Images Of Nigerian Workers Protest In Kaduna northern Nigeria On Thursday Over Sack Of Workers In The State
Nigeria 2019 Elections: Bishop Advises Southern Kaduna Politicians, Says It Is Pay Back Time
By Amos Tauna
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Catholic Bishop of Kafanchan, north west Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Joseph Danlami Bagobiri, has frowned at the position of the Southern Kaduna representatives who kept mute on what he referred to as ” injustices being foisted on the innocent people of the area by the state government”.
He stated that those who kept mum should not be supported to go back to their political positions come 2019.
The Bishop was speaking at the Southern Kaduna People’s Union Youth wing meeting with a theme, “Revisiting the Political Participation of Southern Kaduna: The role of the Youths under the Chairmanship of Justice Makeri, first President Kaduna State Customary Court of Appeal.
Bishop Bagobiri maintained that “It is a pay back time for those members of the Kaduna State House of Assembly who kept mum over the injustices being unleashed on their people.
“They have been there and seeing what Governor El-Rufai is doing, is only the religious leaders that are doing the talking, but these politicians are saying nothing, they should never be supported again.
“Let Southern Kaduna surveyors take a critical look at Kaduna North and Kaduna South, in actual sense it is what we call Kaduna east and Kaduna west in Geography.
“Take a look at the map, this is the injustice that has been done that Kaduna east is being described as Kaduna South with Tudun Wada in it, and Kaduna west is being described as Kaduna North and this is why this unjust must not continue and there can be no hope for you to win any election as long as this agenda continue.
“Our agenda must aim toward addressing this issue, if we don’t address it, we have not address anything at all.”
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/12/16/conflict/nigeria-southern-kaduna-frowns-at-age-long-socio-political-marginalization/
Nigeria Police Arrested Shi’ite Members For Alleged Involvement In Violence Protest In Abuja
By Amos Tauna
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Nigeria Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Abuja said on Tuesday that it arrested 52 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria for violent protest that left some policemen with injuries .
The police said they will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigation.
DSP Anjuguri Manzah, Police Public Relations Officer in a statement said the FCT Police Command recovered some bottles of improvised petrol-bomb, stones and catapult used by members of the sect to attack police operatives and damaged police operational vehicles.
The Command stated that the unlawful action of members of the sect which started on Monday 8th January, 2018 has constituted a serious security threat to the peace of the Federal Capital Territory and at the same time disrupting innocent citizens from going about their lawful businesses.
“In view of the current security situation in the Country, the Command wishes to unequivocally state that while it will continue to be professional in the discharge of its constitutional and statutory roles of the protection of lives and property of the good people of FCT; and equally recognize the rights of citizens to express their lawful grievances, the Command will not fold its arms and watch some persons hold the capital city to ransom by disrupting government and legitimate business activities,” the statement explained.
It warned that any person or group of persons arrested for violating the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution while registering their protest would be arrested and prosecuted in accordance with the appropriate section(s) of the law.
Nigeria: NURHI On Succession Plan Preparatory To Its 2020 Exit
By Joseph Edegbo
A 3 – day workshop on Review, Coordination and Succession plan between Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative and Family Health Advocates in Nigeria Initiative is underway in Kaduna, northwest Nigeria.
Operations of NURHI is expected to end in year 2020 and to be succeeded by FHANI.
Other similar advocacy groups from Ogun, Kano and Delta states as well as Abuja, the Federal capital which are also being supported by NURHI, are participating in the workshop to learn from the review of FHANI activities.
The brainstorming workshop featured among others, review of past operations of the succeeding advocacy group, FHANI, which revealed its success story, among them, advocacy activities that led to release of part of the 2017 budgetary allocation to family planning activities in Kaduna by the state government.
Also revealed was a number of donor partners which were attracted by activities of FHANI.
Chairman of FHANI, Shehu Muhammed Makarfi spoke of the core values of the advocacy group which are team work, transparency, community service and partnership in its activities.
Analysing the strength, weaknesses, opportunities and threats identified with FHANI operations, the chairman said they are lessons for possible solution by the group, as they progress in their respective states.
The Acting Secretary of FHANI, Iliya Kure who rolled out the achievements attributed them to the political will of Kaduna state government and the commitment of members.
He also acknowledged the easy access created by the policy makers to make activities of the advocacy group enviable.
On her part, Senior Programme Officer of NURHI in Kaduna, Khadija Ibrahim Nuhu stressed the importance of organizational communication, hence the need for the advocacy groups to continue branding, taking into consideration the socio- cultural beliefs of the society.
Don Waney: Still Too Early To Celebrate
By Walter Duru, Ph.D
One of the biggest stories about the Niger Delta region of Nigeria today is the killing of a dreaded cultist, Johnson Igwedibia, also known as Don Waney, by a combined team of men of the Military and Department for State Services- DSS.
In a Press Statement issued by the Nigerian Army entitled: “End of road for notorious cultist, kidnapper and mass murderer- Don Waney, signed by Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, the military announced the death of Johnson Igwedibia.
The statement reads in part: “The authorities of 6 Division Nigerian Army Port Harcourt wish to inform the peace-loving people of Omoku in ONELGA in particular, Rivers State and indeed the entire good people of Niger Delta in general that the notorious cult leader, kidnap kingpin and mass murderer Don Waney is dead.”
Igwedibia, one of the big players in the game of the underworld in the region is said to have been gunned down alongside two of his close allies in a border town between Rivers and Enugu States.
A former heavy weight in militancy, based in Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni-ONELGA Local Government Area of the State is a prime suspect in the new year massacre that took the lives of over twenty persons returning from a ‘cross-over’ midnight prayer in Omoku.
Johnson Igwedibia is not a push over by any standard, as at some point in the area, the fear of Don Waney was the beginning of wisdom. Even the Oba of Ogba land, H.R.M. Eze Nnam Obi gave him his way and never crossed his path. Reports say that some security agents were afraid of him, as he was deadly and believed to be invincible. The routes to his mansion in Omoku were manned by soldiers, said to have been detailed to arrest him, dead or alive, yet, he operated without encumbrances. Did security give way for conspiracy?
In the days of militancy in the region, sources say Don Waney and his boys were allegedly involved in pipeline vandalism, sea piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, thuggery, rape and all other forms of criminality, prior to late President Yar’Adua’s amnesty programme for militants in the region.
But, did the amnesty deter him? Years after accepting same, he returned to his trade in full capacity. In 2016, Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike introduced another round of amnesty programme, which he also accepted; but to what extent did that influence him? Don Waney was a billionaire by all standards and the peanuts provided for the amnesty programme may have even infuriated him; yet he accepted it, but continued with his ‘business’.
On the 20th of December, 2016, Don Waney was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Onyirimba 1 of Ogbaland by the paramount Ruler of Aligwu in ONELGA LGA, King C. Nwokocha. Two of his foot soldiers, Ikechukwu Adiela and Augustine Osisiah were also installed chiefs.
In his response to the recognition, Waney commended the Rivers State government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in the region, even as he urged youths of the area to embrace same, promising to join hands with stakeholders to ensure that peace reigns.
Contrary to his pledge, he still returned to his old ways, compelling the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army to invade his camp and shrines in the early hours of November 20, 2017. Reports say he narrowly escaped death in that brutal military operation.
During the raid, about ten human skulls and human bones were allegedly discovered. Seven suspects, including two women are said to have been arrested and they must be helping security operatives in their investigations.
Ultimately, the slain Don Waney was an extremely dangerous person and had caused indescribable harm to many. He is believed to have been involved in the killing of many and destruction of property.
At some point, multinational oil companies in the area could not operate without paying homage and some royalty to him. Yes! It was that bad. The situation was helpless at some point. He became a negative role model in the area. Many young people gained employment in companies operating in the region through him. He had large and committed followership, no doubt.
On a number of cases, there were unfounded reports of his death, following attacks and invasion of his camp(s). Such reports made it difficult for people to believe that he has eventually been killed. But, now that there is evidence that he is dead, is the battle over?
The truth is that the problem in Omoku and the entire Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area may have just begun. Those celebrating his demise at this stage may need to have a rethink.
First, reports have it that among his followers are deadlier young people living under oath. Among his hundreds of followers are blood-thirsty and trigger-happy radicals, ready to take after him. In fact, his biological younger brother, whose name is given as ‘Obata Osu’ can best be described as a worse evil. While Don Waney was of a calm disposition, his younger brother is a more radical and violent person. In fact, reports say Don Waney alone could control him.
Hundreds of young people benefited from his criminal activities and still owe allegiance to him, even in death. These individuals leave among unsuspecting citizens.
More so, the arms at the disposal of the boys are so sophisticated that anyone believing that they are push overs is doing so at his own peril. A combination of high capacity for mischief, absence of repentance, sophisticated weaponry and very deep pockets makes the situation very complex.
Taking a clue from history, the crises in Omoku will take strategic planning on the part of security operatives, effective communication, stakeholders’ engagement, sustained operation(s) and ultimately, the grace of God to end. In fact, it will take the grace of God for normalcy to return to the oil-rich city of Omoku.
Prior to the reign of Don Waney, one Chi-boy was practically being worshipped in the area. Don Waney was said to have toppled Chi-boy, with support from some known politicians in the area, before assuming kingship over the ‘jungle’.
Now that Don Waney is no more, a few things are likely to happen. First, within his camp, there may be conflict over who pilots the affairs of the gang, particularly, now that he was killed alongside his 2iC, while the number three man broke away earlier, over alleged poor compensation from a bootie from some government quarters. The internal crisis may lead to the breaking away of a faction, thereby weakening the Don Waney camp further.
Another possible development will be that some other camps that were calm over the years as a mark of respect for the king of the jungle-Don Waney will want to rise to fight for superiority. This rivalry may mark the first phase of violence to be witnessed in the area, after the internal conflict in Don-Waney’s camp. Then, other camps and groups may spring up.
Ultimately, the way militancy has been handled over the years in the Niger Delta region shows that crime attracts handsome reward. Changing this narrative requires strategic planning.
Those thinking that the sad end of Don-Waney may serve as a bitter lesson and outright deterrent to others involved or intend to be involved may have a rethink. In fact, it will amount to wishful thinking. Even if Don Waney was caught alive and made to die slowly; even through an open torture, it will not change anything. After all, armed robbery attracts death penalty in our law books, but has that stopped the menace?
Nigeria’s security operatives must therefore go back to the drawing board and critically analyze the situation and think of the way forward. The way forward is not to celebrate the death of Don Waney, as nothing appears to have really changed, but leadership. There are still many other Don-Waneys in the jungle.
One very important task for security operatives is to ensure the protection of lives and property in the area, by taking steps to prevent any further attacks on soft targets.
For Omoku, it will take divine intervention for normalcy to return to the area anytime soon. Anyone thinking otherwise is living in fool’s paradise. Stakeholders must return to the drawing board, review the situation, adopt a carrot and stick approach and employ professional public relations strategies, in addition to excellent intelligence and security approaches in order to succeed. Community stakeholders must be engaged on sustained basis as a deliberate strategy.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the 2019 election is fast approaching. Will politicians allow normalcy to return to the area? Who then will they use for thuggery, kidnapping and assassination during the elections? The problem is huge and requires a holistic approach.
Indeed, it is too early to celebrate, as not much has changed!
Dr. Walter Duru is a Communication and Public Relations expert/strategist. He is Executive Director of Media Initiative against Injustice, Violence and Corruption-MIIVOC and chairs the Board of Freedom of Information Coalition, Nigeria-FOICN. Duru can be reached on: walterchike@gmail.com.
Nigeria Police Says To Nab Notorious Suspected Kidnappers, Armed Robbers, Cattle Rustlers Along Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria Road
By Amos Tauna
Kaduna (Nigeria) – The Police Intelligence Response Team attached to Operation Absolute Sanity, has arrested hardened criminals including notorious kidnappers armed robbers and cattle rustlers operating along the Abuja-Jere-Kaduna-Zaria highways
The Intelligence Response Team attached to Operation Absolute Sanity is working on actionable intelligence and in compliance with IGP’S directives to rid Abuja-Jere-Kaduna-Zaria highways and other major roads within FCT, Niger and Kaduna o kidnappers, Armed Robbers and Cattle Rustlers , according to the Force
Spokesman for the Force, CSP Jimoh Moshood said in a statement that the gangs arrested were those responsible for several Kidnappings including that of one Imam Hakeem Kosoko and others on Abuja – Kaduna highway.
The statement explained that the first gang which specializes in Kidnapping/Armed Robbery has Bature Adamu ‘M’ 40 years, in suspected fake military uniform, Sani Nasiru ‘M’ 28 years in suspected fake military uniform and Samaila Yahaya ‘M’ 30 years.They admitted to have sold three AK47 Rifles to kidnappers, Buhari Abubakar ‘M’ 35 years, Kabiru Abubakar ‘M’ 29 years.
Others are Abdulrashid Riba aka Baba Wakili ‘M’ 79 years who admitted to have sold five (5) AK47 to kidnappers, Sani Umar ‘M’ 25 years and Sani Nasiru ‘M’ 25 years.
The second gang, the statement explained , specializes in kidnapping/armed robbery and Cattle rustling comprising Ibrahim Sulaiman ‘M’ 22 years,Yahaya Abdullahi aka Kechi ‘M’ 27 years, Bello Anji ‘M’ 30 years, Ahmed Abubakar ‘M’ 35 years, Adamu Lawan ‘M’ 25 years, Audu Lawan ‘M’ 30 years and Usman Mohammed ‘M’ 20 years.
The third gang which specializes in kidnapping/armed robbery has Ahmadu Abdullahi ‘M’ 34 years, Yahuza Yahuba ‘M’ 25 years, Abubakar Abba ‘M’ 25 years and Adamu Haruna ‘M’ 21 years.
Items recovered from the suspects the statement said include Eight(8) AK47 Rifles, three hundred and twenty (320) 7.56mm AK47 ammunitions, sixteen (16) live Cartridges, One (1) GPMG Ammunition with magazine, 2 pairs of military uniforms, charms and car breaking/unlocking tools as exhibits.
It explained that most of the suspects were arrested in the act after exchanging gun fire with the Police in their hideout along Kaduna – Abuja Road, adding that four victims were rescued from their captivity and have been reunited with their families.
It said the suspects arrested confessed and admitted the various criminal roles they played in the commission of the crimes.
Investigation, according to the statement, is ongoing to arrest other members of the gangs at large, adding that the suspects would be arraigned in Court for prosecution on completion of investigation.
“The Nigeria Police Force appreciates the support and cooperation of members of the public in achieving the success of arresting the suspects and assured of its renewed commitment to guarantee adequate protection of lives and property.
https://www.africaprimenews.com/2017/11/09/crime/nigerian-police-arrest-parade-16-kidnap-robbery-suspects/
Nigeria’s Democracy And Future Hinges On Courageous, Nationalistic Leaders Like Gov Tambuwal, Says House Of Reps Speaker Dogara
By Joseph Edegbo
Kaduna (Nigeria) – As Gov. Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto State clocks 52 years, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara has felicitated with his predecessor as a nationalist.
In a congratulatory message, Speaker Dogara, described Governor Tambuwal as an embodiment of humility, courage, justice, nationalism and resilience, whose life is full of outstanding success stories.
“You are indeed a perfect example of political sagacity, courage and forthrightness in leadership and selflessness in service. Your steady progress, enviable pedigree, indelible legacy and reputation as honorable member, principal officer and Speaker House of Representatives and now Governor of Sokoto state have endeared you to all and sundry and confirmed that with leaders like you in the corridors of authority, Nigeria’s democracy and its future remain bright”.
Speaker Dogara noted that Governor Tambuwal’s achievements as Governor of Sokoto State in less than three years of his stewardship and his behind the scene stabilizing role in the national politics in general, have further demonstrated his abiding faith in progressive leadership and love for Nigeria.
“On behalf of the leadership and entire membership of the House of Representatives, this is to warmly felicitate with you, your family, government and people of Sokoto state on this auspicious occasion of your 52nd birthday anniversary.
Nigerian Legion In Gombe Realizes N4m On 2018 Emblem Appeal Fund Launch
By Ahmad Umar
Gombe (Nigeria) – The Nigerian Legion in Gombe state, northeast of the country realised 4.195 million Naira at the 2018 emblem appeal fund launched on Tuesday.
The highest donation of N3 million came from Gombe State government while the State Governor made a personal donation of N250, 000
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Ibrahim Dankwambo, said the celebration was not only about remembering the fallen heroes and their dependents but the living as well as those who suffered various deprivation.
“Today is therefore a moment of sober reflection on the plight of the families left behind and it is disheartening that many of them cannot fend for themselves not to talk of paying their school fees”, he said.
He therefore called on the general public to use the opportunity to reciprocate the service rendered by the fallen compatriots.
He commended the Nigerian armed forces for decimating the boko haram insurgents.
Dankwambo called Nigerian legion, to fully mobilize its members as a reserved force to assist in checking the activities of criminals in the state.
The Chairman of the Legion, Gombe chapter, Ibrahim Madaki commended the State government and members of the public for their support.
Madaki disclosed that the amount realised in the 2017 emblem launch was spent judiciously adding that 40 widows of the fallen heroes were empowered with sewing machines .
He however requested for piece of land for the construction of befitting secretariat and allocation of slots to the holy pilgrimage for legionnaires
The Legion also requested a vehicle for the state chapter and motorcycle each to area council in the state for routine duties.
Africa Prime News reports that 15th January every year is marked as the Nigerian Armed Forces Remembrance Day in honour of those who laid down their lives to keep Nigeria one.