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Reps Give Buhari 48hrs To End Insecurity …IGP Reads Riot Act To CPs, Others …Bandits, Kidnappers Have Taken Over Katsina -Masari …Expedite Action On Leah’s Release, Senate Tells Buhari
The House of Representatives has asked President Muhammad Buhari to, as a matter of national emergency, address the nation on what his administration is doing to Nigerians across the country, and do so within the next 48 hours.
According to the resolutions reached during yesterday’s plenary, areas to be highlighted in the address should include the president’s inability and that of his administration since inception to declare the killer herdsmen as terrorists.
Other areas are the inability of the armed forces under his watch to stop the reoccurring deaths of scores of innocent Nigerians annually from systematic attacks by killer herdsmen and alleged bandits and the gradual occupation of affected communities by these herdsmen despite countless assurances and statements by him promising to stop the attacks; his selective and ineffective responses to the killing of Nigerians by herdsmen especially in Benue State and his immediate measure to dislodge the killers.
Also demanded for mentioning in the address are the inability of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) under his watch to immediately provide relief materials and rehabilitation of affected communities in line with their statutory mandate in spite of the N10 billion he announced had been provided; the inability of his administration through the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) and other relevant agencies or policy initiatives to enable proper communication network provision in affected communities and evidence of complicity of traditional rulers, political detractors and recently foreign miners in the perpetration of incessant killing of Nigerians.
The resolutions posited that failure to address the people within the stipulated period of 48 hours would leave it with an impression that the president and his “administration are incapable of permanently curtailing the incessant killing of innocent Nigerians by killer herdsmen.”
Similarly, the House averred that such a scenario would mean that the president and his administration have failed in their primary constitutional responsibility of ensuring the security and welfare of the citizens of Nigeria.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion titled: “Resurgence of the Incessant and Annual Massacre of Innocent Nigerians Across the Country by Alleged Bandits and Killer Herdsmen, the Gradual Occupation of Affected Communities by These Attackers And The Lack of Adequate Rehabilitation and Relief Materials”, sponsored by Hon. Mark Terser Gbillah (PDP, Benue).
Gbillah, in his presentation, told his colleagues that the country was disappointed that the government and the armed forces have failed to protect the people.
“The House is disturbed by the resurgence of attacks by killer herdsmen and alleged bandits in communities in Benue, Kaduna, Zamfara and other states of the federation from January 2019 till date which has resulted in the loss of hundreds of innocent lives and displacement of thousands of Nigerians who have fled their homes and means of livelihood for fear of losing their lives.
“The brazen nature of the attacks by the herdsmen and alleged bandits who attack these communities with impunity brazenly clad in military fatigues and audibly communicating with each other in Fulani as reported by eye witness accounts from the recent attacks in Kaduna calls for concern.
“Obviously emboldened by the inability of the Nigerian armed forces to curb their activities these killers have gradually progressed from attacking remote villages at night to sacking whole towns in broad daylight displacing residents and occupying affected communities
“Disappointed at the reactive responses of the Nigerian Armed Forces to these attacks under this administration and their inability to proactively attack the publicly known location of these herdsmen or establish a permanent base at restive locations in line with globally recognized rules of engagements. In instances like the one in Benue where army agrees to move personnel in closer proximity to the troubled spots the army requests for a location with proper communication coverages which is not the responsibility of a state government and requests for the state to cater for the welfare of her personnel.
“Worried about the inability of the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, under this administration to fulfil their statutory mandate of providing relief materials and rehabilitation to hapless displaced Nigerian citizens and their affected communities especially when this administration claims to have allocated N10 billion for required intervention in affected states of the federation which till date, this administration has not provided details or verifiable evidence of the actual utilization of these funds. Even a formal petition to NEMA by an elected representative of the community requesting urgent relief materials and rehabilitation has not been responded to by NEMA over one year later.
“Refuses to further condone the continuous killing of innocent Nigerians with impunity despite the plethora of motions and resolutions passed on the floor of the House and the Senate in this regard and will have no other option than to directly engage the President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces who has the primary responsibility for the security and welfare of every Nigerian citizen”, Gbillah said.
His motion was adopted with an additional prayer to constitute an ad-hoc committee to interface with the presidency regarding the issues and also engage the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Chairman and Executive Vice Chairman of NCC, related state governments and relevant stakeholders in a public hearing to determine permanent solutions to the killings.
On a related matter, the House also mandated its committees on Army, Human Rights, Justice and Police Affairs to probe the killings of some ad-hoc staff of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC in Rivers State during the last general elections.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved by Hon. Kingsley Chinda from Rivers State, wherein he stated that during the elections, “there was palpable presence of heavily armed men of security agencies, including the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (FSARS) and the Nigerian army in several places across the country including Rivers State with clear cases of harassment and intimidation of voters and electoral officials, and sporadic gunshots by men of the security agencies”.
In Chinda’s own words: “Dr Ferry Gberegbe, a lecturer with the Ken Saro Wiwa Polytechnic, Bori, Rivers State was shot in his lower abdomen by men of FSARS led by ACP Akin Fakorede and he died a few days later from the gun wound.”
He added that “also at Degema, one Mrs Ibisaki Amachree was shot dead by the Nigerian army”.
Chinda described the killing as “callous and inhuman”, and called the House to immediately investigate the incidents.
Adopting the motion, the House gave the committees two weeks within which to do their assignments and report back to the House for further legislative action.
Meanwhile, the acting Inspector-General of Police, Mr Mohammed Adamu has threatened to sanction Commissioners of Police in charge of state commands over dereliction of duty.
Adamu gave the warning at a meeting with officers on the rank of commissioner and above, yesterday in Abuja.
“I charge you all as you return to your various commands to renew your sense of commitment to duty and demonstrate requisite professional leadership needed to roll back the trend of crimes in your commands,” he said.
He enjoined them to evolve new strategies and approaches to crime management.
“You must learn to harness the strength within to neutralize all forms of crimes and security threats.
“The only way we can stay ahead of criminals is to continually generate actionable criminal intelligence to support our ant-crime functions,” he said.
The police boss said that the only way to achieve this was to cultivate partnership and confidence by returning policing to the people.
He said that while some of the commissioners have done well in their commands, some have not.
Adamu said that the current security challenges in the country had made non-performance unacceptable to the force.
He said the leadership of the force would strive to support and motivate them to effectively discharge their duty.
The police boss said that with the current security challenges in the country, it was the duty of personnel of the force to rededicate themselves to their constitutional mandate.
“The threats appear challenging but I can assure you that they are surmountable and we shall provide the requisite leadership needed to address them,” he said.
“We, however, cannot do it alone. We seek the citizens’ supports and we trust that you shall all partner with us to present a common front in the war against criminals,” he said.
Adamu said that “Operation Puff Adder” was conceptualised to further complement the functions of the commissioners at the commands.
He said that the initiative, which was launched on April 5, was yielding results with the arrest of 46 suspects, rescuing of two victims and killing of 10 suspects.
Others are: 1,300 AK-47 live ammunition, 10 extra rifle magazines, 28 live cartridges, recovery of 18 AK-47 rifles and nine locally made fabricated weapons.
He alleged that some traditional rulers in Zamfara were also involved the mining business that had contributed to the security problems in the state.
He said that the meeting would review the progress so far made by the initiative in response to the resurgence of kidnapping, armed robbery, banditry and other heinous crimes.
Also, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State has lamented that bandits have taken over his state.
Masari spoke to the acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu, on Wednesday.
The Governor said his government has met with the eight Local Government chairmen to keep them informed, adding that he will do whatever possible to see to the final onslaught on the bandits.
He said the IGP was coming in a period of anxiety and apprehension.
Masari said that Katsina State has supported and will continue to support the ongoing ‘Operation Puff Adder’ with funds, logistics and accommodation.
He also announced a donation of 12 vans to the police.
The Deputy Governor, MannirYakubu, spoke on behalf of Governor Masari, said kidnappers and the bandits have taken parts of Katsina and destroyed properties at will.
He said, “These bandits strike at will, maim at will, destroy lives and property at will.
“In other parts of the state, we also have kidnappers who not only take people on the road but in the comfort of their homes.
“Unfortunate incidence of the governor’s in-law who was taken in the comfort of her home.”
The eight local government areas are: Jibia, Batsari, Safana, Dan-Musa, Faskari, Sabuwa, Dandume and Kankara.
In a related development, the Senate, yesterday, asked the Federal Government to expedite action on the freedom of Leah Sharibu, the student of Science Secondary School Dapchi, Yobe State, who has been in captivity of the Boko Haram insurgents since February last year.
A splinter group of Boko Haram insurgents had, on February 19, 2018, abducted 115 girls from the school but released 109 a month after, claiming that five out of the abducted girls died in captivity while Leah Sharibu was held back for refusing to renounce her faith.
Since then, both federal and state governments had promised Leah’s parents that she would be released from captivity but nothing was being done on the issue 13 months after.
The senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, drew the attention of his colleagues to Leah’s plight, through a point of order, yesterday, stressing the need to urge the Federal Government to expedite action on rescuing the girl.
Sani said, “Fourteen months of Leah Sharibu in the captivity of Boko Haram insurgents and five years of the yet to be released Chibok girls calls for national concern and urgent need by relevant authorities to do all within their powers in getting them released.
“What perhaps may be the most important strategy to be adopted in getting Leah and others out of captivity is the option of dialogue with the their abductors.
“It has worked in so many other places where similar abductions took place like Afghanistan, Pakistan and other nations being terrorised by the Talibans.
“Though government cannot be said not to have taken actions in getting Leah and others released, but there is need for it to redouble and expedite actions in that direction.
“This is because parents and relatives of the abductees should be freed from psychological trauma they must have been facing and for the abductees to know that they have a country that cares for them”.
Sani’s motion was not subjected to debate because it was raised under self explanation but the Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his remarks, said all efforts must be made by the Federal Government in getting Leah and others released.
However, the Senate, yesterday, confirmed three new ambassadorial nominees recommended to it by President Muhammadu Buhari early this year.
Nneka Amaechi-Nnadi, Abuja
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We Support Rivers Workers To Feel Valued, Productive, Says Fubara …Inaugurates Bayelsa Labour House
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that in the heat of political crisis staged against his administration in 2023, he committed to improving the welfare of Rivers workers in order to have a well-motivated workforce to achieve the goals of the Rivers First mantra.
The Governor stated that the resultant industrial harmony has now become unprecedented as workers feel more valued, supported, and resolved to be more productive on an increased efficiency and profitability scale.
Governor Fubara gave the explanation while inaugurating the one-storey twin-building Labour House constructed by the administration of Governor Douye Diri, in Yanagoa City, the Bayelsa State capital, yesterday.
The Governor recalled that while en-route Abuja for a reconciliatory political meeting to find solutions to the 2023 political crisis, his mind kept drifting to what could be done to give hope and cushion the hardship faced by Rivers workers.
Governor Fubara said he made the decision, therefore, to pay Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every worker, across grade levels in December, 2023, and extended the gesture to retirees in 2024.
The Governor stated: “On the 18th of December, the year of Our Lord 2023, I was on my way to Abuja for a reconciliatory meeting, and I was thinking: what will I do for my people – my primary constituency, who are the civil servants?
“We all know that the salary is not enough during the Christmas period. I knew we had a lot of challenges at that time, and it would be difficult for me to do the 13th month.
“But, however, even if I had to do the 13th month, it would also be a cheating to the lower level workers because some of them would have less than N100,000. So, I decided that I was going to do a bonus of N100,000 to all workers. That was my meeting with the Accountant-General while I was on my way to Abuja.”
Governor Fubara said: “After the meeting, I was weakened in my spirit. But on my way back, I said no matter the sadness, I still need to make my people happy.
“And even in the face of that most difficult time of our administration, we made all the civil servants very happy by giving everybody N100, 000 for Christmas that year.”
Governor Fubara pointed to the letter of appreciation written to him by the leaderships of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) due principally to the fact that the gesture was extended to all pensioners in 2024, while also seeking to give him an award of recognition.
The Governor stated that what had been done has contributed to the industrial harmony enjoyed in Rivers State, as according to him, every labour issue has also ended on the dialogue table.
Governor Fubara said: “It is not because we are meeting all their needs, but because we are putting human face to governance. We are not running it like Nebuchadnezzar’s time.
“We are not running it like the Babylonians. We are running it with the Jesus style where love takes the lead over everything. Where love is what should be in front and behind.”
Governor Fubara noted that what the Bayelsa State Government has done shows there is good relationship existing between labour and the administration of Senator Diri.
The Rivers State Governor advised the organised labour in Bayelsa State to consider the gesture, not as a right but a privilege so that they can embrace it wholeheartedly, defend, cherish, and protect it, and ensure that nobody comes between them and the government to cause friction.
Governor Fubara also expressed sadness over the demise of Chief Edwin Clark, a leader, he noted, will be remembered for his positive impact on many aspects of national and régional issues.
He said, “We are here, we just observed a minute silence for the death of our hero, Pa Edwin Clark. What is he remembered for? For his courage, truthfulness, doggedness, and the survival of this region.”
Governor Fubara told Senator Diri: “I want you to continue to stand for same thing, and I can see that you are standing for what is right. That is what history will remember you for.
“History will not remember anyone for any destructive thing, don’t deceive yourself. Money and material things cannot be taken for a good name. So, please continue to do what is right. History and the good people of Bayelsa will forever remember you.”
Governor Fubara assured that his administration will promote a robust relationship between Rivers and Bayelsa, unlike what it was 15 years ago, which is why all legal battles hitherto instituted in court have been withdrawn and would be settled out of court.
He added, “That is the first thing to show our commitment that we are in a mutual relationship and ready to make progress. You said it here, Rivers cannot develop without Bayelsa. Bayelsa also cannot make progress without Rivers. That is the truth.”
In his speech, Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said the project was started by the administration of his predecessor, Senator Seriake Dickson, but quickly added that he has completed it to provide the organised labour in the State a place to conduct their activities, while using it as a platform to voice their concerns, access support services, and engage in constructive dialogue with his administration.
Senator Diri, who commended Governor Fubara for his exemplary labour-friendly policies that have promoted workers’ welfare and industrial harmony, said his administration has so far paid N20billion to servicing pensions and gratuities, hoping to upset all outstanding indebtedness by the end of his second tenure.
In his remarks, Bayelsa State Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Mr Odoko Saturday Omiloli, said the magnificent Labour House is a testament of the commitment of the Prosperity Administration of Sen. Diri to promote the welfare and well-being of workers in the state.
In their joint address, both Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigeria Labour Congress leaders thanked Governor Diri for building a befitting edifice for them, and pledged to sustain support to his administration.
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the passing of former Federal Commissioner for Information and respected leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, Chief Edwin Clark.
Tinubu’s condolence message was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, yesterday.
Tinubu said, “He led an illustrious life marked by dedicated service, at different times, to the nation and his community as a councillor, state and federal cabinet member.
“He was also a passionate advocate for resource control, economic and environmental justice in the Niger Delta.”
The statement reads: “On behalf of the federal government, the President extends his condolences to the Edwin Clark family, the Ijaw nation, the people of the Niger Delta, and the government of Delta State. President Tinubu mourns Chief Clark and describes his passing as a deeply sobering loss.
“Reflecting on the life of the late statesman, the President says Chief Clark was a towering figure whose influence was felt across Nigeria’s political firmament for nearly six decades. The President states that Chief Clark was a courageous leader who stood for what he believed in and was never afraid to stand alone in the face of injustice.
“Chief Clark spoke for the Niger Delta. He spoke for the nation. His views and interventions on national issues were distinct and patriotic. Pa Clark, a lawyer and educationist, believed in a united Nigeria, and until his last breath, he never stopped reaching out to people from different parts of the country to work together to preserve national unity based on justice and equity.
“As an astute politician, his political opponents never doubted the weight of his words, his confidence, and his conviction when he spoke. Indeed, a patriot has transitioned to the great beyond. History will remember him as a man who fought gallantly for the rights of the people of the Niger Delta, unity in diversity, and true federalism. I know many generations will remain proud of how his efforts contributed to national prosperity and stability.”
Tinubu prayed for divine comfort for Chief Clark’s family, friends, and all those affected by this significant loss.
Clark died on Monday at the age of 97.
His demise was announced by a representative of the family, Prof. C. C. Clark, in a statement Tuesday.
The statement read, “The Clark-Fuludu Bekederemo family of Kiagbodo Town, Delta State, wishes to announce the passing of Chief (Dr.) Sen. Edwin Kiagbodo Clark OFR, CON on Monday, 17th February 2025.
“The family appreciates your prayers at this time. Other details will be announced later by the family.”
Clark’s death is coming on the heels of the passing of Afenifere leader, Pa Ayo Adebanjo, who died at the age of 96 just a few days ago.
Both Clark and Adebanjo are known for contributing to the political development of the country.
Meanwhile, former President Muhammadu Buhari has also mourned Clark, describing him as an iconic statesman.
Buhari, in a condolence statement yesterday, said he death of Clark had caused deep sorrow in his heart and that of many in the country.
The statement read in part: “Late Chief Edwin Clark was a leader dedicated to reforms whose commitment to the development of his community and the nation would always be remembered. His death caused deep sorrow in his heart, and that of many, and his departure was a loss for the nation.
He is an iconic statesman”.
The former president maintained that the late Ijaw leader had left an indelible imprint on the nation and that in his passing, Nigeria had lost an iconic statesman and a distinguished leader.
He added that his commitment to the country’s unity would be respected by generations to come.
Buhari further urged the Clark family and fellow citizens in the Delta region of the country to uphold his numerous achievements.
Also, former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has described the late PANDEF leader as a man of great conviction.
In a brief message posted via his verified X handle, yesterday, Saraki praised the elder statesman’s unwavering conviction, stating that Clark stood firm in his beliefs until the very end.
“Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark was a man of great conviction who stood firm for what he believed in—right to the very end,” Saraki wrote.
He added that Clark’s passionate advocacy for justice and equity would be deeply missed by Nigeria, the Ijaw nation, and the Niger Delta, for whom he was a tireless advocate.
“His death marks the end of an era—an era of principled leadership. He was one of the movers and shakers of the Second Republic Senate, in which my father served as the Leader of the Senate.
“On behalf of my family, I extend our heartfelt condolences to the Clark family, the entire Ijaw community, the people of the Niger Delta, and all Nigerians who mourn the loss of this extraordinary leader,” the former Senate President stated.
A towering figure in Nigerian politics and a relentless advocate for the rights of the Niger Delta, Clark was a lawyer, administrator, nationalist, and freedom fighter.
He served as Commissioner for Education in the Mid-Western Region from 1968 to 1971, and later as Commissioner for Finance and Establishment in the defunct Bendel State between 1972 and 1975.
At the federal level, he was appointed Commissioner for Information in 1975 and subsequently became a Senator from 1979 to 1983.
Beyond his political career, Clark was a leading voice for regional and national unity. He was also known for mediating peace among warring communities and politicians in the Niger Delta region.
Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has explained that his administration is courageously executing strategic projects that are opening up Kalabari land for unprecedented development and economic growth.
Governor Fubara made the explanation when he received on solidarity visit, a delegation of monarchs, political leaders, elders, women and youths of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, led by the Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, at Banquet Hall of Government House in Port Harcourt, last Tuesday.
The Governor stated that while previous administrations avoided executing the original plan for the Trans-Kalabari Road project due to cost implications, he has ventured into it, and driving the process steadily in order to link Kalabari land to the State capital.
Governor said: “Somebody said, if I don’t do it for my people, who will do it for them. We ventured into the Trans-Kalabari Road, we didn’t close our eyes. Our eyes were open because we knew what we were entering into.
“It is not a joke; it is a big project. We believe that at the end of that project, the level of development that it will attract to that line of entry into Kalabari will be very unprecedented.
“Issues of insecurity from our waterways will be reduced because, at that point we are doing road, people won’t be using the river anymore. The cost of living will also be cheaper.”
Governor Fubara further asserted: “So, you understand that your interest, your safety, your development is key to us. It is not about the number of years that we are going to be here; what is important to this government is the impact we make while we are here.”
Responding to their unanimous endorsement to see him run for a second term in office, Governor Fubara said power belongs to God, and He gives it to whoever finds favour in His sight.
Governor Fubara, however, stated that if God so approved of it, even those who are regrouping against him will not see the path God will lead him because they cannot scuttle such plan.
He added, “Power belongs to God. So, you see, I like believing that we don’t have any problem. When we get to the bridge, we will cross it. If we can break the bridge, Moses will come and create a road for us. So, you don’t need to worry.
“We will cross the bridge. We will cross it in a way that our enemies will be struggling; they won’t see where we are passing. So, don’t worry.”
Governor Fubara acknowledged the immense support to him by Rivers Ijaw, and urged particularly the Kalabari people to stand with honour in their unalloyed support for his administration, which will neither abandon them nor fail to deliver quality projects to the people.
Governor Fubara also responded to their requests and informed them that his administration has completed the Emohua/Tema Junction Road project, and ready to inaugurate the Degema Zonal Hospital in May.
He said the Health Commissioner has been directed to assess the state of the Abonnema General Hospital for immediate rehabilitation, while promising to address the issues of shore protection in the area.
Governor Fubara assured that with the Abonnema sandfilling works completed, the phase two will commence that will include Buguma, explaining that the Commissioner for Works has been tasked to do the assessment immediately.
On the request for the establishment of tertiary institution in the area, Governor Fubara said his administration is already inaudated with memos asking that the off-campus of Rivers State University established previously be revised because it has become difficult to sustain them, but quickly added that the government will consider the establishment of a viable institution that will provide technical and entrepreneurial skills to the people in a sustained manner.
Reading the address of Kalabari Ethnic Nationality, Chief Pawariso Samuel Horsfall, announced that the entire Kalabari people have unanimously endorsed Governor Fubara for a second term, and vowed to mobilise Rivers people to ensure electoral victory for him in the 2027 gubernatorial election.
In his speech, the leader of the delegation and Amanyanabo of Abonnema, King Disreal Gbobo Bobmanuel, expressed the profound thanks of the Kalabari people to Governor Fubara for his genuine love for them, as evidenced in the types and quality of development projects delivered or being executed in the area.