‘We Didn’t Authorise Use of Fela’s Picture’

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The Anikulapo-Kuti family has frowned on a recent advertisement in some national dailies using the picture of Fela Anikulapo Kuti to score a political point.

This was made known by Yeni, the eldest daughter of the late Afrobeat legend who represented the immediate Fela family.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Friday, Yeni said: “The Anikulapo family is not aware and does not sanction any advert using Fela’s name. It was done without our knowledge.

We do not like anybody using the history of the Anikulapo family, especially Fela and Buhari to their own advantage. Whilst we may not support any party, we do not like any party using our father as a political tool or an instrument for their politics because Fela was apolitical. Fela was for good governance only. Fela was for respect for human rights which most of those masquerading as democrats today were against some years ago.

“So, please, they should desist from using Fela’s picture, image or lyrics for any political party, whatever party it may be, whether APC, PDP, SDP, Labour, Accord or any other party, we do not condone it".

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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: Melaye Donates Water Pumps to Community

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Read Time:1 Minute, 12 Second

Kogi  West Senatorial candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC),   Dino Melaye, has said his people had been grossly misrepresented in the National Assembly in the last eight years.
While speaking at a ceremony where he donated water pumping machines to the people of Karaworo area of ward C in Lokoja local government on Friday, Melaye promised adequate and quality representation if elected into the red chamber in the coming election.
The community commended the APC candidate for coming to their rescue after several months of severe hardship due to water sacristy in the area. A community leader, Alhaji Yeriman Salihu Abbass, stated that Melaye’s gesture had proven that he will run a people oriented programmes if elected into the senate.

“We have written to government about the water situation in Karaworo but nothing was done, we have to set out early in search of water because the pump here has spoilt, but with this gesture from our candidate, I can say our days of looking for water has come to an end,” he added.
Speaking earlier, an APC chieftain,  Mallam Abdulmalik Suleiman said the people had been poorly represented in the last eight years at the National Assembly, saying an APC senator will perform better.
Abdulmalik urged the people to vote massively for APC at all levels, describing Melaye as a man who is always concerned about  peoples welfare.

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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Women March for Their ‘Champion’, President Jonathan

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Read Time:2 Minute, 40 Second

 Women from all walks of life took to the streets of the nation’s fastest growing and most populous city, Lagos, on Friday, January 23, to show their support for the man they dub their ‘Champion,’ President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan.

A vast gathering of women, hailing from all spheres of life, marched from Kalacutta to the National Stadium to endorse and celebrate the undeniable strides the President and his administration have made in improving their welfare and their lives during his period in office.

The women also conveyed their heartfelt thanks to the Federal Government for its decision last week to reduce the price of petrol from N97 per litre to N87 per litre, with its welcome impact on family budgets.

According to the women, “The politicians are talking; the press is talking; the TV is talking; the internet is talking so now we want to add our voice.”

According to Mrs. Abiola, who represented the Market Women Group Akure North, “We travelled all the way from Akure-North to be part of the march because all the negative stories about our President is just too much so us women in the south-west decided to gather ourselves to remind the people of what this man has done for us. We have better roads; mass transit; bridges; new airports; our phones are working; we can now see internet; we have means to trade; banking is easier for us; we can buy fuel easily – no more long lines; our markets are flooded with food and now he has reduced the price of fuel! This means that transport is cheaper! And cost of living too will go down. Haba! The President has tried for Nigeria. Thank you Mr. President.”

Mrs. Fatima Adamu added: “I don hear the Minister of Petroleum for radio; she talk well well and help everybody understand sey the N10 (reduction) good for our economy. We no wan make the economy spoil. Even that N10 e good well well for us. See as money for transport don go down. We salute am. We Salute Oga Jonathan.”

The peaceful demonstration, themed ‘Women United in Support of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan – The Champion For Women’, involved representatives of a broad range of women’s associations and civil society groups, among them Kaunas Women Support Group; Okolomo Women’s Group; Market Women Group Akure; Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, the Fashion Design Association of Nigeria, Widows associations and many more from across Lagos State and the South West of Nigeria.

The participants – among them grandmothers, mothers and daughters –communicated their solidarity for President Jonathan and applauded his many achievements in empowering women and boosting gender equality.

The aim of the march was to commend the slashing of national fuel prices on January 18. The laudable move is expected to have a positive effect on family purse strings, enabling women to have more funds available to spend on the issues important to them, such as their children, health, food and education.

It was also to mark the dramatic improvement that has occurred during the President’s mandate.

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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Group Set to Premiere Dance of Vipers

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 A group, Students in Nigeria Re-awakening Initiative (STINRI) has said it was set to premier a movie titled “Dance of Vipers”, to expose the evils of terrorism in the country which it said mirrored the present-day Nigerian society.

Mr Nathan Oguwike, Chairman, Board of Trustees of STINRI, who also doubles as the screenplay writer of the movie, disclosed this at a news conference in Abuja.

He stated that the movie would portray the unattractiveness of the evils of terrorism, which is entirely a work in fiction that will help dissuade youths from joining or being used as political thugs, assassins, armed robbers and so on.

He said the sole message of the movie was that Nigerians must resist any attempt by any group or individual who seeks to use intimidation as a means of gaining power. He said such a development would be a bad omen for the political culture and future of the Nigerian-state.
According to Oguwike, “it is a project anchored on strategic and responsible students’ participation in nation building.

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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FG Compounds Epileptic Power Supply, Says Senate Committee

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Read Time:4 Minute, 21 Second

 The Senate Committee on Privatisation at the weekend disclosed that the decision of federal government to sell 11 power distribution companies and six generation firms, contrary to its informed advice ,compounded the prevailing epileptic power supply the country had been experiencing in the post-privatisation era.

The committee added that the private investors that bought the country’s power distribution and generation installations lacked financial capacity and wherewithal to transform the sector as speedily as possible and guarantee stable power supply within a period of 24 months specified in the memorandum of understanding (MoU).

The Chairman of the committee, Sen. Gbenga Obadara disclosed this during an interview with THISDAY in Lagos, pointing that Nigeria might not achieve stable power supply as quickly as possible due to the fact that the country’s power equipment “has become moribund and obsolete. The power investors are starting afresh.”

Obadara, who is currently representing Ogun Central in the Senate, explained how he personally persuaded President Goodluck Jonathan and Vice President Namadi Sambo, who chairs the National Council of Privatisation (NCP) not to sell all the power installations in the country at once to no avail.

He explained that the Federal Executive Council also constituted part of the problems, which he said, worsened the power supply in the country, pointing out that the Senate Committee on Privatisation advised the federal government “to privatise power, infrastructure should be sold in three phases to avoid unforeseen situations.

“We told them not to sell the 11 distribution installation in one day. We advised them against selling the six generation infrastructure in one day. We advised them to sell the power installations gradually. If the installations were sold gradually, we will not have possibly got to this situation. I spoke with President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I had meetings with President Goodluck Jonathan on the need to sell the power installations in three phases. I spoke with Vice President Namadi Sambo, the Chairman of National Council of Privatisation (NCP). I advised them not to sell the entire power installations in one day. But the Executive went ahead without listening good advice…”

He lamented that the federal government “has made monumental mistakes,” explaining that most of the investors that bought the power distribution and generation installations lack finances “to overhaul the companies.”

He said the committee could not really look into the investors before they purchased the installations because it did not have power “to look at their books. It is the duty of the executive to look at the books of the investors and determine whether they financial wherewithal to transform the country’s power sector within specified time.”

Obadara explained that most of the power installations “are completely obsolete. That is why the government cannot continue. It has to be private sector-driven. It is like the investors are starting all over again because they have shut a lot of things down and bring a lot of things in.

These are not things they can purchase and start using.

“It takes times to get it done. It takes a lot of investments the investors are putting into the power sector. The investors have their plan, which indicates that the power sector will witness monumental development within a period of 18 months or 24 months. Do not forget that these people are not Father Christmas.”

The lawmaker, also, explained a lifeline of N213 billion the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) had approved for the investors as the power intervention funds, which he said, was catalyzed by worsening power supply in the country.

According to him, all things are lip service. I can tell you that none of these power investors has accessed the funds. If they provided the funds and the investors cannot access, what sense does that make to us? They have been paying lip service to the provision of N213 billion to assist the power investors in the country.

Before the electioneering took off effectively, Obadara acknowledged that the committee and its members “have been going across the country to see these power generating and distribution companies. We have asked specific questions, especially as regards the business plan of the power investors and what they have invested with verification.

“In the last two months, we have been engaged in primaries. Elections are just one month away. But as long as elections are over, these issues will come to the front burner again. We have promised our constituents good oversight. This is not negotiable. We have to do that for the best interest of the people we are serving.

“We cannot do anything until we are able to verify the claims and everything we have requested from the power investors. The power to withdraw the power installations does not lie with me anyway. It lies with every persons concerned.

“As legislators, we can make recommendations to the NCP with verifiable evidence. It is left for the NCP to carry out the recommendation of the National Assembly. And where they refuse to carry that out, definitely you know what is going on in the country.”

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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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Okocha, Amaechi’s Chief of Staff, Not Under House Arrest – Police

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Read Time:1 Minute, 36 Second

 The police in Rivers State have explained that the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, was not under house arrest as rumoured in the city.

Early on Friday, rumours making the rounds in Port Harcourt had it that Okocha had been placed under house arrest judging from the massive police presence around his official residence in Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

But the police in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Ahmad Muhammad (DSP), said the chief of staff was not under house arrest and described the rumour as the handiwork of mischief makers.

The statement said, “The Rivers State Police Command wishes to dispel the rumour going the rounds to the effect that Chief Tony Okocha, Chief of Staff, Rivers State Government House, has been placed under house arrest by the police.
“The statement is not true and can be described as handiwork mischief makers who want to truncate the existing peace in Rivers State.

“It is a fact that based on intelligence at the Command's disposal, there was massive deployment of policemen at conspicuous locations in Port Harcourt to forestall breakdown of law and order.

“Members of the public are by this release called to ignore and disregard the rumour, please.”

When contacted, Okocha also told THISDAY that he was not under house arrest.
He however raised concern over the massive police presence around his residence.
According to him, “I woke up this morning to see about six troopers of police around my residence. Although my movement was not restricted, the police have not explained to me why that large security presence.

“The security presence scared many people who had wanted to see me. Indeed,
my children could not go to school because they thought something was wrong.”
He however said the security personnel had been redeployed.

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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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Nigerian Dagogo-Jack Named President of American Diabetes Association

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Read Time:2 Minute, 31 Second

 Nigerian born c has been announced by the American Diabetes Association (ADA) as the new President of Medicine and Science of its Board of Directors.

Dagogo-Jack, currently a professor of medicine and Director, Division of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism, and Director, clinical research center at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, where he holds the A.C. Mullins endowed chair in translational research, will now lead the 75 years old association.

The association was founded in 1940 and is America’s largest voluntary health organisation leading the fight to stop diabetes.

A statement from the association which was obtained by THISDAY in Abuja explained that Dagogo-Jack current research which has been supported by the National Institutes of Health and a mentor-based award from the American Diabetes Association, focuses on diabetes prevention and prediction in multiethnic populations utilising several methodologies that track metabolic processes in humans.

It also noted that at the local level, Dagogo-Jack has served on community leadership boards in St. Louis where he was a chapter president between 1998 and 2000.

“In this position, Dagogo-Jack will serve as a co-principal spokesperson with the President, health care and education regarding science, health care, and educational matters.

Additionally, he will serve as a member of the Board of Directors, abiding by the conflict of interest policy, and exercising the fiduciary duties of care and loyalty,” the statement said.

The statement further explained: “He has been volunteering for the American Diabetes Association for more than 20 years and has served at the national level on the council of complications, the legal advocacy council, the publications policy committee as well as the scientific and medical advisory group.”

A further citation of his curriculum vitae indicated that Dagogo-Jack earned his medical degree and a second doctorate in medical research from the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria, and completed postdoctoral training in endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism at Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO.

He also holds a master degree from the University of Newcastle in the United Kingdom (UK), elected to Alpha Omega Alpha and the Association of American Physicians honor societies, a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Endocrinology.

Diabetes is a serious disease that affects the body’s ability to produce or respond properly to insulin, a hormone that allows blood glucose to enter the cells of the body and be used for energy.

The statement noted that recent estimates project that as many as one in three American adults will have diabetes by 2050, unless steps are taken to stop diabetes. The American Diabetes Association is reportedly leading the fight to stop diabetes and its deadly consequences.

The association is also fighting for those affected by diabetes and funds research to prevent, cure and manage diabetes, delivers services to hundreds of communities, provides objective and credible information; and gives voice to those denied their rights because of diabetes.

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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Olejeme to Nigerians: Don’t be deceived

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Read Time:3 Minute, 8 Second

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan will make Nigeria prosperous, says Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, Dr. Ngozi Olejeme.

Speaking with newsmen in Abuja Friday, Olejeme commended Mr. President for expanding the country’s infrastructure, developing agriculture, generating employment and advancing the cause of education.

She advised Nigerians at home and abroad not to be carried away by the noise of some presidential candidates.

“If you desire something better, you have to vote for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. He will continue to work for the development of the country, make our economy buoyant, create more jobs, reduce unemployment and social tension, sanitize the upstream and downstream sectors of the oil industry and attract massive inflow of foreign investments through appropriate policies and a conducive environment”

Olejeme who affirmed her support for Jonathan quest to continue as president of the country, said the PDP presidential candidate will continue to encourage gender empowerment in his appointments.

 “Mr. President is the servant of the people. He will never forget that. He will continue to act in the national interest. He will continue to ensure the security of persons, property and investments in our territory. He will continue to empower the security agencies to stem the scourge of terrorism in our country. He will continue to make the difference in the politics and development of the country” she said.

Drawing inspiration from the good governance model of Dr. Jonathan, Olejeme said Mr. President’s second term will go beyond providing critical infrastructure.

“President Goodluck Jonathan will ensure social justice and good governance in the country. He will promote economic development; help the masses develop a clearer understanding of the social, political and economic factors affecting their lives, make the development process more accountable, transparent and participatory as well as provide conducive atmosphere for local and foreign investors” Olejeme said.

She appealed to all Nigerians, irrespective of sex, religion, ethnic origin, political affiliation or social status to join hands in the work ahead to make Nigeria peaceful and prosperous by voting for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the fourth coming presidential election.

In a related development, Chairman of Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Dr. Ngozi Olejeme on Friday recalled the efforts of the present administration at keeping youths off the streets and getting them positively engaged, saying the agency employed over seven thousand Nigerians in the last few months.

“The NSITF embarked on massive recruitment of workers and many of the newly recruited workers were sent for capacity building courses locally and internationally” she said.

In a statement in Abuja, Olejeme said NSITF also paid millions to workers who sustained work place injuries.

 “At the moment, cases of industrial accidents are being treated as they are reported in full compliance with the provisions of the Act and to the satisfaction of the stakeholders” the statement said.

 “Since the new Employees Compensation Act (ECA) became operational, the NSITF, which has almost gone into extinction with the introduction of the contributory pension scheme, has come to life. And with its new mandate to provide this very important social security scheme to Nigerians, the fund has taken a new look in terms of structure, functions and workforce; while its financial base has tremendously improved” she said.

Stressing the issue of social security for the elderly, unemployed and physically challenged, Olejeme said the process of putting in place the necessary infrastructure to implement Social Security benefit has commenced. 

“The NSITF has put in place the necessary infrastructure to ensure the collection of data of all the categories of those entitled to Social Security Benefit” the statement added.

By Njamanze Fidel

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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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Jonathan Commiserates With King Salman, Saudi Arabians, on King Abdullah’s Death

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Read Time:1 Minute, 32 Second

 President Goodluck  Jonathan on Friday joined other world leaders in commiserating with King Salman Ibn Abdulaziz and the people of Saudi Arabia on the death of King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz.

In a condolence letter to the new Saudi monarch, Jonathan said  King Abdullah will be long remembered for entrenching the process of progressive reform in his country.

In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Dr. Reuben Abati, Jonathan noted that he was confident that the existing cordial and mutually-beneficial relations between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia will be maintained and further strengthened under  King Salman.

Said Jonathan: “I have received with great sadness news of the death of His Highness, King Abdullah Ibn Abdulaziz at the grand age of 90.

“On behalf of the Government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I wish to express my heartfelt condolences at the sad loss of this illustrious monarch and revered leader.  Our thoughts go out to the people of Saudi Arabia and, particularly, the Saudi royal family at this time.

“King Abdullah will be remembered for entrenching the process of progressive reform, enduring stability and economic consolidation in Saudi Arabia, while preserving the Kingdom’s place as the universally acclaimed centre of the Islamic faith.

“While the government and people of Nigeria share in your loss, we are hopeful that you and the entire people of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia would be comforted by the enduring legacy of selfless service that King Abdullah leaves behind.

“As Your Highness ascends to the throne as King of Saudi Arabia and Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, I am confident that the excellent fraternal relations and productive partnership that have always existed between our two countries and peoples will be further strengthened and deepened in the years ahead.

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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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INEC Not Considering Shift in Polls as Dasuki Says PVC Collection Needs More Time

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Read Time:13 Minute, 36 Second

Reacting to the proposal by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki, for a postponement of next month’s polls, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said on Thursday that it was not contemplating any shift in the date for the general election.

Dasuki had at a forum in London earlier in the day called for a deferment of the polls in order to give INEC more time to distribute millions of biometric ID cards to voters.

Dasuki said he had told the Chairman of INEC, Prof. Attahiru Jega, that a postponement within the three months allowed by the law would be a good idea, Reuters reported.

However, INEC’s Director for Voter Education and Publicity, Wale Uzzi, told THISDAY on Thursday that there was no plan so far to shift the polls.

He said: “There is no communication to that effect, and in any case, we are preparing seriously for the election.

“As you can see, there is nothing to suggest that there is any plan to shift the general election. From what we know, the conduct of the general election is in top gear.”

Also, the Chief Press Secretary to the INEC chairman, Kayode Idowu, told THISDAY that there was no communication to that effect from any quarter.

He also questioned Dasuki’s claim that 30 million PVCs had not been collected by the electorate, saying, “Where are the 30 million Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs)? There are no 30 million PVCs that are yet to be collected. Eligible voters are busy collecting their PVCs in local government areas where they registered.”

Dasuki’s statement also drew sharp reactions from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), its presidential candidate, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, who rejected the proposal by the NSA, warning that under no circumstances must the elections be scuttled.

The elections, scheduled for February, will be the first where Nigeria's 68.8 million voters must have biometric cards — a measure introduced to guard against fraud that has plagued past polls.

But there have been technical glitches in data collection and officials have not explained how they will hold the election in parts of the North-east gripped by a violent uprising by Islamist Boko Haram rebels.

Dasuki, speaking at London think-tank Chatham House, said INEC had distributed 30 million cards in the past year but had another 30 million to hand out.

He said INEC had assured him it would achieve this on time for the February elections, but he thought it would make more sense to take more time, as there is a 90-day window during which the election could legally take place.

“It costs you nothing, it’s still within the law,” Dasuki said he had told the INEC chairman.
Dasuki said it was for INEC and not for him to decide.

“Why are they not ready? Why should we postpone? We say 'no' to postponement,” Lai Mohammed, spokesman of APC, told Reuters.

“They know that if they don't postpone they can't win. They are just terrified.”

‘Some Troops are Cowards’

Also, the London-based Guardian newspaper said Dasuki rejected suggestions that some Nigerian troops who had been overrun by Boko Haram were ill-equipped, blaming instead “recruitment problems”.

He blamed cowardice for the army’s failure to protect civilians from attacks by Boko Haram extremists, saying some soldiers had joined up because they wanted a job, but were not willing to fight.

He rejected suggestions that the Nigerian garrison in the town of Baga, overrun by Boko Haram at the beginning of the month, had been under-equipped, pointing to the substantial arsenal seized by the attackers and displayed by Abubakar Shekau in a video claiming responsibility.

Dasuki disclosed that the list of equipment lost in Baga included six armoured cars with 4,000 rounds of heavy ammunition in each, as well as artillery pieces.

“Anyone who is saying that they are not well armed is not telling the truth,” the NSA said.

“We had a lot of cowards, and it turned out there was a problem in the recruitment process… There were a lot of people who joined because they wanted a job, not because they wanted a career in the military. These are the people who ran away,” he added.

Dasuki said that the shortcomings in army recruitment were being fixed, and that the army was now going through retraining, with British assistance.

He added that two British-trained army units had helped recapture Mubi in Adamawa State, taken by Boko Haram last October.

He said he was confident the army could be reformed and retrained.

“We have not only laid the blame on the soldiers. We have put officers on trial who have shown very poor judgment,” Dasuki insisted.

But he also had a clear message for the rank and file: “If you don’t want to fight, get out of the army. Don’t make excuses saying that you’re poorly equipped.”

The NSA admitted that the last major procurement of equipment for the army was more than two decades ago, but he stressed that sophisticated equipment was not essential for counter-insurgency.

Dasuki also pointed out that Baga, a fishing town on the shores of Lake Chad, was meant to have been the headquarters of a regional multinational force, but the contingents from Niger, Chad and Cameroun had not arrived, leaving the Nigerians in the town to fight on their own.

He said Nigeria was taking a “holistic” approach to the counter-insurgency, looking at the political and social causes of radicalisation.

He estimated that 70 per cent to 80 per cent of Boko Haram fighters were from the Kanuri, an indigenous group with ancient roots in North-eastern Nigeria, who have since been eclipsed by the Hausa and Fulani people.

NSA: Polls Will be Successful, Violence-free

However, in a contradictory statement issued by PR Nigeria, a media advisory for government security agencies, Dasuki was quoted as assuring his audience in London Thursday that the February general election would be successful and violence-free.

Dasuki said: “The 2015 elections are expected to be relatively peaceful and violence-free. The federal government has taken all necessary measures to ensure this by making adequate provisions for INEC, security agencies and by supporting numerous sensitisation programmes.”
He admitted that there was anxiety in certain quarters about whether elections would hold in the North-east and the ability of the government to ensure that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) would be able to vote but affirmed in the positive.

“Our answer to both of those is yes. As far as is possible, we are determined that adequate security will be in place to enable elections in all the areas in the North-east that are safe, and that the IDPs will be provided with the opportunity to exercise their vote,” he explained.

The NSA commended the emergence of a strong opposition in the polity, saying it was a sign of the growing maturity of the country’s democracy.

“The emergence of a seemingly viable opposition, as well as the closeness of the race is a clear demonstration of our maturing democracy.

"Greater voter awareness also means that people are more engaged in the electoral process and determined to protect their right to vote. We on our part are doing all we can to ensure that every Nigerian who wants to vote is able to and that their vote will count,” he informed his audience.

Speaking on the theme: “Nigeria’s Insecurity: Insurgency, Corruption, Elections and the Management of Multiple Threats”, Dasuki demonstrated that Nigeria’s insecurity challenges were both local and global but challenged the international community to show the same and commensurate concern to the rising terrorism in parts of Nigeria as it does in other parts of the world.

He said that while Nigeria “continues to face the debilitating effects of corruption, we have taken steps to build strong institutions and strengthen our laws in addressing it. As we continue to do this, we call on the global community to further address the corrupting influence of big companies and rich countries”.

He also told his audience that successive elections in Nigeria had improved and the lessons learnt in 2011 were now being practised in preparation towards the 2015 elections.

“INEC has a strong team and government has ensured adequate funding and capacity enhancement while putting in place strong coordination mechanisms between the electoral body and other stakeholders.

“It is my firm belief that Nigeria will emerge stronger, manage her threats better and improve on governance. We are taking these careful but sure steps at the moment. The terrorist threat has focused us on the right path.

“We have developed a new national security strategy that puts our people at the heart of our efforts, a national counter-terrorism strategy that employs both hard and soft power and an economic revitalisation plan that will bring succour to those most vulnerable and those affected by violence.

“We continue to reach out to members of the international community to stand with us as we strive to build a united and prosperous country,” he concluded.

APC, Buhari, Atiku Kick

But APC in a statement yesterday rejected the call by the NSA for the postponement of the elections, ostensibly to give INEC more time to distribute PVCs.

The party warned that under no circumstances must the elections be scuttled.

The National Publicity Secretary, Mohammed, said the call by Dasuki had exposed the clandestine plot by the Jonathan administration to push for the postponement of the polls, using all sorts of cheap tricks.

“Now that we have found the smoking gun, we are urging the international community, in particular, to urgently extract a commitment from President Goodluck Jonathan that the elections will hold as scheduled next month, and that he would respect the outcome, just as we have said,” APC said.

APC accused Dasuki of trying to buy time for the sluggish Jonathan electioneering to gather steam by hinging his postponement call on the delay in PVC distribution, adding: “They know for sure that if they don’t postpone the elections, there is no way they can win. They are just terrified.”

The party also called on Nigerians to reject in its entirety the ongoing orchestrated plot by the Jonathan administration to postpone the elections, saying the constitutional crisis that will be triggered by such postponement was capable of undermining the nation's democracy.

“After realising it will be rejected by Nigerians who have borne the brunt of its mis-governance over the years, after realising that its campaign of calumny against our presidential candidate has failed, the Jonathan administration has now started to play its last card, which is the postponement of the election,” it said.

APC said the importance of elections could not be over-emphasised, adding that the elections are the lifeblood of democracies, the mechanism by which modern representative democracies operate.

“It is the only way for the citizenry to renew and refresh the governing process so they can get the most benefits out of democracy. Therefore, anyone that tries to sabotage this mechanism is aiming a dagger straight at the heart of democracy,” it said.

The party accused the Jonathan administration of using all the tricks in the books to scuttle the forthcoming polls, including the plot to hide under the insurgency in the North-east, the needless controversy over the secondary school leaving certificate of its presidential candidate, the concocted report by the DSS alleging a plan to hack into INEC's database and the fabricated report of  Buhari's ill-health.

Similary, Buhari and Atiku yesterday rejected any plan to move the February general election forward.

Speaking through his campaign organisation, Buhari said he was opposed to the plot by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to postpone next month’s general election as was canvassed by the NSA.

In a statement by the organisation’s spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, he said such a proposal as being contemplated was ill-advised.

“We smelled the plot that this unpopular PDP-led federal government would do anything to stay put in power, elongation of tenure has always been on the president’s agenda; no wonder he and his party want the election delayed or cancelled outright to effect an extension of their lacklustre administration,” Shehu said.

“Gone are the days when a few persons can hold the destiny of our dear nation to ransom. In fact, Nigerians would have called for an earlier election than February if our political system was parliamentary, for Jonathan’s government is worse than a rotten egg.

“It is smelly, full of sleaze, neck deep in corruption and uncaring. Two vital organs of government have downed tools for nearly two months – the health and judicial sectors and he does not give a damn!

“The nation’s currency (naira) is plummeting daily in value, the oil sector in virtually comatose, the economy runs on a deficit, unemployment skyrocketing, insecurity on the loose, decaying infrastructure, and a loss of sound national image.

“Nigerians have never had it so bad. Hence, any delay or postponement of the elections amounts to testing the patience of the people. We are all tired of a corrupt government, one full of ineptitude, incompetence and lack of ideas. Nobody can scuttle our hard-earned democracy in Nigeria,” he said.

Also, the former vice-president and chieftain of the APC said that the general election should hold as scheduled next month, and that government must not tinker with the option of postponing the timelines for the elections.

“Yes, we have a problem with the distribution of PVCs but the position of my party, the APC, is that since we have a voters’ register then that should be used in conducting the elections.
“I also believe there is enough time between now and the elections to issue everyone with their PVCs,” Atiku said shortly on arrival in the country.

The former vice-president, who landed at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja yesterday after a medical vacation trip, said the statement by Dasuki was uncalled for and portends a dangerous signal about the intentions of the federal government to conduct a free, fair and credible poll in February.

CSO Rejects Calls for Postponement

In the same breath, a civil society organisation, the Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room (Situation Room), rejected the call by Dasuki for the postponement of the 2015 general election.

In a statement signed by a Senior Programme Officer at the Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre, Agianpe Ashang, the orgnanisation expressed concern over the proposal for the postponement of the general election.

The Situation Room described the NSA’s statement as an unnecessary interference in the independence of INEC as guaranteed by the 1999 Constitution, stating that dates for the elections could only be set by INEC.

The statement read: “Prof. Attahiru Jega, in a recent meeting with Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) assured that every effort would be made to ensure that intending voters collect their PVCs before the February elections.

“The Situation Room called on the political parties and civic groups including religious organisations, labour unions, etc, to mobilise citizens to pick up their PVCs in the centres designated by INEC.

“The Situation Room called on INEC to put in place every measure to ensure unhindered and speedy distribution of any outstanding and uncollected PVCs.

“We continue to urge INEC to update the public on PVC distribution in states that have been most impacted by delays.”

The group called on Nigerians to go out en masse to collect their PVCs, and prepare to cast their votes for candidates of their choice in the upcoming elections.

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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