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Less than 24 hours after the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly passed the state Governors and Deputy Governors’ Pension Bill, Governor Godswill Akpabio yesterday signed it into law.
The governor, at the ceremony, took time to explain the reason behind the passage of the amended pension law in the state which had been in existence since year 2000, saying the law, contrary to media reactions, was meant to block loopholes and check abuses of the open ended privileges extended to former chief executives and their deputies
The governor, who gave the explanation while signing the amended law, stated that "with the signing of this law, it supersedes the existing law passed by the previous administration which had been in existence since year 2000.
According to Akpabio,"the Nigerian constitution empowers the state Houses of Assembly to make laws for the wellbeing of its people, so we have today made the pension law for former governors and their deputies. This law was made in the year 2000 and was amended in 2006 and is now being amended in 2014."
He disclosed that "the new law states that all staff of the former governors, should not earn more than N5 million annually and staff of former deputy governors should not earn more than N2 million annually."
With this development, Akpabio noted that "no former governor can spend more than N100 million in a year for medical expenses and no former deputy governor can spend more than N50 million for medical expenses, because such extra money would not be spent by the state government, because we are making sure that we cover all the loopholes of financial wasteages."
"For the widows of former governors, they would receive a minimum of N1 million monthly for medical expenses and N500,000 for the widows of former deputy governors, "he said.
The governor also disclosed that the law covers those who also served in the old Cross River State, stating that the law was to streamline and to bring sanity in the spending of the state finances, which he said has been misinterpreted by the public and resulting to a lot of mis representation in the Internet by the people.
He noted that the monies so appropriated would only be spent when any of the beneficiaries were admitted or being treated in any hospital, adding that, if at the end of the year, no one visited the hospital the money would be returned to the treasury.
The state governor thanked the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Sam Ikon and members of the house for the peaceful manner they handled the amendment of the bill.
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 a complete departure from the 2006 census exercise, the National Population Commission (NPC) yesterday said it would ensure that biometric, digital satellite and other information and communication technology (ICT) facilities are deployed in 2016 census in order to avoid loopholes and controversies in previous exercises.
The Chairman of the commission, Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), explained in Abuja that this had become expedient in order to use such equipment to facilitate a smooth conduct of the census that is accurate, reliable and devoid of controversies.
On the imperative of conducting the 2016 National Population Census, Duruiheoma stated that: "What is needed is strategic architecture, cutting-edge ICT facilities, biometrics and satellite which will be able to capture human imageries."
He observed that "in line with international standard, only the conduct of a national population census in 2016 will consolidate the impressive legacies which the nation laid through the historic conduct of the 2006 population and housing census.
"New technology that will ensure that the returns are quickly captured, processed and analysed have been introduced. The vision of the commission is a vital registration system that will automatically update the population data within the inter-census period through regular and continuous capture of the changes in the population profile through births and deaths."
The NPC chairman though acknowledged the insecurity challenges in the country, mostly, the North-east, "it is of the firm belief that the challenges are not enough to put development planning on hold, which will be affected by the lack of census data on hold, these challenges are not enough reasons to throw away what the nation has gained through regular conduct of census."
Duruiheoma also informed journalists that though the commission was still looking at the total cost of the conduct of the census, "the estimate at the moment is N100 billion, realistic for the exercise, which will be tremendous in assisting in the conduct of 2016 census," he said.
Also, a Federal Commissioner with the commission, Dr. Festus Uzor, maintained that the usage of digital satellite images of 0.5 metre would be able captured everybody in the country, "nobody will be omitted" he added.
The NPC further clarified the issue of the presidential proclamation by President Goodluck Jonathan to pursue the 2016 census.
According to the country officials, "the issue of proclamation is not a problem yet."
On the controversy bordering on the inclusion of religion and ethnicity, the commission contended that such items would be included if the generality of Nigerians support the idea.
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 Yobe State Governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, said the nation needs the prayers of everyone in order to surmount the security challenge it is currently facing.
Gaidam, in his message, said this celebration had come like others over the previous years,. He said it was a time of great concern among many Nigerians about the state of the nation and, in particular, about the state of public safety and security.
"In Yobe State, as in many states in the north-east and around the country, countless people have fallen victim to the senseless and unspeakable violence perpetrated by criminals and insurgents.
"Just a few days ago, some of our law enforcement officials working hard to ensure the maintenance of peace and security were killed in an encounter with Boko Haram insurgents in Buni-Yadi Town of Gujba Local Government area."
The governor who expressed heartfelt condolences to the families of these patriots, who were killed in the service of their fatherland, said this was a great loss to the country and his thoughts and that of his government were with the grieving families.
"And, like many other incidents before it, Buni-Yadi is once again a reminder of the serious threats posed to our collective security by Boko Haram and the need for the entire country to come together to address them,” the governor said.
He urged the people of Yobe State to trust in the Almighty God and to continue to pray in homes, mosques and churches for divine deliverance from "the myriad of challenges that we face as a nation."
He further called on Nigerians not to "waver in their support for our security and law enforcement agents. With prayers, support to security agents and communal vigilance, the prevailing security challenges will be met and addressed."
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.
Plateau State Governor, Jonah David Jang, said that democratic rule has proven to be the most acceptable and best form of governance.
He said in spite of the challenges posed by the process, the country had witnessed immense transformation in all sectors since the last fifteen years of civilian rule.
The governor, in a statement signed his Director of Press, James Mannok urged Nigerians to be patient and not to lose faith “as our democracy is waxing stronger.”
While acknowledging that the nation was passing through a critical stage, Jang said Nigeria would emerge a solid country as it has all it takes to be a leading nation in the world.
Reiterating the resolve of his administration to pursue its entire people oriented programmes till the last day of its tenure, Jang called on the citizens to continue to pray for its leadership in order for it to tread on the path of good governance for the good of the society.
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 former Governor of Kwara State and Chairman, Senate Committee on Environment and Ecology, Senator Bukola Saraki, has urged Nigerians to stand and speak as one to demand an end to insecurity, corruption, and all other social ills that have plagued the nation.
Saraki, in a statement issued in Ilorin yesterday, appealed to Nigerians to demand that "in 2015 Nigeria displays its commitment to democracy, so that we have credible, free and transparent elections.
"This is a process that starts now, that sees democratic and transparent processes to select candidates through to election day where we are free to vote for the candidate we believe in.
"Democracy is not practiced by mirroring the language that we speak, where we come from or what religion we worship; democracy is the opportunity to address the issues that affect us all. Issues affect us all across Nigeria regardless of gender, age or religion,” he stated.
Saraki, now chieftain of All Progressive Congress (APC) said, "We must acknowledge some of the realities that have presented themselves when election-time comes in our country, and enlighten others and ourselves against them.
"One flaw that we have experienced in our young democracy is that it is often the case that many of our people choose leaders based on the constraints of sameness of religion, similarities in ethnicity, and other largely inconsequential values of nation-building leadership.
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 need for an independent judiciary in a stable democracy is sacrosanct. Davidson Iriekpen writes
The role of the judiciary in a constitutional democracy cannot be over-emphasised. As the third arm of government, this all-important institution has helped a great deal to stabilise the polity since Nigeria returned to democracy.
No doubt, if an opinion poll were to be conducted on the performance of the three arms of government, the judiciary is likely to dwarf the other two arms – executive and legislature. While the two other arms are constantly on each oth
er’s throat in supremacy battle, the judiciary is busy doing what it knows best and waiting for which of the two would first approach it.
At all times, whether during the military regime or democratic dispensation, the judiciary stands out as a distinct arm of government. The journey of the judiciary in the country is germane vis-a-vis the political and constitutional development of the country.
For many years that the country was under military rule, nothing was heard of the judiciary other than the fact that it wanted to further subjugate the people. Not many Nigerians knew where the courts were situated or whether it existed. At this point, the judiciary was viewed as lagging far behind the two other arms. One reason for this was the allegation that it was colluding with the powers-that-be to stall justice or join the dictators to oppress the people.
But with the advent democracy, Nigerians are more conscious of their rights and the need to seek justice. Even though in the last 15 years, many analysts would rightly argue that in terms of general performance, the judiciary is the most credible organ of government and had done a lot when compared with others, most times, the forces that hamper the rule of law, democratic change and unbiased justice delivery, have attempted to sully the enviable level of equity the judiciary has come to exemplify.
Nigerians see the judiciary from two perspectives: while some have commended it for some landmark cases that have pulled back the country from the precipice, with some of its conducts, others have wondered if it is serving other ends than ensuring litigants obtain justice. This impression is not misplaced. From time to time, some office holders within the judiciary either through forceful inducement or unlawful enticement have attempted to entangle the judicial system in the abominable vice of compromising justice.
To most Nigerians, one of the worst things that have befallen the judiciary, like every other thing in the polity, is subjecting it to a lot of politics, which has not only undermined its performance and perception but threatened its integrity, to the extent that its decisions are now subject of doubts.
For many analysts, how would the judiciary perform optimally when it is being underfunded? This brings to the fore, the fact that of the three arms of government, the judiciary is the most emasculated and underfunded. This, it has been argued severally, is a threat to justice delivery and the much needed independence in the sector.
The role of the judiciary in a constitutional democracy has its roots in the doctrine of separation of powers propounded by John Locke (1632-1704) and developed by Baron de Montesquieu in his book, Espirit de lois (Chapter 10). It is anchored on the presumption that any man vested with power is apt to abuse it. This makes governmental powers to be classified into three distinct broad categories namely, executive, legislative and the judiciary.
These distinct arms are not supposed to encroach on the exclusive territory of one another. But in the last 14 years, what Nigerians have witnessed is a justice system that has been blackmailed with what is largely due to it.
While the executive and legislature enjoy financial independence, the same cannot be said of the judiciary, which has been robbed of its financial independence, leading to frequent strikes due to poor and inadequate salary, dilapidated courtrooms and allegations of corruption against judges and support staff.
This is where the recent judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Abuja becomes apt. The judge, in his effort to breathe life into the third arm of government and make it totally free from interference, recently restrained the federal government, the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) from holding on to funds budgeted for the judiciary.
Justice Ademola ordered that the funds meant for the judiciary should be released directly to the heads of courts and not to the executive arm of government. He described the disbursement of funds for the judiciary by the executive as unconstitutional and a threat to the independence of the judiciary.
Relying on the provisions of sections 83(1), 212(3) and 162(9) of the constitution, the judge held that the system whereby both the federal and state governments pay funds accruing to the judiciary from the consolidated revenue in piecemeal was a breach of the constitution.
He said the provisions were clear and straightforward and should, therefore, be complied with. “The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and the states should act responsibly and promptly to avoid constitutional crisis in this country by ensuring financial autonomy for the judiciary.”
According to him, the end has come for the judiciary to be begging the executive for funds. He held that the piecemeal allocation of funds to the judiciary at the pleasure of the federal government and states was unconstitutional, un-procedural, cumbersome, null, void, and should be abated forthwith.
The judge also issued an order of perpetual injunction restraining the governors from further breach of the provisions of the constitution regarding the financial autonomy for the judiciary. He noted that both the National Assembly and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) enjoy independence of funding and that the same should apply to the judiciary in accordance with the constitution.
One area a majority of Nigerians are probably not happy with the judiciary is in the fight against corruption. Rather join the fight and root it out completely, the entire institution has been enmeshed in the malaise.
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.
In previous articles, I pointed out that His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi’s tie with the destiny of Rivers State is mysterious and different from that of any other political leader from the State. He is the only political leader so far who has played a key role in shaping the political future of the State who shares the same birthday with the State. Whilst he was born on May 27, 1965, Rivers State was created two years after on May 27, 1967. This, somehow, underscores why his commitment towards the emancipation and development of the State is total and unique.
Another unique aspect of this great leader from Rivers State is that he shares the same date with the day on which Nigeria celebrates the Children’s Day. Inspired by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Federal Government of Nigeria decided in 1964 – a year to the birthday of Amaechi – to set aside the May 27 every year as Nigeria’s Children’s Day. On this special day the whole Nation celebrates the Nigerian Child and the Federal Government declares a public holiday for schools across the country. The day is usually marked with fanfare, featuring dances, singing by children in colourful dresses and youth parades considered by many as the highlights of the day.
WHY AMAECHI IS AMAECHI
The family of Amaechi in Ubima, Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State, was on May 27, 1965 blessed with the birth of a son who unbeknownst to all would become a force to reckon with in Nigeria’s political firmament even before his 49th birthday. He was named Chibuike, which means ‘God is all Powerful’ and Rotimi, an abridged version of Oluwadurotimi, meaning ‘the Lord stands by me’, while Amaechi means ‘who knows tomorrow?’ Remember the popular phrase, what is in a name? One does not need to be a sage to know that all the meanings embedded in his name are playing out in the acts and arts of politics in Amaechi’s life.
Amaechi, as he himself has unequivocally said on several occasions, was not born into opulence. As a child his family experienced real hardship and he admits going through several challenges that have helped to shape his perception of life. His determination to ensure equal access to education for every Rivers child and bridge the gap between the privileged and underprivileged children in the state is unprecedented. Whenever the occasion demands, he (Amaechi) would not hesitate to point out that though he came from an underprivileged background, his was a modest family that inculcated in him the virtues of honesty, humility and sheer doggedness to succeed.
To give an insight into some of the experiences he had to go through in order to be educated and which perhaps may very well be the reason behind his passion to provide free education for all children in the state, rich and poor, Governor Amaechi said in a recent interview: “I don’t know how many people in my cabinet that could have experienced poverty like I did. I grew up at No.18, Chibu Street. I moved from there to Nnamdi Azikwe. Later, I lived with one of my friends in one of the creek villages near Port Harcourt. And I knew that my parents suffered a lot. With tears, they were looking for money to pay for my school fees, buy me uniforms, bags and all that. When I was in the university, I used to tell the girls that ‘none of you looked at my face because I was wearing one shirt, one pair of trousers almost every day with a sandal’. On Fridays, we would wash it and we wouldn’t move out at all on Saturday to enable it dry; Sam Okah and myself. Then it would dry on Saturday, but on Sunday, we were back to life; wearing the same shirt and the same trousers. How many of those in the cabinet passed through that?” This is the pathetic story of the man that is driven by unquenchable passion for a better Rivers State.
Amaechi became Governor of Rivers State in October 2007, after his previous position as Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly from 1999 to 2007. He successfully sought re-election as River State Governor on April 26, 2011.
An alumnus of the University of Port Harcourt, Amaechi is resolutely committed to ensuring that education is received without much burden in terms of finance to parents and guardians, as exemplified in the free education policy of his administration, including the provision of free uniforms, free sandals, free books, free hand bags and free tuition in the primary schools, while in the secondary schools, the government offers free uniform, free bags, free books, free boarding and free sandals. This may well be his own special way of living up to his birthday which coincides with the Children’s Day!
By all intents and purposes, Amaechi’s massive investment in education that includes free education and overseas training for scholarship students clearly shows his love for a better tomorrow for children, as there is no gainsaying the fact that education is the bedrock of development of any society. Today, his investment in education in the State stands out in the country. The awards the State has earned in this regard bears this out.
Apart from education, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has also made massive infrastructural investments around the state, road projects, schools, health centres, rural electrification, ongoing monorail project, rural development, land reclamation, implementation of the Greater Port Harcourt Master Plan and, most importantly, the sustenance of relative peace and security evident in the continued attraction and influx of foreign investors to the State. Amaechi stands as the only African Leader to have constructed 60 health centres, donated the same to 60 communities, a feat many within and outside the state acknowledge as the first of its kind. His astute leadership in striving for financial transparency, accountability and inclusive governance has earned the State a lot of accolades, numerous awards and recognition by international bodies and corporations, including the ability to attract a B+/AA Fitch investment rating to the state, boost economic and structural development as well as enhance content development in all sectors of Rivers State.
As Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Amaechi was Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria (1999 – 2000). He is currently Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), a position he re-contested last year and won. He has received the prestigious national award of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON).
Amaechi bagged the Sun Newspaper Man of the Year Award in 2007 and the Compass Newspaper Award for Security in 2008. The Governor of the Year 2009 Award was presented to Governor Amaechi at the Leadership Award for Excellence – 2009 and he was the Vanguard Personality of the Year for 2012.
AMAECHI AND HIS FEATS
In describing or outlining the feats of Governor Amaechi in office, let me quote from the press statement titled ‘Amaechi, Creator of Modern Rivers State —APC •Celebrates Governor at 49’, issued on May 26, 2014 by the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC). Rivers APC in the statement declared Amaechi the creator of modern Rivers State only comparable to the creator of the old Rivers State, HRH Alfred Diete-Spiff. According to the party, “This is the inescapable conclusion when one takes time to study Amaechi’s feats in the infrastructure change and revolution taking place in Rivers State today that includes creating the new Port Harcourt Mega City that has one of the best modern stadiums and other edifices only obtainable in modern cities of Europe.”
APC in the statement issued in Port Harcourt by the State Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, described Amaechi as an icon of democracy, a role model and an embodiment of development.
The party said: “For the records, Amaechi has succeeded in rescuing Rivers State from the hands of militants, whose activities made Port Harcourt to be described as the third most dangerous city in the world as at 2007 when Amaechi took over as Governor. He has since made the city an investors’ haven and has placed Port Harcourt prominently on the international map as the first African city to become the World Book Capital.
“We are happy that Amaechi survived all the intricate plots to remove him from office by enemies of democracy parading themselves as Abuja politicians and has, by so doing, become a pillar of Nigerian democracy.
“Governor Amaechi redefined the art of politics and governance in Nigeria when he introduced free education and free healthcare programmes in Rivers State and within a space of five years created over 50,000 jobs to reduce the menace of unemployment, poverty and insurgency in Nigeria. His administration started creating employment opportunities when he assumed office in 2007 by building over 140 Primary Health Centres, 23 model Secondary Schools that can compete with any modern university in Nigeria and over 300 Model Primary Schools which created job opportunities in the State. Each of these projects attracts about 100 workers. His government has created the Banana Farms that have created jobs for over 2,000 persons, revived Risonpalm, which was dead when he came in, and it has employed over 5,000 workers. The Songhai Farm has employed over 2,000 workers, while five Fish Farms in strategic locations have been completed.
“His administration is perfecting measures to ensure 24 hours regular power supply in the state. In this regard, the Amaechi Administration was able to build 88 sub-stations which are yet to be commissioned. Through the efforts of the Administration, the State is generating 545 megawatts of electricity, and also building facilities for another 180 megawatts. Before the end of this year, there will be 715 megawatts to ensure that Rivers State and her people have 24 hours uninterrupted power supply.”
REACTION BY REV DR. REUBEN EMEKA OKALA ON THE APC PRESS STATEMENT ON AMAECHI
Challenges are the yardsticks with which achievements are measured, they are the tests from which pass marks are decided and awarded and they are the temptations through which victories are determined. Without challenges, the world would hardly spot a champion. Even the Bible recognises the place and role of challenges (tests and temptations) in the lives of humans, hence it created safeguards for our victories through them. Yes, no one can stand before God and expect to be declared "more than a conqueror" without fighting and winning battles and/or wars.
Yes, God uses tests to determine the maturity of His saints while the devil uses temptations to make them fall in order to disposes them of the awaiting victory. But woe betide he who allows himself to be used of the enemy in his wickedness for the conqueror to emerge.
"However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of God in mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages of our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory." 1 Corinthians 2: 6-8 NKJV
When the powers that be in Abuja, in their wickedness, chose to chasetise Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi left, right, front and back to make him look unpopular before his constituency in order to prepare the ground for his ultimate removal from office, I saw whose interest they were serving and warned that they would help Amaechi to become not only stronger but triumphantly victorious at the end of the day. One of my brothers and a discussant here in the forum dismissed my prediction and wise-saying with a wave of the hand. I think he is still reading. He doesn't need to be a son of Issachar to be able to read and understand the direction of the swinging of the pendulum of this political weather.
Yes, APC, because of Amaechi, is going to win Rivers State hands down in the upcoming general election of 2015 — a victory given to them on a platter of gold by PDP's haughtiness and indeed stupidity in Rivers State.
By every yardstick, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is the BEST amongst all the governors that have ruled Rivers State since its creation in 1967. His achievements are towering and have surpassed those of Commander (Rtd) Alfred Papapriye Diette-Spiff by a very conspicuous margin. Amaechi has so transformed Rivers State multifariously that his shoes have become too large for his potential successor to fit in. His resounding victories at the battles of the Nigerian Governor's Forum (NGF), Rivers State House of Assembly (RVSHA) where one Evans Bipi ignorantly declared himself the speaker with a vote of 5 against 22 members, the activities of the erstwhile State Commissioner of Police (CP), Mbu Joseph Mbu, the mischievous ceding of Rivers State oil wells to Bayelsa, Imo and Akwa Ibom states, his refusal to be cowered and humiliated by his former party PDP that inordinately expelled him and all government functionaries from the party at one fell swoop, his
refusal to bow to the whims and caprices of the NJC in the appointment of a replacement Chief Judge of the State and his innumerable legal victories in all the legal battles that aimed to remove him from office are some of the landmarks that rightly showcase him as a pivotal to democracy and the rule of Law in the Nigeria's fledging democracy.
If with all these battles and their accompanying resounding victories, Governor Amaechi is not seen as a conqueror, nay more than a conqueror, who else is?
May I seize this opportunity to wish my Governor, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi a very Happy Birthday and Many Happy Returns!”
CONCLUSION
At this juncture, I will like to quote the great Charles Spurgeon, who said: “A good character is the best tombstone. Those who loved you and were helped by you will remember you when forget-me-nots have withered. Carve your name on hearts, not on marble.” To Amaechi, I hope you still remember the great Henry Alfred Kissinger, the 56th Secretary of State of the United States from 1973 to 1977, particularly his quote which you have without knowing lived all your life? Listen to what he said about you: “A leader does not deserve the name unless he is willing occasionally to stand alone.”
Let me also quote incumbent American President Barrack Obama, who said: “I know my country has not perfected itself. At times, we have struggled to keep the promise of liberty and equality for all of our people. We have made our share of mistakes, and there are times when our actions around the world have to live up to our best intentions.”
With great minds like Governor Amaechi, Nigeria is on the threshold of history and greatness by the grace of God. I thank God for giving us a Governor like Amaechi, who has proved that he is a truly patriotic and committed leader who desires the emancipation and development of his people. As Rivers APC rightly said in the press statement which I earlier quoted from, “He stands as the best product politically from Rivers State and can be crowned as the icon of democracy and embodiment of development as he has a lot to offer in building the type of Nigeria envisaged by the founding fathers of our nation. We wish Governor Amaechi many happy returns on this occasion of his 49th birthday and pray for God’s continued blessings on him as he expends himself in the service of Rivers State and Nigeria.”
Amaechi, my brother, I wish you the best possible birthday as we wait for the celebration of your golden years on earth.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY to a resolute revolutionary, exceptional visionary and democrat at 49!
•Eze Chukwuemeka Eze is a Media Consultant based in Port Harcourt.
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 President Olusegun Obasanjo has met with people believed to be close to Boko Haram in an attempt to broker the release of more than 200 kidnapped schoolgirls by Boko Haram, even as it emerged last night that one of the abducted girls had escaped from her captors.
Confirming this to THISDAY yesterday, the former president said the talks were only exploratory, adding: “As an African father, a Nigerian father or grandfather, any of the girls could have been my daughter or grand daughter… So I am only trying to reach out to see what can be done to secure their release.”
But despite the global effort to secure the release of the girls, the sect continued its onslaught on communities in the North-east where it killed 34 people, including armed forces personnel and policemen, on Monday.
The meeting took place last weekend at Obasanjo's farm in Ogun State, reported the AFP yesterday.
Present at the meeting were relatives of some senior Boko Haram fighters as well as intermediaries and the former president, the source said.
“The meeting was focused on how to free the girls through negotiations,” said the source who requested anonymity.
Obasanjo had previously sought to negotiate with the insurgents in September 2011 after Boko Haram bombed the United Nations headquarters in Abuja.
He later flew to the Islamists’ base in the Borno State capital, Maiduguri, to meet relatives of former Boko Haram leader, Mohammed Yusuf, who was killed in police custody in 2009.
The 2011 talks did not help stem the violence and some at the time doubted if Obasanjo was dealing with people who were legitimately capable of negotiating a ceasefire.
Spokesmen to the former president could not be reached to comment on the latest talks. But the source told AFP that Obasanjo had voiced concern about Nigeria’s acceptance of foreign military personnel to help rescue the girls.
“He said he is worried that Nigeria's prestige in Africa as a major continental power had been diminished” by President Goodluck Jonathan’s decision to bring in Western military help, including from the United States.
Mustapha Zanna, the lawyer who helped organise Obasanjo's 2011 talks with Boko Haram, said he was at the former president's home on Saturday.
But he declined to discuss whether the Chibok abductions were on the agenda. “I was there,” he told AFP, adding that Obasanjo was interested in helping the orphans and vulnerable children in the North-east and that possible charitable work was on the agenda.
Zanna had represented Yusuf's family in a wrongful death lawsuit filed against the government following his death in police custody. It was not clear if Obasanjo’s weekend meeting had been sanctioned by the government.
According to the source, Obasanjo supported a prisoner-for-hostage swap that would see some of the girls released in exchange for a group of Boko Haram fighters held in custody.
Sect Kills 34 in Borno, Yobe
But notwithstanding the efforts from different angles to rescue the girls and curb the reign of terror foisted by Boko Haram, 34 people were killed in a series of attacks by members of the sect in Borno and Yobe villages on Monday.
In Buni-Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, 14 soldiers and 11 policemen, including a Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and a Divisional Crime Office (DCO), were said to have been killed Monday evening by suspected Boko Haram members who laid siege to the town for over two hours.
According to sources, the insurgents started the onslaught on the town from 5 pm and set all security and military formations in the town ablaze.
Residents of the town told reporters on the phone yesterday that the insurgents also set on fire the area court and district head’s residence and office as well as a few residential quarters.
The palace of the Emir of Buni-Yadi, Alhaji Muktar Ali Gangaran, was also vandalised by the insurgents.
Some security personnel, who did not want their names in print, said 14 corpses of soldiers and 11 corpses of policemen were conveyed to the Damaturu Specialist Hospital mortuary.
A resident of the area, one Malam Modibbo Kawu, said the insurgents drove into the town in several Hilux vans on which they hoisted the sect’s flag, they moved straight to the military formation in the town from where they launched the attack. They also deployed an armoured personnel carrier (APC) to prosecute the attack.
He said they told residents of the town not to get scared. According to him, “They said they were not here to attack us but had come for a reprisal attack against the security forces. They claimed they had been attacked by the military at Alagarno last week.”
Kawu added that the insurgents set the district head’s house on fire, burnt the local government secretariat and divisional police station as well as the military base in the area.
However other sources in the town disclosed that over 20 corpses of the military and similar number of policemen were seen being conveyed to Damaturu, the state capital.
Other eyewitnesses said well-armed insurgents stormed the town and attacked the police divisional office of the area as well as the military base killing scores of security personnel who were on duty at the time of the attack.
“I can confirm to you that several policemen, soldiers and mobile policemen were killed. We the civilians were not allowed to come close to the casualty area, but over 20 bodies were seen,” one of the eyewitnesses said.
The state Commissioner of Police Mr. Markus K. Danladi, who confirmed the incident, said he had just visited the scenes of the attacks but could not give the casualty figure, adding that he was still getting the details.
The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, DSP Nansak Chegwam, admitted he was in Buni-Yadi but gave no details of the attack.
Some security personnel, who spoke to reporters, expressed regrets over the attack which claimed the lives of several of their colleagues.
The attack on Buni-Yadi, 50 kilometres south of Damaturu, was the third in the area by Boko Haram insurgents this year.
Calls to the spokesman of the security forces in Yobe State, Lt. Eli Lazarus, for confirmation were not answered at the time of filing this report.
In another incident, suspected terrorists attacked Chinene village in the Chikide-Joghode-Kaghum Ward, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, killing nine persons and setting ablaze six churches and residential houses.
There were claims that the insurgents also hoisted their flags on some structures in Ashigashiya ward of the local government, signifying their conquest and take over of the communities.
It was also gathered that several other persons were left with serious gunshot wounds, while many were forced to take refuge in the bushes and surrounding hills.
A local government official, Nglamuda Ibrahim, said many of his extended family members and friends displaced in the latest attack had been calling for assistance since Monday night.
He said people now live in perpetual fear, as some of them who had taken refuge in the hills believe there would be another attack because some of the insurgents were seen lurking around.
Ibrahim said: “As we speak, I am still receiving distress calls from them, they are all crying and calling for help; no soldier or police official has gone there yet.”
He said: “The gunmen mounted their flags in Ashigashiya which depicts that it is now under their rule.”
He added that six churches were burnt, but could not determine the number of houses that were burnt in Chinene village.
“They also attacked Amuda village where one person was killed and several others were injured,” he said.
He said from the SOS call from his people, they now live in fear that they might be picked out by the insurgents in their hiding place.
Ibrahim said: "Some of them told me that the insurgents were perfecting strategies to kill them, adding: “Currently, the insurgents have mobilised at Izhaghathagwa Mountain, planning how to finish our people; that is why they have been calling for help before the gunmen find them.”
He listed the names of some of those killed in Chinene village as Bulama Dajiba, Bulama John, Haruna Wadda, Bitrus Kurma, Haruna Kwatha, Haruna Waruda, and Shaibu Galva.
Ibrahim called on the military authorities in the state to quickly salvage the situation and help to rescue the villagers, their wives and children before the terrorists catch up with them in the mountains.
“We have a detachment of soldiers that is deployed to Gwoza but none of them cares to go behind the mountains even though everyone hears the sound of the shootings there,” Ibrahim said.
A top security officer, who confirmed the multiple attacks on Gwoza communities said: “We all have received the report from Chinene village. It was really another sad episode there and we learnt that the insurgents hoisted their flag in Ashigashiya.”
However, the police spokesman, DSP Gideon Jubrin, could not be reached as all his phone numbers were switched off.
But a top police source confirmed the deadly attacks in Chinene, stating that nine persons lost their lives in the attack.
Abducted Girl Escapes
However, as the sect continued with its rampage, it emerged last night that one of the girls kidnapped last month by Boko Haram had escaped.
According to an online news website, The Cable, the National Chairman of Kibaku Area Development Association, Dr. Pogu Bitrus, confirmed that the girl had escaped, but refused to reveals identity, saying it could endanger her life.
“The girl is currently at a location I cannot disclose,” he said. “But I can assure you that she is safe.”
Bitrus further revealed that four other girls escaped last week, but they were shielded from the media in the interest of their safety. Similarly, another source in Chibok confirmed the news, saying: “It is true. I have just confirmed that one girl escaped.”
Cameroun Boosts Border Forces
In a related development, Cameroun has deployed about 1,000 troops to its border with Nigeria to fight the growing threat of the Islamist group.
A defence ministry spokesman said the troops would carry out reconnaissance missions and return fire if necessary.
Retired US General Carter Ham, who was formerly one of the commanders of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM), which liaises with African countries on military matters, told the BBC that the Nigerian government must now be considering its options.
“There are difficult options at best. Certainly a military or security force hostage rescue operation brings with it great, great risk, and I think there have been a public debate about Nigeria's capability to perform that, but… if they have an opportunity and see that is the right thing to do, they probably could.”
Documents Contradict WAEC, Police Claims
Meanwhile, contrary to the impression created by officials of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) that the body had warned the Borno State Government against conducting the examination at the Government Secondary School, Chibok, fresh facts have emerged to indicate that no such warning was given by WAEC.
According to Borno State Government sources, both the state government and WAEC did not anticipate the degree of the security challenges that resulted in the abduction of the over 200 schoolgirls from the school on April 14. Both parties had therefore made preparations to conduct the examination.
After the kidnapping of the schoolgirls, the wife of the president, Mrs. Patience Jonathan, on May 2, had summoned the school’s principal, Mrs. Asabe Kwambura and officials of WAEC to enquire about the abduction.
At the meeting, the Head, National Office of WAEC in Nigeria, Mr. Charles Eguridu was reported in the media to have said that WAEC had categorically declared Chibok unsafe for the May/June 2014 West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) but that Governor Kashim Shettima overruled the warning and insisted that the examinations be held.
However, correspondence made available to THISDAY yesterday showed that a letter written by WAEC, with reference number MD/ZO/OA/10/203, dated March 19, 2014 and signed by F.M Gaiya, zonal coordinator of the exam body, suggested that WAEC did not single out Chibok as unsafe and the body actually made preparations alongside the state government to conduct examinations in all centres in the state.
The Borno State Government, nevertheless, admitted that WAEC had raised the general issue of insecurity in the state and asked for adequate arrangements, but stressed that no specific mention was made of Chibok as implied by WAEC and some politicians.
The documents also showed that the WAEC authorities had also requested special security arrangements to facilitate the movement of WAEC materials and personnel during the examination period.
In a letter written to the deputy governor of the state, Mr. Zannah Umar Mustapha, WAEC had specifically asked for the “provision of three (3) pick up vehicles to convey security (sensitive exam) materials on three routes from Maiduguri-Biu (daily); Maiduguri-Auno (daily) and Maiduguri to Askira-Lassa-Chibok (twice weekly), as well as armed escorts for each route and adequate security for the examination centres in Maiduguri, Biu, Askira, Lassa and Chibok.”
The correspondence revealed that Chibok was among the towns where WAEC had planned to conduct the examination.
In one of WAEC’s letters, the body said: “In addition, I am pleading for the provision of two houses for the Deputy Registrar/Zonal Coordinator and his assistant who have been hobbling from hotel to hotel as a result of the prevailing security situation in the state.”
Borno State Government sources also contended that contrary to the statement of the Borno State Police Commissioner that the police were required to provide security only at Chibok in the day time, the correspondence exchanged between the state government and the police command do not suggest that the request for security was only for day time.
Similarly, in countering the narrative by the supervising Minister of Education, Mr. Nyesom Wike, that he had also written the Borno State Government to collapse all schools in the state to Maiduguri for the purpose of writing the examination, state government sources said the directive by Wike could have applied only to unity schools in the state, and not state schools.
“The Minister neither has controlling or advisory powers over schools owned by Borno State Government and as such he couldn’t have directed the Borno Government not to conduct exams in Chibok,” a government source explained.
He pointed out that the fact that WAEC in a letter, with reference no MD/ZO/OA/10/204, had requested logistic support from the state government to the tune of N1,668,000, out of which the government released N1.5 million, which the zonal coordinator received, showed that both the state government and the WAEC authorities had prepared for the examination in the entire state, without envisaging the degree of insecurity that resulted in the kidnapping of the girls.
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.
With the rise in the spate of suicide bombings, especially in the northern part of the country, the police yesterday released tips on how to identify a suicide bomber and the safety measures to take.
In the same vein, the federal government has been urged to carry out a thorough audit on security personnel in all security agencies, with a view to fishing out infiltrators and saboteurs militating against the war against terrorism.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, a Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP), said one of the easiest ways of identifying a suicide bomber is the suspicious manner in which the bombers carry themselves, by ensuring they avoid eye contact with people around.
Although he admitted there was no specific profile for suicide bombers, as they can come from nearly every cultural background, religion, race, creed or gender, they however share some common characteristics that define a potential suicide bomber.
He said: “You can identify them through their behaviour. They behave in a way similar to someone with no future. Also, their mental state could present clues like the way their eyes are secretive.
“They make obvious attempts to avoid eye contact with the people they perceive as their enemies and are always looking at every possible exit. Also, they are always mumbling prayers, as if they are whispering to someone else.
“They show no response to any authoritative voice, command or instruction and their appearances can also be used to identify them because they wear clothes that are unsuitable for the present-day weather.
“For instance, wearing a sweater or raincoat during hot weather, as well as slack or baggy clothes. This makes their body frames to appear excessively larger than their head or feet and as a result they sweat a lot, resulting from tension and stress of wearing unsuitable clothes.”
Mba called on citizens to watch out for such suspicious persons whose hands are often placed in their pockets, which he said is on the detonator, ready to set off the bomb at the slightest opportunity.
He said such persons carry big bags or backpacks tightly with wires piercing out of the bag and often walk awkwardly, which is usually due to the unsuitable attire they are wearing and the weight of the explosive devices tied around their body.
On how they scour out their targets, he said they often try to blend in by visiting the place with the clear intention of carrying out surveillance and identify vulnerable areas before attacks.
He also pointed out that suicide bombers have an unusual herbal body odour, which he said is as a result of the incense used in the final rituals performed on them as they take off for the suicide mission.
Meanwhile, the call for a personnel audit was made by the Society for Security Practitioners of Nigeria (SSPN) yesterday in Lagos.
The President of SSPN, Mr. Davidson Akhimien, who made this call, said it was pertinent because of the worrisome dimension the insurgency had assumed in the country recently.
He said the audit could be done through funds/finance tracking, mails/communication interception and personal and electronic surveillance.
Although he said the security operatives had been dogged in contending with the situation, there was need for the audit to fish out saboteurs in the system.
Akhimien also called for an immediate review and update of the inventory of the military arsenal in tandem with the requirements of modern warfare and modern armies to curb the menace.
He said: “The federal government should consider the option of border closure for the time being, in order to have an effective border patrol along the North-east axis.
“They should also equip the Nigerian Immigration Service with more helicopters for aerial surveillance and patrol along the axis, as well as address the need to adopt technology in its national security considerations.”
He also recommended that government should establish channels and reliable communication links at all levels and in all local government areas for the upward dissemination of information and intelligence gathered by citizens at community/neighborhood levels.
“In the face of the current security challenges and against the backdrop of the requirement for community policing, government is advised to consider the inclusion of reservists and ex-security servicemen in its national security architecture,” 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.
The Northern Alternative Forum (NAF) has berated Governor Kassim Shettima of Borno State over his repeated comments blaming the federal government for the deteriorating security situation in the North-east, particularly the abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by the terrorist group, Boko-Haram.
The National Chairman of the group, Alhaji Gidado Ibrahim, at a press briefing yesterday in Abuja noted that the governor had consistently made the ongoing military operation in the North-east a subject of self-exoneration of responsibility, adding that the failure of some past northern politicians led to the emergence of insurgency.
He stated that the federal government had no hand in the emergence of Boko-Haram and should not be held responsible for the social condition which had fuelled insurgency in the region.
“The attention of Northern Alternative Forum has been drawn to an interview granted by Governor Kashim Shettima on CNN, where the governor in continuation of his campaign of blackmail and distraction against security operatives in the North-east, blamed the federal government for the abduction of the schoolgirls in Chibok. We in the North know that the federal government has no hand whatsoever in the emergence of Boko-Haram,” Gidado said.
He added that the illiteracy and poverty level in the region which resulted to the emergence of Boko Haram was an indication of the kind of leadership provided by northern politicians over the years.
“Every sincere northerner knows that the failures, actions and inactions of the governor and government of Borno State led to the rise of terrorism and BokoHaram insurgency. Not only did the government of Borno State fritter away their huge resources on self-aggrandisement and investment in violent politics but also produced the monster that is now confronting the whole northern region,” he said.
According to Gidado, contrary to Shettima’s position that the federal government didn’t not listen to the advice of the state government three years ago, some governors and politicians in the zone had turned down several decisions of the federal government to begin security operations against Boko Haram.
He noted that the same set of politicians gathered in Abuja to demand the withdrawal of security operatives in the Borno and Yobe States.
Gidado also commended the federal government for the extension of the state of emergency in the North-eastern states of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, saying it had succeeded in restoring social economic activities in some of the affected states.
“While the federal government and the international community are engaged in the search for our unfortunate sisters and daughters, we can confirm to the world that without the state of emergency, perhaps by now, the states would have been ghost towns,” he stated.
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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