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Lest We Forget … Whither Jos Murderers?
It is gradually assuming the pedigree of a norm in Nigeria, to loudly condemn mass murders, politically motivated killing, especially of journalists and senseless bloodletting; assure the usually believing Nigerians that culprits will be brought to book and pronto, its business as usual.
Let me not bore readers with the long chronicle of such unresolved murders, which include Chief Aminasoari Kala-Dikibo, until his untimely murder, National Vice Chariman, South-South of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Marshal Harry, Dikibo’s counterpart in the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Chief Bola Ige, then Attorney-General and Minister for Justice among many others. Need I mention the novelty of a parcel bomb which cut-short the eventful life of the founding Editor-In-Chief of Newswatch Magazine in 1986, Mr. Dele Giwa?
Long after these, no fewer than five journalists have been murdered in cold blood and like the rest before them, earned merely the familiar national rose on their graves- assurances that no effort would be spared to fish out their killers and make such criminals face the full weight of the law.
But my worry today, is not so much about these isolated deaths grounded on the mindlessness of hired assassins, and common criminals, not so much because society ought to feel such losses any less but the Jos debacle has become urgent because of the fear of greater mayhem should the nation’s loud silence continue and as usual let inaction become a norm.
So recurrent and with a high degree of human losses, unless the lingering ethno-religious intolerance that has for years now, resulted in mass murder of defenceless men, women and children, is addressed and in a timely and decisive manner, there’s no telling when, Nigeria’s once most peaceful city will boil again.
This is because, after all the hue and cry, following the March 8, 2010 massacre of more than 350 people, mostly Christians, Nigerians were told of some arrests and likely trial. Never lacking in fresh agenda, the controversy over Late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s health and the need for a Goodluck Jonathan Acting Presidency, soon took centre stage and since then, very little of nothing is today being heard of the Jos killer squad and the need for justice.
On the said Sunday, a supposed sacred day of worship for all Christians, including, of course inhabitants of Jos, Plateau State, Hausa-Fulani fighters, believed to be Moslem fundamentalists had attacked Dogo Na-Hawa, Ratsat and Jeji villages, all in Foron District of Jos South Local Government Area of the state, leaving behind some 350 dead, most of them women and children.
That senseless massacre had taken place at a time when a dusk-to-dawn curfew was in place, thus creating the suspicion and rightly so, that the invaders enjoyed some form of patronage from the vigilant Joint Military Task Force assembled to check the growing unrest in the city.
Of course that aspect of the blame game took more urgent preference over the human casualties and the need to find the murderers and lay a solid foundation for lasting peace and harmonious co-existence, which only truth and reconciliation, many believe, can guarantee.
At that time, even then Vice President Jonathan ordered various military establishments to take over the security of the state, with assurance that the federal government would do everything within its power, to not merely fish out the killers but address, in a lasting manner, the issues responsible for the near frequent recurrence of large scale unrest that have rubbished, in unimaginable degrees the ambrosia of Jos city.
Expectedly, all Nigerians seemed united behind the Federal Government, in hope that the March 8, 2010 episode would be the last. I did not and still don’t believe so, because of the apparent silence that has now replaced the enthusiasm and drive that followed the killings, as is usually the case.
On Monday, March 22, this year, this column had warned against the traditional choice of sweeping under the carpet, the events of that dark Sunday. Titled, In This Place of Horror: Tears For The Warning Ambrosia Of Jos, that work attempted a chronicle of earlier killings which attracted little or no action, and which apparently served as a potent incentive for the senseless killings and desecration of a Christian’s day of worship.
For instance, between September 7, and 17, 2007, when the first ethno-religious riot occurred in Jos, in which more than 1,000 persons were killed not a single soul has, to date been punished for such inhumanity to fellow humans.
Naturally, because none was punished for the crime, barely three years later in 2004, the Plateau boiled again. That time, after clashes, in Yelwa, more than 500 were again killed, but the best then President Olusegun Obasanjo could do was to declare a state of emergency, the type which was in place before the March 8, 2010 debacle took place, that claimed 350 lives.
Again, since 500 lives were not worth quarrelling over, hiding under laughable council election disputes, same traditional master-minds of the near recurrent Jos mayhem struck less than a year after claiming more 700 lives. Expectedly, nothing tangible was done except the familiar rhetorics and near pretentious condemnations.
As if begging for more blood, years later in January, this year a minor dispute over a plot of land reportedly claimed another 350 lives although that state government was economical with the true figure of human casualties.
Regrettably, those expected to act did nothing even after the Ajibola Commission had, in fact, investigated the matter and submitted its report, in which very influential politicians and members of the Obasanjo Presidency, were indicted.
It was killings of the nature and government’s seeming helplessness in checking the frequent ethno-religious disturbances in the North, that might have pushed former Libyan strongman, Muammar Gaddafi to suggest the break-up of Nigeria along religious lines, as was the case between India and Pakistan.
As would be expected, all especially, those who Nigerians had depended upon to act, but who didn’t, quickly decided to feast on the Libyan in apparent display of love for and faith in our phoney unity, no matter how fragile it seemed.
Of course, that controversy at once took precedence over the deaths which were begging for vengeance and the truth of their circumstance, which only justice cold have easily guaranteed.
What is the position of the police investigation, arrests and eventual prosecution? Are we to expect justice or accept the familiar, pick and charge to court, the wrong suspects, build a weak case around them and leave a dutiful judge with no other option than to discharge and acquit the accused persons for lack of evidence?
Now is the time for both the state, and the police to convince Nigerians that human life is still sacred and that like all reasonable governments, ours also value lives of her citizens. Silence will not do, neither would the focus on other political issues.
The security of lives and property of the citizenry should be paramount to any good government, and the Jos example should be used as a launching pad towards proving the desired change of attitude.
My Agony is that now, it is already business as usual in Jos, with a kind of peace that is more dangerous than war. It is the peace of the graveyard.
Soye Wilson Jamabo
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DEPLOY YOUR CAPACITY, TECHNICAL KNOWHOW TO REVITALISE SONGHAI FARMS, FUBARA TELLS TASK FORCE
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that diversifying the economy of the State has become inevitable because of the need to solve the problem of food shortages while also providing jobs for the teeming unemployed youths.
These, he said, are the reasons why great care has been taken to critically look at the prospects of revitalising the Songhai Integrated Farms, which is located in Bunu Tai, in Tai Local Government Area of the State.
Governor Fubara insisted that if the problem associated with food shortages is tackled with good intent and purpose, about 40 to 50 percent of current problems of economic hardship plaguing the country and its people would have been solved.
Governor Fubara made the assertion while inaugurating the Chairman, Mr Biedima Oliver, and members of the task force saddled with the responsibility of supervising the revitalization of Songhai Integrated Farms by its partners: Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Other members of the task force included, the Rivers State Commissioner for Agriculture, Engr Victor Kii; Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Emmanuel Frank-Fubara; Dr Ayebaesin Beredugo; and Mr Maurice Ogolo.
The Governor explained that it took him time to approve the constitution of the task force being inaugurated because of the ugly experience with the previous group that shown such interest.
Governor Fubara stated that a process was initiated and driven halfway into the handing over of Songhai Farms on concession to an interested partner who latter showed a total lack of the needed capacity to undertake such task.
He said, “As a matter of fact, if few of you could remember, we even conceded the place to an investor who came in after he had made his presentation, and we, believing that he has the capacity, we said okay to him, and we had already signed up.
“But something happened. He came back to tell us that he wanted us to give him a N5billion bank guarantee. We then asked him, why? If we have the N5billion, why do we need you to come and even revitalize Songhai Farms? We would have put that N5billion there ourselves. For that reason, we cancelled that arrangement.”
Governor Fubara said now that two separate companies have come together to indicate interest and given the assurance of having the needed capacity to drive the process, he is delighted to see them meeting that expectation.
Governor Fubara pointed to the expectation of the people who want to see the Songhai Farms back on stream on a sustainable basis.
That expectation, he insisted, is also what his administration wants to see actualised within its lifespan.
He noted, “We want to see food sufficiency, because we know when Songhai Farms comes on board, there will be food, which is one of the problems we are having in this country. If we are able to tackle the issue of food, 40 to 50 percent of our problem will be solved.”
Governor Fubara also stated that although he believes in the presentation made by the group and has taken their assurance to heart, but warned that he would not tolerate a repeat of what happened before.
The Governor said, “I hope your story will not be (end) halfway too. I hope you have the capacity and all the technical knowhow to handle it. It is not when we start now, after we had finished inaugurating the task force, you will come back to tell us that you need $2million. If we have $2million, we won’t need you. We will invest it by ourselves.”
Governor Fubara, however, praised the capacity of the Chairman of the task force, Biedima Oliver, saying that incidentally, he was one of the personnel that convinced the then administration to develop the Songhai Farms, and had worked with the Rivers State Sustainable Development Agency (RSSDA) to manage the project.
He said, “He knows and understands the workings of Songhai, and now that we are making you the chairman of the task force, we want to believe that you will make that place come back to life.
“I don’t have any doubt in your capacity. A few things you’ve touched, you turned them to gold. Please, bring it back to what we used to see in Songhai. Bring it back with the help of your committee.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will remain committed to providing all the necessary support that they may require to make their assignment a success.
He added, “So, I hereby inaugurate you. Your task is very simple: Do everything within your powers and with our support to make sure that Songhai becomes operational to the benefit, not just the people of Tai, but to the entire Rivers State and Nigeria as a whole”.
In his acceptance speech, the Chairman of the Task Force to Supervise the Revitalization of Songhai Farms with Vitalcrop Ventures Limited and Imagine Adama Limited, Mr. Biedima Oliver, expressed appreciation to Governor Fubara for the opportunity and confidence reposed in them to revive Songhai Farms.
Mr. Oliver assured that they will deliver the expected goal on Songhai Farms, and doing so on time and on target so that the good people of Rivers State can eventually be happy and also benefit from the huge investment.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that all the policies and programmes of his administration are tailored towards the protection of interest of Rivers people, especially the youths.
This, he said, is borne out of the importance his administration attaches to youths’ development and empowerment as leaders of tomorrow.
Fubara, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, disclosed this when he received the youths of Emohua Local Government Area under the auspices of “Emohua Youths For SIM” on solidarity visit to Government House, Port Harcourt, last Friday.
He said that his administration has put in place modalities that will boost the livelihoods and well-being of Rivers citizens, which youths of Emohua will also benefit when they materialise.
The governor, who spoke through the Rivers State Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, pointed out that the recently awarded Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku Road, the ongoing Emohua-Kalabari Road, reinstatement of illegally sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Area and the approval for electrification of the area, are part of deliberate measures to open up the area to make life conducive and more meaningful for the people.
According to him, “Everything about the governor is putting the interest of Rivers State first. He is looking at and taking action on those things that we need to do to restart the wheels of progress in Rivers State.
“There are many things the governor has planned and is already doing that will boost the life and welfare of every citizen of Rivers State, but most importantly the youths.
“Growing up, I learnt that Egbeda is one of the biggest communities in the whole of Ikwerre, and it’s predominantly an agrarian community. They have food in Egbeda, they have food in Ubimini, they have food in Omudiaga and other natural resources. The whole world is tilting to agriculture, and this is the way to go.
“The Elele-Umudioga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Omoku road, when completed, will open up the area for real development. Your food and everything you produce there will now have value, they will no longer be thrown away. In all these, you the youths are going to be the utmost beneficiaries.”
He added, “Same will be applicable to the Emohua-Kalabari Road which will also, trigger development in the area, and you will be the greatest beneficiaries. When the LGA is also electrified, you will be having 24 or 20 hours of electricity, and those things the youths can do with electricity, you can stay at home and create wealth for yourself and children.
“All the totality of what the governor is doing, when they are completed, or even as some are completed now, the youths are going to be utmost beneficiaries.”
While acknowledging that youths are the true leaders of tomorrow and any government that fails to carry them along in the scheme of things is doomed to fail, the governor assured them of his administration’s commitment to always address issues concerning youths and ensure that they are part of his government.
He commended the youths for toeing the path of truth by identifying with his administration, urging them to sustain the tempo and shun evil, as his government will ensure that the trend whereby politicians turn youths to beggars are over.
He said, “Youths are, indeed, the leaders of tomorrow. The time of youth is a very important time. It a time that your parents or whoever is your leader at that time have to make the greatest investment in you. And any Government that decides to only carry the elderly, chiefs aling and abandon the youths is bound to fail,” he asserted.
“But I am happy that Governor Fubara has concentrated his energy on everything that will benefit the society, especially the youths.
“And based on these, I want to thank you for recognising what is good and calling it good, for shunning what is evil, for saying the Governor is standing for you.
“Let me tell you, you are on the right direction. Let me tell you again, Rivers State is the bride of Nigeria. The whole Nigeria is looking at what will happen here. As they look here and see you standing on the path of truth, this is a very important step that you have taken to right all the wrongs of the past, to make Rivers State stand on the tripod of justice, peace and security. That is what we are going to gain through the governor, taking all the wise actions that he has already initiated.
“The projects the governor is embarking on are meant to prepare nets for the youths to fish and put food on their table, hence you should continue to follow him.
“The SIMplified Movement brought upon by the governor will ensure that Rivers youths stop the habit of going to bow down before politicians, pledging loyalty before they can eat.”
Earlier, spokesman for the Emohua Youths for SIM, Comrade Ovamale O. Ovamale, had said that the visit by youths from the 14 political wards in Emohua Local Government Area was to thank the governor for the award of the Elele-Omudiaga-Egbeda-Ubimini-Ikiri-Omoku road, the approval for electrification of the area and reinstatement of sacked workers of Emohua Local Government Council, of which the youths were mostly affected.
According to him, “Siminalayi Fubara of recent has given Emohua Local Government road that links Elele to Omoku, which comprises over four communities in the local government.”
“Emohua Local Government has also been in darkness for eight years. No community in the local government that has light. But, of recent, because of the passion and love the governor has for the people of Emohua, he has approved the electrification of the local government.
“Also, the illegal sack of Emohua Local Government workers, for which the youths were mostly affected and without the approval of the Local Government Service Commission, the governor, in his compassionate nature, has reinstated them, and that is why we said we must come and thank His Excellency”, he said.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has assured that his administration will collaborate and continue to consult widely in delivering a liberated State experiencing enduring peace.
Fubara said, in doing so, he would not operate as a dictator but as a member of a team that has the best interest of the State at heart and determined to leave a lasting legacy that can be celebrated.
The governor spoke during the formal presentation of Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office to the Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, King Ateke Michael Tom, as first class tradition ruler, at Government House in Port Harcourt, yesterday.
Fubara stated that, during the Sixth State Executive Council meeting, N80.8billion was approved with 50 percent contract value paid already as the Government awarded the construction of the Elele-Egbeda-Omoku Road.
He said the project will be funded from the savings from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to underscore his administration’s prudence without also borrowing to complete the project.
“We are at a crossroad in our State where we all need to stand for what is right. It happens once in a life time. So, for now, be one of those people that will be in the course to liberate and free our dear State.
“And I know strongly that having the support of a peace-loving Amanyanabo of Okochiri Kingdom, having the support of the wonderful Council of Chiefs, having the support of the great people of Rivers State, we will bring peace in our State. We will do those things that are right to develop our State.
“We will continue to consult. We will not act as dictators. We will act as people who know that one day, we will leave, and when we leave, the way we have acted will speak for us. We will not force people to talk good about us. Our legacy will be a signature for how we led”, the governor said.
Fubara explained that he acted within the ambit of the law to upgrade the traditional stool upon which King Ateke Tom sits in recognition of his efforts in promoting peace in Okrika, and indeed, the State, and urged him to continue to do justice to everyone.
In his speech, Commissioner for Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Hon Charles Amadi, congratulated King Ateke Tom for being formally presented with the Certificate of Recognition and Staff of Office as first class traditional ruler.
Also speaking, former Transport Minister, Chief Abiye Sekibo, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise of upgrading the traditional stool of Okochiri Kingdom, and pledged the support of Kirike Se people to his administration.