Anambra State Government under the Chris Ngige administration.
Osude, while making a holistic assessment of the security challenges in the state in an interview with THISDAY, yesterday in Onitsha, said the problem has become so worrisome that these days people no longer ask a sudden rich man what he does for a living, or in which office he works or trades but how much he has or can offer, even in the church.
“So the young and upcoming people see it as if you don’t have money, you are not recognised,” he said, adding that it is a wrong perception of life because human achievement is not measured by how much money one has in his pockets alone, a reason , he noted, has led many young men astray and who in their desperation to meet up and be recognised had taken to crimes like kidnapping and armed robbery.
Describing the insecurity in the state as real, Osude noted with sadness that the young boys in Anambra State today who, neither went to school nor have a trade to their names have shunned apprenticeship in trades and vocations such as carpentry, plumbing, electrical works and the like and had left the bulk of these jobs to artisans from Togo and Ghana while forgetting that a mastery of these trades can guarantee a comfortable and decent life
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
The Senate President, Dr. David Mark, is well-known for his forthrightness, courage and candour, always saying it as it is unlike other politicians who doublespeak.
Perhaps, his military background belies his reputation for frankness. Similarly, beyond the façade of his conviviality and sense of humour lie a lion‘s heart, strong and unwavering. Those who know him well enough agree that he is made of a sterner stuff and not given to flippancy. So when he is constrained to complain, the inherent danger of the thing being complained about is real and cannot be ignored.
It is from this standpoint that his recent outburst of anger over what he viewed as general hostility to our glorious Super Eagles by African countries and their leaders in South Africa, must be examined.
In the first place, a righteous indignation is a strong feeling of anger you nurse when you think a situation is not morally right or justified. I believe Nigeriaphobia, a strong feeling of dislike, hatred and fear of Nigeria by fellow African countries, goes far beyond what happened in South Africa.
In our unpleasant experience, it is amazing, why good turns, which should deserve another, are often taken for granted, especially in Africa, an attitude that smacks of gross ingratitude? Ordinarily, the country which laboured and sacrificed so much to liberate a sister country from political boundage ought to be singled out for respect or accorded a special right as a token of appreciation.
Even our dye-in-the-wool critics reluctantly regard Nigeria highly for its peace-keeping role throughout the world. It is without doubt that Nigeria’s leading role in the decolonisation process is second to none. The countries that have profited most in this regard, are South Africa, Angola, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Guinea Bissau, not to talk of our leadership role in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Chad and now Mali.
The question again arises, why despite these impeccable credentials, Nigeria is still not accorded the respect it richly deserves by sister African countries, especially those ungrateful beneficiaries of our peace-keeping and decolonisation initiatives that saw many of them out of bondage of alien rulers?
The case of South Africa is particularly disturbing because the battle against the obnoxious apartheid rule was waged more or less from Nigeria. Every Nigerian of my age and above was involved in one way or the other, writing to conscientise the world against the evils of apartheid. Musicians, civil rights activists, journalists and the military rulers were all actively involved as Africa was the centre piece of Nigeria’s foreign policy.
Young South African students were brought to Nigeria to be educated at selected unity colleges. South African artists like Epitombi, were brought in to perform to sensitise Nigerians on the evils of apartheid. Nigeria was home to Winnie Mandela, wife of Nelson Mandela who used Nigeria as a safe base to prosecute the “Free Mandela campaign”.
When history finally smiled on South Africa to regain freedom in 1994, Nigerians from all walks of life were there to witness the epoch making occasion. I was privileged to be a witness to the great history as I was opportuned to accompany the then Head of State, General Abacha, on the trip as his Chief Press Secretary. That experience was most fulfilling for me.
For all the role Nigeria played to facilitate the decolonization process in South Africa, people have looked forward to a very cordial relationship between the two countries, particularly with their potentials to lead and launch Africa into the new millennium.
This is because South Africa has inherited a huge military and industrial complex from the apartheid regime that could have been used to promote bilateral and multi-lateral cooperation with countries like Nigeria, another potentially rich and great African country. But somehow, South Africa prefers to look inward for its development. Could it be that an unknown influence is calling the shots from somewhere! Your guess is as good as mine.
It is plausible to say that African countries react negatively to Nigeria the way they do mainly out of envy and jealousy. Jealousy evokes a feeling of resentment on the part of the beholder because the other person is said to possess something precious that you wish you had yourself. Once a country has this prejudice against a sister country like Nigeria, even the greatest favours done to them are never appreciated.
This prejudice against Nigeria can be best illustrated with a rotary joke told to us at a rotary convention held in Owerri in 1989. On the surface of things, the joke could be very amusing but worrisome on reflection.
In the joke as told, leaders of some African countries were said to have led a protest delegation to the “Author of Universe and Giver of all Things”, demanding to know why Nigeria is blessed with good things: oil, arable land, human and other material wealth, while the rest of them contend with desert, poverty and general scarcity? Of course, the proverbial protesters saw unfairness in this situation and demanded an explanation.
In response, God in His infinite wisdom and infallibility smiled and cajoling the protesters, told them that they and Nigeria were equal in His sight and there was no way He discriminated against any of them. God concluded by assuring the protesters that at the end of the day, they will manage its scarcity better than Nigeria will manage their enormous endowment. Can you beat that?
There is no better way to situate Nigeria’s abiding paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty. It is not just in Africa, the rest of the world see us through unfavourable stereotypes, a country that seems not to punish evil nor reward virtue.
Our writer argues that here in Nigeria we have an over-dose of things damaging and harmful. We ourselves have seen the need to rebrand our image by trying to do things right. That is the surest way out.
There are other more damaging jokes people poke at Nigeria. They say hyperbolically, that we have more generals than soldiers. Observers also say Nigeria is the only country in the world where “poor civil servants” become billionaires over and above practising business men and women.
It is true that Nigeriaphobia is no longer an African phenomena but a global perturbation. The beauty of the situation is that this awful discovery or disclosure was made by the number three citizen, the President of the Senate, Federal Republic of Nigeria, himself, Senator Dr. David Bonaventure Alechenu Mark, GCON.
By virtue of his being at the head of the apex legislative body, coupled with his charisma and clout, the Senate President’s righteous indignation over the seeming Nigeriaphobia will compel the redesigning of policies and programmes that will sufficiently address the problem of our carefree attitude.
This is the best time for us to be seen to be really transforming on the basis of our knowledge of our corporate weaknesses and the need to reverse the negative way people react to events and developments in Nigeria. We have had enough of image bashing and apparent show of ingratitude. We are simply seen as the Santa Claus of Africa, who dispenses favours to sister African countries not out of love and care but as an ostentatious display of its enormous might and surplus wealth. How very irritating!
These countries Nigeria has helped so much in many ways seem to suggest that our surplus wealth has deadened our feelings of anger and pain. See the way they have blatantly opposed Nigeria each time we sought their support at the United Nations or at regional and sub-regional levels.
It is no longer news that sister African countries have rushed to clamp fellow Nigerians into prison on thrumped up charges. It is true, however, that many of our citizens, especially the unscrupulous ones, have often played into the hands of their haters and oppressors. It is the contention of this writer that more often than not, Nigeria has walked away from situations without developing mutually rewarding arrangements between us and the countries we have helped to liberate and stabilise.
This time around, our leaders must learn to appreciate the fact that there is no vacuum in nature. Don’t just walk away from situations you have created. Simple.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
Chairman of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Limited, Dr. ABC Orjiako, has stressed the need for transparency in business and adherence to corporate governance global best practices as a corollary for increased investment. Orjiako made the contribution as a panelist at the “Investor Risk in West Africa” Breakfast Session convened by FTI consulting in London on Fiday April 24. The session was chaired by the former Deputy Secretary General & Chief of Staff of the United Nations under Kofi Annan, Lord Malloch-Brown.
Orjiako noted that “when we speak about transparency and corporate governance in Nigeria, we should look from two perspectives; the previous period when the government did not play an active part in encouraging transparency and the current dispensation where the government is actively promoting the entrenchment of global best practices and the rule of law by tackling bribery and corruption and encouraging corporate governance best practices in corporate Nigeria.” Making a connection between good corporate governance practices and investment growth, Orjiako noted that the present state of affairs has played a huge part in the increased inflow of foreign direct investment.
He also spoke about the ongoing divestment by the International Oil Companies (IOCs), arguing that the success of the still-evolving exercise is predicated, mostly, on transparency and adherence to corporate governance principles. “The oil divestment has led to a lot of investment in the country with a lot of local banks playing active roles in providing financing support. The situation has also created new opportunities for companies like Seplat,” he said.
Anthony-Claret is a software Engineer, entrepreneur and the founder of Codewit INC. Mr. Claret publishes and manages the content on Codewit Word News website and associated websites. He's a writer, IT Expert, great administrator, technology enthusiast, social media lover and all around digital guy.
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