A bomb explosion at Yammama village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State have killed five persons and left about six others injured on Saturday.
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Pressure mounts for probe of Arotile’s death, as NAF plans burial
Nigerians from all walks of life have been mounting pressure on the authorities of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to probe the circumstances surrounding the death of first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile.
This was coming as NAF announced that the remains of late Arotile would be laid to rest with full military honours at the National Military Cemetery in Abuja on July 23.
Late Arotile died on July 14 at the age of 24, when she was inadvertently hit by the reversing vehicle of an excited former Air Force Secondary School classmate while trying to greet her. She died as a result of head injuries sustained from the accident.
The controversial circumstances leading to her death have led many Nigerians to call on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government, most especially NAF to probe Arotle’s death.
Late Arotile’s elder sister, Damilola Adegboye, demanded a probe on her death, saying: “We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident.
“I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Sadique Abubakar, Friday received some members of the Federal Executive Council as well as members of the National Assembly who visited him at the NAF Headquarters to condole with him over the unfortunate demise of the young NAF pilot.
Those who came calling include: the Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen, as well as the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed.
Also, a joint delegation from the upper and lower houses of the National Assembly, comprising 20 lawmakers, was led by the Chairman Senate Committee on Air Force, Bala Ibn-Na’Allah, and the Chairman House Committee on the Air Force, Shehu Koko.
Speaking during her visit, Tallen, who was accompanied on the visit by the Director-General of the National Council for Women Development as well as leaders of some other Women’s Groups, said she received the news of the death of Arotile with great shock, from which she said it would be difficult for her to recover.
She, however, noted that the death of the young pilot would not be in vain as she would forever be remembered for her gallantry and contributions towards ensuring a secured Nigeria.
The minister prayed God to comfort the entire NAF family and grant the departed officer’s soul eternal rest.
While conveying his condolences, Mohammed, on his part, prayed God to grant Arotile’s soul peaceful repose and her family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Also, Ibn-Na’Allah stated that the committee, and the Senate as a whole, lacked the words to express how painful her death was to them.
He said they were however consoled that there was no greater honour than when one dies while in service to one’s nation. He described the late Arotile as a dedicated and goal-oriented young woman who lived an exemplary life that was worthy of emulation by other young Nigerians.
While reiterating that the Nigerian Senate shares in the pain of the Service as well as that of the Arotile family, he urged NAF to continue to give opportunities to many young Nigerian girls to realise their dreams of serving their country as pilots in NAF.
Also, Koko, while recalling the day Arotile was winged as the first female combat helicopter pilot in NAF, noted that the lawmakers were aware of the many exploits the young officer made in her short but impactful career.
He said her passing was extremely painful, but they took solace in the fact that she had left a lasting legacy. He therefore urged the chief of air staff, and through him, the family of the deceased young officer to be consoled by the good deeds she left behind.
Responding, Abubakar expressed his appreciation to the esteemed dignitaries as well as all Nigerians for their overwhelming show of support to the NAF over the passing of Arotile.
He noted that NAF would never forget her, not only because she was the first female combat helicopter pilot in the service, but also for her legacy as a very intelligent, highly committed and extremely patriotic officer who excelled in virtually every endeavour.
The chief of air staff recalled how, while on basic helicopter course in South Africa, she was selected, because of her excellent performance, to undergo a more advanced flying course on the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter in Italy before returning to finish the basic course along with her other colleagues in South Africa.
Such, Abubakar said, was her commitment to excellence on the job.
“This was what gave us confidence to assign her to introduce the Agusta 109 Power Attack Helicopter to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, during the induction ceremony at the Eagle Square in Abuja on 6 February 2020; which she did excellently,” he added.
Abubakar added that late Arotile had left her mark in the sands of time, explaining that when it comes to displaying excellence and adding value to the society, age or gender should not be barriers.
He noted that her contributions through combat missions conducted, along with her colleagues, in the fight against armed banditry and other criminal activities in the country would also never be forgotten.
The chief of air staff disclosed that NAF would therefore continue to give equal opportunities to female officers in terms of training, noting that a total of 11 female student pilots were currently undergoing flying training both within and outside Nigeria.
While reiterating the huge loss Flying Officer Arotile’s death was to NAF, Abubakar noted that the Service would continue to be consoled by the legacy she left behind.
He assured that NAF, in honour of her memory as well as all those who had paid the supreme price before her, would continue to work assiduously to ensure success in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other security threats for the overall peace and prosperity of a united Nigeria.
By Idowu Sowunmi
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Buhari celebrates Charles Egbu, first Nigerian named Vice Chancellor in UK
President Muhammadu Buhari Friday expressed delight at the news of appointment of Prof. Charles Egbu, from Anambra State, as Vice Chancellor of Leeds Trinity University, United Kingdom.
The President felicitated with the academic, who is the first black person appointed helmsman of a ranked university in the UK, urging him to continue to proudly hold the flag of Nigeria aloft in all his endeavours in the elevated position.
“With wide experience as Pro-Chancellor at University of East London, Dean of the School of Built Environment and Architecture at London South Bank University, and stints at University of Salford, University College London, Glasgow Caledonian University, Leeds Beckett University, among others, I have no doubt that you will acquit yourself creditably once again in this new assignment,” Buhari said.
The President described Egbu as a foremost Quantity Surveyor with 12 books and over 350 publications to his credit, saying he’s “a worthy example of an industrious Nigerian, whom the younger generation should adopt as a role model.”
Buhari, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, urged the new vice chancellor, who would assume office in November, to build on the strong foundations laid by his predecessors at the university, where he is equally an alumnus.
Egbu is the first black vice chancellor of Leeds Trinity University and perhaps the first ever of any United Kingdom University or College.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Tolulope Arotile: Possibly killed by Boko Haram sympathiser, Afenifere, family, ‘ex-soldier’ allege
Pan-Yoruba sociocultural group, Afenifere says it suspects foul play in the death of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) first female combat pilot, 23-year Tolulope Arotile, whom authorities reported to have died “as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna”.
In a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the group, Yinka Odumakin, Thursday, Afenifere accused the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) of being economical with the truth on how the young combat pilot died and therefore demands a coronner inquest into her death.
READ ALSO: Photos: First female Nigerian Air Force combat helicopter pilot is dead
“A statement by the Nigerian Air Force told some truth that she died but spewed some untruth in saying that”:
‘it is with great sorrow that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) regretfully announces the unfortunate demise of Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile who died today, 14 July 2020, as a result of head injuries sustained from a road traffic accident at NAF Base Kaduna.’, Afenifere quoted NAF.
The group expressed doubt about the sincerity of NAF because the detail of Flying Officer Arotile’s death was only revealed by eyewitness account.
“It was only eyewitness accounts that unofficially released that it was a colleague of hers who reversed his car to knock her down on the road”, the group stated.
READ ALSO: Buhari, Aisha mourn first female NAF combat helicopter pilot, Tolulope Arotile
Referring to NAF’s statement on Arotile’s death which stated that:
‘Until her death, Flying Officer Arotile, who was commissioned into the NAF in September 2017 as a member of Nigerian Defence Academy Regular Course 64, was the first ever female combat helicopter pilot in the Service. During her short but impactful stay in the Service, late Arotile, who hails from Iffe in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State, contributed significantly to the efforts to rid the North Central States of armed bandits and other criminal elements by flying several combat missions under Operation GAMA AIKI in Minna, Niger State’.
Afenifere, who also stated unofficial accounts which disclosed late Arotile had just returned from a combat operation before she was knocked down to death, alleged that the young flying officer might have been deliberately killed by sympathisers of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT), who have infiltrated the Nigerian Military.
“We therefore do not accept that her death was an accident until the report of a coroner says how she died and how a supposed attempt to stop and greet could come with a death impact.
“We say this against what is known of the infiltration of the forces by sympathizers and agents of Boko Haram.
“We recall the report years back of such agents revealing the routes and timing of movements of our troops to Boko Haram who ambushed them”, Afenifere said in the statement.
READ ALSO: [Video] NDDC Drama: How Governor Wike rescued Joy Nunieh from arrest
Furthermore, the group, while sympathizing with the family of the late promising NAF officer, whom Nigerians have described as a hero; demanded that:
“The inquiry should look into all the links of the colleague who killed her and we must know the identity”.
in the same vein, late Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile’s family has also called for a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the sudden death of Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot.
“We in the family are not convinced that Tolu can just die like that in a freak accident,” Ms. Damilola Adegboye, immediate elder sister to the deceased Flying Officer told Punch Newspaper.
“I know that the military is well trained in the art of investigation, we want them to carry out a thorough investigation that can convince us beyond all doubts that the incident that led to her death was real”, she added.
Meanwhile, during a live radio programme – The Big Three Stories for Today on Nigeria Info FM 99.3 anchored by one Sandra Ezekwesili, a man who claimed to be an ex-soldier, choosing to be anonimous, called in from Ilupeju, Lagos Nigeria by telephone and alleged that the Nigerian Army is not only infiltrated by sabotages pretending to be soldiers, but pervaded by leaders who are pilfering the humongous resources budgeted yearly to fight insurgency in the country.
READ ALSO: NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation
The acclaimed ex-soldier had in the course of the conversation with the radio presenter categorically stated that: “I was shot on purpose by my fellow soldier for always killing Boko Haram”.
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Similarly, some Twitter users, who commented on the tweet posted by Nigeria Info FM and their presenter, Sandra Ezekwesili, corroborated the allegation by the acclaimed ex-soldier.
One Vique, who tweeted via @viqueta stated that: “This is no joke Sandra, this guy isn’t lying at all, my friend in the military band corps was sent to the NE because his boss didn’t like him, he had to flee the war zone because they were always been attacked, some solders were divulging info to BH terrorists”.
Another Twitter user named Nonso Chukwu who commented via @n_nonsochukwu explained the experience of a relative:
“Sandra i was listening to your show right at the moment he made that statement in Hausa. We lost a cousin of mine in 2018. Similar story. But he was unlucky as he did not survive the shot. He was shot by his colleague right at their post.
READ ALSO: Nigeria’s-Air Task Force hits terrorists camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno
“Sandra, we never officially got any information from the Army that he was killed. He was buried in a military cemetery there in Maiduguri. No explanation came from the Army as to the cause of his death”, Chukwu added.
The controversy surrounding the unfortunate death of Tolulope and other claims of unexplained deaths of relations has now brought to the front burner issues of maltreatment of rank and file by the leadership of the Nigerian Military formation, including allegations that some high ranking officers are taking advantage of the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to enrich their pockets; a possible reason why insurgency in Nigeria might not have ended since about a decade now.
By Tobiloba Kolawole
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NDDC: Buhari speaks on unfolding drama, orders coordinated investigation
Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday broke silence over the ongoing unfolding drama over the probe of the budgetary allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking for the first time on the attacks and counter attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the commission, Buhari expressed his strong determination to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples in spite of enormous national resources voted year after year for this singular purpose.
The President directed that there should be better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to ensure that his administration’s effort to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of the large amount of resources dedicated to development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.
According to him, auditing firms and investigative agencies working in collaboration with National Assembly Committees to resolve the challenges in NDDC must initiate actions in a time-bound manner and duly inform the Presidency of the actions being taken.
The President also directed timely sharing of information and knowledge in a way to speedily assist the administration to diagnose what had gone wrong in the past and what needs to be done to make corrections in order to return NDDC to its original mandate of making life better for people in Niger Delta.
Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the administration wanted to bring about “rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.”
The President gave firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in NDDC but in all other institutions of government.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Sanity, Transparency, Accountability Will Return to NDDC, Buhari Assures
President Muhammadu Buhari Thursday broke silence over the ongoing unfolding drama over the probe of the budgetary allocations to the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Speaking for the first time on the attacks and counter attacks between and around persons, institutions, and the commission, Buhari expressed his strong determination to get to the root of the problem undermining the development of the Niger Delta and its peoples in spite of enormous national resources voted year after year for this singular purpose.
Read Also….. NDDC Drama: Pondei walks out on Reps as Wike rescues Nunieh from arrest
The President directed that there should be better coordination among security and investigating agencies with the National Assembly to ensure that his administration’s effort to bring sanity, transparency and accountability to the management of the large amount of resources dedicated to development of the Niger Delta sub-region is not derailed.
According to him, auditing firms and investigative agencies working in collaboration with National Assembly Committees to resolve the challenges in NDDC must initiate actions in a time-bound manner and duly inform the Presidency of the actions being taken.
The President also directed timely sharing of information and knowledge in a way to speedily assist the administration to diagnose what had gone wrong in the past and what needs to be done to make corrections in order to return NDDC to its original mandate of making life better for people in Niger Delta.
Read Also… NDDC Crisis: Acting Finance Director is dead, sources suspect poisoning
Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said the administration wanted to bring about “rapid, even and sustainable development to the region.”
The President gave firm assurance that his administration would put in place a transparent and accountable governance framework, not only in NDDC but in all other institutions of government.
Idowu Sowunmi
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[Video] NDDC Drama: How Governor Wike rescued Joy Nunieh from arrest
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, allegedly rushed into the Port Harcourt residence of a former Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Joy Nunieh, to rescue her from a purported house arrest following alleged police invasion of the house.
Nunieh was billed to testify before the House of Representatives committee on Niger Delta, who are probing public fund embezzlement in billions of Naira.
Video Credit: BBC Pidgin
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Mali Crisis: Jonathan arrives Bamako, optimistic of positive results
Former president Goodluck Jonathan has arrived Bamako in Mali, expressing optimism that the current crisis in the West African country would be resolved in no time.
Jonathan was appointed by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as a Special Envoy to lead the sub-regional body’s mediation mission in Mali.
His appointment was communicated to him in a letter signed by the President of ECOWAS Commission, Jean-Claude Kassi Brou.
“Given your position as the former President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the great role and contributions your tenure offered to the maintenance of peace, security and stability in our region, I have the honour, in consultation with the Chair of the Authority, H.E. Issoufou Mahamadou, President of the Republic of Niger, to communicate to you, the decision to appoint you as ECOWAS Special Envoy for the socio-political crisis in Mali,” the letter read.
The former president is to engage in consultations with all relevant stakeholders involved in the ongoing dispute in Mali to ensure that a common ground is found in the search for peace.
As a Special Envoy, Jonathan is expected to facilitate dialogue with all principal stakeholders in Mali, including President Ibrahim Boubacar Keita, opposition leaders, civil society as well as religious leaders among others.
Speaking shortly his arrival in Bamako, Jonathan said: “I arrived Bamako Wednesday evening with my delegation to begin my assignment as leader of ECOWAS peace mission to Mali.
“I’m optimistic that our mission will yield positive results.
“Our message of peace and progress has so far been well received by stakeholders.”
Idowu Sowunmi
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NDDC Drama: Pondei walks out on Reps as Wike rescues Nunieh from arrest
Acting Managing Director of Interim Management Committee (IMC) for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Kemebradikumo Pondei, and his team Thursday in Abuja walked out on the members of the House of Representatives Committee on NDDC.
This was coming as Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, allegedly rushed into the Port Harcourt residence of a former NDDC Managing Director, Joy Nunieh, to rescue her from a purported house arrest following alleged police invasion of the house.
Pondei and the team, while addressing the committee members, said they were not prepared to make any presentation before the lawmakers.
The Acting Managing Director raised objections that the Chairman of House Committee on NDDC, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, presiding over the investigative hearing, could not preside over a matter in which he’s an accused.
Members of the committee, including Benjamin Kali, Ben Ibakpa and Shehu Koko, told the Acting MD that since there was no document before them, he’s constitutionally bound to answer their queries.
While members were still making contribution on the issue, Pondei sought permission to leave and walked out before the committee could grant or reject his request.
Furious members of the Committee accused the Interim Management Committee of trying to frustrate legislative functions and ordered a warrant of arrest be issued against him.
The Committee also unanimously passed a vote of confidence on its Chairman.
Meanwhile, Wike was said to have arrived Nunieh’s house, which was surrounded by over 15 armed policemen in the early hours of Thursday.
The governor allegedly bulldozed his way into the building and took the embattled ex-NDDC managing director to the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Nunieh was supposed to be in Abuja on Thursday to testify before the ad-hoc committee of the House of Representatives investigating alleged corruption in NDDC.
Idowu Sowunmi
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Nigeria’s Air Task Force hits terrorists’ camp with devastating airstrikes in Borno
The Air Task Force of Nigerian Military Operation Lafiya Dole yesterday July 15, 2020 destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists’ (BHTs’) Camp and killing several fighters belonging to the group during massive air strikes executed at Ngwuri Gana along the Gulumba Gana – Kumshe axis in the Northern part of Borno State, Nigeria.
The air strike operation was on Tuesday disclosed in a statement by the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General, John Enenche, who stated that the operation was carried out after receiving human intelligence reports that confirmed the raided settlement was one of the locations used by Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to launch attacks against Nigerian troops and villages around Kumshe area.
According to the defence chief noted that aerial surveillance missions also confirmed the heavy presence of a large number of BHTs in the settlement, some of whom were seen slinging their rifles.
“The Air Task Force therefore launched coordinated attacks on the various targets within the settlement, employing an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships.
“The attack aircraft took turns in engaging the designated locations within the settlement, scoring devastating hits which led to the destruction of several structures, including the Communication Centres, as well as the neutralization of several terrorists”, Major General Enenche said.
Enenche further disclosed that the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commended the Air Task Force team for their dedication, dexterity and professionalism.
“The Defence Headquarters equally urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country”, Major General Enenche added.
Defence Headquarters believes that the successful air strike operation is In continuation of the sustained offensive against terrorist elements in the North-East of the Country.
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By Tobiloba Kolawole
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