COVER
Leave South West Now, Arewa Youths Tell Northern Herders
By Martin Paul, Abuja
Northern Youths Council of Nigeria (NYCN) has expressed worries over the recent attacks on northerners in Sasha market of Akinyele Local Government Area in Oyo state.
The Youths in a statement in Abuja said the action was the beginning of an agenda being perpetrated to expel northerners from the region.
The group then called on all herdsmen to leave sll Forest Reserves in the south west immediately.
“The attention of the Northern Youths Council of Nigeria has been drawn to the ongoing Carnage against Northerners, particularly in Sasha Market of Akinyele Local Government, Oyo State, South West Nigeria wherein so many were either killed or injured, business premises and vehicles burnt by Yoruba hoodlums.
“We wish to condemn such an attack in the strongest terms possible and call on security agents to arrest the perpetrators so as to serve as deterrent to would be hoodlums.”
“The eviction orders by Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, violate the provisions of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 as amended, which guarantees freedom of movement to all citizens and rights to own movable and unmovable properties in any part of the country.
“We believe strongly that the inability of the government at all levels to tame the lawless wings of Sunday Igboho and his co-travellers has led to the emergence of his variants, hence, the renewed attacks on settled business people and many others that can’t speak Yoruba at Sasha Market,” the statement explained.
The youths called on the federal government to declare Sunday Igboho’s group a terrorist organisation, alleging that he was not different from Boko Haram.
Avoid Ethnic Champions for Peace- Lukman
But, the Director General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum (PGF) Salihu Lukman advised Nigerians to distance themselves from ethnic agitation champions for peace to reign.
He also challenged political leaders to wake up to their responsibilities and provide leadership on matters that had taken over national discourse for unity in recent times.
Lukman, a chieftain of the ruling – All Progressives Congress (APC), was reacting in a statement in Abuja yesterday over last week crisis in Shasha area of Ibadan, Oyo State between a Hausa tomato sellers and a Yoruba woman, which led to death of one person and destruction of property.
“While it is important that all law-abiding citizens dissociate themselves from all the campaigns of ethnic hatred going on in the country, we must caution our political leaders to wake up to the responsibility of providing political leadership on a matter that has taken over every political debate. As it is today, it is impossible to debate any issue in Nigeria without the attempt to interpret it along ethnic and religious lines.
” We need to appeal to our political leaders to take all the steps required to move our nation forward, away from these politics of ethnic hatred. The only way our children and Nigerians can be maximally and confidently competitive in every sphere in our contemporary knowledge driven world is when events in our country are inspiring citizens beyond the clamour for ethnic hatred.
“Instead of hating each other, can our leaders take steps to begin to push us to love each other? The need to guarantee justice at all times, irrespective of who is affected is about the only route for peaceful co-existence in the country.
“Once that is compromised, the foundation of our democracy will be eroded. The burden facing our political leaders is to begin to take every necessary step to move our people and our nation from all parts of the country towards ensuring fairness in every part of the country.
“The basis of fairness must be such that to love ourselves, we must love others. Once we can’t guarantee fairness, we should delete the word love in our vocabulary.
“Therefore, we must demand that our political leaders should show love to themselves by ensuring fair conduct of all citizens as a basis for citizens’ love to leaders and the nation.”
The APC chieftain expressed fears the level of intolerance may get worse as we move towards 2023 general elections.
He complained that the level of intolerance in the country on account of ethnic background is beyond imagination.
“Before Sasha, there were many reportedly alleged cases of communal violence across the country. Till today, there is hardly any reported position or proposal taken by any of our national organisations.
“All we have is clamour by ethnic bullies and warlords mobilising support against ethnic groups they considered as their enemies.
“Even leaders of national organisations have become not more than ethnic bullies and warlords. Once leader takes a position based on ethnic sentiments without the humility to consider positions of other members who are part of organisations he/she is leading, such a leader is nothing more ethnic bully or warlord.
“The few cases of deliberations in the chambers of the National Assembly, for instance, were even more worrisome as members just adopt positions based on ethnic consideration, may be expectedly so.
“We could justify this with the argument that this is largely because there was no initiative to guide the position of members by their parties. This is not just a problem of one party. All the parties are guilty.
“Certainly, because APC is the governing party it has to take more responsibility. We must appeal to our leaders to rise up to the challenge of developing proactive responses to the problems of insecurity being compounded by ethnic hatred in the country.
“Our parties must wake up to take all the necessary steps to take decisions, which should guide the response of every leader and member. This is not just a partisan matter.”
Fulani Leaders Refute Returnees Figure
Meanwhile, some Fulani leaders at Ladduga grazing reserve in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna state, with other stakeholders, have ssid that only 107 against 4,000 herders returned from Oyo state.
A leader of the Fulanis at Ladduga, Malam Ardo Goge, told some Peace builders and Journalists, who visited four of the new settlements of the Fulanis from Oyo state, due to the quit notice given to them that only 107 of them relocated with their children, women and the elderly.
Goge explained that the returnees were initially from the community before they left for the South, saying: “They left the area eight years ago to the South in order to feed their animals and now they are back.”
According to him, the returnees were peace loving herders, with a good record of promoting peaceful co-existence, even before they left Ladduga community to the South, saying that no herder would arrive Ladduga without the knowledge of the community leaders.
He challenged journalists and NGOs to prove that over 4000 herders had arrived Ladduga as earlier published in the media, saying that the media should always cross check their facts before posting their news, to avoid unnecessary suspicions.
“These herders were our own people and we have been living with them in peace and harmony for many years, before they migrated to the south, and now they are back due to threat of attack.
“They are not foreigners, they are Kaduna state indigenes, it is the crisis that brought them back. “we have given them place to stay and we have cleared the bush for them to build new homes with their families, ‘
”But they lack many things like social amenities, clothes, foods as they came into the state without their normal cows and other animals we are used to seeing them with”.
A former Permanent secretary of the Kaduna state peace commission, who is also a resident of the community, said he had been part of the fact finding mission to Ladduga community.
Momale said that since the report that over 4000 Fulani herdsmen arrived Ladduga community, he had spent a whole day in the forest with some Fulani Leaders moving round to ascertain the number of those Fulanis that relocated from the south west.
“From the facts and figures, we only received the report of only 107 Fulani migrants from the South, who were originally Fulanis from the area that came back home” he said. He stated that some of the Fulani herdsmen complained of lack of shelter, food and warming cloths against the hamattan. Ibrahim Abdullahi, one of the returnees, reiterated their needs to include food and shelter, as their children were sleeping in open spaces and the ”weather is really cold”. He called on Non-Governmental organizations (NGOs), Civil society organizations, NEMA, SEMA, The Red Cross, Interfaith mediation centre and public-spirited individuals to come to their aid. Abdullahi also appealed to Miyetti Allah and all Fulani organizations to come to their rescue as they were really in need of help.
By David Torough, Abuja
Zenith Bank Plc has assured its teeming customers of exceptional service delivery and improved customer experience following the successful completion of its Information Technology Infrastructure Upgrade.
The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive of the bank, Dr.
Adaora Umeoji in a statement expressed her immense gratitude to all customers of the bank for their patience and support during its recent IT infrastructure migration to a new and more robust operating system.Umeoji emphasized that the bank was committed to delivering unparalleled service experience, saying “We undertook such an extensive endeavor in other to better position Zenith Bank Plc for improved service delivery to all our valued customers and provide memorable banking experiences at all our touchpoints,” adding that the bank now has one of the best technology infrastructure in the Nigerian banking industry, and is well positioned to ensure customers experience exceptional service delivery going forward.
Zenith Bank has continued to distinguish itself in the Nigerian financial services industry through superior service offering, unique customer experience and sound financial indices.
The bank has remained a clear leader in the digital space with several firsts in the deployment of innovative products, solutions and an assortment of alternative channels that ensure convenience, speed and safety of transactions.
The bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the 15th consecutive year in the 2024 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker Magazine. The Bank was also awarded the Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020 and 2022; and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria 2023 and 2024 in the International Banker Banking Awards.
Further recognitions include being recognised as Best Bank in Nigeria for the fourth time in five years, from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for four consecutive years from 2021 to 2024 in the World Finance Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for three consecutive years, from 2022 to 2024, ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.
The Bank’s commitment to excellence saw it being named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in the Banker Magazine Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021; Bank of the Year for 2023 and 2024, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and in 2024 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best
Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Decade (People’s Choice) at the ThisDay Awards 2020, Bank of the Year 2021 by Champion Newspaper, Bank of the Year 2022 by New Telegraph Newspaper, and Most Responsible Organisation in Africa 2021 by SERAS Awards.
By David Torough, Abuja
The death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has thrown the nation into mourning, casting a heavy pall over official functions at the Presidency and the security services.
The Presidency yesterday announced Lagbaja’s death following what many attributed to his protracted battle with cancer.
A statement by presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said Lagbaja, 56, died on Tuesday night in Lagos, “after a period of illness”
“President Bola Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time.
He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honours his significant contributions to the nation,” the statement read.According to the statement, Lagbaja, who was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment throughout his service.
He had previously served as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion among other sensitive positions.
Incidentally, President Tinubu had, last weekend Wednesday, appointed Major General Olufemi Oluyede as the acting Chief of Army Staff, to stand in for Lagbaja who had been away on medical treatment.
The President had, last Tuesday, gone ahead to decorate Oluyede as Lieutenant General, deepening speculations that Lagbaja was not being expected back anytime soon.
Following the death of the late COAS, the Presidency postponed the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting scheduled for yesterday in honour of the fallen COAS.
The President also directed that Nigeria’s national flags be flown at half-mast across the country for seven days.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) was also caught in the sombre atmosphere. A joint statement mourning the demise of the COAS was issued by Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar; Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Ibrahim Kana.
The MOD expressed shock over the sad news recalling Lagbaja’s contribution to the Army and his dedication to duty.
The statement said, “He exhibited the spirit of camaraderie and cooperation with us in the discharge of our mandate.
“The late Chief of Army Staff contributed in no small measure to the internal security operations across Nigeria and also exhibited a high level of professionalism.
“He will be greatly missed by the family, the military and the nation as he served the nation with commitment and dedication.”
Similarly, there was palpable grief at the Defence Headquarters over the loss with the leadership expressing deep sorrow of the development.
It noted that the COAS, until his death, demonstrated exemplary leadership. He was credited with spearheading the establishment of the Nigerian Army Aviation Wing and also playing critical roles in multiple military operations across the country.
On its part, the Nigeria Police Force announced the cancellation of all non-essential personal and social engagements for two days. The Force also suspended non-urgent commitments in honour of the late COAS.
In a statement by Force spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the police authorities described Lagbaja as a highly respected figure, known for his tireless efforts in combating insurgency, armed banditry, and violent extremism.
“His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation earned him great admiration. The Inspector-General’s gesture reflects the deep respect and appreciation for General Lagbaja’s remarkable service.
“The Nigeria Police Force extends its heartfelt condolences to Mr President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and General Lagbaja’s family, colleagues, and loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy and commitment to Nigeria’s security will never be forgotten,” the statement said.
President Bola Tinubu and Alhaji Atiku Abubakar yesterday joined other leaders across the globe in congratulating America’s President-elect, Donald Trump.
The world leaders sent their congratulatory messages hours before Vice President Kamala Harris conceded defeat to Trump.
Tinubu expressed his eagerness to strengthen the ties between Nigeria and the United States amid the complex challenges and opportunities of the contemporary world.
The Nigerian President’s message was conveyed through a statement yesterday by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu said, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.
”According to him, Trump’s victory reflects the trust and confidence the American people have placed in his leadership.
The Nigerian leader congratulated the American electorate on their commitment to democracy.
“President Tinubu believes that, given President Trump’s experience as the 45th President of the United States from 2017 to 2021, his return to the White House as the 47th President will usher in an era of earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States,” the statement said.
Tinubu also acknowledged the United States’ influence, power, and position in determining the trend and course of global events, trusting that President Trump will bring the world closer to peace and prosperity.
Atiku, in his message, described Trump’s victory as “a lesson in the art of rising after every fall,” apparently seeing possibilities of his own victory in future elections amid a string of past losses.
Atiku, who contested in the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), lost to Tinubu and his All Progressives Congress (APC).
He has recorded a string of losses in previous election cycles on different political party platforms.
Atiku commended the process that led to the outcome of the US presidential election, hailing the American citizens for their unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot.
He appealed to Trump to stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and the world in general.
“I closely followed the presidential election in the United States of America, watching with bated breath as the nation decided its future.
“It is with even greater satisfaction that I now reflect on the result, which heralds a resounding victory for President Donald J. Trump and the Republican Party.
“This triumph, without a doubt, will stand as an enduring testament to the resilience and vitality of the democratic process – a timeless reminder that democracy, with all its trials and tribulations, remains a force for good in the world.
“The narrative of President Trump’s political journey, marked by his struggles and triumphs, shall serve as an inspiring parable of courage in the face of adversity — a lesson in the art of rising after every fall, and ultimately, emerging victorious.
“As the world rejoices in the euphoria of his remarkable comeback, it is to be hoped that President Trump will continue his resolute advocacy for credible elections worldwide and remain steadfast in dismantling anti-democratic forces wherever they may lurk.
“The lesson for us in Nigeria is the integrity of the process that ensures a credible outcome. It is the expectation of every Nigerian that the Trump administration will stand resolute in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria and other places in the world.
“I also extend my warm congratulations to the people of the United States, whose unwavering faith in the power of democracy and the sanctity of the ballot has once again shown the world the true might of the people’s voice”, he said.
Meanwhile the US Vice President, Kamala Harris, has called Trump to congratulate him on winning the presidential election.
Associated Press (AP) report quoted a campaign aide of Harris’ as having had a discussion with Trump on the importance of a peaceful transfer of power and being a president for all Americans.
Harris was billed to make a public concession speech later Wednesday night, which would be her first appearance since she lost the election to Trump.
Further report said she would be delivering her speech at Howard University, Washington DC.
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