Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Buratai

Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Amb Buratai

Ambassador Tukur Yusufu Buratai has filed a suit against an online newspaper over a report linking him to a N1.85 billion recovered .loot.

In the suit with number FCT/HC/CV/252/2022 filed by his lawyer, Dr Reuben Atabo (SAN), Buratai asked the FCT High Court to declare that Sahara Reporters’ publication captioned “Exclusive: Anti-graft agency, ICPC uncovers billions in cash meant for arms, ammunition to fight Boko Haram in Abuja home of Amb Buratai” of June 23, 2022 amounts to defamation of character.

Read Also: You May Lose In 2023, Wike Tells Atiku




The Ambassador wants the court to award him the sum of N10 billion in general and aggravated damages over the use of libelous words in the publication of the online platform.

He further demands an order of the court compelling the newspaper to publish a retraction and an apology in two national dailies and its online platform “where the defamatory publication was made.”

Amb. Buratai, who was appointed Nigeria’s ambassador to the Benin Republic after he retired from the army, averred that the publication damaged his reputation after he diligently honors Nigeria in various capacities and was awarded various meritorious honours for his distinguished service.

No date has been fixed for the hearing.

Gutter journalism: Sahara Reporters to pay N10b for lying against Buratai
https://ournigerianews.com/gutter-journalism-sahara-reporters-to-pay-n10b-for-lying-against-buratai/

Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia

Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia

Some unknown gunmen have abducted the Divisional Crime Officer, DCO, Isuochi Police station in Umunneochi council area of Abia State, simply identified as DSP Dickson.

The policeman was said to have been abducted in broad daylight on Thursday, August 10, in the area while other policemen escaped by whiskers in the attack.

Some policemen who pleaded anonymity told newsmen that the morale of officers in the area has gone down since the kidnap of the DCO who is described as a ‘tough cop.’

It was gathered that the Police authorities in the state had deployed all the tactical Squads of the State Police Command to rescue the victim and his abductors, all to no avail.

The unsuccessful search by the tactical team is said to have fueled speculation about the safety of the top policeman.

The policemen urged Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu to put more effort to check the rising kidnapping incidents in the Umunneochi/ Isuikwuato area and liaise with the police hierarchy to reorganize the police in the state.

It was further gathered that the family of the kidnapped DCO has paid an undisclosed amount of ransom demanded by his abductors, yet the DCO is still held captive.

The policemen said; “DSP Dickson hails from Enugu State. He has a health challenge and barely has just a few months to retire from the Nigeria Police. The police authorities deployed the tactical team who went and combed the area, to no avail. They have also sent some of us, but we are aware that they have not done enough to rescue him.

“The People of the state have complained about the rising rate of insecurity in the state and demanding the redeployment of the Commissioner of Police in the state. Every day they say Abia is peaceful and secure, but kidnappers are having a field day abducting and killing people."


Unknown gunmen abduct Police DCO in Abia
https://ournigerianews.com/unknown-gunmen-abduct-police-dco-in-abia/

Former IGP Tafa Balogun dies at 74

Former IGP Tafa Balogun dies at 74  

Former Nigeria Inspector-General of Police, Mustapha Balogun, is dead Family sources confirmed. 

Tafa Balogun, was appointed as Nigeria Inspector-General of Police in March 2002 Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. 

 Tafa was born on August 8, 1947 at Ila-Orangun in Osun State, Tafa Balogun, was the 21st Inspector-General of Police. He was a member of cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Course 3. Having worked in various Police commands throughout the federation, and earning his promotions as at when due, Tafa, was at a time, the Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to former Inspector-General of Police, Muhammadu Gambo, Deputy Commission of Police Edo State, the pioneer Commissioner of Police in Delta State. He was also CP in Rivers and Abia states. 

Tafa, a fellow of the premier highest military institution in Nigeria, the National War College, later became the Assistant Inspector General of Police A.I.G Zone One, Kano, from where he was named the 21st IGP of Police on March 6, 2002. 

His infamous trial drew global attention in 2005. On April 4, 2005, Tafa Balogun was arraigned at the Federal High Court, Abuja for stealing and laundering of over $100 million in his three years as Inspector General of Police from the Police treasury. 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu brought 70 charges against him, covering the period from 2002 to 2004 when he was the Inspector General of Police. He made a plea bargain with the court in exchange for returning much of the property and money. He was sentenced to six months in jail. 

Judge Binta Nyako said her sentence reflected that Balogun was a first offender and had shown remorse. He was directed by the court to pay N500, 000 on each of eight counts charges totaling N4 million. 

His trial was full of drama. One of such was when he collapsed on his seat on June 29, 2005, at the Abuja High Court. 

The former police boss, who pleaded guilty to eight of the 56 count-charges directly affecting him, was convicted and sentenced to six months in each of the charges, which is however to run concurrently. 

He was released on February 9, 2006 after serving his sentence, part of it at Abuja’s National Hospital. 

 
https://ournigerianews.com/former-igp-tafa-balogun-dies-at-74/

Gen. Yahaya: Building a Responsive Nigerian Army Amid Insecurity

Gen. Yahaya: Building a Responsive Nigerian Army Amid Insecurity

So far, he has proved to be the perfect and fitting replacement for the celebrated, revered and iconic Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), Nigeria's Ambassador to the Republic of Benin.


But what are the things that make Lt. Gen. Faruq Yahaya tick? They are numerous. Some persons will readily point to his being the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, as the cardinal reason.


As for those who truly, and indeed, know the Sokoto State-born Army Chief, his cheaquered military career, that has spanned over 37 memorable and glowing years, and still counting, is.


Born on January 5, 1966, Lt. Gen Yahaya, became Nigeria's 22nd COAS following his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari on 27 May, 2021.


He succeeded the then COAS, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru. Attahiru, had died in a Beechcraft King Air 350i plane crash near Kaduna International Airport.


Justifying why he went for Gen. Faruq Yahaya as the new COAS, President Buhari, maintained that soldiers in the frontlines know him and that he is used to them.


Buhari said, "Do you know you can't be the Chief of Army Staff because of seniority? You have somebody who has been on the frontlines. He fought there. They know him".

At his first meeting with the army leadership after taking over in June last year, Lt. Gen. Yahaya, unveiled his vision for the Nigerian Army, which is building "A PROFESSIONAL NIGERIAN ARMY READY TO ACCOMPLISH ASSIGNED MISSIONS WITHIN A JOINT ENVIRONMENT IN DEFENCE OF NIGERIA”.




The Army Boss, (then) said his vision is channeled towards defeating all security challenges presently confronting the Nigerian Nation in collaboration with sister services and other security agencies.


On his mission, the COAS said he will command the NA to win all land battles in defence of the territorial integrity of Nigeria, protect her national interests and accomplish assigned tasks in aid of civil authority among other responsibilities.


Yahaya, further pledged the unalloyed commitment and loyalty of the NA to the President Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces while assuring all officers and men of exemplary and professional leadership that would serve as a rallying point for all.


Upon assumption of office, Gen. Faruk Yahaya, swiftly and brilliantly effected internal reorganization of the Army.


He awesomely and fascinatingly repositioned the best hands in strategic positions to make the CTCI operations smoother and much more effective.


Thus, another crack soldier, Major General Christoper Musa emerged the new Theatre Commander of “Operation Hadin Kai”.


Musa, it must be said, has been professionally and diligently leading and coordinating numerous military units in the counter insurgency operation in the Northeast region.


Gen. Faruk Yahaya, no sooner than he assumed office, expediently conducted familiarization visits of Nigerian Army units and formations round the country.


The visits, among several other things, raised platforms where he obtained firsthand information on the challenges and constraints of soldiers in the performance of assigned duties.


Thereafter, the leader of CTCI operations proceeded on operational tours, to military formations.


At every point of his operational tour, the Army Chief’s overriding concern and frank message to troops centered on ending the prolonged terrorism and banditry wars in the country.


Yahaya is one COAS that is angered within, singularly because the Boko Haram war over prolonged.


So, while on an operational visit to troops in the frontline from Sector 2, Joint Taskforce under “Operation Hadin Kai,” Damaturu, Yobe State, for instance; Gen. Faruk Yahaya reiterated; “We want to conclude this operation in the Northeast; so that we can do other things; and that is the drive now.”


Conspicuously leading from the trenches, the COAS is a roving warmonger like his troops. He knows, very well, that his physical presence in the warfront is an elixir, tonic and morale booster on troops.

Therefore, he has devoted all his time and energy to terminate these the incendiary wars on Nigerians in every part of the country.

It is apt to aver that Nigerian troops have been consistently reminded of this inviolable obligation to their fatherland by Gen. Yahaya, and are also supported in all feasible ways to accomplish this task.


Fighting insurgency, without gainsaying, is a collective agenda of all Nigerians. The Army Chief, right from the onset, has defined a role for every Nigerian of godly conscience.





So, interestingly, apart from courting the support of military units, formations, battalions, Forward Operational Bases, Gen. Faruk Yahaya has enlisted the cooperation and support of host communities, sister agencies, traditional rulers and various categories of professionals, including the individual on the street, with a view to ending the reign of insurgencies and insurrections.


So, it is not surprising that Nigerians are experiencing the gains being recorded by the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies in CTCI operations, in recent times.


Again with Gen. Faruk Yahaya as captain of the army ship, our crestfallen Nigerian troops have regained their lost high morale.


And the amazing results have started manifesting abundantly, with the renewed resilience of troops in the frontlines.


“We have been recording some modest success in all areas, and we intend to sustain that drive,” the Army boss was quoted to have declared to some troops in the Northeast, while on operational tour.


In many beautiful ways, the command style of Lt. Gen. Yahaya, has upscaled Nigerian Army operations and enhanced its operational successes, since he came on board as the 22nd COAS.


The Army Chief upon assuming office on May 28, 2021 encapsulated his command philosophy anchored on four cardinal pillars: Professionalism, Readiness, Administration And Cooperation.


Again, Gen. Yahaya, barely few days after his appointment, immediately swung into action, as he undertook his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters Operation Hadin Kai.


During the inaugural visit, he charged army troops to sustain the onslaught against Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists.


The motivation elicited by Yahaya's maiden visit, it must be noted, upscaled the operational disposition of troops in battle with tremendous exploits, that resulted in the neutralisation of high profile terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers.


Additionally, and immediately after the COAS' inaugural trip to the North East, kinetic and non kinetic activities in the theatre have led to mass surrender of fighters and recovery of combat equipment, which has substantially degraded the terrorists fighting capability.

This spelt doom for the terrorists who lost some of their notable commanders, such as Abubakar Shekau and Musab Al-Banarwi, among other operational commanders.





COAS VISITS OPERATION HADIN KAI… CONDUCTS ASSESSMENT, COMMISSIONS SERIES OF PROJECTS



Although, Nigerians have been witnessing the surrender of quite a number of Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the past, the current surrendering posture in droves signposts the leadership direction Lt. Gen. Yahaya has provided to the Nigerian Army, with the cooperation of other Services.


The above-highlighted operational feat clearly attests to the pragmatic leadership of the COAS, who has at various times traversed the theatre landscape shoring up troops’ fighting will and motivation to subdue the adversary.


No doubt, the recent successes the dynamic and charismatic Army Chief has recorded, have led to increasing public confidence on the counter insurgency operations, culminating in the mass return of Internally Displaced Persons to their ancestral homes.


Gen. Yahaya's feats as COAS have also, and significantly restored, in Borno State, socio economic activities, particularly farming and commerce, which hitherto were the mainstay of the economy of the North East region.


The Army Chief is remarkably doing well, equally, in terms of providing robust welfare packages provided for troops in the theatre.


For those who may not know, Yahaya has been in all fronts, leading with remarkable strides in the area of massive infrastructural developments across Nigerian army formations and units.


In less than a year in office, the COAS has so far attended to welfare needs of troops, ranging from housing to logistics as well as operational requirements.


In an opinion editorial published on Vanguard newspaper of August 14, 2021, David Onmeje, affirmed strongly that Gen. Yahaya has patriotically chosen the path of honour to end the reign of Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, armed bandits and other twilled insurgencies across the country.

  Gen. Faruk’s three months shadows on the theatre of insurgency wars and insurrectional violence have demonstrated another strong avowal to the termination of all insecurities in Nigeria.

According to Onmeje, a United Kingdom-based Nigerian social commentator, the COAS' soldier- persona, his career records, experiences and mastery of the art of war clearly betray his multiple unknown ingenuities, as an outstanding soldier of his generation.


He said: "When he served as the commander of “Operation Lafiya Dole, the renamed headquarters of the theatre of operation, Maiduguri by March 2021, members of ISWAP terrorists ambushed his convoy.





ARMED FORCES OF LIBERIA TO IMMORTALISE NIGERIAN ARMY OFFICERS, SOLDIERS WHO SACRIFICED FOR PEACE IN LIBERIA



"The unfortunate incident occurred at Garin Kuturu village between Auno and Jakana towns along the Maiduguri—Damaturu highway. But Gen. Faruk Yahaya courageously fought back gallantly and assumed the terrorists merely bruised the lion’s tail.


"It emboldened him ferociously in the next few days, and the terrorists experienced serial exterminations by Nigerian troops.


"The COAS is a soldier of a few words; but his real worth abundantly reflects in sustained actions on any assignment until he achieves rewarding results. He is a brilliant and calculative military combatant, who is never distracted by any force, once his mindset is fixated on anything.


"He is another rare breed soldier, who leads by example and infinitely humane, but brutal on the battle turf like his recent predecessors."


Continuing, Onmeje, added: "It is this mien in Gen. Faruk Yahaya that spurred spontaneous jubilations in the Nigerian Army, especially from troops in the theatre of war, when news of his appointment as the COAS and leader of the CTCI operations in the country by President Muhammadu Buhari broke out.


"For instance, in Maiduguri, the now main base of “Operation Hadin Kai,” soldiers immediately erupted in pulsating jubilations because of Gen. Faruk’s famed reputation of having welfare of troops at heart.


"Soldiers generously confessed that Gen. Faruk’s ignores gossips or backbiting on matters of welfare of his troops, and remits all legitimate earnings of any soldier to the beneficiary and demands reciprocity of the gesture by actions in the frontlines.


"And three months down the lane, Gen. Faruk Yahaya has delightfully and pleasurably proved his mettle as a soldier and leader worth his onions in the counter-terrorism combats.


"Nigeria can widely attest to the eternally inordinate ambitions of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists to extract and appropriate to their indiscernible caliphate, the territories of Nigeria.


"But these terrorists and bandits have met a cul-de-sac in Gen. Faruk Yahaya, who is more determined, sweltering and fiercer on the battlefield.


"He is noted for his warfare intensity, which analysts say, dwarfs the prime efforts of his predecessors. He is a finer replica of his ex-bosses."


In Onmeje's words, also: "A factcheck on his leadership of the counter-terrorism operations absolutely displays confounding winning streaks against the armed gangs and enemies of Nigeria.


"From terrorists, to bandits, armed secessionists, ethnic and religious militias, extremists and militants, Nigeria is cruising on the crucible of total and irrevocable victory under the leadership of COAS Yahaya. The songs of victory resonate in the South, and louder in the North.


"If its possible to recount episodic chants of victories against the conspiratorial armed gangs, terrorizing Nigeria, these past years, one only hears of neutralization of terrorists and bandits by the Nigerian Military; hundreds surrendering together with their families to the Nigerian Army or we hear of bandits and terrorists camps ransacked by Nigerian troops in different parts of the country.


"News such as soldiers freeing Boko Haram hostages previously held captive; Army arrests of amazing number of Boko Haram terrorists; bandits abandoning kidnapped victims scurrying for safety only to meet their waterloo from either ground or air forces or Nigerian troops and troops repelling planned terrorists attacks on villages or towns.


"In these three months, both national and international media seldomly scream with news headlines of the killings, gores, pains, sorrows and agonies of victims of terrorism and banditry.


"Ostensibly, the new Army Chief is living up to his calling, by leading from the front in the trenches. He knows the path to success and he is following the standards set by his predecessors, by proving himself as a dependable officer.


And expectedly, the most sensitive favour Nigerians expect from Gen. Faruk Yahaya is to to sustain the winning tempo until the final whistle is blown. All Nigerians are bound by a patriotic obligation to their country to support the new COAS as he leads the troops to the final victory for Nigeria."


On his part, Uba Sanni, a public affairs analyst, the Nigeria Army is lucky at this particular time in the history of the country to have a head that don’t just believe in the unity of the country, but is doing everything to preach it.


In piece titled, "Faruq Yahaya (COAS): Preaching unity, showing love," Sanni noted that since his appointment as COAS, General Yahaya has continued to preach need for Nigerians to unite to restore peace and security in the country.

The COAS recently described Nigerian civil war as an unfortunate tragedy that shook the foundation of national unity.

"He (Yahaya) however noted that the reconciliation afterwards was a healing balm as well as instrumental to strengthening national unity," he said.


According to Sanni, the Nigerian Army Chief is taking his message of peace and unity to different segments of the country, irrespective of tribe and religion.


He said: "As part of the activities to commemorate Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2021, the COAS took his message of unity, peace and love to Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Catholic Church, Mogadishu Cantonment, Abuja.


"It was the first time a Chief of Army Staff who is a Muslim joined the Christian counterparts at the interdenominational service as part of activities to mark the 2021 Nigerian Army Day Celebration.


"The visit to the Church demonstrates the COAS determination to carry all along. It further demonstrates what Nigerian Army represents, a symbol of unity in diversity and purpose.





HUMANITARIAN SERVICES: NEDC DONATES HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT TO 7 DIVISION NIGERIAN ARMY



"The COAS pointed out that the message he is passing with his presence at the Inter-denominational service is that the military operates as a single unit.


"As he is preaching unity, love and peace, the COAS is also making sure several communities across the country benefit from the Nigeria Army humanitarian services.


"As part of activities marking the 2021 NADCEL, the Nigerian Army (NA) conducted medical outreaches across the country.


"It was conducted in Mpape community, Bwari Area Council in Abuja, Eti Osa (Lagos), Borno, Enugu etc. According to the COAS, the Army also finds time to carry out Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) at intervals.


"The message is that the Nigeria Army is in safe hands with Farouq Yahaya at the helm of affairs. Nigerians must support the NA and the entire military to continue to uphold the unity of the country."


Similarly, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of Lantech Solutions Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Husseini Bokane, the nation will forever remain greatful to President Buhari for appointing not just a professional of gun battle and field battle, but for placing competency ahead of all other considerations to replaced late Gen. Attahiru with another thoroughbred military officer that is currently keeping the mindless groups to their knees.


He said: "Alexander the Great is regarded the best Army General in his own time and to us here in Nigeria, it is Lt. Gen. Faruk that is defined by this virtues having giving his all for his country to survive. He (Alexander the Great) once said that, He is not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep but he is afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.


"Nigeria has been battling with insecurity challenges for quite sometime, ranging from the Boko Haram insurgency, bandits and kidnapping for ransom, farmers and herders conflicts and secessionist agitations, but there is a significant reduction in the carnages since COAS Yahaya took over."


According to Bokane, the most unique factor that makes Gen. Yahaya most exceptional is his ability to blend the kinetic prowess of the nation military with the ability of winning the hearts and minds of the people.


"Sun Tzu the Chinese General, military strategist and philosopher who described a successful commander as that who is ruthless in the field of operation yet meek at heart with members of the community where he was deployed.


"The Chief of Army Staff having served as a theatre Commander in the North East has mastered that military leadership skill and today more successes are recorded in the nation's counter fight against insurgency and banditry in Northern Nigeria.


"In the North East region, Yahaya has streaks of conquests over Boko Haram terrorists, whose greatest wish had always been to bring down the entire North East done to its knees.


"His distinguished career in the military is very much known to the Nigerian people particularly communities that were under security sieged prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff.


"Time and pages of newspapers will not be enough to accommodate Yahaya’s pragmatism , achievements and formidable leadership traits.
https://ournigerianews.com/gen-yahaya-building-a-responsive-nigerian-army-amid-insecurity/

Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya: Epitome of Professionalism

Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya: Epitome of Professionalism

By Gabriel Ikese

Call to serve.


The clarion call came in May 2021 at a time Nigeria was grappling with widespread insecurity including the long-running Boko Haram insurgency.


Following the unfortunate military plane crash that killed the then Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Ibrahim Atahiru, alongside 10 other officers, and having carefully reviewed the military operations across the nation and the efforts of the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs in the counter-insurgency operations in the North East, President Muhammadu Buhari quickly began the search for a replacement and picked the best of the best. He appointed Farouk Yahaya as the new Chief of Army Staff (COAS).


Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya possessed an uncanny understanding of the geopolitical upheavals which calibrated a tri-services military doctrine to make Nigeria face the myriad security challenges. This valuable knowledge deeply influenced the bringing down of the insurgency to a large extent in the Northeast.

We know that soldering shouldn’t be just about the salary or the privilege that comes with wearing the uniform.

It may include those things, but I believe that Gen Yahaya's appointment as COAS is about a calling - a calling to serve, nothing more and nothing less.

Yahaya is a perfect gentleman, an excellent and brave soldier. His humble and unpretentious disposition notwithstanding, his true nature comes to the fore at critical moments. And one veritable quality that distinguished him among contemporaries is his untainted integrity. Dwight Eisenhower rightly said, "the supreme quality for leadership is unquestionable integrity. Without it, no real success is possible, especially in the military." Integrity is a luxury Gen. Yahaya has in abundance.

Making of a General

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Faruk Yahaya, a Lieutenant General, was born on January 5, 1966, in Sifawa, Bodinga Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

Yahaya's devotion to the military started at a young age when he joined the prestigious Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) as a member of the 37 Regular Course. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy.


Faruk Yahaya started his cadet training at the NDA on 27 September 1985 at the age of 19. He was commissioned into the Nigerian Army Infantry Corps on 22 September 1990.


Gen. Yahaya has held several appointments including Staff, Instructional, and Command. Notable among the appointments is Garrison Commander Headquarters Guards Brigade, Directing Staff at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Deputy Director Army Headquarters Department of Military Secretary, Deputy Director Army Research and Development, and the Chief of Staff, Headquarters Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield.


He also served as the Principal General Staff Officer (PGSO) to the Honourable Minister of Defence, the Commander, Headquarters 4 Brigade, and 29 Task Force Brigades (Operation Zaman Lafiya).

He was also Director Manpower at the Army Headquarters, Military Secretary, Army Headquarters, and General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army.


Until he was appointed the COAS, Gen. Yahaya was the Theatre Commander Operation HADIN KAI, responsible for Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency Operations in North-East Nigeria.


Gen Yahaya's elite haul of epaulets includes Forces Service Star, Meritorious Service Star, Distinguished Service Star, Grand Service Star, Passed staff course (Dagger), National Defence Course (Chile), Economic Community of West Africa State Monitoring Group Medal, Command Medal, Field Command Medal, General Operations Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, and Golden Jubilee Medal.


Quintessential Strategist


Gen. Yahaya assumed the Command of the Army with a clear matching order from the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to tackle the most difficult and daunting task of winning the war against terrorism. Previous Commanders before him had battled, albeit unsuccessfully the Boko haram insurgents, adjudged as one of the deadliest, if not the deadliest in the world. Such was the enormity of the task confronting Lt-Gen Farouk Yahaya as Chief of Army Staff.


Barely a year of stewardship as Head of the Counterinsurgency (COIN), the Army Chief has exhibited outstanding leadership and patriotism in going out of his way to boost the self-esteem of officers and men of the Army. His level of professionalism and dedication to duty brought the numerous successes recorded in the prosecution of the ongoing war against insurgency in the northeast corridor.


Gen. Farouk Yahaya's experience as former Theatre Commander of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East puts him on a better pedestal to formulate a workable counter-strategy to defeat the menace of terrorism in the country.

The indefatigable COAS knows that counterinsurgency operations cannot succeed without comprehensive retraining of officers and men of the military.

He consciously inculcates operational discipline to resurrect the deflating morale of soldiers and remold them into a formidable fighting force.


The Army Chief reintroduced the principles and values that distinguish the actions of a professional soldier such as discipline, integrity, honor, commitment, service, and sacrifice. These values help to reshape the troops of Operation Hadin Kai with a purposeful mission, clear lines of authority, and accountability.

The military tactician quickly plugged the synergy gap in the Armed forces that hitherto undermine the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. Gen. Yahaya cultivated a culture of synergy, teamwork, and cohesion among the service trinity.


The Army Boss said the goal of the operation is to render the insurgents ineffective and non-influential. It requires an extremely capable intelligence infrastructure endowed with human sources and deep cultural knowledge. This can only be made possible through public diplomacy and having strong and secure relations with the civil populations.


He subsequently trained his lens on a robust information-gathering mechanism as a veritable strategy. The success of the war against terrorism and insurgency is often dependent on actionable intelligence.


Gen. Yahaya acquired, through his trust and goodwill, the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari (C-in-C) and the approval of the National Assembly to continually equip the army with modern weaponry and accouterments. The Army under Gen. Yahaya is boosted with relatively sufficient weapons and equipment needed for the COIN operations.

Crushing Terrorism


Gen Farouk Yahaya is not new to the fight against insurgency in the northeast. He was first moved from the 1st Mechanised Division in Kaduna state to oversee the COIN war as Theatre Commander and promised to ensure “total peace and sanity” in the troubled region. He may not have achieved that completely at the time, but from available records so far, he is on the brink of restoring total peace to the region.

Gen. Yahaya's sophistication in military strategy and public diplomacy influenced the changing narratives in the counterinsurgency operations in the northeast. He reorganized the internal structures in the army and commissioned the very best of his officers and men to strategic positions for operational efficiency.


The COAS's valuable experience and tactical operational instructions powered the army to achieve tremendous success in beating back Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

The military severely decimated the terrorists and pushed them out of the interior towns and cities that took over as enclaves.

The remnants of Boko haram and ISWAP fighters were expeditiously pursued to their forest hide-outs and are under intense pressure to disallow them of inordinate ambition to hold or control indiscernible caliphate in Nigeria territory.


Successes in the Northeast


Gen. Yahaya, on his initial visitation as COAS to military formations in Borno State, swiftly charged the Army to destroy all enclaves of terrorist groups in the northeast. And with military panache, he immediately sanctioned simultaneous operations including Operations Ayiso Tamunoma, Katana Jimlan, Fire Ball, and Takaibango among others in the Northeast region.


Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, under his watch, displayed commitment, sheer bravery, and doggedness which translated to monumental success against insurgent groups. The soldiers consolidated their operational push against Boko Haram and ISWAP in various areas including; Bama, Gwoza, Monguno, Kanduga, Damboa, Damasak, Gudumbali, and Nganzi Local Government Area. Others include Kukawa, Chibok as well as Sambisa Forest, and KirtaWulgo in Marte Local Government of Borno State.


The operational disposition of the army in battle resulted in the neutralization of high-profile terrorist commanders and hundreds of their foot soldiers. The mass surrender of fighters and recovery of combat equipment has substantially degraded the terrorist's fighting capability.

Defense headquarters reported that over 50,000 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families have surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the war theatre between September 2021 and April 2022.

And army records showed a comparative increase in numbers of terrorists killed within the timeframe of Gen. Yahaya's watch. On the side of the Islamist extremist group, well over 2,122 members were reportedly killed compared to the 1,449 that were killed within the previous timeframe.


These successes recorded in counterinsurgency operations are attributed to the pragmatic leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Farouk Yahaya has at various times traversed the theatre landscape shoring up troops’ fighting will and motivation to subdue the enemies.

In his over 30 years of engaging in the task of ‘keeping Nigeria one’ and defending the territorial integrity of fatherland, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), had made a good name for himself and a success of his vocation rising through the ranks to the position of a Three-Star General (and still counting), in the Nigeria Army.
https://ournigerianews.com/lt-gen-farouk-yahaya-epitome-of-professionalism/

Where is NSA Munguno?

Where is NSA Munguno?


Nigerians now unanimously agree on one thing-- that there is insecurity in the land. Insecurity occurs when a government, faced with conflict and violence ( be it political, social, economic, or generated by organized crime ), cannot or will not ensure the protection of its citizens, organisations and institutions against threats to their well-being and prosperity of their communities.


What Nigerians disagree with is the fallacious notion that President Muhammadu Buhari is aiding the bandits to maim, extort and kill, and tacitly supporting terrorists to Islamize Nigeria. The President in all honesty is not a happy man; there is no way he will be comfortable seeing his citizens petrified like the way they are being terrorized by criminal elements. My disappointment is with those lucky officials the President appointed to help him to govern this country. The President knows that the provision of security is the paramount responsibility of his government and that's why the National Security Adviser ( NSA) and the erstwhile Service Chiefs were among the first set of people he appointed in 2015. To be fair to President Buhari, the security situation of Nigeria was better in his first administration than his second coming. And because of this rise in attacks in his second term, a vocal minority pressurised him to sack the then Service Chiefs. He refused to do that despite the pressure mounted on him because he believed in their competence. However, the Service Chiefs voluntary resigned and new ones were appointed. Instead of things to get better, we have gone seven years backwards. The NSA, although not re- appointed ( his tenure ended on 28th May 2019) to the best of my knowledge is still the one advising the President and coordinating counter terrorism operations. What we are witnessing today is frequent prison breaks and escape of high profile terrorists, kidnap of women and school children and undergraduates, and a steady flow of money from innocent Nigerians to the coffers of terrorists and bandits in the name of ransom payments. It is because of this deplorable security situation that I am asking for the whereabouts of the NSA. Do we really have an NSA?

I heard that someone by the name Rear Admiral YEM Musa is the Coordinator of the so-called Counter Terrorism Centre domiciled in the ONSA. I do not need to tell the NSA that Nigerians do not know about this paper tiger called Counter Terrorism Centre or the Admiral in charge of it, and as far as I am concerned it is another prestige project to create job for the boys and waste tax payers money. The ONSA from all its indications have all the necessary apparatus and policy documents and laws to advice the government and coordinate matters of security in Nigeria but alas it either lacks the will or the requisite leadership to make any positive impact in Nigeria. Despite the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022 and all the grandstanding that the NSA is fond of making on national television whenever the opportunity for him to talk arises, more Nigerians including women and children were abducted by terrorists and bandits under the watch of this government more than any other administration in the history of Nigeria and Africa as a whole. Under this NSA, Nigeria has broken the record of being the country with the highest rate of kidnappings and ransom payments. Between June 2019 and the end of March 2021, at least $10 million has been paid to kidnappers as ransom. Also, under this same NSA, youth unemployment which is a major factor responsible for the growth of kidnap cases rose from 8.22 percent in the third quarter of 2015 to 40 percent in the second quarter of 2022 according to Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina who aptly said that the youths are discouraged, angry and restless, as they look at a future that does not give them hope.


As far as the issues of terrorism and related matters are concerned, the Terrorism Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2022 said that the NSA shall, “ (a) formulate policies for the effective implementation of concerted counter-terrorism and terrorism financing efforts ; (b) ensure the effective formulation and implementation of a comprehensive counter-terrorism strategy in Nigeria ; (c) provide support to all relevant security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, and military services to prevent and combat acts of terrorism and terrorism financing in Nigeria ; (d) build capacity for the effective perform of functions under any law or regulation ; (e) subject to the approval of the President, establish a National Counter Terrorism Centre for effective coordination of relevant agencies under this Act ; and(f ) perform such other functions that the President may deem necessary or the effective implementation of counter-terrorism measures under this Act.” The NSA is also responsible for analyzing security issues, assessing expected trends and prioritizing activities; playing an advisory role, and making recommendations to the President. The Act designates the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) as the Coordinating Office for Nigeria’s Counter terrorism efforts. The Act also gives ONSA the mandates to “ensure the formulation and implementation of a comprehensive Counter Terrorism Strategy and build capacity for the effective discharge of the functions of relevant security, intelligence, law enforcement and military services.” In line with the foregoing, the Counter Terrorism Centre (CTC) was established in 2012, and is located in the Office of the National Security Adviser.


The NSA should be ashamed to call himself NSA and even address and portray himself as such. Nigerians are unhappy and unsatisfied with his style of leadership and performance. The average Nigerian who is conversant with the ONSA is now convinced that a lame duck retired General is occupying the exalted office. When comparison is made with the likes of Aliyu Gusau, Kayode Ore and even Sarki Muktar, Nigerians frowned with great disdain.

The NSA has failed to advice the President on strategies to curtail incessant jail brakes, Boko Haram insurgency, persistent banditry that sprung up under his watch. One of the major setback of the Buhari administration is the economy. Things are not going well with the economy. There is high inflation in the land and the cost of necessities has risen. This high cost of living amidst abject of poverty and lack of opportunities has pushed many Nigerians to the embrace of criminals and terrorists. There is an economic desk in the ONSA because those who created the ONSA knew that security is tied to the economy. Yet, ONSA is unable to help the government to formulate sound economic policies. Today the Dollar is exchanging at the rate of 1 Dollar= 650.

What baffles me is that despite the fact that ONSA is from Borno State, the man does not really see the challenge of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents as a personal issue that requires all his prowess and attention to tackle. The majority of those who suffer from the hands of these terrorists and insurgents are of the Kanuri ethnic stock of which the NSA belongs to. Yet the NSA has never cared to establish and nurture a close working relationship with community and youth leaders in Borno especially in places like Munguno, Dikwa, Baga, Damasak Gubio etc. They simply do not know him.

It is against this backdrop that I am now going to ask this pertinent question: what is the work or job specification of this NSA? Personally, I do not really know. Maybe it is to show us how to dress impeccably in the white man's attire and spew out loquacious verbiages in a futile attempt to impress Nigerians with his command of the English Language. Nigerians to the best of my knowledge no longer care about English Language; what they want is security, jobs, equity and justice.


This NSA has instead of advising the President on ways to mitigate issues of insecurity that is threatening our collective survival decided to be embroiled with revenge, vendetta, and alleged blackmail and smear campaign of people who are either members of the ruling party or appointees of the President. He did it with the late Abba Kyari and heaped all manners of accusations and blackmail on the gentleman, and made it to appear as if it was the late Chief of Staff that was constituting a stumbling block to carry out his duties. Now that the man is dead what has changed? Instead, things have gone bad. May God forgive us all. Nevertheless, one day, we all will go back to meet our Creator to give account of our stewardship.

I remember with nostalgia the story of Shimon Peres of Israel when he served as Defense minister under Yitshak Rabin in 1976. On June 27, two members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine - External Operations (PFLP-EO), led by Wadie Haddad (who had previously split from the PFLP of George Habash), and two members of the German Revolutionary Cells, hijacked an Air France Airbus A300 jet airliner carrying 248 passengers. The flight, which had left Tel Aviv for Paris, was rerouted after a stopover in Athens via Benghazi to Entebbe, the country of Uganda's principal airport. The dictator Idi Amin, who was aware of the hijacking from the start, personally welcomed them and the Ugandan government supported the hijackers. The hijackers forced all Israelis and a few non-Israeli Jews into a separate area after removing all hostages from the plane and transporting them to a deserted airport facility. One hundred and fourty-eight48 captives who were not Israelis were freed and flown to Paris over the course of the next two days. Along with the 12-person Air France crew, 94 passengers—mostly Israelis—remain as prisoners and face imminent execution. The leaders and organizers said that the Israelis must exchange or swap the Israelis with 13 detainees in four other countries and the release of 40 Palestinian terrorists and related prisoners who were detained in Israel. The Prime Minister, Rabin was considering the option of negotiating with the terrorists so that Israel can get the hostages back but the Defence minister, Peres stood his ground and said no. He advised the Prime minister against and instead preferred a different solution—Operation Thunderbolt or what is popularly known as Entebbe Rescue Operation.


To develop a rescue strategy, Peres established the covert Israel Crisis Committee. He met with Commander Netanyahu several times after a strategy was created. During one of their last private conversations, they both looked at maps and discussed specifics. Later, Peres remarked of Netanyahu's explanation, "My impression was one of exactitude and creativity," adding that Netanyahu had the air of assurance that the operation would be successful with minimal casualties. Peres assured Netanyahu that he would do everything in his power to ensure the operation occurred without a hitch before they parted ways. Peres then interrupted Moshe Dayan, the former minister of defense, as he was having dinner with friends in a restaurant to deliver the most recent proposal and solicit his feedback. The concerns voiced by Rabin and the Chief of Staff, Mordechai Gur, were mentioned by Peres to Dayan. After reading the written facts, Dayan rejected the concerns, telling Shimon, "This is a strategy that I support not one hundred percent but one hundred and fifty percent!" A military operation is required. Later, Gur gave his blessing to Peres, who gained his support. The idea was subsequently presented to Rabin, who was initially hesitant and did not like the risks, but after Peres provided detailed responses to several important issues and after learning that the cabinet had also supported it, Rabin reluctantly gave his approval.


Rabin recalled shortly after the mission's conclusion: "We summoned seven of our top commanders to my office. I explained to our military friends that the honor and future of the Jewish people are in jeopardy, and that the risk we are thinking about is not only one of calculated risk in the military sense, but also one of comparative risk, since there is a choice between capitulating to terror and risky rescue efforts resulting from independence."


Following the operation's success, Peres positioned himself to win some praise and admiration, in some ways competing with Rabin for attention.


How did Peres achieved that kind of success? He got it through meticulous planning and making use of the highly trained Israeli commandos, something that we also have in Nigeria. He organized a Task force that consisted of about one hundred personnel that comprised of ground command and control which was headed by Brigadier Dan Shomron; an assault unit led by Lt. Col. Yonatan Netanyahu– this force was composed entirely of commandos from Sayeret Matkal, and was given the primary task of assaulting the old terminal and rescuing the hostages. Then the Paratroopers force led by Col. Matan Vilnai – tasked with securing the civilian airport field, clearing and securing the runways, and protection and fueling of the Israeli aircraft in Entebbe.


The truth must be told no matter what; this government is losing its popularity at an alarming rate because unlike the 2015-2019 dispensation that we witnessed improvement in the security of the country but unimpressive economic management, the country is witnessing unimpressive performance in both security and economic life of its people. The bandits are becoming emboldened by the day because some people are encouraging, aiding, arming and covering them yet the entire security architecture of Nigeria is unable to identify these people to arrest them and their minions. Innocent Nigerians are now the very people that are financing terrorism and banditry through the payment of huge sums of money to the criminals to continue with their escapades. As I am writing this article, I watched a video clip of how the bandits were flogging the Kaduna –Abuja train hostages because the government stopped the families from paying ransom.


I understand the kind of difficult position that the government is in and I am not advocating for the use of force or encouraging the payment of ransom either. All I want to say is that this nonsense has to stop; the NSA must come with a winning solution for the President to nip this menace in the bud before his tenure ends or else this government will go down as one of the most unpopular government in the history of Nigeria. In any case, we are all witness to what happened in Sri Lanka a couple of days ago. I am scared for Nigeria because I can see similarities between what is happening in Nigeria and what transpired in Sri Lanka before the Prime Minister’s residence was set ablaze. Rising costs of supplies, epilectic power supply, high cost of fuel, sickening and monumental corruption, ostentatious lifestyle by the corrupt few and collapse of the educational sector. Ours is even worse because we have a serious case of insecurity in the land. Now is the time for NSA Munguno to wake and begin to act.
https://ournigerianews.com/where-is-nsa-munguno/

Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi

Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian ambassador to Benin Republic, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai (rtd) has been turbaned "Garkuwan Keffi".

While turbaning the Lt-Gen Buratai on Saturday at his palace in Keffi town of  Nasarawa state, the Emir  Alhaji Shehu Chindo Yamusa, said the gesture became necessary due to Buratai's efforts in tackling security challenges ravaging Nigeria during his time as the Chief of Army Staff.

Describing Lt-Gen Buratai as an agent of development, Emir Yamusa charged many people in various key government positions to use their offices for the development of the entire Nigeria, urging them to emulate the qualities of the former army boss.

On his part, the chief celebrant, Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd) expressed his gratitude for the honour given to him, stressing that it would spur him to do more for the development of Nigeria as to whom much is given, much is expected.

Pouring encomiums on the chief celebrant, the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamu (SAN), said Lt-Gen Buratai (rtd) deserved the honour given to him by Emir Yamusa because he (Buratai) has paid his dues in contributing to the development of the nation, asking God to give him wisdom in his endeavors.


Amb. Buratai turbaned Garkuwan Keffi
https://ournigerianews.com/amb-buratai-turbaned-garkuwan-keffi/

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria


By: Zagazola Makama


Kwata, a small farming settlement in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state in Northwest Nigeria is one of the several farming communities sacked by bandits in recent years.

The bandits in series of coordinated attacks sacked communities with impunity, forcing peasant farmers to abandoned their homes and farmlands.


As the wet season sets in, thousands of farmers could not cultivate their farmlands for fear of attacks by the merciless bandits who killed, maimed, kidnapped and raped women in the troubled areas of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger State in central Nigeria.


The banditry, which started as farmers, harders crises in 2011, has embolded into a full blown terrorism 2016, resulting to the death of over 4000 and displacement of atleast 309,000 persons at of 30 June 2022.


Zamfara state accommodates about 69,000 IDPs, Kaduna 71,000, Katsina 61,000, Sokoto 45,000, while atleast 3,000 have crossed the border through the axis of Maradi to take refuge in Niger Republic.


The large scale displacement of farmers across the region portends potential threats to food security and expose the most populous country in African continent to possible food shortage, hunger and starvation.


Apart from incessant attacks on farmers, the bandits demanded farmers in Kwata village to pay N1.2 million levy equivalent to about $2,500 US dollars, to allow them to access and cultivate their farmlands.


Farmers who broke the laws were trapped by the armed bandits, especially when they attempt to work on their farms, leaving their farmlands uncultivated.


Subsequently, the farmers resumed cultivating their farmlands to produce cereal crops as the only means of livelihood.


However, the bandits reneged on the agreement to allow the farmers work on their farms after payment made to the terrorist group.


Infuriated by resumption of farming activities by the farmers, the bandits ransacked the community, killed 50 persons, razed houses, destroyed farmlands, rustled cattle, abducted 12 women and two men.


Rabiu Musa, a farmer, said we paid N1.2m yet the bandits prevented us from access our farms to cultivate crops.


He said the bandits set animals to graze on the farmlands, and destroyed potato, beans and maize plantations.


Another farmer, Saidu Samaila, who hailed from Gidan Dodo village, said the bandits banned farmers from working in the farmlands after collecting N6 million equivalent to $7,000 US dollars from the farmers.


He said the farmers tasked every households in the community to contribute certain amount of money to enable them pay the levy imposed on them by the bandits.


"I and other farmers fled the village after bandits' attack and took refuge at Kaura Namoda town in the last three months.


"The bandits set three vehicles and nine silos ablaze, my wife and children are staying with relatives in another town. My village is now deserted.


"Presently, I scavenge for leftover produce in the nearby farms to survive," he said.


Narrating her ordeals in the hands of the bandits who abducted during one of the attack on the community, a widow, simply identified as Maryama, said the bandits invaded her village around 4:00 a.m. (GMT).


She said the attackers who engaged in sporadic shooting, gun down anyone on their sight except women.


She alleged that the bandits killed over 50 people mostly adult and male child.


"Women loss their love ones and left to raise children of the deceased, killed by the terrorists.


"Three months after, the bandits launched fresh attack on the village killed two persons 2, injured one and abducted 14 others including myself.


"I stayed for 15 days at the kidnappers den alongside Asiya, Halima and 12 others.


"We stayed with little or nothing to eat day and night.


"I eventually regained freedom after the community members who survived the attacks paid a ransom of N7.2 million equivalent to over $7,000 dollars demanded by the terrorists," she said.


Also, Mariya Aliyu, Aina'u Ali Ja'afar and Haulatu Isa, who lost their husbands in the attacks, said they now fend for the children orphaned by the bandits.


Aliyu, a mother of seven children, said she now took refuge at makeshift shelter in Kaura Namoda.


"I am now staying in Kaura Namoda with my kids , we hardly had one meal a day.


"I fled for my life without taking my personal belongings from my home. I have nowhere to go or what to eat," she said tearfully.


Jafa’ar and Isa, who shared similar experiences with Aliyu, said they now engaged in street begging to feed their children.


They urged the government at the federal and state level to assist them with food and shelter as well as secure the region to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.


On June 6, The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised an alarm over food insecurity in the North West and North Central in Nigeria, saying "The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate attention.


The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children.


"A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.”


"The current situation is making the Nigerian Red Cross Society to take action to fight hunger in North-West and North-Central Nigeria where United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022," said Bolade in the statement. End.


Zagazola Makama is a Security Analyst and a Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad.


Nigerians face Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerians-face-hunger-as-bandits-sack-farming-communities-in-northwest-nigeria/

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria

Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria


By: Zagazola Makama


Kwata, a small farming settlement in Zurmi local government area of Zamfara state in Northwest Nigeria is one of the several farming communities sacked by bandits in recent years.

The bandits in series of coordinated attacks sacked communities with impunity, forcing peasant farmers to abandoned their homes and farmlands.


As the wet season sets in, thousands of farmers could not cultivate their farmlands for fear of attacks by the merciless bandits who killed, maimed, kidnapped and raped women in the troubled areas of Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and Niger State in central Nigeria.


The banditry, which started as farmers, harders crises in 2011, has embolded into a full blown terrorism 2016, resulting to the death of over 4000 and displacement of atleast 309,000 persons at of 30 June 2022.


Zamfara state accommodates about 69,000 IDPs, Kaduna 71,000, Katsina 61,000, Sokoto 45,000, while atleast 3,000 have crossed the border through the axis of Maradi to take refuge in Niger Republic.


The large scale displacement of farmers across the region portends potential threats to food security and expose the most populous country in African continent to possible food shortage, hunger and starvation.


Apart from incessant attacks on farmers, the bandits demanded farmers in Kwata village to pay N1.2 million levy equivalent to about $2,500 US dollars, to allow them to access and cultivate their farmlands.


Farmers who broke the laws were trapped by the armed bandits, especially when they attempt to work on their farms, leaving their farmlands uncultivated.


Subsequently, the farmers resumed cultivating their farmlands to produce cereal crops as the only means of livelihood.


However, the bandits reneged on the agreement to allow the farmers work on their farms after payment made to the terrorist group.


Infuriated by resumption of farming activities by the farmers, the bandits ransacked the community, killed 50 persons, razed houses, destroyed farmlands, rustled cattle, abducted 12 women and two men.


Rabiu Musa, a farmer, said we paid N1.2m yet the bandits prevented us from access our farms to cultivate crops.


He said the bandits set animals to graze on the farmlands, and destroyed potato, beans and maize plantations.


Another farmer, Saidu Samaila, who hailed from Gidan Dodo village, said the bandits banned farmers from working in the farmlands after collecting N6 million equivalent to $7,000 US dollars from the farmers.


He said the farmers tasked every households in the community to contribute certain amount of money to enable them pay the levy imposed on them by the bandits.


"I and other farmers fled the village after bandits' attack and took refuge at Kaura Namoda town in the last three months.


"The bandits set three vehicles and nine silos ablaze, my wife and children are staying with relatives in another town. My village is now deserted.


"Presently, I scavenge for leftover produce in the nearby farms to survive," he said.


Narrating her ordeals in the hands of the bandits who abducted during one of the attack on the community, a widow, simply identified as Maryama, said the bandits invaded her village around 4:00 a.m. (GMT).


She said the attackers who engaged in sporadic shooting, gun down anyone on their sight except women.


She alleged that the bandits killed over 50 people mostly adult and male child.


"Women loss their love ones and left to raise children of the deceased, killed by the terrorists.


"Three months after, the bandits launched fresh attack on the village killed two persons 2, injured one and abducted 14 others including myself.


"I stayed for 15 days at the kidnappers den alongside Asiya, Halima and 12 others.


"We stayed with little or nothing to eat day and night.


"I eventually regained freedom after the community members who survived the attacks paid a ransom of N7.2 million equivalent to over $7,000 dollars demanded by the terrorists," she said.


Also, Mariya Aliyu, Aina'u Ali Ja'afar and Haulatu Isa, who lost their husbands in the attacks, said they now fend for the children orphaned by the bandits.


Aliyu, a mother of seven children, said she now took refuge at makeshift shelter in Kaura Namoda.


"I am now staying in Kaura Namoda with my kids , we hardly had one meal a day.


"I fled for my life without taking my personal belongings from my home. I have nowhere to go or what to eat," she said tearfully.


Jafa’ar and Isa, who shared similar experiences with Aliyu, said they now engaged in street begging to feed their children.


They urged the government at the federal and state level to assist them with food and shelter as well as secure the region to enable them to return to their ancestral homes.


On June 6, The Nigerian Red Cross Society has raised an alarm over food insecurity in the North West and North Central in Nigeria, saying "The situation is critical and is one that needs immediate attention.


The Secretary General of the Nigerian Red Cross Society, Abubakar Kende was quoted in the statement issued by Chima Nwankwo and Aduratomi Bolade, of Nigerian Red Cross Society (NRCS) and International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) respectively to have said: “Millions are being affected, particularly women, the elderly, and vulnerable children.


"A good number of them are now in a situation where they do not know where their next meal will come from, and this is something that concerns us greatly.”


"The current situation is making the Nigerian Red Cross Society to take action to fight hunger in North-West and North-Central Nigeria where United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (UNFAO) has estimated that about 19.4 million people will be facing acute hunger between June and August 2022," said Bolade in the statement. End.


Zagazola Makama is a Security Analyst and a Counter Insurgency Expert in the Lake Chad.


Nigerians face Nigerians face hunger as bandits sack farming communities in Northwest Nigeria
https://ournigerianews.com/nigerians-face-hunger-as-bandits-sack-farming-communities-in-northwest-nigeria/

How developing nations can achieve SDGs through strategy and operations

How developing nations can achieve SDGs through strategy and operations

 

Ms Ummu Kalthum Muhammad

 

The Sustainable Development Goals are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. They address the global challenges we face, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace and justice. Learn more and take action.

Most developing nations have weak statistical capacities and are unable to meet the SDGs' increasing demand for data.

The lack of solid infrastructure and even of rules pertaining to infrastructure is another difficulty that many developing nations encounter when seeking to achieve sustainable development. As a result, many countries are unable to achieve the SDGs because they lack the infrastructure development necessary to support the use of the internet, networking, computers, as well as database management systems. In actuality, the aforementioned components are crucial to good planning, scientific study, nature control, and decision-making.





How developing nations can achieve SDGs through strategy and operations



Lack of access to improved cooking energy technology, which is a problem for the majority of developing countries, is caused by the socioeconomic and technological disparities between each country. The lack of access to reliable energy services is being caused by these obstacles, which are preventing the quality of life in the communities from improving. By developing energy policies relating to revenue production from effective energy activities, this vicious cycle could be ended. If not, SDG number 7 (offering access to affordable and reliable energy) may never be realized, leaving many communities around the world dependent on traditional biomass energy. The majority of people in Sub-Saharan Africa are like that; instead of putting their time towards schooling or other forms of entrepreneurship, women there spend up to four hours a day gathering firewood (SDGs number 4 and 5, Quality Education and Gender Equality respectively).

It is true that innovative strategy and highly effective operations are the two most important factors that can help the United Nations achieve the sustainable development goals, especially the goals are directly connected to the humanitarian sector. Goals like education for all, girl child and women empowerment and access to clean water are goals that the humanitarian sector is interested and committed to achieving.

An effective strategy that can help tremendously in achieving the SDGs by the humanitarian sector is to take it gradually. Rather than focusing on long-term objectives and waiting for a turning point that might never come, we need to set our sights on feasible near-future goals and take small steps to achieve them. Next to this is to strategically balance conflicting objectives because there are instances where objectives clash.

We have also seen that in situations where humanitarian actors use the popular bottom to top approach works better and delivers much success in implementing the SDGs in communities in African countries. This is because it allows the people to own the project.

Another important point to mention here is the use of contextualization. It has been proven that when humanitarian actors make use of stories to drive change, success is achieved.

We cannot expect developing countries to achieve sustainability as easily as developed countries. Rather, we should see sustainable development as a way to understand factors such as poverty and rapid urbanization which indicate whether economic development is possible or not. For that reason, when aiming to achieve the SDGs, organizations should be aware of the fact that factors like poverty and rapid urbanization are still very common in the developing and underdeveloped parts of the world. One way to achieve sustainable development in these countries is by first setting policies to enhance the living conditions of the least fortunate for them to later be able to take care of their environment. If such policies are not implemented in the near future, then not only will the efforts to achieve sustainability fail, but we might also expect poverty to increase in many parts of the world.

Several studies have identified a number of environmental elements as predictors of corporate strategies. Successful strategy execution necessitates having sufficient information on changing client wants, new technology in one's business, and government regulations, as well as knowing what competitors are up to and what is going on in the global economy.
https://ournigerianews.com/how-developing-nations-can-achieve-sdgs-through-strategy-and-operations/

"The Peoples Gazette" Gets Court Summon Over Publication

 "The Peoples Gazette" Gets Court Summon Over Publication


The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja has summoned a Popular online news tabloid, The Peoples Gazette to appear before it to furnish the court with information in his custody relating to it's June 23, 2022 online publication entitled " ICPC RECOVERS MULTI-BILLION NAIRA CASH, ROLEX WATCHES STOCKPILED IN EX-ARMY CHIEF ABUJA".


The action was filed by the plaintiff, Mr. Bello Isah, a Publisher, through his lawyers, Messrs Osuagwu Ugochukwu of St. Francis Xavier Solicitors and Associates, of Suit 8, Zone 4 Plaza, Wuse, Abuja.


The Peoples Gazette in June 2022, published an online report that ICPC recovered multi-million naira cash, Rolex wristwatches in an apartment belonging to the former Chief of Army Staff while, the ICPC official statement never reflected People Gazette’s position.


Bello, in a sworned affidavit, affirmed that he earlier wrote to the newspaper inline with the provisions of the FOI Act requesting for information relating to the said publication to no avail.


The Court has therefore given The Peoples Gazette 42 days to appear before it to answer some questions and provide evidences to back up their claims in the purported publication.


The court summons stated that;


Let THE PEOPLES GAZETTE LTD within FORTY TWO (42) days after the service of this summons, inclusive of the day of such service cause an appearance to be entered for him to this summons which is issued upon the application of ISAH BELLO of No 64, Muhammadu Buhari Way, who claims to be entitled to the reliefs hereafter set out and for the determination of the following questions:


1. Whether the Refusal and/or Neglect of the Defendant to grant the application of the Plaintiff vide his letter dated June 28, 2022 does not amount to an infringement of the provision of Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011?


The Plaintiff claims against the Defendant as follows:


(1) A Declaration that the refusal, failure and or neglect by the Defendant to release the information requested by the Plaintiff in his letter dated June 28 2022 amounts toa violation of Section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and therefore is wrongful and


illegal.


(2) An ORDER DIRECTING the Defendant including her servants, agents, privies, officials and or cohorts to furnish the Plaintiff with detailed information as stated in Plaintiff’s letter dated June 28 2022 until Judgment is delivered in this casę within 14 days of the delivery of Judgment.


(3) The cost of this Action.


(4)Any further order (s) as the Court may deem fit and proper to make in the circumstances of this case.


Also part of the court summon which was tagged CASH,ROLEX WATCHES STOCKPILED IN EX-ARMY CHIEF


BURATAI’S ABUJA”, now produced and marked EXHIBITA stated that the June 28 2022 letter of the Plaintiff requested the following response from the Defendant viz:


“1. Did you verify the allegations contained in your write up with ICPC before publishing? This is because the ICPC press release of June 24, 2022 states to the contrary that Buratai owns the house in Wuse lI Abuja or has links with the K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited.


2.Did you check with corporate affairs commission as to who the Owners of the K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited are? And perhaps whether Buratai name appear as part of the company directorship?


3. You claimed you called Buratai during the ICPC raid on the Wuse 2 House. At what time and day did you call Ambassador Buratai? What number did you use in calling him? And which of the Buratai lines did you call?


(d) But surprisingly and since the receipt of the request/application letter, and up till the filing of this suit, the Defendant has so far failed, refused and /or neglected to provide the Plaintif with the details of the information


requested for.


4. That I know as a fact by being a PUBLISHER /JOURNALIST that:


(a) By virtue of Section 1 (1) of the FOI Act 2011, PLAINTIFF is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.


(b) The information requested for by the Plaintiff relates to CORRUPTION allegations against the former Army Chief and facts supposedly held by the Defendant but has shied from giving truth to the allegations.
https://ournigerianews.com/the-peoples-gazette-gets-court-summon-over-publication/

Defamation: Buratai sues The Peoples Gazette

Defamation: Buratai sues The Peoples Gazette

The immediate past Chief of Army Staff, Ambassador Tukur Buratai has sued popular online tabloid, The Peoples Gazette over false publication.

The Peoples Gazette had in June published that ICPC recovered multi-million naira cash, Rolex wristwatches and apartment from the Amb Buratai meanwhile, the ICPC official statement never reflected People Gazette’s position.

In a court document, People Gazette was given 42 days to appear before the court to answer some questions and provide evidences to back up their claims against the person of Ambassador Tukur Buratai.

The court summons stated that; "Let THE PEOPLES GAZETTE LTD within FORTY TWO (42) days after the service of this summons, inclusive of the day of such service cause an appearance to be entered for him to this summons which is issued upon the application of ISAH BELLO of No 64, Muhammadu Buhari Way, who claims to be entitled to the reliefs hereafter set out and for the determination of the following questions:

1. Whether the Refusał and/or Neglect of the Defendant to grant the application of the Plaintiff vide his letter dated June 28, 2022 does not amount to an infringement of the provision of Section 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011?


The Plaintiff claims against the Defendant aş follows:


(1) A Declaration that the refusal, failure and or neglect by the Defendant to release the information requested by the Plaintiff in his letter dated June 28 2022 amounts to a violation of Section 4(a) of the Freedom of Information Act 2011 and therefore is wrongful and illegal.

(2) Did you check with corporate affairs commission as to who the Owners of the K Salam Construction Company Nigeria Limited are? And perhaps whether Buratai's name appears as part of the company directorship?

(3) You claimed you called Buratai during the ICPC raid on the Wuse 2 House. At what time and day did you call Ambassador Buratai? What number did you use in calling him? And which of the Buratai lines did you call?

(4) But surprisingly and since the receipt of the request/application letter, and up till the filing of this suit, the Defendant has so far failed, refused and /or neglected to provide the Plaintiff with the details of the information requested for.

(5) That I know as a fact by being a PUBLISHER /JOURNALIST that:


(a) By virtue of Section 1 (1) of the FOI Act 2011, PLAINTIFF is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information which is in the custody or possession of any public official, agency or institution.

(b) The information requested for by the Plaintiff relates to CORRUPTION allegations against the former Army Chief and facts supposedly held by the Defendant but has shied from giving truth to the allegations.


Defamation: Buratai sues The Peoples Gazette
https://ournigerianews.com/defamation-buratai-sues-the-peoples-gazette/

Ajiyan Gombe's demise an unforgettable loss - Mailantarki

Ajiyan Gombe's demise an unforgettable loss - Mailantarki


 


The New Nigeria People's Party (NNPP) governorship candidate in Gombe state Khamisu Mailantarki has said the demise of  Gombe emirate Council kingmaker Alhaji Haruna Abdullahi (Ajiya Gombe) will remain an unforgettable event in the state.


 


Mailantarki in his condolence message issued  made available to Newsmen in Gombe on Thursday, said Haruna Abdullahi who doubled as Ajiyan Gombe and district head of Kwami was a great traditional icon that contributed immensely towards building peace and promoting harmonious co-existence among the residents of his district and the state at large.


 


"The passing away of the traditional leader is a huge loss to Kwami local government and Gombe state because he was an iconic figure and revered leader who rendered selfless service to humanity throughout his reign.


 


"Late Haruna Abdullahi has left behind huge vacuum in the state as everyone is going to miss his fatherly guidance and counsels". He said.


 


Abdullahi who was one of the kingmakers in Gombe Emirate Council.


Ajiyan Gombe's demise an unforgettable loss - Mailantarki
https://ournigerianews.com/ajiyan-gombes-demise-an-unforgettable-loss-mailantarki/

REMINISCING

REMINISCING


Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is a seasoned politician, farmer banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.


OurNigeria News Magazine Politician of the Year Award, 2021.


APC, Cross River State Gubernatorial candidate, for 2023 general elections.


The Proverbial Goldfish.


In what seems like a leap into the future and the exposition of the political pedigree of Senator Prince Bassey Otu's political fortunes and his unique personality, Senator Bassey Otu was in January 28th honoured with the Politician of the Year award by OurNigeria Media publishing firm, a reputable media firm in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for his exceptional performance and consistency as a politician.


In the words of the publisher, he said, after a careful examination of the antecedents and the political milestones of Distinguished Senator Bassey Edet Otu, he is to be bestowed with the Politician of the Year Award for practically demonstrating that he is a leader who feels the pulse of the people and is concerned with their aspirations. He further said this is simply a way of saying that society recognizes and appreciates all he does for humanity as a political player.


 


Senator Otu whose political philosophy is anchored on service to humanity and whose brand of politics has always been defined by inclusiveness, kindness, accessibility to the people and most importantly, his inclination to advancing the dignity of the human person, came in handy when the national search for the recipient of the award was done.


The event which was well attended amidst pomp and pageantry attracted the cream de la cream of the society, men from all walks of life, including the military top brass, both serving and retired, captains of industries, politicians, religious and traditional rulers, and of course the media, the fourth estate of the realm, all converged to witness the epoch-making event.


Dr Abubakar Mohammed, publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine at the event succinctly opined while referring to Senator Otu "His brand of politics is exactly what Nigeria needs, politics without animosity, or deep-rooted angst or hate. Politics of empowerment and development for the common man on the street."


The OurNigeria News awards is an annual event organized by OurNigeria News Magazine which was set up in 2019. The 2021 edition which saw Senator Otu receive the award of a Politician of the Year was chaired by Major General Ibrahim Bata Malgwi Haruna(Rtd), while Nigeria's envoy to the Benin Republic, Ambassador TY Buratai was the special guest of honour.


The award featured presentations to prominent individuals who have distinguished themselves in different areas especially their effort in peace-building, endangering peaceful, mutual and cordial coexistence and the advancement of core democratic principles, of course with emphasis on livelihood and humanity.


The choice of Senator Otu for the award was greeted with great excitement from across the broad spectrum of society for truly, he is that goldfish who does not have a hiding place.


The board via the instrumentality of feedback from the masses, questionnaires and recommendations, deliberately took into cognizance and in its choice was more concerned with identifying personalities who have in their different endeavours added value to human systems, particularly democratic evolutions.


Of course, to say that Senator Bassey Edet Otu is the people's man is reiterating the obvious, as encapsulated in his socio-political philosophy,


Senator Bassey Otu remains a man of class who however does not elevate class or social strata, this invariably inter alia is the reason why OurNigeria News Magazine honoured him with such a dignifying award, as the Politician of the Year, 2022.


For Senator Otu, in his socio-political calculations and dynamics, the accidental qualities of existence make no sense to him, he is more inclined to advancing and promoting human ideals, and he is exceptionally inclined toward values, character, content, capacity, and credibility.


That Senator Otu was singled out for such an award shows amongst other things that truly he is a man who enjoys tremendous socio-political goodwill from the testimonies the board received ab initio.


The award that was bestowed on Distinguished Senator Otu, popularly referred to as 'Sweet Prince' was well deserved, considering his track records, pedigree and commendations that greeted the awards. Otu's award is one award that received wide acceptance and commendation both national and internationally and in different circles.


Speaking at the event of the award, Sen. Otu averred the need for leaders to be deliberate about bridging the class gap. He advocated for an egalitarian system where there is less emphasis on class, to reduce tension and strive.


He further dedicated the award to all who love humanity and have promoted good governance. He promised to always stand with the people and to continuously be the man they can trust.


Today by the Grace of God, the people's love for effective and quality representation, the robust and genuine advocacy of compatriots and the acceptance of party leadership, Senator Otu is the irreplaceable, unarguable undefeated gubernatorial candidate of the All progressives Congress(APC) Cross River State after a primary election he roundly defeated other aspirants of which he remains magnanimous in such victory, as in his usual disposition, he believes in togetherness and complementarity.


Sen. Otu is ready to defeat any candidate(s) from other political establishments, he is unperturbed and unabashed because he knows he is disposed of as always to hold in trust for the people their mandate and the people are most comfortable with his representation having been tested.


Senator Otu remains the face of hope for the young people, he remains the rallying point for conservatives and progressives and invariably the point of convergence for the different political establishments, hence he enjoys tremendous socio-political goodwill across party lines.


It's also instructive to posit that Senator Otu is not one politician who needs encomiums or validation to act or display his innate traits of kindness and show of empathy, for him, he is driven by the desire to serve and so the award by OurNigeria News Magazine albeit deserving got to him as a surprise.


Senator Otu as the OurNigeria Politician of the Year remains a personality we will continuously promote as an establishment, for he has so much to give back to society, in terms of good leadership. He remains a pillar of democracy and as we leapfrog into 2023, we urge all Crossriverians and residents to get registered and be prepared to vote for the friend of the masses, for the good of all.


Vox populi,Vox Dei.


Thank you Dr Abubakar Mohammed Sani.


Publisher, OurNigeria News Magazine.


God bless Senator Bassey Edet Otu.


God bless Crossriverians.


REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING
https://ournigerianews.com/reminiscing-senator-prince-bassey-edet-otu-is-a-seasoned-politician-farmer-banker-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist/

Defence Headquarters dismisses Fani-Kayode’s allegations over Kuje attack

Defence Headquarters dismisses Fani-Kayode’s allegations over  Kuje attack


The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the allegations that the Department of State Security (DSS) informed the military about an impending attack on Kuje Correctional Centre and a previous attack on a Kaduna-Abuja passenger train.

The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, in a statement on Saturday, described the allegations by a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, as wild and unsubstantiated.

Akpor said that Fani-Kayode made allegations in a social media video following the recent spate of terrorist attacks particularly, the attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre.

He said that Fani-Kayode had also claimed that soldiers were withdrawn shortly before the prison was attacked.

He said that Fani-Kayode was merely playing to the gallery as he was not in any position to know whether the DSS notified the military of any attack.

“It may not be impossible that such a claim is part of a calculated attempt to cause division and rivalry amongst all government agencies that have been working collaboratively in addressing issues of insecurity in the country.

“The claim that soldiers were withdrawn from the Kuje Correctional Custodial Centre before the attack is laughable.

“It is said that Fani-Kayode is ignorant of whose responsibility it is to guard the prison,” he said.

The defence spokesman said that Fani-Kayode had also claimed that the military took no action on the recent Shiroro terrorists’ attack, which resulted in the unfortunate death of some soldiers, policemen and civilians.

He said it was also an attempt to smear the military and create bad blood between service personnel and the military high command.

According to Akpor, it is a despicable statement that does not honour the sacrifices of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price while defending the mining community.

“What a shame!  Fani-Kayode is encouraged to pay more attention to the weekly briefs by Defence Media Operations.

“Defence Media Operations gives weekly briefs and updates on operations being conducted across the country; press releases on military operations are also made when the need arises.

“Fani-Kayode is also called to refresh himself on the constitutional roles of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

“It is pertinent to state that the armed forces have toiled to sustain and nurture our democracy, hence the same military cannot contemplate a coup d`etat, as alluded to by Fani-Kayode in his video,” he added.

Akpor said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, had always stressed the unalloyed loyalty of the armed forces to the President, Commander-in-Chief and the Nigerian Constitution.

He reiterated the commitment of the military to ensuring the sustenance of democratic governance, warning political actors to depart from evil ways ahead of the 2023 general elections.

He also accused Fani-Kayode of attempting to malign the leadership of the military, by creating an impression that while junior military commanders and non-commissioned officers were working hard, senior commanders were doing nothing.

According to him, this is indeed a difficult time for the armed forces and Nigerians as a whole.

“It is not time for attention-seeking individuals to cause needless distractions.

“Members of the public are, therefore, urged to ignore Fani-Kayode and continue to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities promptly to law enforcement agencies,” he added.


Defence Headquarters dismisses Fani-Kayode’s allegations over  Kuje attack
https://ournigerianews.com/defence-headquarters-dismisses-fani-kayodes-allegations-over-kuje-attack/

REMINISCING

REMINISCING


Senator Prince Bassey Edet Otu, is a seasoned politician, farmer banker, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.


OurNigeria News Magazine Politician of the Year Award, 2021.


APC, Cross River State Gubernatorial candidate, for 2023 general elections.


The Proverbial Goldfish.


In what seems like a leap into the future and the exposition of the political pedigree of Senator Prince Bassey Otu's political fortunes and his unique personality, Senator Bassey Otu was in January 28th honoured with the Politician of the Year award by OurNigeria Media publishing firm, a reputable media firm in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja for his exceptional performance and consistency as a politician.


In the words of the publisher, he said, after a careful examination of the antecedents and the political milestones of Distinguished Senator Bassey Edet Otu, he is to be bestowed with the Politician of the Year Award for practically demonstrating that he is a leader who feels the pulse of the people and is concerned with their aspirations. He further said this is simply a way of saying that society recognizes and appreciates all he does for humanity as a political player.


 


Senator Otu whose political philosophy is anchored on service to humanity and whose brand of politics has always been defined by inclusiveness, kindness, accessibility to the people and most importantly, his inclination to advancing the dignity of the human person, came in handy when the national search for the recipient of the award was done.


The event which was well attended amidst pomp and pageantry attracted the cream de la cream of the society, men from all walks of life, including the military top brass, both serving and retired, captains of industries, politicians, religious and traditional rulers, and of course the media, the fourth estate of the realm, all converged to witness the epoch-making event.


Dr Abubakar Mohammed, publisher of OurNigeria News Magazine at the event succinctly opined while referring to Senator Otu "His brand of politics is exactly what Nigeria needs, politics without animosity, or deep-rooted angst or hate. Politics of empowerment and development for the common man on the street."


The OurNigeria News awards is an annual event organized by OurNigeria News Magazine which was set up in 2019. The 2021 edition which saw Senator Otu receive the award of a Politician of the Year was chaired by Major General Ibrahim Bata Malgwi Haruna(Rtd), while Nigeria's envoy to the Benin Republic, Ambassador TY Buratai was the special guest of honour.


The award featured presentations to prominent individuals who have distinguished themselves in different areas especially their effort in peace-building, endangering peaceful, mutual and cordial coexistence and the advancement of core democratic principles, of course with emphasis on livelihood and humanity.


The choice of Senator Otu for the award was greeted with great excitement from across the broad spectrum of society for truly, he is that goldfish who does not have a hiding place.


The board via the instrumentality of feedback from the masses, questionnaires and recommendations, deliberately took into cognizance and in its choice was more concerned with identifying personalities who have in their different endeavours added value to human systems, particularly democratic evolutions.


Of course, to say that Senator Bassey Edet Otu is the people's man is reiterating the obvious, as encapsulated in his socio-political philosophy,


Senator Bassey Otu remains a man of class who however does not elevate class or social strata, this invariably inter alia is the reason why OurNigeria News Magazine honoured him with such a dignifying award, as the Politician of the Year, 2022.


For Senator Otu, in his socio-political calculations and dynamics, the accidental qualities of existence make no sense to him, he is more inclined to advancing and promoting human ideals, and he is exceptionally inclined toward values, character, content, capacity, and credibility.


That Senator Otu was singled out for such an award shows amongst other things that truly he is a man who enjoys tremendous socio-political goodwill from the testimonies the board received ab initio.


The award that was bestowed on Distinguished Senator Otu, popularly referred to as 'Sweet Prince' was well deserved, considering his track records, pedigree and commendations that greeted the awards. Otu's award is one award that received wide acceptance and commendation both national and internationally and in different circles.


Speaking at the event of the award, Sen. Otu averred the need for leaders to be deliberate about bridging the class gap. He advocated for an egalitarian system where there is less emphasis on class, to reduce tension and strive.


He further dedicated the award to all who love humanity and have promoted good governance. He promised to always stand with the people and to continuously be the man they can trust.


Today by the Grace of God, the people's love for effective and quality representation, the robust and genuine advocacy of compatriots and the acceptance of party leadership, Senator Otu is the irreplaceable, unarguable undefeated gubernatorial candidate of the All progressives Congress(APC) Cross River State after a primary election he roundly defeated other aspirants of which he remains magnanimous in such victory, as in his usual disposition, he believes in togetherness and complementarity.


Sen. Otu is ready to defeat any candidate(s) from other political establishments, he is unperturbed and unabashed because he knows he is disposed of as always to hold in trust for the people their mandate and the people are most comfortable with his representation having been tested.


Senator Otu remains the face of hope for the young people, he remains the rallying point for conservatives and progressives and invariably the point of convergence for the different political establishments, hence he enjoys tremendous socio-political goodwill across party lines.


It's also instructive to posit that Senator Otu is not one politician who needs encomiums or validation to act or display his innate traits of kindness and show of empathy, for him, he is driven by the desire to serve and so the award by OurNigeria News Magazine albeit deserving got to him as a surprise.


Senator Otu as the OurNigeria Politician of the Year remains a personality we will continuously promote as an establishment, for he has so much to give back to society, in terms of good leadership. He remains a pillar of democracy and as we leapfrog into 2023, we urge all Crossriverians and residents to get registered and be prepared to vote for the friend of the masses, for the good of all.


Vox populi,Vox Dei.


Thank you Dr Abubakar Mohammed Sani.


Publisher, OurNigeria News Magazine.


God bless Senator Bassey Edet Otu.


God bless Crossriverians.


REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING.REMINISCING
https://ournigerianews.com/reminiscing-senator-prince-bassey-edet-otu-is-a-seasoned-politician-farmer-banker-entrepreneur-and-philanthropist/