Buhari Appeals to Nigerians for a Fair Assessment of his Government

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January 14, 2021

Buhari with APC Governors 4 — File Photo: President Buhari in Virtual Meeting with APC Governors in State House on 28th July 2020. Photo: Femi Adesina.

Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari has appealed to citizens especially the elite class to be fair in their criticism of his administration.

President Buhari made the appeal in his address to Reverend Yakubu Pam, the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, who visited the Presidential Villa on Thursday in Abuja.

“Those criticising the administration should be fair in terms of reflecting on where we were before we came, where we are now and what resources are available to us and what we have done with the limited resources,” Buhari said.

“We had to struggle paying debts, investing in road repairs and rebuilding, to revamp the rail and try to get power. This is what I hope the elite, when they want to criticise will use to compare notes.”

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While commenting on security issues in the nation, particularly the Northeast, Buhari said “What was the situation when we came? Try and ask people from Borno or from Adamawa for that matter and Yobe.

“What was the condition before we came and what is the condition now? Still, there are problems in Borno and Yobe, there are occasional Boko Haram problems, but they know the difference because a lot of them moved out of their states and moved to Kaduna, Kano and here (in Abuja).

“We were not spared of the attacks at a time. The government is doing its best and I hope that eventually, our best will be good enough.”

Th President however gave assurances that the welfare of Internally Displaced Persons was paramount on the agenda of government.

“The people in IDP camps, the weak, aged, I feel sorry for the young because this is the time they are supposed to get education,” Buhari said. “We must not allow this time to pass because it will never be regained. So we are really interested in what is happening there and we are doing our best,” the President said.

He commended the executive secretary on his appointment and activities on peace building around the country despite his short time in office.

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Buhari assured him of the listening ear of the government whenever he had contributions to make.

In his speech earlier, the visiting Reverend Yakubu Pam briefed President Buhari on some of the activities of the commission since he was appointed in July 2020, which he gave as the organisation of a peace summit on Southern Kaduna as well as peace building efforts in Plateau, Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa states.

In addition to his achievement, Reverend Pam disclosed that the commission has proposed to host Christian religious leaders in a summit to help douse pressures within the polity.

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Former Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi Hospitalised with Heart Problem

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 14, 2021

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A former Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi has suffered heart problems and is now admitted to hospital in Monaco.

Spokesman and a doctor to the said 84-year-old media tycoon disclosed to AFP on Thursday that Berlusconi “is at the Cardiothoracic Hospital in Monaco for tests. He will return home within a few days”.

In a statement, personal doctor, Alberto Zangrillo, told the ANSA news agency that he made an urgent visit to Berlusconi at his home in the south of France on Monday because of an irregular heart beat.

The former premier was hospitalised for 11 days in September after contracting coronavirus, in what he said was “perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life”.

The Former Prime Minister had contracted coronavirus after returning from a holiday at his luxury villa in Sardinia. Two of his children also became infected, as did his companion Marta Fascina.

“Thank heavens, thanks to the doctors, I got over what was perhaps the most difficult ordeal of my life. Once again, I seem to have got away with it!” he said as he left hospital.

In 2016, the three time Prime Minister for the centre-right Forza Italia between 1994 and 2011, underwent open heart surgery.

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Youth Vows to Retaliate Attack on Kukah as Presidency Cautions Muslim Group

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 14, 2021

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The Buhari-led Presidency has condemned Sokoto-based Muslim Solidarity Forum (MSF) for calling on the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Dr. Matthew Kukah, to tender unreserved apology to the Muslims, or quietly and quickly leave the state, over his controversial Christmas essay.

According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President (Media and Publicity), Garba Shehu on Wednesday, the Presidency took a stand saying the MSF’s comment “is wrong because it is not in line with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

While Professor Isa Maishanu of MSF had described the essay as “malicious comment” against Islam, Shehu affirmed that under Nigeria’s constitution, every citizen has the right to, among others, freedom of speech and expression, the right to own property and reside in any part of the country, and the right to move freely without any inhibition.

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“The Sultanate has historically had good relations with followers of all faiths. That is why Fr. Kukah was received on his arrival in Sokoto with friendship and tolerance.

“Under our laws, groups or factions must not give quit notices, neither should they unilaterally sanction any perceived breaches. Where they occur, it is the courts of law that should adjudicate,” he added, urging groups like MSF to share and uphold the country’s multi-religious principles.

In reaction to Maishanu’s statement, asking Kukah to vacate the Seat of the Caliphate, the Youth Wing of the Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has vowed to retaliate any form of attack on Kukah, over his recent message on Nigeria’s woes.

National leader of the SOKAPU youth wing, John Isaac, pointed out that MSF was trying to incite the peace-loving people of Sokoto and some Northerners against the cleric over his Christmas essay, in which, “out of patriotism, he voiced out the obvious truth.’

The SOKAPU statement entitled ‘Enough of the Bigotry and Senseless Attacks on Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, lamented: “Prof. Maishanu could descend so low, throwing caution to the wind and toeing the path of religious rascality and bigotry by deliberately attempting to paint the bishop’s message in religious colour and further inciting the general Muslim Ummah against the bishop.

Kukah had written in his Christmas essay: “Every honest Nigerian knows that there is no way any non-Northern Muslim President could have done a fraction of what President Muhammadu Buhari has done with his nepotism and got away with it.”

Isaac said the demeaning call by “the so-called professor” for Kukah to apologise to the Muslim Ummah or quietly leave Sokoto was not just ridiculous and unacceptable, but an affront to the rights of all Nigerians to live freely in any part of the country.

His words: “We believe that the reckless statement credited to the professor does not, in anyway, reflect the position of a responsible group such as MSF.

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“While we call on the Department of State Services (DSS) to arrest Maishanu to serve as deterrent to those already misled by his unguarded statements and prevent a religious war.”

The youths and people of Southern Kaduna will not accept further attacks on the person and character of Bishop Kukah under any pretence, as neither Maishanu nor any person or group can mourn more than the bereaved, he added.

“The bishop’s message was directed at the powers-that-be and cannot in any way be said to have been directed at Muslims and Islam, a religion well-known to profess peace.

“The youths of Southern Kaduna, therefore, vow to retaliate any form of attack directed or aimed at putting the bishop in harm’s way by any group of ethnic loyalists, religious extremists and enthusiasts.”

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US VP kicks as House Impeaches Trump the Second Time

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 14, 2021

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United States Vice President, Michael Pence has kicked against the decision of 231 lawmakers who voted to impeach President Donald Trump on the grounds of inciting his loyalists to storm the Capitol last week, an incident that threatened the lives of the US lawmakers and halted legislative proceedings.

Vice President Pence on Wednesday in his protest against the impeachment move urged the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi and Congress to desist from actions that would further divide the country

Donald Trump would go down in history as the first U.S. President to be impeached twice.

A growing number of Republicans have also voiced their support for impeachment, including senior House Republican, Liz Cheney but Republican Tom Cole urged others to vote against impeachment because it’s “flawed process” that will fuel divisions.

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An impeachment of Trump by the House mean the Senate will then hold a trial. A two-thirds majority is required to convict him.

Pence’s stand is contained in a statement, released by the vice president following efforts by the House to impeach the President.

Trump is accused of inciting his supporters to storm the Capitol building at a speech before a violent riot kicked off last Wednesday. An impeachment would formally charge the President with inciting insurrection.

Pence said impeaching the president was not in the best interest of the nation or in line with the constitution.

“With just eight days left in the President’s term, you and the Democratic Caucus are demanding that the cabinet and I invoke the 25th Amendment. I do not believe such a course of action is in the best interest of our nation or consistent with our constitution. Last week, I did not yield to pressure to exert power beyond my constitutional authority to determine the outcome of the election, and I will not now yield to efforts in the House of Representatives to play political games at a time so serious in the life of our nation,” Pence said.

He further stressed that the 25th amendment, which the House relied on, was designed to deal with issues of incapacity or disability and not issues or comments that was not favourable as pointed out by Pelosi.

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“As you know fully well, the 25th Amendment was designed to address presidential incapacity or disability. Just a few months ago, when you introduced legislation to create a 25th Amendment Commission, you said, “(a) President’s fitness for office must be determined by size and facts.” You said then that we must be ‘very respectful of not making a judgment on the basis of a comment or behaviour that we don’t like but based on a medical decision.’ Madam Speaker, you were right. Under our constitution, the 25th Amendment is not a means of punishment or usurpation. Invoking the 25th Amendment would set a terrible precedent,” he stated.

According to Vice President Pence, after the events of last week, the administration’s energy was directed towards ensuring an orderly transition. He called for support to unite the country and lower the existing temperature.

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Jihadists Kill Six Nigerian Soldiers in Borno State

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 12, 2021

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Six Nigerian soldiers have died during an attack by jihadists who rammed an explosives-laden vehicle into them during a clash in Borno state, Nigeria’s North East.

Two military sources on Tuesday disclosed to AFP that the suicide bombing by a member of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) group occurred Monday as the soldiers were conducting a raid of the group’s stronghold in the village of Talala.

They said scores of jihadists have been killed in the operation launched last week on ISWAP’s second largest camp.

“Our men dominated the terrorists, killing dozens, and out of frustration they sent a suicide bomber who killed six soldiers,” one of the officers said.

They said the troops overran the Talala camp despite the bombing.

On Saturday 13 soldiers were killed in an ISWAP ambush near the town of Gujba in the neighbouring state of Yobe, according to military sources.

ISWAP, which split from the mainstream Boko Haram in 2016, has become a dominant group, focusing on military targets and high-profile attacks, including against aid workers.

The jihadist group has in recent times stepped up attacks on troops and frequently abduct travellers at bogus checkpoints along the highway linking the Borno capital Maiduguri and Damaturu, the capital of Yobe.

No fewer than 36,000 people have been killed in the conflict since 2009 with around two million displaced in the northeast, according to the UN.

Ravaging neighbouring countries – Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the endless violence prompted a regional military coalition that would bring the deadly activities of the jihadist groups to an end.

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Nigeria to Post 95 Ambassadors-Designate as President Buhari Gives Approval

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 12, 2021

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President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the posting of Ambassador-Designates to Nigerian Missions abroad.

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the list includes 43 career ambassadors and 52 non-career ambassadors.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday by its Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda.

While Aduda did not state when the President gave the approval, he noted that those to be posted included 43 career ambassadors and 52 non-career ambassadors.

He said following the development, the government has already commenced the process of requesting Agrément from the prospective host countries.

The permanent secretary revealed that the ministry would organise an induction course for the ambassadors-designate and their spouses.

He explained that the event which would hold on a date to be announced soon was to prepare and facilitate the movement of the ambassadors-designate to their respective missions.

In a letter dated May 6, 2020, about nine months after the President nominated 42 career ambassadors-designate to the Senate for confirmation, Buhari informed the lawmakers that his request was in accordance with section 171 (1),(2)(c), and subsection (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended.

“I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed forty-two (42) names of nominees as Career Ambassadors-Designate,” he had said in the letter.

The ambassadors-designate who were nominated included C.O Nwachukwu; A. Kafas, R. U. Brown, G. A. Odudigbo, O. C. Onowu, Y. S. Suleiman, E. S. Agbana, B. B. M. Okoyen, G. M. Okoko, A. M. Garba, M. l. Bashir, M. O. Abam, A. E. Allotey, G. E. Edokpa, and A. N. Madubuike.

Others are Adamu Lamuwa, Innocent lwejuo, M. S. Abubakar, Y. A. Ahmed, S. D. Umar, A. Sule, G. Y. Hamza, N. Rimi, L S. Ahmed-Remawa, M. Manu, l. R. Ocheni, l. A. Yusuf, M. Abdulraheem, W. A. Adedeji, and A. U. Ogah.

Also among the ambassadors-designate are A. A. Musa, N. A. Kolo, S. O. Olaniyan, A. R. Adejola, E. Awe, O. Aluko, I. A. Alatishe, V. A. Adeleke, M. S. Adamu, l. N. Charles, Z M. lfu, and B. B. Hamman.

In another letter dated July 1, 2020, the President asked the Senate to confirm one career ambassador-designate and 39 non-career ambassadors- designate.

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Soldier Sentenced to Death for Shooting Dead Superior

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 12, 2021

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Soldier sentenced — Private Azonna Mmaduabuchi who was sentenced to death by firing squad by the Nigerian Army General Court Martial in Maiduguri.

The Nigerian Army 7 Division General Court Martial has sentenced a soldier, one private Azunna Mmaduabuchi, to death by firing squad

Mmaduabuchi who was serving at 202 Battalion Bama was found to have deliberately fired nine rounds of ammunition on Lieutenant Babankaka Ngorgi who instantly died.

Delivering the judgement at Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, President of the Court, Brigadier General Arikpo Ekubi said the soldier was found guilty of murder punishable under section 106 sub section A of the Armed Forces Act 2004.

He said the gruesome murder of Lieutenant Ngorgi who was the adjutant of the battalion by private Mmaduabuchi negates the tenants of military regimentation.

Some of the accused soldiers before the 7 Division court martial in Maiduguri.

The Court has also convicted private Mohammed Kuru serving at 212 Battalion to three years imprisonment for manslaughter.

Mohammed was convicted of recklessly by accidental discharge killed 12 year old Adamu Musa at a wedding ceremony in London Ciki area of Maiduguri metropolis.

Sergeant Sani Ishaya and 3 others were also convicted of manslaughter, where the court handed over a sentence from one to four years imprisonment.

All the convictions are subject to confirmation by superior authority.

Radio Nigeria

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Amotekun Security Corp Kicks off in Ogun State

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 12, 2021

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IMG-20201028-WA0005 — Govenor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

Amotekun, the alternative security architecture established by Governors in the South West of Nigeria as a result rising insecurity in the region has now gone operational in Ogun State.

The Chief of Staff to the State Governor, Alhaji Shuaib Salisu disclosed this while featuring on a live television programe in Abeokuta, adding that the commencement of the outfit in the State was expected to fortify the existing security architecture, towards addressing the challenges headlong.

Alhaji Salisu maintained that the State Government would not fold its arms and allow criminals have free rein, saying ‘’the days of criminals are numbered with the appointment of former Commissioner of Police, David Ajibola Akinremi, as the Commandant of the security outfit.

Speaking further, the Chief of Staff said Government had procured 100 Patrol vehicles, 200 motorcycles and communication gadgets, to enhance its operations, adding that Amotekun would have formations in all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State.

He said part of strategies of the State Government to curb criminality was to devise means, noting that over 20,000 youths have been employed through Ogun Jobs Portal, while disclosing that companies in the State were also mandated to source for qualified applicants on it for recruitment.

The Chief of Staff added that many infrastructural projects inherited from past administrations would be completed by the end of Q1 2021, while the newly initiated projects would not be neglected, saying that the Owode-Ilaro, and Odo-Afa roads in Yewa axis; the Epe-Ijebu Ode, and Molusi College roads in Ijebu division; and the Sagamu Interchange-Siun-Abeokuta, and Lafenwa-Rounda roads are all receiving robust attention of government.

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Nigeria’s Secret Service Warns Citizens on Plots to ‘Incite’ Religious Violence

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Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 11, 2021

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Nigeria’s secret police, Department of State Services (DSS) has raised the alarm over plot by some Nigerians who have connived with external forces to incite religious violence in the country.

DSS confirmed this on Monday in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunanya, stating that those individuals target states like Sokoto; Kano; Kaduna; Plateau; Rivers, Oyo, Lagos, and the rest of the South East.

The DSS spokesman disclosed that part of the plan is to cause inter-religious conflicts by using their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

“The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to alert the public about plans by some elements working with external forces to incite religious violence across the country. Targeted states include Sokoto, Kano, Kaduna, Plateau, Rivers, Oyo, Lagos and those in the South East.

“Part of the plans is to cause inter-religious conflicts as well as use their foot soldiers to attack some worship centres, religious leaders, personalities, key and vulnerable points.

“Consequently, Nigerians are advised to be wary of these antics and shun all divisive tendencies aimed at inciting or setting them against one another”, Afunanya said.

He stated further that the service would collaborate with sister agencies to ensure that public order is maintained, noting that those hatching the plots are warned to desist from them in the interest of peace, security, and development of the country.

Law abiding citizens and residents should report suspected breaches of peace around them to the nearest security agencies, Afunanya advised.

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Nigerian Government signs Kano-Maradi $1.9bn Railway Line

By

Tobiloba Kolawole

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January 11, 2021

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FG Kano Rail — Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi (seated right) during the signing ceremony

The Federal Government of Nigeria has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mota- Engil Group for the construction of $1.959billion dollars Kano-Maradi Standard Gauge Railway lines.

In a statement by Eric Ojiekwe, Director Press and Public Relations of the Ministry, the Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, said the project was aimed at linking the whole country by rail.

The MoU was signed by Amaechi on behalf of the Federal Government while the Managing Director, Mota- Engil, Antonio Gvoea signed on behalf of the contracting firm.

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The Minister stated that the new railway corridor which is to be located in northern Nigeria will run through Kano, Jigawa and Katsina and through Niger Republic territory as far as Maradi.

According to the Minister, other cities such as Danbatta, Kazaure, Daura, Mashi, Katsina and Jibiya would also be affected by the rail line in Nigeria.

Speaking on the impact of the transport project, Amaechi said the 283.750 kilometre rail line would help develop freight and passenger transport as it would be integrated with road transport adding that it would contribute greatly to the local economy as well as the nation’s social sector.

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The signing ceremony of the multi-billion dollar rail project, whose construction duration would last for 36 months, was witnessed by the Ministry’s Permanent, Dr Magdalene Ajani, the Director, Legal Services, Pius Oteh, the Managing Director, Mota-Engil Group, Antonio Gvoea and Head of Legal, Mota- Engil Group, Cameron Beverley.

Also in attendance were Magajin Garin Kano, Muhammad Wada; Director, Mota-Engil Group, Kola Abdulkarim; Vice President, Mota-Engil Group, Mohammed Abdul-Razaq, among others.

Others at the event include the Nigerian Ambassador to Germany, Yusuf Tuggar and the Managing Director, Nigerian Ports Authority, Hadiza Bala-Usman among other diginitaries also witnessed the signing.

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