The Chief Imam of Benin Central Mosque, Abdulfattah Enabulele, has cautioned President Muhammadu Buhari to be wary of Greek gifts from the United States of American government that could be inimical to the cultural and religious beliefs of the African people in desperation to end Boko Haram crisis.
President Buhari departs Nigeria tonight for a four-day official visit to the U.S. and will meet with President Barack Obama at the White House on Monday, and Enabulele is concerned that the U.S. may try to sway the President on Nigeria’s position on gay people..
The cleric, who led other Muslim faithful to the Edo Government House and were received by the state Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, advised that President Buhari must not let his determination to end the Boko Haram insurgency into compromising the country’s stance on such issues as guy freedom.
“America and Europe seem to have found a new civilization in sodomy. They probably believe that the men of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed either because they were not clever enough or they had no nuclear power with which to fight God,” he asserted.
The Cleric said that it is now common “for the West to want to impose any newly invented idea by them and considered as civilization on others and cautioned that President Buhari has to be careful about such an attitude.
“The Western imperialists have a way of attracting others to their traps with open carrots while hiding the stick. With them, there is no free lunch. Every gift that comes from them is a Greek one. President Barack Obama seems to be desperate in helping Nigeria to get rid of Boko Haram menace, and he has noticed desperation on the part of President Buhari in solving the same problem. No Nigerian interest can ever be a priority for an American president. It is all about self-interest,” he added.
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (right) in a handshake with new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai shortly after the Eid-El-Fitr prayers in Damaturu on Friday
The Nigerian military has said that it has cleared the Damaturu – Biu road of landmines and made it safe for commuters to use.
A statement by army spokesperson, Sani Kukasheka, a colonel, said a team made up of “Army Special Forces, Explosives Ordinance Devices with support from Nigeria Police and members of local vigilante” took part in the operation that resulted in four Improvised Explosives Devices, IEDs, planted by suspected Boko Haram insurgents bring successfully detonated.
“Commuters are encouraged to use the road as adequate security is being provided. The Nigerian Army wishes to further enjoin the public to be more security conscious and report any suspicious persons and movements to the security agents,” Kukasheka said.
In addition to the use of suicide bombers, Boko Haram has used landmines to great effect, making it difficult for security agents as well as civilians to have access to some areas, particularly in Borno and Yobe states and this news from the military will come as a welcome relief.
The Department of State Services on Sunday evening explained that it tried to arrest immediate past National Security Adviser, NSA, Sambo Dasuki because of intelligence that he planned to commit treasonable felony.
The security service justified it raid on Dasuki’s house, saying that it recovered incriminating evidence such as high calibre assault rifles and several armoured luxury vehicles, the ownership of which the former NSA could not explain.
In a statement released to the media on Sunday evening signed by Tony Opuiyo, the said that it went to Dasuki’s house with duly signed search warrant acting on intelligence that he planned to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian state, but that he resisted using military guards attached to his house.
Dasuki, the statement said, “directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order,” adding that but for the intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, a Major General, there would have been a clash between the military guards and DSS operatives.
The DSS queried the presence of military guards in Dasuki’s house, contending that he was not entitled to such privilege having retired from the army as a colonel, and argued that if they were posted to guard him as NSA, they should have been withdrawn after he was removed from office.
Items recovered from the former NSA’s house after a search include “include seven (7) high caliber rifles, (high assault weapons), several magazines and military related gears. The team also recovered twelve (12) new vehicles, out of which five (5) were bullet proofs.”
It was alleged that Dasuki could not produce any evidence of ownership of the cars and that the vehicles “from all available evidence were purchased with tax payers” and “were being kept for possible sinister enterprise.”
Read the full text of the DSS statement below.
On 16th July, 2015, about 1650 hours, based on credible intelligence linking the immediate past NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd) with alleged plans to commit treasonable felony against the Nigerian State, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) conducted a search on the properties belonging to the former NSA, Mohammed Sambo DASUKI (Col Rtd). The properties are on Nos. 13, John Khadya Street, Nos. 46, Nelson Mandela Street, both at Asokoro, Abuja, and Nos. 3 Sabon Birni Road, Gwiwa Area, Sokoto Sokoto State. The search operations was planned to be simultaneously conducted, but DASUKI, refused the operatives entry into his main residence located at No. 13 John Khadya Street, Asokoro, despite being presented with a genuine and duly signed search warrant. Consequently, what was to last not more than two (2) hours, lasted more than ten (10) hours, up till the early hours of 17th July, 2015. Indeed if not for the sense of maturity and professionalism of the officers and men assigned this task and the very good understanding and timely intervention of the new Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Y. BURATAI (Maj Gen), there would have been a clash between the Army operatives guarding the house and Service operatives, as SAMBO directed the soldiers on duty not to allow any movement into his house, despite the subsisting court order. SAMBO thereafter raised a false alarm to the military authorities to come to his aid as he failed to correctly tell the military that his property was about to be legitimately searched. Gentlemen, please recall that SAMBO retired from the Army as a Colonel, and therefore not entitled to have military guards, if not for the fact he was NSA. Even as NSA, such guards should have been withdrawn after his removal as NSA since he would not have been entitled. The search was thoroughly conducted, and several items recovered, among which were some incriminating items. These include seven (7) high caliber rifles, (high assault weapons), several magazines and military related gears. The team also recovered twelve (12) new vehicles, out of which five (5) were bullet proofs. These vehicles which are all exotic vehicles were retrieved from SAMBO’s residence having failed to produce evidence of ownership. For instance, what could he be doing with five (5) bullet proof cars as a retired NSA?. These cars which from all available evidence were purchased with tax payers money, were being kept for possible sinister enterprise. The Service would want to state categorically that this search operation is not a witch hunt. The Service decided to move at this time in line with current Management resolve to be proactive and pre-empt individuals with penchant for impunity and lawlessness from putting back the nation to the dark days. The Service is also aware that the lethal arms and the vehicles recovered were not reflected in SAMBO’s handover notes or what could a former NSA be doing with destructive weapons and bullet proof cars which put together could disrupt the peace of any city in Nigeria for a while. On the search of his three (3) properties, including the Sokoto residence, the Service is aware that in his capacity and given his antecedents, he might decide to use any of his residences for such diabolical plans, rather than his main residence. Gentlemen of the press, the Service Management would want to assure members of the public that it would not trample on the freedom of individuals or groups as guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution and emphasized by the current administration’s position on transparency, and probity underlined by justice and equity for all Nigerians. This is the driving force for all DSS operations. However, the Service would not hesitate to go after any person or group of persons, no matter how highly placed once such individual(s) breach or attempt to breach the laws of the Federation. The days for impunity and indecisiveness in the face of unpatriotic acts by individuals operating against the State are over. The Service hereby appeal to all Nigerians to be law abiding and partner with it in ensuring a peaceful and secured nation. In the same vein, those that are bent on breaking the rules governing our peaceful co-existence due to either the huge ill gotten wealth they have acquired or imaginary hold they think they have on our nation’s survival, are being warned to rethink. The DSS will use all constitutional means as defined by its mandate to deal decisively with such unpatriotic individuals. The Management want to seize this opportunity to appreciate Nigerians for the tremendous acts of goodwill that is being extended to the new dispensation. The Management also wish to assure Nigerians that the gesture and confidence being expressed will be reciprocated with more dedication and service to our dear country Nigeria.
Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (right) in a handshake with new Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Buratai shortly after the Eid-El-Fitr prayers in Damaturu on Friday
By Musdapha Ilo, Maiduguri
The Nigerian army has said that normalcy has resumed in Damaturu, Yobe State, following Friday morning’s twin suicide bomb attack at the screening designated by security agents for the purpose of checking Muslim worshipers, less than 24 hours after similar attacks on a market in Gombe, Gombe State capital, which left at least 49 dead and more than 70 injured.
Army spokesperson, Sani Kukasheka, said the attacks, which occurred around 7am, were carried out by two female suicide bombers, an elderly woman and a 10 years old girl, at “Layin Gwange, Damaturu and at “Phase One”, in front of former State Secretariat Complex, Damaturu.”
“The situation is currently under control. The Yobe State Governor, Ibrahim Geidam and the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Tukur Yusuf Buratai have sympathised with the victims and the people of the state and urged residents to stay calm and be security conscious at all times,” Kukasheka said.
Friday’s attacks claimed 15 lives, with 41 injured, according to the medical director at the state’s Specialist Hospital, Adamu Fika, and happened despite the presence of the newly appointed army chief, Tukur Buratai, a major general, who was in the state to celebrate Sallah with troops, boost their morale, increase civil-military relations and assess the readiness of troops with regards to availability of equipment.
Kukasheka reiterated the military’s determination to end the insurgency ravaging the northeast.
“No amount of terrorist acts would deter our resolve to stamp out terrorism and insurgency in our fatherland,” he added.
Alasa Mohammed, in handshake with Governor Adams Oshiomhole, after taking his oath of office before he was immediately suspended
By Jefferson Ibiwale, Benin
The panel of inquiry set up by Edo State government to ascertain the culpability of the suspended chairman of Etsako West local government council, Mohammed Alasa, for allegedly masterminding a protest against late chairman of the council, Kadiri Hassan, has indicted him.
The late chairman was on his hospital bed when some youths led a violence protest to the council secretariat, demanding his removal for alleged ill-health.
Hassan died few hours after the protest and his deputy, Alasa, was sworn-in as substantive chairman on Tuesday, 2 June, 2015. However, he was suspended moments later, following the allegation that he masterminded the protest against the former chairman.
Governor Oshiomhole had while inaugurating the panel of inquiry charged its members to look into the immediate and remote causes of the protest which occurred at the premises of the local government council secretariat and make appropriate recommendations in good faith to the extent that such recommendations would help the government to avoid a repetition in future.
Chairman of the panel, Nosa Osifo, while presenting its report to the state Deputy Governor, Pius Odubu, who received it on behalf of the governor, said findings showed that Alasa actually sponsored the protest against late Kadiri with a view to forcefully taking over the council.
“That morning, the purported student leaders held a meeting at the residence of Alasa. From there, they went to the police station before proceeding to the council secretariat,” he said.
The panel also recommended that there was need for equity and fairness in the zoning of political offices between Auchi and Uzairue people.
The report however exonerated Students Union Government of the Auchi Polytechnic.
Receiving the report, the deputy governor commended the panel for a job well done and promised that the government would make its decision known after studying the report.
Members of the panel included Itohan Okungbowa, Osazee Ojo, Francis Uwaifo, and Marcus Onobun.
Days after sacking service chiefs and announcing their replacements, President Muhammadu Buhari has announced the immediate dissolution of all governing boards of parastatals, agencies and institutions with immediate effect.
Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, made the announcement on Thursday and directed the chief executive officers of the affected agencies to report to the President through the permanent secretaries of their ministries pending the composition of new boards.
“While the dissolution does not affect Federal Executive Bodies listed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it covers administrative or technical committees and other similar organs established by the now dissolved boards,” Adesina said.
A deadly twin suicide bomb attack at a busy market in Gombe State on Thursday left about 49 people dead and 75 injured, as residents made last minute purchases to celebrate Eid el-Fitr, the Muslim celebration that marks the end of Ramadan, the National Emergency Management Agency, NEMA, has confirmed.
NEMA’s head of operation in Gombe State, Saidu Minin, told our reporter on phone that the attacks occurred at 5:15pm at the popular Babban Kasuwa market located at Babban Layi in the state capital, as two suicide bombers, a male and a female, detonated Improvised Explosive Devices, IEDs.
According to Minin, as at the time of filing this report, 14 corpses and 25 injured persons were taken to the state Specialist Hospital while 35 other corpses and 50 injured persons were taken to the Federal Teaching Hospital, both in the state capital.
The Gombe State police commissioner, Kudu Nma, also confirmed the incident to newsmen in Gombe, saying “there was a bomb blast either on a suicide mission or EIDs were kept somewhere, with the view to cause panic and apprehension to people.”
“People were busy shopping preparatory to Sallah festival; the casualties are yet to be ascertained. As you can see, people are busy working trying to save lives, for now we cannot tell you the number of casualties,” the commissioner stated.
Nma said his men quickly moved in to cordon the site of the incident to avoid looting.
Gombe, which shares boundary with Borno State, the birthplace of Boko Haram, Adamawa and Bauchi, has been a target of Boko Haram attacks in recent times and the masterminds of the Zaria and Jos bomb attacks were arrested in Gombe days after the evil act.
By Samuel Malik The presidency has denied claims by Radio Biafra, an illegal radio station operating somewhere in the south eastern part of the country, that President Muhammadu Buhari recently expressed ant-Igbo views in an interview on BBC Hausa Service, describing it as “false, malicious and slanderous.”
According to presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, the voice in the said interview is not the President’s. He added that the President had not granted interview to the BBC since he was declared winner of the last presidential election.
“The last interview he had with the BBC Hausa Service, lasting not more than five minutes, was on the day he was declared winner and given his certificate of return as President-elect by the Independent National Electoral Commission,” Shehu said.
“Thankfully, the BBC Hausa Service Editor, Mr. Mansor Liman, has distanced the BBC from the false interview clip being ascribed by the pirate radio station to President Buhari.”
Shehu said President Buhari is president of every Nigerian and treats everybody “on the basis of fairness, equality and equity.” He also urged the public to disregard the broadcaster’s propaganda, which he said is aimed at fan the ember of disunity.
Radio Biafra, the propaganda organ of the Movement for Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has recently gained the attention of the federal government with several broadcasts considered offensive against the new administration.
The station broke the story that the federal government transferred Boko Haram prisoners to the South east, a report that apparently embarrassed the government, while at the same gaining the attention of Nigerians.
The National Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, said it had jammed the radio station’s signal, but somehow, it has managed to continue to broadcast.
Security and economic relations will top President Muhammadu Buhari’s event-laden four – day trip to the United States of America.
According to a statement issued by the President’s spokesperson, Femi Adesina, the Buhari, who departs on Sunday and will be welcomed by the U.S. Secretary of State, John Kerry, will meet with President Barack Obama on Monday in what is expected to be an eventful visit.
Following the meeting with Obama at the White House, President Buhari will meet with the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, Martin Dempsey, an army general, and Deputy Secretary of Defence, Robert Work, for discussions on defence cooperation between the two countries.
“The President will also meet with Vice President Joe Biden and confer with the US Attorney-General, Loretta Lynch, the US Secretary of Treasury, Jack Lew, the US Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker and the US Trade representative, Michael Froman on United States support for his administration’s war against corruption as well as fresh measures to boost Nigeria-United States trade relations,” the statement said.
There will also be meetings with the U.S. Senate and congressional committees on foreign relations and also the Black Caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives.
Among those to accompany the President on the journey are the governors of Imo, Nasarawa, Edo, Borno, and Oyo states, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, permanent secretaries of ministries of defence, foreign affairs and trade and investment.
Before leaving the U.S., the President will speak at the United States Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa as well as address Nigerians in the American Diaspora. He is also expected also to meet with members of the American War College Class of 1980, his former classmates.
The All Progressives Congress, APC, has reiterated its call on the federal government to probe the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, over dividends and taxes remittances by the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, particularly before June.
The APC in a statement on Wednesday by its publicity secretary, Lai Mohammed, said the call is against the backdrop that the NNPC withdrew $1.2 billion from banks with the intention of depositing it with the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, a move it described as a panic reaction to its revelation that over $4 billion in dividends is unaccounted for by the NNPC.
”The top officials of the NNPC and others who met on Monday and decided to withdraw the $1.2 billion from the corporation’s account to the CBN must be asked a number of questions, including their motive for the decision and the whereabouts of the commissions paid on such funds,” the party said.
According to the party, instead of remitting the NLNG’s dividends to the federation account, some officials of the NNPC rather placed such monies in local commercial banks in order to draw interest.
”Now that the cat has been let out of the bag, they have started moving the funds from the banks to the CBN. We believe what we are seeing now is just a tip of the iceberg, hence the need for the authorities to call the NNPC officials to give accounts of the paid NLNG dividends to date,” APC said, calling for an immediate investigation before the officials cover their tracks.
The party questioned why until the arrival of the present government, Nigerians were not aware of any NLNG “dividends and taxes”, saying it is not a coincidence that this has come to public knowledge.
”It is not by accident that until the advent of the Buhari Administration that has decided to enthrone transparency in governance, no one has heard anything about NLNG dividends and taxes, while the funds therefrom have not been shared as they should have been,” it noted.
The NNPC has come in for some serious bashing in recent times, with mind-boggling revelations coming out about the enormity of the sleaze that went on in the corporation, particularly in the immediate past government.
Governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna State recently called for the disbandment of the company for forming a “parallel government” as a result of the amount of the country’s resources it allocates to itself.
