Headline

Will Buhari Remain Aloof As War Looms?

Published

4 years ago

February 26, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Many of the appellations with which immediate past President Goodluck Jonathan was described prior to the 2015 Presidential Elections included ‘kindergarten president, clueless, misfit, absentee president among others. His detractors believed then that he was not fit to be president, and so a lot of aspersions was cast on him, leading to his losing credibility, and eventually losing the presidential election.

Then enter President Muhammadu Buhari, a man touted as the messiah Jonathan could never be; a man who will fix a horribly damaged Nigeria by Jonathan and his co-travellers; a man who will build four refineries within the first four years of his administration; a man who will bring naira at par with the dollar as against the N168 to one dollar which Jonathan’s incompetent administration took it to; a man who will pay monthly stipend to the aged and unemployed; a man who will completely eradicate corruption and graft; the man who will obliterate insurgency occasioned by the menace of the dreaded Boko Haram, and of course the man who will reunite Nigerians and eliminated the feathering ambers of ethnicism, tribalism an nepotism.

Buhari was the magician with the golden wand, whose antecedents as a former Head of the State (January, 1984 – August 1985), were certain to make him rescue Nigeria from the quagmire of maladministration. He was so talented, endowed and of course detribalised, or so the elites believed. And of course made fellow toe their lines. Today, Buhari is the president today, and not a few agreed that things have fallen apart and the centre can no longer hold (apologies to respected writer, Chinua Achebe, and by extension to William Butler, who first used the expression in His poem The Second Coming), and the irony of it all is that the president has remained aloof, watching the different tribes and creed of the nation going for one another’s jocular, beating very loud the drums of war.

The drama that escalated the ethnic divide started very early in the administration of President Buhari, even as the President’s executive appointments were lopsided, creating rooms majorly for officer of northern extracts as against their southern counterparts. The Igbo, from the South East were the worse hit. The region was ‘marginalised’, paving the way for the rising of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose penchant for the restoration of the Biafran nation grew bolder. He began his campaign for the restoration of Biafra, kicking off from where his kinsman, Ralph Uwazuruike, stopped. Kanu’s method was verbose, crude and without caution, and so drew the irk of Buhari, who had already categorised the region as the 5% of his administration; a people he cared very about. His primary concern was on the 97% that voted for him.

Nnamdi Kanu’s approach earned him an arrest and incarceration. He was however, granted bail in 2017 with Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, standing surety for him. He mysteriously escaped from the country in September of 2018 when the Nigerian army, in a brutal operation, code named Operation Python Dance, invaded his home. Reports had it that some people were killed in the operation. He was to resurfaced in Israel about a year later. Ever since Kanu has remained a thorn in the flesh of the Buhari administration, singing war songs since his proposed referendum to decide the fate of Nigeria has constantly been bluffed.

With Kanu’s agitation on the side, the South West governors, sensing the inability of the Buhari’s government to protect the region of Fulani herdsmen made their incursion unhindered into the region, killing and maiming at will. It took the killing of Pa Reuben Fasoranti’s daughter, Mrs olufunke Olakunri, for the region to rally round and formed its own paramilitary outfit, Amotekun. The outfit was programmed to patrol the forest of the region and provide the needed security for their people. But the killings, maiming and intimidation persisted. The state governors appeared helpless, and so entered Sunday Adeyemi, popularly known as Igboho.

On January 15, 2021, he issued a one week ultimatum for the criminal elements among the Fulani herdsmen to quit Igangan, in Oyo state. He wasn’t bluffing. He returned exactly one week after and sacked the Fulani settlement, and sent the Seriki Fulani packing. Igboho reportedly insisted that the Seriki, a popular herder, must leave the town, saying so many people fingered him to be behind the insecurity in the area. He accused the Fulani community in the area of masterminding abductions, killings, and other criminal activities in the area. In its version of the report, Daily Trust states that though Igboho did not fight the Fulani residents in Oyo state as speculated on social media, he insisted they must leave the state and the entire Yorubaland, if kidnapping continues.

However, the Oyo governor, Seyi Mkinde and human rights activist, Femi Falana as well as the Presidency faulted the move. But Falana agreed that it is the abdication of the duty of the government that had made the Sunday Igbohos to be relevant in the society.

“That is why private citizens give quit notices to people from other parts of the country. It is not the right way to fight this problem. We need to have ranches, in Oyo State in particular. The largest abattoir in West Africa is located in Oyo State but the state government has not allowed the abattoir to function for the past nine years. Is that how to run a country?

“The scientific way of solving this problem has been abandoned. So, why would a Sunday Igboho not take over the government of that state? That is what is going on,” he added.

Falana stated that there were genuine fears and facts on ground that the lives and properties in that state and in many states of the country were not safe, saying that the government must remove the basis of this quit notice by ensuring that lives and property of every person in Nigeria in safe.

From Zamfara to Niger to Plateau to Enugu to Katsina and Bauchi, among the other states, the story has remained the same. Untold animosity among the ethnic nationalities. The level of suspicion among one another has become turbo-charged, and accusations and counter accusations have become the other of the day. On one hand is the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom against the Bauchi State, Mohammed Bala, who alluded support for the use of AK-47 by herdsmen. There is the Ondo State governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, and his South west colleagues against the Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, and recently, the Abia State governor, Okezie Ikpeazu against the Senator representing Kogi West, Smart Adeyemi. The country seems to be in a state of topsy turvy. And in all these, where is the chief executive? The Nigeria nation steadily heads to the precipice. Many analyst has said that it is presently sitting on a keg on gunpowder, and explosion is just a matter of time.

In the East, Nnamdi Kanu has floated a well kitted security outfit, named Eastern Security Network (ESN). Their mandate is to patrol the Eastern forest towards flushing out criminal elements therein while in the North the activities of the bandits, cattle rustlers and herdsmen continue to make life miserable for the residents. The name of the terrorists changes as fits the narrator.

But while an Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is pampering bandits, who have hitherto abducted citizens running into hundreds among them students, in the presence of security operatives, the the said security operatives are in Orlu, conducting massive strikes against the ESN operatives, killing and rounding up many of them according to reports. Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu has issued the Nigerian military a 40-days ultimatum to vacate Orlu, and the East generally. Is it war looming again?

Additionally, a mild pandemonium was witnessed along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on Friday when a joint team of policemen and the Department of State Services allegedly attempted to arrest Yoruba activist, Sunday Adeyemo, aka Sunday Igboho.

According to a statement signed by a former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Igboho was on his way to meet with 93-year-old Afenifere Chieftain, Ayo Adebanjo, when the incident occurred.

The statement read in part, “I just spoke to my brother Sunday Igboho. He told me there was a violent attempt to arrest him this afternoon by a joint team of soldiers, DSS operatives and policemen numbering about 40 on the Ibadan/Lagos Expressway whilst he was on his way to see Baba Ayo Adebanjo in Lagos.

“I condemn this attempt to ambush and abduct him. It is not only reckless but also very dangerous. If the security agencies want to see him all they need to do is to invite him to their office. I am not aware of any crime that he has committed and I urge restraint on all sides.

“Let me also send a warning to the Federal Government that Sunday Igboho is a hero to millions of Yoruba and either killing him or detaining him unlawfully would be the biggest mistake they could make. Building bridges, dialogue and the pursuit of peace is better than intimidation, threats, violence and war. A word is enough for the wise.”

The DSS has however, denied any attempt to arrest Ugboho.

The enmity that has engulfed the north and south is better imagined, and stakeholders have said that even at that, Buhari continues to play the ethnic and nepotic cards. All his appointments have been unapologetically north. The appointment of Abdullahi Bawa as the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is just the icing on the cake.

Testimonies of many people who survived the bandits, especially the recently released travellers, point towards the fact that the terrorists are equipped for full scale war by the sophistication of the weapons they bear.

On Friday, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Obadiah Mailafia, said it was the people who planned for Jonathan to leave office that are sponsoring bandits.

He said, “During the 2015 elections they brought in thousands of foreigners into this country, armed them because it was a case of if Goodluck Jonathan doesn’t surrender, there will be war. They were ready for civil war; they were not ready for peace.

“Of course, Jonathan handed over to them and then they turned their backs on the hoodlums and the hoodlums said ‘look, you brought us here and we are still here’.”

He frowned at a situation where the people are not equally treated, saying it was not acceptable.

“…but I think the people in government have to be objective and treat us equally. Someone says one thing and they go after him. Others say worse things and they are treated with kid gloves,” he said.

Nigeria rejected Jonathan in 2015 with the sincere hope of encountering a positive change through Mr Integrity, Buhari, but the hope has turned to despondency as by the way things are now, it is either a round table or violent split that will make the necessary amends.

The world therefore, watches, hoping Mr President will stagger out of his splendid aloofness, and take charge, except of course he is in love of what is happening presently. Time will tell!

Headline

Natasha vs Akpabio: Time to Sheath the Swords

Published

1 day ago

April 7, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

For weeks, the loggerhead between the Senator representing Kogi Central Senatorial zone, Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on one hand, and Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Senate on the other hand, has lingered, creating ugly scenarios and dirty muds, which the gladiators have to waddle through.

The situation, which has questioned the integrity of each of the persons and the institution of the senate as whole, has proved that this is not the best of times for the Nigeria’s number three citizen, as accusations of sexual and moral malfeasance have continued to hang around his person, the Senator herself, who is representing Kogi Central senatorial district, for his accusations, which so far have not been proven, a situation that may at some point, withdraw the public sympathy she is enjoying at the moment, and the institution of the senate, that has continued to wane in popularity and status.

Natasha, for good measure, is the wife of Mr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who is somehow related to a former governor of Delta State, and has made it abundantly clear that she is endowed with the evidence of all her accusations. This is against the Senate President’s constant denial of all accusations. Who is right? While there’s no far-reaching answer, the public still looks on, amused at the unfolding drama.

However, it is worthy of note that since the 15th of February, when a minute issue of seat change arose, tempers have risen, plots have been woven to end each other’s political empire, and counter accusations have followed.

Natasha had refused to proceed to her new seat apparently because she felt disrespected and that the change was an aftermath of what she perceived as undermining her rights and womanhood by the senate president. She had, to the surprise of everyone, accused Akpabio of sexual harassment on national television. Akpabio and the Senate retaliated, and slammed the Senator with a six months suspension from the senate, withdrawing her entitlements and aides.

In the heat of the melee, Natasha took her case to the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) while a group, initiated a recall move for the Kogi Senator. A recall that failed woefully. The war has remained unabated.

But days after the first clash, salvos are still being exchanged between feuding parties causing some Nigerians to sue for calm, and let peace reign in national interest.

For people like veteran journalist, Chief Dele Momodu, Akpabio needs to let bygone be bygone, give Natasha a call to settle the whole matter or else everything he has labored to build will likely come crashing without redemption. The same advice is given to Natasha, who though is enjoying public applaud and sympathy, may likely lose it if the battle continues, especially as her constituency is losing their representation at the Senate at the moment. A time will come when it is no longer bearable.

For everyone in the know of the Natasha, Akpabio imbroglio, the password is time to sheath the swords. So the time to end the fight is now.

BACKGROUND OF THE CRISES

Natasha had clashed with Akpabio on February 20, 2025, when she protested a reassignment of her Senate seat, sparking a heated plenary confrontation. The incident, rooted in a reshuffle following defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), led to her referral to the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee on February 25 for disciplinary review. The move prompted her to seek legal redress against Akpabio, demanding N100.3 billion as damages for infringement on her fundamental human rights, at the FCT High Court.

Natasha’s damning accusations came soon afterwards, and were broadcast live before millions of television viewers across the nation and beyond on the Arise News Channel. Ever since, the media space has not been the same with divergent voices taking sides, and queuing behind the two senators, depending on either reasoning, sentiments or alliance.

Speaking a matter of factly, Mrs Uduaghan narrated what appears to be a ‘tale out of school’ holding Nigerians spellbound at how a ranking public officer would descend to the level of asking another man’s wife for sexual gratification, and victimizing her at her refusal.

Natasha claimed that Senate President Akpabio subjected her to sexual harassment and subsequent victimization after she rebuffed his advances.

But since both gladiators belong to different parties, the matter has since developed into a political firestorm with a majority of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calling for Akpabio’s probe and resignation, while the members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has remained more silent and condemning of the Kogi Senator.

The Senate President, yet embattled on the physical side, had had his various camps coming out in staunch defence of his integrity, saying he was being lied against. Akpabio’s denial through his camp, has further fueled the ensuing public debate, and blames and counter blames.

But the Senate President, through his media consultant Kenny Okulogbo, vehemently denied the allegations, labeling them “tissues of lies” concocted by a disgruntled senator, and saying the Senate President is innocent of all accusations. He noted that Natasha’s accusations stems from her removal as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content, suggesting that her claims were a retaliatory smear campaign.

“She is just angry because she was removed as the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Content,” the Aide opined

Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan unveiled that her troubles with Akpabio began in December 2023 during a visit to his residence in Akwa Ibom State. The visit, which coincided with celebrations for their shared birthday, turned uncomfortable, according to her, when Akpabio allegedly made inappropriate advances.

The Kogi Senator further said that the Senate President held her hand while showing her around his home, with her husband trailing behind, and suggested she spend “quality time” with him there, implying a romantic liaison.

“He said, ‘Now that you are a Senator, you are going to create time for us to spend quality time here and you will enjoy it,” she recounted.

She added in her allegations that Akpabio’s harassment continued in the Senate, where he reportedly blocked her motions, with special reference to the Ajaokuta Steel Company in her district unless she acquiesced to his demands. She described a specific encounter where, after being advised by colleagues to meet him privately, Akpabio told her, “Natasha, I am the Chief Presiding Officer of the Senate. You can enjoy a whole lot if you take care of me and make me happy,” and quoted the Senate President, equating her situation to “a student being punished by a lecturer for refusing to sleep with him.”

She categorically stated that her refusal led to persistent marginalization, including a recent seating dispute, which uncovered the can of chill crawling worms, and even saw her being referred to the Senate’s Ethics Committee.

The Senate President’s office was prompt, amd shortly after the revelation, released a statement that dismissed the claims as baseless, alleging they stem from Natasha’s frustration over her removal from a key committee post.

While recalling that in 2020, Akpabio was involved in similar misdemeanor when he was slapped by a former Acting Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mrs Joy Nunieh, when he was the Minister of Niger Delta Affair for sexually assaulting her, most Nigerians have faulted the Senate President, saying he may have the capacity to behave inappropriately with the Kogi Senator.

It was also through Arise News interview that the former NDDC boss made her disclosure, stating boldly that that she is the only Nigerian woman who has slapped the then minister. The incident, she said, happened at his guest house in Abuja.

“Why did he not tell Nigerians that I slapped him in his guest house at Apo? I am the only Ogoni woman, the only Nigerian woman that has slapped him. I slapped him because of his plan B. Since he couldn’t get me to take that money, he thought that he could come up on me.

“He didn’t know that I’m a Port Harcourt girl. Port Harcourt girls are not moved by money…by somebody telling me that he will make me the substantive MD. Akpabio’s meetings with me were either at Apo or Meridien…Yes, I am accusing him of sexual harassment,” Nunieh boasted.

But Akpabio escaped prosecution, and became the Senate President, the nation’s third most powerful person.

Natasha and Akpabio however, apart from a a history of undeveloped affair, have been embroiled in cat and rat imbroglio before the present.

In July 2024, Akpabio sparked outrage by telling Natasha not to speak like she was in a “nightclub” during a plenary session, a remark that was frowned at by commentators, who labeled the first among equal Senator a misogynist. But Akpabio was humble enough as he ate the humble pie, and apologize to Senator Natasha though that was an aftermath of public backlash and pressure from Nigerians, notably, women’s groups.

But while Akwa Ibom women have protested against Natasha for her accusations, most women groups, not including APC, whose Women leader could not categorically condemn the act, have risen to condemn Akpabio. In the same vein, sympathizers of Akpabio have risen in her support, and condemned Senator Natasha

Among backlashes for Akpabio’s action are the ones from the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Both leaders advised Akpabio to step down, and face a disciplinary committee.

The incidents of harrassment, both present and past, has placed Akpabio on the radar of one is averred to the progress of women.

But the Senate President’s wife, has stood up for her husband, describing him as a disciplined man, who can do what he has been accused of. She dismissed Natasha’s allegations as lies, dragging her to court for N250 billion damages.

As divergent opinions continue to thrive in the public space with the Senate declaring what they will do about about the matter until a petition is brought before it, Natasha’s allegations remain allegations until proved.

If and when the matter is finally brought for adjudication, it is obvious that a head or heads will roll. Akpabio, as Senate President, may likely lose his power, influence and position if Natasha’s allegations is proven to be accurate. But if on the other hand, Natasha’s allegations happen to be, as some said, a mere figment of her imagination, her slim political relevance will crash like a pack of cards.

Someone, who craved anonymity had chipped in that come what may Natasha’s end as a senator is fast approaching. But thanks to the failed recall move, she still have another day in the House of Politics.

“If she manages to complete this particular tenure, she’s definitely not coming back; the powers that be will ensure that,” he said. But again, her rising profile can prove that assertion wrong. Recently, and against all odds, she visited her constituency, and received a grand reception. This was in defiance of the both the Police and Kogi Governor Ododo’s ban on gathering, convoy and rally.

The story is developing, but whichever way one looks at it, the feud must be quenched now so that peace, respect and integrity can return to the nation’s highest law making institution.

Headline

Why FCT Was Removed from Treasury Single Account – Tinubu

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2025

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
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The President, who received FCT residents at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the residents during the homage.

President Tinubu highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.

“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.

“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture.

President Tinubu thanked the FCT Minister for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.

“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.

“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the President noted.

“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broadmindedness and patriotism.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.

The FCT minister thanked the President for hosting the residents in the State House.

“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here”.

Wike pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.

“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.

The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs and women and youth groups.

Source: State House Press Release

Headline

Eid-El-Fitr Celebration: Tinubu, Shettima Join Nigerian Muslims in Prayers

Published

1 week ago

March 30, 2025

Eric

President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, joined others for prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, as Nigerian Muslims mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations together with millions of others around the world.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and some ministers also observed the prayer at the same venue.

Eid-El-Fitr, meaning the festival of breaking the fast, is a time of gratitude, charity and communal harmony.

It began with special prayers known as Eid prayers held in Mosques and open spaces. Following the prayers, families share festive meals, exchange gifts and extend warm greetings.

Eid is a time to remember those less fortunate and to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. A key component of Eid is Zakat al Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation intended to ensure everyone irrespective of their financial situation can participate in the joy of the celebration.

This act of giving embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that Ramdan emphasizes. From the elaborate feast of South Asia to the festive clothing of Nigeria and the African continent and the warm gatherings of the Middle East, Eid celebrations vary across cultures, showcasing the rich diversity of the Muslim world.

However, the underlining message of unity, gratitude and compassion remains universal.

Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf Arab states are celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday from today, but other Middle Eastern countries will not do so until Monday.

“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, 2025, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr,” the Saudi Royal Court said in a statement carried by official media.

The timing of the holiday, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar also announced Sunday would be the first day of the holiday.

But neighbouring Oman and Jordan, as well as Shiite-majority Iran, said that Eid al-Fitr would not begin until Monday because the crescent moon had yet to be sighted. Egypt and other North African countries followed suit.