CONFLICTS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA: 13 years of civil rule in perspective

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Read Time:4 Minute, 54 Second

Akinlade in this second edition of the discourse, argues that the introduction of Islamic religion in the  twelfth century and the conversion of the king of Kano opened a new chapter in the dominance of the north by the Hausas
BACKGROUND to conflicts in Northern Nigeria: Northern Nigeria is a conglomeration of over a hundred tribal groups, with the various groups having different accounts of their historical episode as they migrated into the regions, from various places chiefly by the desire for safety during warfare as well as adventure. The various groups also attempted to dominate the other through warfare as typical of every traditional society. The Hausa race, however, was and is still the most populous of the various ethnic groups.

Hausa community was divided into Hausa ‘bokwa’ and Hausa “banza”, under the powerful rulers, who ruled according to custom and tradition, but the introduction of Islamic religion in the region “in the twelfth or thirteen century”, and its eventual firm root, following fresh band of Muslim Wangara and Fulani traders and scholars, who entered the land from Mali in the fourteenth century, as well the first royal convert which occurred, when Ali Yaji B. Tsamia, the Sarki or king of Kano converted in the fourteenth century, opened a new chapter in the land.

Heavy taxes and injustice

Meanwhile, heavy fighting (jihad) broke out in Gudu in 1804 which extended to other Hausa land, as Uthman dan Fodio, a popular and respected Fulani Muslim preacher led Muslim community resisted the attack of “King Yunfa of Gobir, along with other Hausa Kings”.

King Yunfa, a former pupil of Fodio, and his father – his predecessor had earlier enacted against the wearing of veil, turban (head gear), public preaching of Islam unless by Fodio alone, and ordered a return to traditional religion, by all converts.

File Photo: one of the survived victims of Jaji bomb blast

The peasants, already frustrated by heavy taxes and injustice in the land greatly contributed to the fall of Hausa royalty and this made Sharia to come to lime light, as Uthman dan Fodio introduced it in all conquered territories. The Sharia system brought the Hausa states under a federation, with the state capital being in Sokoto and Gwandu and this brought considerable unity among the Hausas, as the Fulani race also came into prominence.

The Hausa/Fulani community also engaged in “slave-raiding expeditions in the middle belt,” the minority groups and the two groups threatened the existence of one another, but the Hausa/Fulani community was seen as a great threat. This formed the basis of the hatred between the Hausa/Fulani and the minority groups. Therefore, when Christianity was introduced, the minority groups accepted as a means of unity among themselves and resistance to the perceived threat of the Hausas. This partly explains why conflicts appear religious, in the north. The new administration Emirate system soon met its waterloo, as Lugard’s West African Volunteer Force crushed it with its fading legitimacy, occasioned by a return of the elite to the pre-jihad corrupt life style. Although the people put up great resistance, British attack was not without some support as some of the people celebrated, as they sang nasara ka dede ba ka zoba, ko bah au dokin hawainiya ne? which means “white man, you took so long to come, is your horse a chameleon?”

The invasion ceded the sovereignty of the Hausa/Fulani state to Britain. British colonial rule consolidated the already tensed relationship between the minority groups and Hausa/Fulani group, as they made no attempt to unify or create an understanding between them. Rather than make them live together, “Sabongiri” strangers quarters were built for non-Hausas including Southerners resident in Hausa communities. This could not afford the people the opportunity of having understanding among themselves. It needs being stressed that, the British indirect rule system worsened the situation. The necessity of politics, however, made Sir Ahmadu Bello to work effortlessly, for the unity of the North, through his Northern People’s Congress, NPC. He reasonably distributed projects and political offices among the ethnic and religious groups. This explains why the slogan of NPC was “one North, one people irrespective of religion, rank or tribe”.

Independent Nigeria was like a period when storm is experienced in a bucket of water as the administration soon met its waterloo, starting with the Action Group Crisis of 1962 and dispute over the 1962/1963 population census. The Northern version of the crisis, was the 1964 wrath of the soldiers and police, experienced by Rafin Gora community in the present day Katsina State, on the directive of the Native Authority, for associating with Northern Element Progressive Union, NEPU, that was sympathetic to Southern political elite. Dandunni village, also in Katsina suffered the same fate. The Tiv riot in the present Benue State added to the devastating experience of the period as the riot continued till 1966. The Tiv uprising and military operation that followed in the area, dealt an untold blow on the future unity of the North, which people in the 1980s, 1990s and the 21st Century have come to live with.

The Tiv Crisis, 1964 general election and the Western regional election crisis of 1965, brought law and order to nothingness, as anarchy raged, thereby “paving the way for the ascendancy of the specialist of violence, the military,” who eventually turned the scene to a semi warfare, through coup of January 15, 1966 and counter coup of July 29, 1966. This was followed by crisis in the North, over Aguiyi Ironsi’s unification decree of May 1966 and the September killings as well as eventual civil war between the Federal Government led by a Northern minority and Republic of Biafra.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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Lagos: Pa Fashola was pillar of sports – Tesilim

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Read Time:1 Minute, 30 Second

As Lagos Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola and family converge for the eight day Fidau prayer for their late father, Pa Ibrahim Ademola Fashola, the Teslim Balogun Sports Development Foundation has extolled the qualities of the late patriarch revealing that he was one of the pillars of sports in the state.

In a statement signed by Kayode Teslim Balogun, president of the foundation and son of the football legend, Teslim Balogun, the foundation stated that the late Pa Fashola not only provided the best possible formal education for his children but also ensured that they were actively involved and committed to sports, “a value which enhanced all round development of his children and which Lagosians and Nigerians are now benefiting from through the works of the governor.”

MIC Undertakers escorting the vehicle that carries the body Late Pa Ibrahim Ademola Bayo Fashola, father of Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola, Lagos State governor during for the burial in in Lagos yesterday Photo by Adekunle Aliyu and Biodun Ogunleye

“It is common knowledge that Governor Fashola is a very skilled and all round sportsman and that quality derives from the kind of education and exposure that he enjoyed from his father.

But most importantly, he has brought that to bear in his commitment to sports development through the establishment of facilities and the training and support for young and old athletes across all communities in Lagos State and the country at large,” the foundation said.

The foundation advised parents to emulate the late Pa Fashola and commit to encouraging and supporting their children to be actively involved in sports which it said is critical to character building with the qualities of hard work, vision for excellence, team spirit, simplicity, friendship and sportmanship in children, for the good of society.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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Live Show: Keagan returns to BBA

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Read Time:1 Minute, 7 Second

He came, he saw, he conquered and today the prodigal son has returned.

Big Brother StarGame winner, Keagan took to the Live Show stage this evening to give Africa the low down on what his life has been like since his time inside of Biggie's House.

As soon as the South African ex-Housemate sat down for his one on one chat with Live Show Presenter IK, the outspoken Nigerian host wasted no time in asking Keagan the big question on everyone's mind, "What did you with the USD 300 000?" Keagan said: "I invested it all."

After that the ex-Starmate got grilled on his brief but notorious love affair in the Big Brother House with Tanzian ex-Housemate Talia. "We were only together for five days really. Once we were out of the House things were different. So we decided to go our seperate ways," he clarified.

The entertaining South African also imparted his knowledge and wisdom from his time inside of the House about what it is really like being cooped up for so long with strangers.

Now that Africa has had a chance to catch up with last year's winner Keagan; who do you think will be this year's winner of Big Brother The Chase?

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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BBA 2013: Cleo sings her heart out after escaping eviction today

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Read Time:47 Second

A mixture of joy and disbelief is evidently what Cleo is feeling this evening.

Soon after the Live Eviction Show that saw Feza being the 20th Housemate to be Evicted from The Chase, Cleo took to the garden to sing her national anthem. After surviving Evictions once again, the Zambian was overcome with emotion especially gratitude towards Africa and more specifically to the people of her home country of Zambia who have supported her this far.

She was still in her pretty dress from earlier in the evening and she was carrying her national flag, waving it around proudly and she flexed her vocal muscles.

The young Zambian is one of the Housemates that have found themselves being put up for Eviction week after week and each time she has managed to escape the grasps of Eviction unscathed and judging by garden performance tonight, the hip hop sensation feels that she has much to be appreciative about.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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BBA 2013 Eviction: Feza given the Red Card!

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Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

Tanzanian Housemate Feza has become the 20th Housemate to be booted out of The Chase.

As soon as Live Show Presenter IK made the announcment, she hugged her fellow Chasemates. She walked out of the House as they cheered her on. When she stepped on stage, IK jumped into the big question, "Do you love Oneal?" She answered: "Yes I do," without hesitation. She also shared that there is still an element of distrust between them. IK also asked her about Oneal's initial attraction to Cleo. "I will let that slide because I wasn't there," she replied.

Over the past eleven weeks she has established herself as one of the most polarising Housemates in the Big Brother House. You either love her or you hate her; there is no in between when it comes to Feza. But today her journey in The Chase has come to an abrupt end.

As she exits the House, Feza takes along with her all of Tanzania's hopes and dreams. Her fellow country-mate Nando made a sudden exit from The Chase when he got Disqualified for violating the Big Brother Africa rules two weeks ago.

The Tanzanian's departure follows hot on the heels of her man Oneal's parting from The Chase. Before he was booted out last week; Oneza was the most talked about couple in Big Brother The Chase and Feza's Eviction today, begs the question: "Is Africa against couples in The Chase?" In the past we have speculated about 'The Curse of The Couples' and this curse looks to be real, now so more than ever.

Feza bows out

The last couple left standing is Beverly and Angelo, will Bengelo face the same fate as the other couples of The Chase?

As for Feza, what will you miss most about her?

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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BBA 2013: How Africa Voted -August 11

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Read Time:30 Second
Here is how Africa voted this week (11 August 2013) – We say goodbye to Feza (Tanzania).

Here's who which country voted for:

Angola: Dillish
Botswana: Feza
Ghana: Dillish
Kenya: Feza
Ethiopia: Dillish
Malawi: Cleo
Namibia: Dillish
Nigeria: Dillish
South Africa: Cleo
Sierra Leone: Dillish
Tanzania: Feza
Uganda: Feza
Zambia: Cleo
Zimbabwe: Cleo
Rest of Africa: Dillish

Total: Dillish = 7, Cleo = 4, Feza = 4.

(Total: 15 Votes)

Please Note: The tie breaker rules were applied to Cleo and Feza as they each had four popularity votes. The housemate with the lower average percentage across all countries is Feza.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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Nigeria: Jonathan reiterates commitment to improve power supply

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Read Time:1 Minute, 8 Second

ABUJA- PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan Sunday reiterated his  total commitment and  focus towards the improvement of the nation’s overall economy especially the power sector.

The President also assured Nigerians  that he  will not rest on his oars regarding the promise he made to Nigerians on the  provision of uninterrupted power supply as a key component of the Transformation Agenda.

In a statement Sunday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Public Affairs, Dr. Doyin Okupe, he said that  with some of the Hydro dams becoming fully operational in September this year, most Nigerian cities will have more hours of power supply from the National grid as that will  improve social and economic activities, increase industrial productions as well as  create jobs for young Nigerians.

According to Okupe, the federal government had concluded plans to remove its control of the power sector, adding, “the  good news however is that governments control with its attendant low productivity and the cumbersomeness of the civil service bureaucracy are being totally removed from the power sector and the new owners of the divested assets will be able to utilize the present installed capacities more efficiently and add more power to the five thousand megawatts even before they add more infrastructure to the power plants.

More details soon

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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BBA 2013: It’s character assasination”, 2shotz fires back at Beverly

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Read Time:1 Minute, 9 Second

The last fourteen days in the Big Brother Africa house has seen Nigeria’s representative Beverly Osu go very emotional; revealing secrets she had kept hidden for years to fellow house mate/boyfriend Angelo Collins. One of which is an unending assault and battery from her ex-boyfriend; a rapper. Beverly said she was beaten black and blue repeatedly and even showed Angelo her scars… She mentioned no name but social media commentators and bloggers have done that for her …

Rapper 2shotz.

It is alleged the two were in a relationship before Beverly went into the BBA house. These commentators and bloggers swear 2shotz is the rapper Beverly was talking about. On his part, the rapper was silent over the issue ….. until now.

In a statement posted on his Facebook wall, 2Shotz has bluntly denied the allegations… calling it …character assassination.

Read his statement below…

He also tweeted…

Ok..id like to put out dis official DISCLAIMER dat i was NEVER engaged to d current BBA housemate BEVERLY ADA OSU…dat shit is a lie..THANX

Beverly won’t hear about or read this post until she’s out of the BBA house. But then, she may never respond to these post by 2shotz. She has said it’s a chapter in her life she wants to close forever.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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Mandela making ‘slow but steady’ progress – Zuma

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Read Time:1 Minute, 17 Second

JOHANNESBURG  (AFP) – Nelson Mandela is making “slow but steady” progress back to health, although he remains critically ill, the office of the South African president said Sunday.

The 95-year-old former president and anti-apartheid icon has been in hospital for more than two months with a recurring lung infection.

“Former President Nelson Mandela continues to receive treatment in hospital in Pretoria and doctors have indicated to President Jacob Zuma that the former president is making a slow but steady improvement,” a statement from the presidency said.

“The medical team also reiterated that although his health was improving steadily, Madiba still remained in a critical condition,” it added, referring to Mandela by his clan name.

Zuma asked South Africans to pray for Mandela’s recovery and good health, the statement said.

The South African president is technically the only person authorised to give public updates about Mandela’s health, and had not issued a statement since July 31.

Mandela’s youngest daughter Zindzi Mandela said Friday that the anti-apartheid hero was “not going anywhere anytime soon” and was now able to sit up unaccompanied. He was “more alert, more responsive,” she said.

And his former wife Winnie Madikizela-Mandela told Sky News Thursday that he was “now breathing normally.”

Doctors had managed to contain his lung infection but kept “draining fluid from the lungs,” she said.

Both stressed that he was not about to die.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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Diagnosed with brain cancer: Oyinyechi, 14, sends SOS to Gov Peter Obi

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Read Time:3 Minute, 21 Second

ONYINYECHI Mary-Colette Okafor, the third of five children born to Aloysious and Grace Okafor of 34, Osho Drive, Olodi-Apapa in Lagos, has sent a distress call to the Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, and all well-meaning Nigerians at home and abroad, for assistance to raise N5 million to undergo an urgent life-saving brain surgery.

As you read this story, Onyinyechi, who hails from Utuh, in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State, is on admission in Ward D3 of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, Idi Araba, Lagos after  diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of brain tumour known as Brain Stem Glioma.

Making the call to Governor Obi through her paternal aunt, Ms. Obiageli Ulasi, ailing Onyinyechi, who although has been receiving palliative care at LUTH, is yet unable to speak, walk, stand or function normally,  is praying the Governor assistance to raise the N5 million in order to have access to adequate treatment and care in an Indian hospital.

“I implore you sir, with due respect and humility,  to use your good office as my Governor, my mentor and my  father, to enable be get a new lease of life through this surgery,” she remarked.

*Onyinyechi Okafor

Until April 27, 2013 when her world turned upside down, Onyinyechi was a healthy and  intelligent 14-year-old JSS 2 student of Ajeromi/Ifelodun High School, Lagos.

Today, she has stopped school and no longer attends Church or partakes of other normal activities like her contemporaries. The entire left side of her body is paralysed and she is separated from her family and friends and has become a permanent resident in the hospital.

A  medical report from LUTH described Onyinyechi as “a known patient of the Haematology and Oncology Unit of the hospital who presented two months ago with a one month history of headache and inability to use the left side of the body.” According to the report signed by Professor Edamisan Temiye, a CT scan revealed the brain tumour which is being managed with radiotherapy and dexamethasone. Already, she has had 20 sessions of the radiotherapy, and requires an additional 10. The doctor  recommended further evaluation and expert care.

The brain stem is the part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, and nerves and muscles used in seeing, hearing, walking, talking and eating. Although brain tumours are the third most common cancers in children, the causes are generally unknown.

Onyinyechi never had previous history of head injury or trauma.  Relating the ordeal to  Health & Living, Obiageli stated: “Onyinyechi just woke up one morning complaining of dizziness, a nagging headache and general body weakness. She was hospitalised four days after an initial medical diagnosis of typhoid and malaria. But there wasn’t much improvement. She kept  complaining of progressive weakness and paralysis on the left side of  the body, so she was taken to another hospital from where she was referred to LUTH where the brain tumour diagnosis was confirmed.

At the moment, the family is barely managing to pay  the huge  hospital bills. Worse  still, Onyinyechi’s father, a trader, is also indisposed.  Onyinyechi’s only hope is to be flown abroad for better medical outcome.

“We have contacted Yakoda Hospital in India, which has assessed her case and given us a breakdown of treatment expenses to the tune of N5 million. This would cover surgery, drugs, transportation, and accommodation for six weeks for Onyinyechi and her mother who would accompany her.  The hospital is ready to comence treatment but  financial constraint is hampering us.”

In a passionate plea, Obiageli solicited assistance towards raising the required sum. “We are appealing to Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State in particular and all Nigerians  to please help save this soul. Let us give Onyinyechi the opportunity and ability to live again,” she pleaded.

About Post Author

Anthony-Claret Ifeanyi Onwutalobi

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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