NEWS
Anambra Election: Buhari Talks Tough as IPOB Issues Fresh Threats
In a surprisingly crowded week, President Muhammadu Buhari vows to sustain the nation’s democratic order and do the needful in terms of ensuring that governorship election holds in Anambra on Nov. 6.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) had threatened to lockdown the entire Southeast for six days if its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is not released unconditionally before Nov.
4.However, the Federal and Anambra state governments had since dismissed the threat, assuring that nothing would stop the conduct of the election on Nov.
6.President Buhari made the federal government’s position known when he presided over meeting of the National Security Council at the State House, Abuja, on Oct.
21.The National Security Adviser to the President, retired Maj.-Gen. Babagana Mongonu, who addressed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting, also announced the killing of Malam Bako, the successor of Abu Musab Al-Barnawi, the leader of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP).
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Lucky Irabor had on Oct. 14 confirmed the death of Abu Musab.
Irabor said: “I can authoritatively confirm to you that Abu Musab is dead. He is dead and remains dead.’’
However, Mongonu disclosed that Abu Musab’s successor, Malam Bako was also neutralized along with a prominent member of the ISWAP.
He said: “The fact again is that the armed forces, the land forces have done an excellent job because in the span of one month we have been able to take out the leadership of the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) – that is Abu Musab Al-barnawi.
“Two days ago, the man who succeeded him, one Malam Bako, one of the prominent leaders of the Shura Council of the Islamic State of West African Province, was also taken out.
“They are also contending with leadership crisis. You know these things are also accompanied with inherent issues of trust, conflicts, mutual suspicion and other things.
“So, the operations being conducted by the armed forces in the Northern parts of the country put a lot of pressure on the Islamic State of West African Province, Boko Haram and also the tangential group known as Islamic State in the Greatest Sahara.’’
On the forthcoming Nov. 6 Anambra governorship election, the NSA said the President enjoined the security agencies to stamp their feet of authority and ensure the success of the election.
Monguno said the president was reacting to the heightened security challenges in Anambra, orchestrated by the proscribed IPOB.
“The President has directed that under no circumstances will anything be allowed to stop the elections from taking place successfully. The people have a right to vote and select their leader.
“No group or individual will be allowed to stimulate anarchy and chaos, leading to murderous activities.
“The President has made it very clear that the Armed Forces and all law enforcement agencies must make sure that the elections take place even if it means overwhelming the entire environment with the presence of security personnel”, he said.
Buhari had earlier, on Oct. 20, hosted Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who was on a 2-day official visit to Nigeria.
The Turkish leader, who expressed satisfaction with the level of bilateral relations between Turkey and Nigeria under the leadership of President Buhari, revealed that Turkey trade volume would be expanded by five billion dollars, immediately, to further boost socio-economic ties between the two countries.
Erdogan, who spoke through an interpreter, expressed the hope that the relations between the two nations would be further developed on the basis of a win-win situation and in the basis of mutual respect.
The Turkish leader also expressed the readiness of his country to partner with Nigeria in tackling its security challenges.
Buhari had on Oct. 19, sent a stern warning to bandits, saying that “the clock of your ultimate destruction is ticking as you will no longer have a place to hide.”
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman, said Buhari was reacting to the killing of over 30 people in Goronyo in Sokoto State on Sunday by bandits.
According to the president, the days of the bandits are indeed numbered because the military capabilities of armed forces are being boosted by the acquisition and deployment of advanced equipment.
“The bandits are living in fool’s paradise of invincibility, but reality will soon dawn on them harder than ever before.
”The bandits are currently under desperate pressures because of the intense and sustained air and ground operations against them in their hideouts by our security forces.
“The cowardly attacks on innocent people by the bandits show a rear-guard action of criminals under pressure.
”But they will have no place to hide and our gallant security forces will not relent in the current offensive to defeat these callous enemies of humanity,” the president emphasized.
Former Head of State, retired Gen. Yakubu Gowon, had also on Oct. 19 called President Buhari to wish him and other Muslim faithful a happy Eid-el-Maulud celebration.
The celebration is to mark the birthday of the Holy Prophet Muhammad.
Also on Oct. 19, the Nigerian leader offered his deepest condolences to President Joe Biden, the government and people of the United States, on the passing of the former Secretary of State, Gen. Colin Powell.
President Buhari believed that as the first African American Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the highest military position in the U.S. Department of Defence as well as the first African American Secretary of State, Powell was a great statesman and a global icon in every sense of it.
He observed that the deceased was also a great advocate of the eradication of Polio and in addressing the deadly spread of HIV/AIDS pandemic in Africa.
However, on Oct. 19, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo attended an event to mark six years of the Future Assured programme, an initiative of the Aisha Buhari Foundation.
He noted that intervention programmes of the Buhari administration since 2015 to date are designed and implemented in order to improve the health, education and socio-economic conditions of the Nigerian people, especially women, children and youths.
He said: “The very future of Nigeria and our communities depend on how well we address the many concerns of women and children in our communities, especially the focal areas of health, education and economic empowerment.”
Later same day, the vice-president also spoke at the public presentation of Sen. Ken Nnamani’s book, Standing Strong.
Osinbajo had earlier on Oct. 18 received at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, a US government delegation led by the White House Deputy National Security Advisor, Mr Jonathan Finer.
The vice-president, who spoke on climate change at the occasion, said: ”The Biden administration is fully back on board the Climate Change global agenda, in a commendable restoration of the US government’s support for the Paris Agreement
“We are happy that the US is fully on board with climate change and back to the table on this issue. I think one has to commend the drive that this US administration has put behind climate change.”
Osinbajo was also in Lagos on Friday where he inaugurated the Duchess International Hospital, a new facility under the Reddington Hospitals group.
According to the Vice President, the opening of the new hospital is a cause for celebration because it shows that “we have all it takes to become the place of choice for even medical tourists”.
The event paraded a collection of world class medical experts and prominent Nigerians, including two State Governors: Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun.
The Central Bank Governor, Godwin Emefiele, the Managing Directors of the Bank of Industry – Olukayode Pitan and Access Bank – Herbert Wigwe, were also at the event.
Chinese President Xi Jinping, on Oct. 22, wrote President Buhari, saying his country would use the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Nigeria to promote strategic partnership to new heights.
According to the Chinese leader, Nigeria is an important strategic partner of China in Africa, adding that China-Nigeria cooperation has been the pacesetter of China-Africa cooperation.
President Buhari concluded the week under review with a meeting with some leaders and stakeholders from Ogoni land where he urged them to sensitize people on value of protecting national assets like pipelines and other oil installations.
He noted that wilful damage usually creates more havoc on their environment and hamper development in the area.
He said that the Federal Government was committed to the cleaning up of Ogoni Land so that, indigenes could regain their lives, return to farms and reactivate economic activities.
“You will need to educate the people of Ogoni Land and the region more that when pipelines are broken, the damage is more to the immediate environment and the people.
“The majority farmers and fishermen struggle because the fishes now move to the deep sea,’’ he said. (NAN)
From Abel Zwànke, Lafia
The 2023 gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu, has been decorated as a Fellow of the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria (SESN). Ombugadu received the Fellowship Award of Excellence during the 41st National Solar Energy Forum (NASEF) 2024, held on December 10 at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Postgraduate School, Kaduna.
The award, presented by the NDA Commandant, Major General John Ochai, recognized Ombugadu’s exceptional contributions to renewable energy advocacy and sustainable development in Nigeria.
Speaking to journalist yesterday after receiving the award Ombugadu expressed gratitude for the honour.“I am deeply honourd to receive this prestigious Fellowship Award from the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria in collaboration with the Nigerian Defence Academy. This recognition highlights the importance of renewable energy in addressing our nation’s energy challenges and fostering sustainable development,” he said.
Ombugadu advocated for increased investments in renewable energy, noting that over 80 million Nigerians lack access to electricity. “This award is a call to action. Renewable energy is essential for our national development, and we must commit more resources to this transition to empower communities and combat climate change,” Ombugadu stated.
Reading Ombugadu’s citation, the organizers described him as a philanthropist, entrepreneur, and visionary leader. Known for his contributions to healthcare, education, and water supply in rural areas, Ombugadu has drilled over 1,500 boreholes and enrolled more than 12,000 people in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).
Themed “Advancing Solar Energy Solutions for Sustainable Development,” the forum brought together energy experts, policymakers, and industry stakeholders to strategize on enhancing Nigeria’s energy security through solar technology.
Major General Ochai, who was also conferred as a Fellow, highlighted the NDA’s strides in adopting renewable energy for sustainability. “Earlier this year, the NDA established the Biodiversity and Conservation Centre, targeted at conserving the environment. In a few days, we will inaugurate a 2.5-megawatt solar farm, which will take the NDA off the national grid, help decarbonize the environment, and cut energy costs,” Ochai said.
He emphasised the academy’s commitment to community support, adding, “Whatever energy we generate through solar power will also benefit the Afaka community as part of our corporate social responsibility. Solar energy is the future, and we are proud to champion this cause.”
The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Ahmad Dangiwa, represented by Aishatu Yusha’u, emphasized the role of solar energy in urban development. “Solar energy can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, enhance energy efficiency, and promote sustainability in urban planning,” she said.
Prof. Magnus Onuoha, President of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Associations Alliance (REEEAA), praised the NDA’s bold step in constructing its solar power plant. “The NDA’s solar farm will serve as a shining example of what can be achieved when institutions prioritize sustainability and renewable energy,” Onuoha said.
He called for comprehensive policies to address Nigeria’s energy challenges. “Our alliance is committed to promoting the growth of renewable energy and transitioning from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable sources,” he added.
The Rural Electrification Agency (REA), through its Managing Director, Abba Abubakar, represented by Timothy Shekari, reiterated its commitment to providing energy access to underserved communities, highlighting initiatives that have energized markets and impacted over 1.2 million people.
The forum concluded with renewed commitments from stakeholders to advance renewable energy initiatives across Nigeria, with solar energy taking center stage in the nation’s sustainable development goals.
Other distinguished recipients included Kaduna State Governor Senator Uba Sani, represented by the Managing Director of the Kaduna State Power Supply Company, Aminu Idris, and Mrs. Olanike Olugboji-Daramola, CEO of the Women Initiative for Sustainable Environment (WISE).
Chief Bode George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has urged President Bola Tinubu to reduce the price of petrol to N300 per litre ,to make things easy for Nigerians during the festive season.
George, the Atona Oodua of Yorubaland, made this plea at an interactive session with newsmen on Wednesday in Lagos.
The price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, is currently above N1,000 per litre.
According to the elder statesman,Nigerians are going through hardship, the President should give an order to reduce fuel price, specifying time frame the people will enjoy such window of relief.
He said that the federal government as well as well- meaning individuals and businesses could bear the cost of such price slash , to bring happiness to all Nigerians.
The PDP leader, who noted that December and January are special months , said that such gesture could start from the middle of December and run through January.
“I have been thinking, as a Nigerian, what can we do because the anger and the hunger are almost equal on the streets of Nigeria.
“What am I suggesting is that Mr President should sit down with his managers and give an order that from the middle of December to the end of January, the cost of petrol will be N300 per litre.
“The government can absorb the losses in the interest of the suffering people.
“If they (government) want others to contribute, let us know how much that is going to cost and ask people to donate, to bear the cost.
“We will be sending a lot of messages of happiness across the tribes and homes.
“Everybody in Nigeria will be happy because it will positively impact on this period of the year. It is a challenge and he (Tinubu) can do it.
“We need this in this December and January to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, ” George, a PDP Board of Trustees (BOT) life member, said.
Advising the President to take further measures to bring relief to the people, he said that the gesture would crash prices of essential commodities and services for the benefit of all .
He said that government’s efforts should be concentrated on reducing high inflation rate, unemployment, poverty and youth restlessness in order to create a better future for Nigerians
Speaking on the recent presidential election in Ghana, George noted that Nigeria’s electoral system needed reforms to guard against electoral frauds and manipulations.
According to him, the nation will continue to grope for development if the system fails to encourage best candidates to emerge.
Stating that election must reflect the wishes of the people and be devoid of religious and tribal sentiments, George said that Ghana election should be a wake up call for Nigeria.
“INEC performance must improve. The commission must make sure that the voice of the people is heard in elections.
“Electoral offenders should be made to face the music and sent to jail. We must be very firm about due process, credibility and transparency in elections,” he said.
Urging the President to revisit resolutions in the 2014 Constitutional Conference, George said that the current constitution was not federal in principle and practice.
“We should not deceive ourselves, the constitution is a problem. It is a military constitution, it is not democratic,” he said.
George called on the National Assembly to ensure devolution of powers and electoral reforms that would do away with manual collation of election results and mandate electronic transmission of election results from polling units.
George disagreed with political watchers saying no vacancy in presidency in 2027.
On the dwindling strength of the former ruling party, George, who noted that all organisations had its ups and downs, said that selfish interests and disregard for party rules remained PDP’s major challenge.
He said that PDP could bounce back and win presidential election if the leadership decided to elevate national interest above selfish interests and adhere to the party’s constitution.
“We will tell ourselves some serious old truth. We messed ourselves up. ” he said.
Stating, however, that the PDP was not dead, George said that lack of justice, equity, fairness and the inability to adhere to the party’s zoning and rotational principle cost the party victory in 2023.
Calling on the party’s founding fathers alive to wake up and rescue the party, George said that Nigerians were still waiting for the former ruling party to take over power and put things right. (NAN)
President Bola Tinubu, is set to perform the groundbreaking of 2,000 housing units of the Renewed Hope City in Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, in the next few weeks.
Mr Ahmed Dangiwa, Minister of Housing and Urban Development, announced this during an official assessment visit, on Wednesday in Lagos
Dangiwa said Lagos would represent the South-west, while the president would do that of the North-West in Kano, before doing that of the four other regions.
“Arrangements is already on ground, we have gotten sites, and work has commenced for 2000 houses in the Renewed Hope City that we intend to build in Ibeju-Lekki,” he said.
Towards achieving the set goal, the minister said the visiting team also paid a courtesy visit to Gov.
Babajide Sanwo-Olu to discuss area of collaboration between the federal and state governments.He disclosed that the federal and Lagos state governments had agreed to set up a Tripartite committee and ensure all the issues of concerns between the parties were resolved amicably for the benefit of all.
Earlier, the Minister embarked on an assessment visit of deplorable Federal Government buildings and assets across Lagos state in a bid to commence rehabilitation on them in a few months.
Dangiwa said the rehabilitation was necessary as the deplorable buildings posed a challenge and security concerns to the Lagos state government. (NAN)
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