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Buhari Has Failed, Can’t Solve Nigeria’s Problems – Soyinka …Killings In Nigeria Too Alarming -CAN …Ohanaeze Urges Emergency Security Summit
Nobel laureate, Wole Soyinka, has insisted that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration has failed.
According to him, the problems confronting Nigeria were beyond Buhari.
Soyinka stated this while playing host to students who paid him a visit on his 85th birthday.
The literary icon made it clear that while state governments differ in success rates, “central government has failed”.
“The problems of this nation are beyond the solution that can be offered by this government, that’s the first admission; they have to stop thinking in partisan government.
“There has always been a major problem with successive governments. It’s easier on the state level to say that a particular state is definitely doing better than another state. But the central government has failed, that’s my view in the main.
“There is a minimal level which any government which has been elected to power must achieve to be considered a true representative of the people.
“Look at what’s happening today with the cattle all over the place, that’s a security issue which should never have reached this level. That singular act has resulted in hundreds of people being killed, farms were taken over; it has wiped away a lot of the positive achievements of the government.
“They need to confront this nation as a habitation of human beings where very serious issues like economy, security, health, even threats of secession come up every day and convoke at the same time, a national conference, what I call an Indaba across all section which we will all meet and debate everything, including the economy of this nation,” Soyinka said.
Meanwhile, the President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), His Eminence, Rev Dr Samson Supo Ayokunle has condemned the murder of Mrs Funke Olakunri, daughter of the leader of Afenifere, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, in strong terms.
He called on the Buhari government to urgently step up the security system in the country with a view to stopping the unending killings.
A statement yesterday by his spokesman, Pastor Adebayo Oladeji, said killings in Nigeria had become too alarming.
“Is the government totally overwhelmed? What is the essence of government? Is it not first of all to protect lives and properties. The stories we are hearing are neither exaggerated nor politicised”, he noted.
“This killing is a big dent on the government of the day! Today, it is Mrs. Olakunri, no one knows who the next person could be! We are seriously concerned and are weeping for our beloved country Nigeria.
“Why have things become like this? The bad image these acts are giving us as a nation daily is totally shameful. Can’t the government act better for us?
“Once again, we call on the federal government to overhaul the security architecture of the country which appears to have collapsed.
“Nowhere is safe again due to the criminal activities of men of the underworld who are manifesting as terrorists, killer herdsmen, kidnappers, ritual killers, armed bandits, religious fundamentalists (Boko Haram) and armed robbers.
“People are being kidnapped with impunity and ransom is being paid to get their captives released. For how long will these things continue to go on?
“Our hearts go out to the chief mourner of this murderous act, Pa Reuben Fasoranti. There is no one who can comfort you but God, our Comforter and He will console and comfort you Sir on all sides.
“We call on the Police and other security agencies to wake up from their slumber and fish out those responsible for this crime and other killings in the country,” he said.
Similarly, the Christian Reformed Church-Nigeria has said the suspended RUGA project was aimed at grabbing lands belonging to sacked communities across the country for herdsmen to occupy.
This was contained in a communique issued at the end of the church’s 117th General Church Council meeting held at the CRC-N N01 Takum, in Taraba State.
The church, which condemned in strong terms the situation where the Federal Government watched herdsmen sack some communities only for them to come out with the contentious RUGA project, described the move as flagrant miscarriage of justice.
This is even as the church also condemned the rift between the Jukun and the Tiv in Wukari Local Government Area, and warned the youths on the consequences of continuous attacks and looting in the area.
On the menace of armed banditry, kidnapping and herdsmen invasion of communities to disposes them of their lands, the church called on the Taraba and Benue states’ governments to ensure security of lives and property of their citizens.
The communique also directed the Peace and Relief Committee of the church to come out with strategies to forestall and mitigate the negative impact of climate change, environmental hazards and other disaster that might befall the church.
Part of the communique read “On the threat of mental health, council expressed concern over the report that over 60 million Nigerians were mentally disoriented due to drugs and trauma from sundry social conditions.
“The church hereby directs the management of Veenstra Theological Seminary, Donga, to strengthen curricula to include Psychology, Guidance and Counselling, Peace and Conflict Studies to equip graduates with relevant skills to provide support to their host communities.”
While congratulating the President of CRC-N, Rev. Caleb Ahima on his recent election as the CAN National Vice President, the church called for prayers as the church prepares for the election of new officials.
Similarly, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has requested that Nigeria summons an emergency national security conference to discuss ways out of the escalated insecurity in different parts of the country that has resulted in different manners of killings.
The apex Igbo body made the call as part of matters arising from the killing by suspected Fulani herdsmen of Mrs. Funke Olukunri; daughter of Afenifere leader, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on her way from Ekiti Etate to Lagos.
President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Dr Nnia Nwodo on behalf of the Igbo nation offered Pa Fasoranti and the entire Yoruba their heartfelt sympathies on the mindless killing.
Nwodo flayed the continuous rampaging, plunder, rape, kidnapping and murder of innocent Nigerians by armed Fulani herdsmen, which he noted has climbed to a most worrisome crescendo.
He also said it was regrettable, the inability of Nigeria Security Forces to disarm and prosecute the criminals, stating that the attitude of the security agencies give credibility to a growing story of collusion.
In a statement issue by Ohanaeze, yesterday, Nwodo noted that recently, the British High Commission in an advisory to British citizens in Nigeria declared twenty four of our states unsafe.
He further regretted that in the midst of the killings, the parent organisation of the suspected criminals had the effrontery to give ultimatum to President Muhammadu Buhari, to rescind his unpopular suspension, instead of cancellation of the RUGA development policy.
“Such inciting, provocative and treasonable outbursts have only been greeted by an advice that they (the suspected criminal parent body) should respect the Presidency and an unrelenting resolve to force Nigerians to accommodate such murderers in their homes under a policy that violates our Constitution and all laws and court judgments relating to Land Use Act administration.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns that this latest murder is capable of throwing our country into uncontrollable break down of law and order. The hasty conclusion by the Federal Government that she (Mrs. Funke Olukunri) was killed by armed robbers and not the suspected herdsmen who are known to have laid siege on all parts of the country perpetrating acts of banditry and killings further exacerbates the already tense situation.
“We call on eminent leaders of this nation in spite of their political persuasion to come together in an urgent National Security Conference to discuss measures that will arrest the extant drift to lawlessness,” Nwodo said.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s immediate past deputy Senate president, Ike Ekweremadu, and President-General of Pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Dr John Nnia Nwodo are among special guests expected to add colour to the second annual Igbo Cultural Festival in Germany.
The forthcoming 2019 Annual Igbo Cultural Festival and Convention in Germany, organised by Ndi-Igbo Germany (N.I.G), the apex body of all Igbos living and working in the Federal Republic of Germany scheduled to hold at Löwensaal am Tier Garten, Schmausenbruck Str. 166, 90480 Nürnberg, Germany on August 17, is primarily aimed to reawaken the Igbo spirit in the 21st century which will also have the blessings of the Nigeria Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Maitama Tuggar as the chief host.
In a release to this effect, the organisers stated; “This gathering will provide a forum for Ndi-Igbo Diasporans and other stakeholders to network and consult on issues of economic importance and enable an atmosphere of better, broader cooperation between the German-Nigerian business communities with the aim of boosting investors’ interest and facilitating pragmatic exchange of expertise and transfer of technology to Nigeria.
“The event is part of our initiatives to expedite the integration of Nigerians in Germany into national development, by synchronising the activities of our Diaspora groups with home-based organisations”, the NIG Coordinator, Oge Ozofor, and the Event Committee Chairman and NIG Deputy Coordinator, Joe-Blaise Nnaemeka Akanazu, said on behalf of NIG.
“It is also an opportunity to demonstrate our unity, showcase the richness of our culture, our resilient and adaptable spirit, our unanimity in identifying with the high standard of our forebears and heroes of past,” the organisers added.
The statement said Ndi-Igbo Germany (N.I.G) would also use the opportunity to host and honour distinguished sons and daughters of Nigeria who, in spite of all odds, have distinguished themselves in their various fields of endeavour.
Also expected at the event are the Nigerian Consul-General in Frankfurt, Suleiman Dauda Umar; wife of the late Gburugburu Ndi Igbo and IkembaNnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu; CEO of Innoson Group of Companies, Innocent Chukwuma; and Eze Akajiofo Igbo, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri.
Others are former governor of Anambra State, Chukwuemeka Ezeife; Prof Mazi Ojiaku, former Nigerian IGP, Mike Okiro; Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, Ahaejiagamba Ndigbo; former Nigerian Consul-General in Frankfurt, John C. Ejinaka; governors of the five South-Eastern states, among others.
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Arson: Those Behind It’ll Account For Atrocities -Fubara …Swears In Bipi, Three Others As Commissioners
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has said that his administration will not fold its hands and watch sponsored political thugs run berserk, committing arson in the State.
The Governor, therefore, assured that, working with the Nigerian Police Force and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), measures will be taken to unravel those behind the recent burning of council Secretariats at Ikwerre, Emohua and Eleme Local Government areas, with a view to making them account for their atrocities.
Governor Fubara gave the assurance while swearing in four new commissioners into the Rivers State Executive Council at Government House in Port Harcourt yestersday.
Those sworn in are Hon. Israel Lebura Ngbuelu, PhD; Hon. Evans Bapakaye Bipi; Barrister Otamiri John Ngubo; and Hon. Barrister Benibo Anabraba.
Governor Fubara recalled mentioning when he sworn-in newly elected Local Government Councils’ Chairmen on 6th October, 2024, that there was intelligence on planned mayhem by misguided persons, who had threatened to prevent the elected officers from resuming duties.
True to it, Governor Fubara said, the sponsored political thugs hatched their plans, and burnt valued buildings at some council secretariats.
He said, “I said it before it happened. I knew because they were unhappy, they would go extra miles to create disaffection in the minds and hearts of the good people of Rivers State.
“We want to also let the people know that what has happened (arson) after the election, we are not going to allow it to go uninvestigated.
“A similar event had happened in this manner before, and after some weeks, some of our supporters were declared wanted in order to turn the story around.
“But this time around, I strongly believe, with the support and cooperation of the Nigerian Police and the Directorate of State Services (DSS), we will unravel those behind the assault and make sure that they account for their atrocities.”
Governor Fubara expressed appreciation for the show of patience and calmness by majority of Rivers people despite the fact that they are angry with the reckless acts of the misguided miscreants.
The Governor said he has continued to show leadership, provided the climate that has engendered productive endeavours, and will not mislead those he is leading.
“As your leader; the one steering the ship, I assure you I will not mislead anyone of you. I still stand on the path of peace. We have cases of arson in some local government areas.
“But, I appreciate your calmness. I have always maintained that we are going to be the greatest losers, if we meet them force-for-force. We need to go with peace.
“So, I will encourage everyone of you not to follow them with violence. We are carrying a basket of precious eggs in our hands. So, we need to follow them with carefulness and wisdom.”
Governor Fubara reiterated what he said the previous day on what should matter most for Rivers State, which is a firm support to ensure that the progress of Nigeria is sustained.
He said, if oil theft is not checked, the country’s economy will be badly impacted, and there will not be funds to address critical issues.
“We are in a situation where the fund that is being generated from oil production is not sufficient to tackle the challenges of Nigeria, and every hand has to be on deck to make sure that there is increase in production.
“Our focus here, not minding the distractions, will be how to provide support. You have to work with us to make sure that we curb this issue of oil theft and pipeline vandalisation.
“This is the only way that the allowances (revenue) will increase and more will also come to our State, and more progress will also be achieved in this State.”
Governor Fubara explained that his administration is doing a lot for the good people of the State, that are not being seen because of the political drama that takes their attention away.
He, however, said that his administration is working out modalities, and will soon choose a day, which could probably be before the end of October, 2024, to showcase a few projects and services that have positively impacted lives in the State.
Governor Fubara congratulated the newly sworn-in commissioners for making it into the Rivers State Executive Council.
He explained that more persons whose loyalty are for Rivers people and the administration needed to be admitted into the Rivers State Executive Council to help drive the policy of government because they will not resign their appointment.
Governor Fubara said: “We want to be sure, at this point, who we are adding into the Council, so that we will not wake up one morning and see resignation letter. So, we are taking our time.
“And usually, after a normal political period, there used to be what we call balancing. So, I can also say that the new Commissioners that are coming in are coming from their zones to also balance the political equation.”
Governor Fubara charged them to be dedicated, forthright, diligent and productive while rendering quality services to the State.
The Governor said he believed in their capacity to deliver because of their exposure to the workings of government, and expressed the hope that they will contribute positively to the success of the administration.
He said, “So, let me thank everyone of you. Let me also use this opportunity to thank the good people of Rivers State for their support, and to assure them that we will continue to defend, protect the interest of Rivers people.
“I want to thank everyone of you for your support, more especially before, during and after the elections. I appreciate your doggedness, your belief in our course to salvage this State, to protect the integrity of this State,” he added.
Head of Civil Service of the Federation (HoCSF), Mrs Didi Walson-Jack, has sought media support to fast-track the implementation of the ongoing reforms in the civil service sector.
Walson-Jack made the request during a cocktail organised by her office for media executives from different organisations in Abuja.
The event, according to her, aimed at interacting with the media men one-on-one, appreciate them and implore them to continue to strengthen the bond with the office.
“I want to start by thanking each and everyone of you for honouring this invitation. I want to say that we purposely designed this grail cocktail so that we can have one-on-one interactions.
“Let me also go ahead to thank you for all the supports you have given to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation (HCSF) in the years past I know that the Fourth Estate of the realm has always supported this office.
“I will also go ahead to thank you for your support, especially at my announcement as the HoCSF and that support has continued, up till date.
“We, therefore, thought it fit that we should organise this event just to interact with you to strengthen the bond that this office has with the media, “ she said.
The HoCSF recalled that her office had continued with programmes she met on ground upon assumption of office, especially the ongoing reforms on Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025).
She, therefore, appealed to the media for continuous reportage on the initiative, so as to give it the necessary publicity for proper dissemination to the citizens.
“You will recall that the office has the Federal Civil Service Strategy and Implementation Plan (FCSSIP- 2022 to 2025) and that is the plan that we are still driving.
“We want to request that you collaborate more with us, we are asking that the friendship, the partnership go beyond what it is now to ensure that the reforms which this office is driving get the full publicity it requires,” she said.
Walson-Jack used the medium to announce the preparation to re-introduce the civil service national anthem officially for the entire civil servants to recite at every national programme.
“The anthem has been re-introduced to drive the reforms and it’s expected that the anthem will be sung by all federal civil/public servants and indeed Nigerians.
“And it will be an anthem that will encourage every public servants to be efficient, productive, incorruptible and citizen-centred, “ she added.
Participants at the event congratulated Mrs Walson-Jack for her uplifting to the position of the HoCSF and pledged to continue in the relationship.
In a response, Mr Ephraims Sheyin, Editor-in-Chief, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), pledged the agency’s readiness to give the HoCSF the needed support.
According to him, supporting government policies has always been NAN’ priority as government’s owned media organisation.
“You can take it for granted that we are going to give the Office total support. It is part of our own mandates to support Federal Government policies, so we are going to do that fully for the head of service.
“As she said, she has her policies which are in tandem with the federal government policies, she is asking for the support in implementation of the Federal Government policies.
“She has very lofty ideas, she has lofty things that she believes that we should do. Our job is to make sure that whatever government wants to do, we have to support such policies, “ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, Mrs Halima Musa, Director News, NTA, assured her office’s partnership with the Head of service towards ensuring communicating the needed values on excellence, incorruptibility and new culture of efficiency to the public.
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LG Polls: Rogue Policemen Break RSIEC Gate, Strong Room To Steal Electoral Materials …Fubara Foils Attempt To Cart Away Materials
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has foiled an attempt by the Nigerian Police, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), to take over the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) at 1am on Friday, 4th October, 2024.
The rogue policemen were said to have attempted to scale through the gates and strong room of the Commission to cart away sensitive Electoral materials meant for the conduct of Saturday’s local government election in the State.
The deployment was said to have been ordered by the Inspector-General of Police.
However, the evil plots of the rogue policemen and DC Ops were botched when vigilant security officials alerted principal officers of the Commission and relevant government authorities, who immediately informed the Governor of the development.
The Governor immediately led a team of government officials, lawmakers from the National Assembly and State House of Assembly, top political stakeholders, and other leaders to storm the facility.
Addressing newsmen in front of RSIEC Office on Aba Road in Port Harcourt, after an encounter with the rogue policemen, the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara condemned the conduct of the policemen on illegal duty, saying that the IGP was taking his friendship with some Abuja-based politicians too far.
He restated the position that the attempt to surreptitiously withdraw policemen already deployed to protect the facility, and replace them with a detachment from a neighbouring State was unacceptable.
He reminded the IGP that local government election was the internal affairs of states, and advised him to allow the federation unit conduct its affairs without interference.
At present, the Chief of Staff, the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and State and National Assembly members, alongside other stakeholders, are manning the RSIEC office to ensure that the rogur policemen in two trucks and two Hilux vehicles do not return and that elections will go ahead as scheduled on Saturday.