Front Pix
That St. Theresa Attack …Of JTF Alerts, What Was Not Done
Gov Yakowa And IGP Abubakar
Since the Islamist extremist group, commonly known as Boko Haram started its terror attacks on both public and private property in parts of Northern Nigeria, a lot of guesses have been made as to the group’s real targets. Some say, members are merely misguided young Moslems trying in futility to rewrite the Koran in bloody letters, with education and the educated as enemies.
Others believe, the group’s main agenda is mainly political, with rubbishing the Jonathan Presidency as a target, hence its tactical drive focused on making parts of the North utterly ungovernable.
In this school also, are those who feel that the Boko Haram terror group is being groomed as a negotiating template to drag political power back to the North.
Yet others simply see the Boko Haram as an Islamist insurgency bent on imposing Islam in parts of the North and if possible in the whole of Nigeria. This third school of thought points to the countless number of Christian deaths through attacks on Christian places of worship. It argues that the terror attacks are clearly directed at Christians, that other victims are merely secondary or accidental victims either because of their vocal condemnations, like in the case of mass media houses and some top government officials, that the terrorists reckon, had been impediments to their terrorist activities, when they should be supportive.
Those who share this line of thought very easily point to the fact that not a single mosque had been attacked, since the madness began more than two years ago, and that all Moslem deaths were purely accidental.
All three schools of thought do have their reasons for their conclusions but not once has any been explicit enough to engineer government’s support to its course. That perhaps accounts for why government has repeatedly labelled the Boko Haram as terrorists merely driven by moral depravity and lust for human blood. They are neither true Moslems nor enemies of Christians but enemies of civilised Nigeria, good conscience, communal living and indeed peace.
With this conviction, government has not considered deeply, those that form the weakest link of the vulnerable chain, those high-risk targets and hence the need to protect such areas. Otherwise, there is no justification for the terror attacks, yesterday, on St Theresa’s Catholic Church, Kaduna in which, a yet-to-be ascertained number of Christian-worshippers were killed.
Curiously, in what many Nigerians called a timely alert, the military had last week Tuesday warned of likely terror attacks by the Boko Haram sect. The Joint Task Force (JTF) said it had uncovered a plot by Boko Haram Islamists to carry out “massive attacks” during the last Moslem holidays, with the help of foreign mercenaries.
“Information available to the Joint Task Force indicates that the Boko Haram terrorists are planning to launch massive attacks on military and civilian targets in Borno State, before, during and after the forthcoming salah celebrations,” Lieutenant Colonel Sagir Musa was quoted as saying.
“The terrorists have invited foreign mercenaries to assist them in the anticipated attacks”, Sagir said, adding, “we know where they are coming from but we don’t want to disclose that because we don’t want to pre-empt our security arrangements to tackle them”.
That warning would be one of very few that JTF had dished-out in recent times and with such confidence and certainty, and, if you like, welcome assurance that the security institutions were indeed on top of the situation. It was unlike the assurances frequently given by them since 2009, after each of the sustained terror attacks by Boko Haram, believed to have left more than 2,800 people dead and counting.
Yes, Nigerian security forces had frequently exaggerated their success in cracking down on Boko Haram insurgents, but they sounded more convincing in their terror alert of last Tuesday, afterall, a military that is pre-informed of enemy attack must be counted upon to rise-up to their constitutional duties of protesting the nation and her peoples.
This is indeed why it came to many as a huge disappointment that in the midst of such alert and preparedness of the security forces to prevent such attacks, St Theresa Catholic Church in Kaduna could suffer such killings. What went wrong?
That no single attack was recorded all through the salah holidays when Moslems went about their usual prayers in public places gave me some sigh of relief and nearly destroyed my skepticism of such security-based assurance, when it mattered the most. So, why should a church again be a victim.
This attempt is not to impute lack of government protection for Christian places of worship, although the temptation to do so is very strong, it is instead to question of how well the security structure understands the most vulnerable of targets in this senseless Boko Haram siege.
Is anyone pretending not to know that Christian places of worship have been targeted repeatedly? Is any one feigning ignorance of the fact that not a single worship-day passes without a story of one bomb attack or another on a church in the North? How many mosques suffer such insecurity? Shouldn’t that be enough reason for the security agencies to see the protection of churches in the North as a major concern? These are the questions which answers tend to give credence to the sentiments expressed by the third school of thought earlier addressed. These are Nigerians who cannot be easily convinced that annihilation of Christians in the predominantly moslem North is not part of Boko Haram’s agenda.
This is why none ought to undermine the likely consequences of silence in all these because of the unpleasant results of reprisals by groups, families and indeed churches of victims in all such attacks. Besides, a religious war is not one that Nigerian can manage, for many obvious reasons.
That is why I consider it unacceptable that Christian places of worship are frequently being targeted, with countless deaths but without any sure end to such hostilities.
The security institutions need to give Christians in the North enough reasons to believe that they too are covered by their arrangements, and not be made to believe that they are on their own.
For sure, there is no telling if the St. Theresa attack will be the last of such desecration of Christian places of worship in parts of the North, hence, the need for improved security of such facilities.
No doubt, an attack on any human being by another is condemnable but one on a faithful, in the presence of the Maker is most insane. Government must begin to see the Boko Haram for what it truly is and device appropriate safeguards against further attacks on churches.
My Agony is that among victims of the St. Theresa Catholic Church, Kaduna attacks, were defenseless men, women and children whose deaths may never be avenged through a legal process of bringing to justice their killers. This is because, after more than two years, such killings, are merely dismissed as Boko Haram job, a name that means invincible and untouchable. For now.
Front Pix
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.