In this October 16, 2012, file photo, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney speaks while President Barack Obama listens during the second presidential debate at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York
Florida: US President Barack Obama and his Republican challenger Mitt Romney on Monday face off in their final debate of the campaign, with polls showing them dead even in their race for the White House.
The showdown focusing on foreign policy is being held in the critical toss-up state of Florida just 15 days before the election and promises to be among the most watched 90 minutes of the entire 2012 campaign.
Upping the stakes, a new NBC/Wall Street Journal poll released on the eve of the duel showed the rivals in a dead heat, with 47 per cent each among likely voters.
The president and his Republican rival will no doubt trade blows over security shortcomings in Libya; how to contain Iran; the roiling crisis in Syria; a rising China; and ending the Afghan war.
It will be Romney’s best chance to recover from what are seen as mis-steps in criticising Obama’s handling of the September 11 attack on the US consulate in Benghazi, Libya that left four Americans dead.
Romney will be aiming to use the head-to-head clash to press his broader point that the Libya attack and other anti-American violence in the Middle East are signs that Obama’s foreign policy is “unravelling before our very eyes”.
Romney is a former businessman who appears more comfortable addressing economic problems. He has stumbled at times on international issues, and his foreign tour last summer was widely panned.
But Obama too has issues; a Pew Research Center poll shows his advantage on foreign policy shrinking to just four points over Romney, after being up 15 points last month.
Obama’s mission: remind Americans of his successes as commander-in-chief, such as ending the Iraq war and neutralising Osama Bin Laden, while convincing them that his rival is a throwback to the George W. Bush era who doesn’t have the experience or resolve to steer the nation through a crisis.
With Romney dominating the first face-to-face encounter in Colorado, and Obama widely seen as bouncing back to take the second outside New York city, the stakes for Round 3 are monumental.
Even with the zeroing in on international affairs, both camps admitted on Sunday that their candidates will seek to draw discussion back to the issue most pressing for voters: the US economy.
“I think the most important thing we can do as a country on our foreign policy is strengthen our economy here at home,” Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, Obama’s former chief of staff, said on Sunday.
Romney has spoken repeatedly about how a strong domestic economy projects US strength and leadership abroad.
He and Obama will will face questions about crises like Libya, which has remained a front-burner issue some six weeks after the September 11 attack.
Many analysts said Obama bested Romney on the Libya issue in their testy second debate, when Romney accused the president of delaying a full two weeks before describing the Benghazi attack as terrorism.
Obama shot back that he called it an act of terror on the day after the attack, challenging Romney to “check the transcript” and berating him for trying to make political gains after the attack.
Romney will seek to put pressure on Obama over Iran and its nuclear programme, arguing that presidential weakness has emboldened Tehran, and that if elected he would work to prevent the Islamic republic from acquiring a nuclear weapons “capability”, a lower threshold than advocated by the White House.
Complicating the scenario, just 48 hours before the debate, The New York Times reported that US officials said Iran was ready to hold one-on-one talks with Washington.
The White House shot down the story, but Republican surrogates used it to warn Obama about potentially isolating allies who have worked for years on getting Iran to halt its nuclear programme.
“The other thing that gets interesting about the story, if it’s accurate, it sounds like the US is taking a position that we’re likely to jettison our allies,” Senator Rob Portman told NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday.
“The last thing we would want to do is abandon our allies on this and make it a one-on-one negotiation.”
The first debate featured the men standing at podiums and answering a moderator’s questions. Round two was a town-hall format, where undecided voters got to ask their questions to the candidates, who prowled the floor as they clashed over issues such as taxes and and China.
Monday’s debate, which begins at 9pm (0100 GMT Tuesday), will have Obama and Romney seated at a table with moderator Bob Schieffer of CBS News.
A supreme council member of the dreaded Islamist group, Boko Haram based in the northern part of Nigeria, Sheikh Haroun Abu Fatimah, has said that the group is ever determined to establish an Islamic state in Nigeria with ease within a short period of time.
In a telephone conversation with a journalist, the senior member said, “We have re-strategized our operational system to defeat our enemies. We shall launch series of attacks on listed personalities and members of their families without necessarily causing hurting those not on our list. We have identified more of our enemies and we shall silence them one after the other to pave a smooth way to achieving success of our Jihad”.
Sheikh Haroun added that, “Nigeria’s security has never been our problem or threat to our operations. We know how weak they are and we know how politicized they are and we know their immediate needs. We always defeat them in any encounter but to justify the huge spending, they always turn round to kill innocent people claiming to be our members. It is an unfortunate situation but we shall soon overcome it and establish a sincere government based on Shari’ah law. Nigeria’s security should continue to kill those they are paid to protect while we continue to record success”.
According to him, security personnel are always afraid to engage the sect in warfare but turn round to deceive the people through the media to satisfy their penchant for blood.
Commenting on the recent killings and arrests of their members in Maiduguri and other places, he said, “Ask those in detention whether they are our genuine members or not. If they are genuine, let them tell our enemies our operational base and the location of our armories etc. Most of them are not our members but we want the situation to continue like that until the truth surfaces”.
On the possibility of dialogue with government he opined that, “When the government is sincere to dialogue with us and we are convinced of the sincerity, we shall announce our position. But for now, let us continue with what we are doing to test the strength of each other and expertise in warfare”.
The attention of Imo State Government has been drawn to a malicious report of Sunday Punch which portrayed that His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha (OON) fought Gov. Peter Obi’s protocol officer over seat.
This exclusive story by Punch newspaper suggested that the incident was only witnessed by its reporter even as there were many other journalists present at Okopara Square Enugu to cover the 80th birthday of Dr. Alex Ekwueme on Saturday October 19th, 2012. Perhaps, that might be the reason no other newspaper reported it.
This is a clear case of irresponsible journalism as the report is nothing but falsehood in all its ramifications. It is a fabrication of lies orchestrated to tannish the image of His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha whose rising profile in governance is obviously getting some few disgruntled elements jittery.
This is a man whose humility and antecedents as a peace-loving Nigerian speak volume in our nation and beyond. It is a fact today that Gov. Okorocha has contributed eloquently in several peace-building process in Nigeria including the National Peace Forum which he single-handedly organized in 2005.
In governance, Gov. Okorocha has exhibited uncommon humility and respect to the common man in the street and that’s why he has continued to enjoy a very unique relationship with the people which include the market women, keke operators, commercial bus drivers, school children, artisans and civil servants.
However, it is worthy to mention that His Excellency Owelle Rochas Okorocha who on that faithful day was billed to attend that event as scheduled, arrived the venue and moved round the VIP box to greet personalities that were already seated before his arrival.
Unfortunately, an apparently overzealous aide of Gov. Peter Obi occupied a space large enough to accommodate the two governors. This led to an argument between aides of both governors. While Gov. Okorocha’ protocol team and security detail were trying to secure a seat for him after he had felicitations with dignitaries, Gov. Obi’s protocol officer exhibited unruly behaviour as he sat tight next to Ebonyi Deputy Governor in a desperate bid to secure that particular seat for his boss who was yet to arrive the venue while Gov. Okorocha who was still standing. At last, the issue was resolved amicably and the young man vacated the seat without quarrel. In fact, Gov. Okorocha and his Anambra counterpart sat comfortably on the same seat and chatted freely as brothers while the event lasted. The issue of Gov. Okorocha raising his hand or punching the young man as portrayed in the said story could be traced to the imagination of the writer. The governor civilized enough will not to engage such trivial act.
Therefore, may i state emphatically as the Governor’s media aide and a witness that at no point did Gov. Okorocha raised his hand on the young man nor any other person involved. He even opted to sit at the back before Enugu Deputy Governor who represented his boss pleaded for him to take his rightful position as a Governor.
We therefore demand an immediate retraction of the said malicious story and apology from Punch newspapers as His Excellency, Owelle Rochas Okorocha will not hesitate to institute a legal action on the matter after a period of one week.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Saturday, October 21, 2012, arrested an official of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN, Akinyele Adetule, at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos, for being in possession of $1.4 million US Dollars about N218 million naira.
The arrest is on the heels of that of Abubakar Sheriff Tijjani, a bulk cash smuggler intercepted with $7,049.444, Seven million, Forty Nine Thousand, Four Hundred and Forty Four United States Dollars, at the same Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, on Thursday, 27 September, 2012. The Commission has seized over $10.2, N1.6bn, in Lagos alone in the last three months.
The arrest of Mr. Adetule confirmed the suspicion that even airport officials are part of the money laundering syndicate.
According to Mr. Iliyasu Kwarbai, Head of Operations EFCC, the suspect passed all security checks because he was wearing his FAAN identity card, but instead of boarding his flight, proceeded to make phone calls.
“The suspect is a FAAN security guard. He wore his tag and was thus able to move freely in the airport without drawing any suspicion. He was carrying a bag and it went through the scanner. The suspect passed through NDLEA, and Customs and he went to the waiting area; but he started making phone calls instead of proceeding to board his flight. We accosted him and noticed that his bag was heavy. When we searched him, we saw the large sum of money, which he said did not belong to him and that he was only trying to telephone the owner who never showed up”, Kwarbai said.
Adetula said he was given the money by one Mr. Ifeanyi Urama, a bureau de change operator who was recently granted bail by the EFCC after he was arrested with $996,000, about One Hundred and Fifty Five million naira ((N155m). The money allegedly belonged to a yet-to-be- identified person and Adetula was to help the unknown person get the money past security.
EFCC says it is surprised that the suspect was able to pass the bag through the scanner without security agents raising the alarm, a move which implies that officials at the airport were beginning to connive with criminals.
Investigations are therefore ongoing to unravel the complicity or otherwise of the airport officials in the passage of the bag containing the dollars through the various security checks and the identity of the principal, if any.
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has evacuated 215 stranded Nigerians from the Republic of Gabon back to the Nigeria last night October 21, 2012.
The evacuation was necessitated after the Gabonese authorities issued an eviction notice to Nigerian fishermen living in Nende, Mouka and Kenza Islands to move away even though majority of them had lived there for several decades doing their legitimate businesses.
The distressed returnees who are mostly from Bayelsa state and few from Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Imo and Abia States were flown to Port-Harcourt International Airport before their onward journey to their respective home states.
The fishermen had signified their willingness to be returned with their families after the eviction notice.
Before the execution of the evacuation process the Nigerian government through the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant agencies had undertaken on-the-spot-assessment of the situation before a chartered aircraft was deployed for the evacuation.
In an effort to ensure full rehabilitation of the distressed Nigerians and to protect their belongings NEMA would also ship their outboard engines, fishing nets and other working tools to Nigeria.
The respective state governments have been communicated on the development.
In recent times, the FCT administration had attracted national and international headlines on its demolition exercise of what it called as illegal structures and settlements within the Federal Capital Territory.
Critics of the exercise in collaboration with beneficiaries of the illegally acquired plots of land went to town beating the drums of sack, probe and castigation against the FCT administration in a bid to court sympathy for their dubious actions as if Nigeria is a lawless country.
From the records, prior to the much-talked about demolition exercise, the FCT administration as part of its responsibility to the people, had issued several warnings and advices to those occupying/acquiring illegal plots of land until such illegality becomes a legal property. Unfortunately, the warnings were ignored and thrown back to origin.
Therefore, when FCDA bulldozers visited the illegal sites and structures for justice to deprived Nigerians, rabble rousers and political turn coats dished out deceitful defense through the media which are mere sentimental falsehood with political undertone meant to attract sympathy from the gullible public.
“In the wake of proliferation of fake title documents and forged building plan approvals on unapproved layouts purportedly emanating from Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), the FCT administration, aside necessary enforcement measures, issued a public notice to alert Government agencies, private developers and unsuspecting members of the public against the antics of such fraudsters.
In the same notice, members of the public were particularly cautioned against patronizing the fraudsters as the plot allocations and developments in such estates and locations are illegal and criminal”, said FCT Minister at the wake of outcries over the commencement of legally backed demolishing exercise with the senate issuing a STOP order of the exercise perhaps to protect the interest of their members who in most cases are illegal estate developers.
Critics of the demolition exercise out of mischief and blackmail, were quick to fault the exercise despite the glaring facts that at the creation of the FCT in 1976, government made adequate arrangements for the comfort and relocation of those ejected to give way for the city. Frequent changes in government, insincere governance and greedy Nigerians and their foreign collaborators truncated the arrangements with the initial master plan abandoned and some of the collaborators pushing down the throat of government a policy of integrating the indigenes earlier earmarked for relocation to the main city which has today assumed a catastrophic position with the minister insulted, castigated, abused and ridiculed for being patriotic.
The Justice Akinola Aguda panel that recommended Abuja as the most ideal befitting Federal Capital for Nigeria, equally recommended what should be done to protect the FCT from several dubious claims and actions that was revisited by Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed in the interest of good governance , equity and justice.
To those who are ignorant of the person of Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, the FCT Minister and what he stands for in public administration that necessitated his resignation from the federal civil service in 2006 to join politics, is at liberty to know that his emergence at the political scene was hailed as a blessing to Bauchi state by across section of the people who yearned for aggressive change and progressive development of their state.
Similarly, the advent of his people focused representation in the senate, marked the end of an epoch.
This saw the beginning of an era of ceaseless changes of unprecedented dimensions, in massive economic transformations, strategic constituency projects including networking of hitherto neglected villages and towns within his constituency.
To a far extent, his lifetime breakthrough, include the provision of basic amenities to his constituents and extending an olive branch to other constituencies.
As a minister of the Federal Capital Territory, he embarked on the reequipping of the territory’s main water supply, titanic initiative for the construction of massive civil servants housing estates and the completion of several abandoned projects to meet international standard.
Amidst myopic criticisms, political fear, envy, hatred, fanfare and anxiety, the minister went ahead to justify the confidence reposed in him by President Goodluck Jonathan and residents of the FCT through unquantifiable service delivery that is beneficial to all.
The trail blazer minister has since assumption of office in 2010, recorded tremendous success of landslide proportion for the revival of socio-economic life of the FCT. His actions, no doubt are keenly felt by majority of FCT residents and visitors. Already, streets of the FCT and almost all major towns and villages, have regained their lost economic values and glory.
Expectedly, the man of history has gone further to establish the first ever metroline in the capital city to maintain a lead over his predecessors as one of the most performing ministers in the present dispensation.
Commendably, Senator Bala an unquestioned political character, endowed with great attributes of leadership he availed to bear on residents of the FCT, will remain one of Nigeria’s historic figures, who excellently assumed leadership in tandem with the popular will of the government, by means of selfless service(s) unrivalled in the hearts of the people.
By his beneficial cordiality, objectivity and sagacity, he brought to bear, an incalculable contribution in the effective discharge of his duties, marked by gallant efforts of the mind.
Of course, his titanic successes as the FCT Minister, is noted with thunderous applause of spontaneous touching gesture, by a vast majority of FCT residents and other Nigerians. This outstanding personality, has drilled him self as an exceptional achiever, who foreshadowed his future usefulness, politically respectful and socially relevant in every aspect of life. His dedicated commitment(s) to the etiquettes of good governance, his radical approach to the demands of the people, his passionate desire for improving the welfare of the people without strings, his absolute fulfillment in all spheres of his administration, has projected him to the social status of high respectability, and the rank of impeccable dignity in naked truth.
Of a truth, his iron determination to uphold justice with unbending and unyielding resolve, as well as his undoubted fidelity and undivided devotion to the cause of his duties, is the greatest morale booster, against the untoward attitudes of our time.
His mental alacrity, intellectual ingenuity, actuarial determination, wishful actualization, objective appraisal, fruitful enterprise, and ultimate triumph in public life, has brought him an utmost significance, and cherished memories, amongst a vast majority.
So, in essence, it can reasonably be contained that little literature may not be sufficient to adequately describe a man of such collection, full of creativity and purposeful dynamic like his boss Goodluck Jonathan and other notable Nigerians.
Characteristically, Senator Bala is a leader in every sense. In all spheres of labor he served, he worked so well in time and tide. He is a true national, morally strong individual, skilled in action, honest, free from the clutches of bribery and corruption, endowed with strong compassion and firm determination, founded on trust, friendship and directed to the good of the people across any divide.
By offering his best, and proving his worth, he has today become a model nationalist both to commend and to emulate that attracted him a national honor as Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.
His unalloyed devotion to the ideals of public accountability, the rule of law, the fundamental ethics to serve loyally and faithfully, earned him among other things, the euphoria of a true patriot, and an incarnate character of national heroes.
My piece is intended to serve as a soul stirring tribute to the FCT Minister, for his infallibly gracious achievements, by attaining categorical performances, spanning the commanding heights of history and retrospect.
It also sought to high light the amazing characteristics of his life, and essayed to reveal such brilliant qualities, that brought him dignity and prestige in his chosen endeavor. Again, it shall focus on the concepts of the man, his attitudes and behavioral legacies, upon which we may tap, explore and exploit, as role model for future generation of patriots.
The speedy completion of several hitherto abandoned projects within the early days in office as FCT Minister has left so much to be desired. His sincerity, humility and passion, altogether, are the greatest ever in the administration of the FCT to date. Such a milestone has set the stage for his titanic and unbelievable simplicity, humility, resourcefulness, accessibility and sensitivity to the yearnings of the people as he confirmed on the recent demolishing exercise of some illegal settlements/ structures within the FCT.
The qualities that endeared Senator Bala Abdulkadir Muhammed, national and international trust and cooperation, are borne out of his sanguine clemency to serve with heart and might, one Nigeria, bound in peace and unity; a statement of content in Nigeria’s national anthem.
He has not only vocalized and practicalized his people’s in alienable right to decent living, he aptly demonstrated his incontestable struggle in the course of providing succor to the people.
The veracity of his approaches, the vivacity of his speeches, the extent of his ceaseless offensive and the manner of his seasoned conducts of local and international transactions, doctored in him a charismatic chauvinism.
To faithfully reflect the political profile of a man, whose ultimate ambition is providing service to the people, is such a difficult undertaking, particularly on matters of human history and progress. It is therefore safer to stimulate an individual assessment of such a man, whose greatness transcends the borders of history and retrospect.
Senator Bala, is of course a deeply respected politician with a sense of destination and a sense of humor. He is focused unreservedly, on the goal for which he is assigned to pursue. He stands out unswervingly, yet unforgettably, to the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for improving the living condition of the people without minding whose ox is goared. Well glued and centred on his mission, he realizes the supreme cost he has to pay in providing service. He has already internalized his corporate responsibility, and was well ahead to predict an ineluctable and inescapable success.
For those of us that celebrated the creation of FCT in 1976, over the years it became a period of nostalgia and sober reflection. The good intents and positive aspirations were mercilessly dashed and thrown into the bottom pit of history. Prior to his assumption of office, the FCT was a saga of misplaced priorities and goals. Most of those entrusted with its leadership completely derailed from the fundamental objectives by satisfying only their personal agendas and those of their hidden god fathers. Bala exempted himself from such practice and leads an open door policy to carry everyone along in service delivery without bound.
As a result of his naturally endowed affection for the people, his 2007 senatorial election was easy in view of the total solidarity extended by the electorates across party divide. The electorates massively voted him in appreciation of his past outstanding record. Senator Bala’s election to the senate was a blessing to Bauchi South Senatorial district, because they electorates voted for the messiah of their dream who proved his worth as a patriotic representative.
In the spirit of fairness, the name of Senator Bala Abdulkadir, just like those of other heroes remains indelible in history. He will always be mentioned among the persons who were epoch of their countries, states, local governments, societies and communities.
He is today, a one example of leaders the likes of Muhammed Ali of Egypt, John Jerry Rawlings of Ghana, Ayatollah Khomeini of Iran, Winston Churchill of Great Britain, Artatuk of Turkey, Moshesh of Lesotho, Mahatma Ghandi of India, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Mzee Jomo Kenyata of Kenya, Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania, Gameel Abdul Nasser of Egypt, Thomas Sankara of Burkino Faso, Fidel Castro of Cuba and Abraham Lincoln of United States.
His magnitude of achievements in the FCT are indeed commendable, visibly seen and physically touched, such that most critics and doubting Thomas are coming to terms with the train of his laudable objectives and vision. It is evident that in no distance future, he will occupy a very important position in Nigeria’s history, potentially mightier than any person can ever imagine as destined by the Almighty Creator.
In his sincere determination to remain focused and serve according to his oath of office, he embarked on a holistic demolition exercise to correct the FCT master plan but few selfish Nigerians for myopic, political and sentimental falsehood seem not keen to supporting and defending what is right for obvious reasons.
Nigerians should strive to understand why compliance with the FCT master plan and other specified standards remain a huge challenge.
Towns and villages penciled for demolition have violated laid down rules and regulations to attract demolition. That should be clearly understood or we should all be allowed to distort the master plan to satisfy our selfish interests.
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Dan Muhammad resides at Salem Guest Inn, Yazrem street, Maitama Abuja
The authority of University of Jos, has dissociated itself from the claim of ‘Honorable’ AbdulRazak Nuhu Bature, member in the House of Representatives, representing Ningi/Warji federal constituency.
The embattled legislator, had claimed to be a 2006/2007 graduate of Advanced Diploma in Public Administration from the university in his submitted credentials to both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly.
When contacted to verify the claim, the authority of the university insisted that the embattled member was never one of its students but a fraudster parading himself as an Advanced Diploma graduate.
The recent insistence on the embattled lawmaker by the university followed a public notice in a national newspaper which sought to discredit the earlier disclaimer notice issued by the university against the claim of the ‘Honorable’ member.
In an advertisement published in a national daily last month purported to have emanated from the office of the registrar of UNIJOS titled, “Re: Disclaimer claiming that the earlier published disclaimer by the university did not originate from the institution and urged the public to disregard it”.
But in a swift response to the game plan suspected to have been sponsored by the ‘Honorable’ member to deceive the public and security agencies, the authority of the university described the advertisement as a forgery designed by fraudsters to confuse the public and re-affirmed its earlier publication that the lawmaker from Bauchi State had never been its student.
Deputy Registrar (Information and Publications) of the university, Steve Otowo, revealed that the institution stands by its earlier statement that Abdul Razak Nuhu Bature was never its student.
“The recent advertisement claiming that the disclaimer notice did not originate from the university is clearly a desperate attempt to confuse issues that cannot stand”, adding that “the person was never a student of the university”.
Futher investigation on the scam reveals that even the secondary school certificate in possession of the embattled member is forged as he was said not to have attended any secondary school in his life.
Prior to his contest to the national assembly in the 2011 election, there was a submitted petition from concerned indigenes of Ningi/Warji local governments on the eligibility of Abdulrazak to the executive council of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and INEC Bauchi state office bordering on his submitted credentials
“Instead of the party and INEC to refer the petition to relevant security agencies for further investigation, they chose to play sentimental politics and buried the issue halfway. The truth has now surfaced and we are all embraced by the fraud”, said a politician in Bauchi.
It was later gathered that on receipt of the petition, leader of the PDP in Bauchi state, Malam Isa Yuguda directed for further investigation to verify the claim.
The outcome of the report submitted to him for a final decision was said to have been influenced by interested parties in support of Abdulrazak and accessible to Malam Isa Yuguda who reluctantly accepted the verdict and endorsed the fraudster as the authentic candidate of the party for the election.
Mr. Ubah, the Chief Executive Officer of Capital Oil and Gas Industries Limited, who has been in police custody for over two weeks has regained his freedom. Mr. Uba was arrested by the Nigerian security operatives for his alleged role in oil subsidy theft.
Mr. Ubah was granted administrative bail at minutes after noon time [October 22, 2012]. The bail conditions require Ifeanyi Uba will be reporting at the Police Special Fraud Unit, Ikoyi daily.
Sources close to the security officials indicate that Ifeanyi Uba may have offered the police over N150million for his release.
NewsRescue– Beyond the government silence on Boko Haram, its sponsors and affiliations, beyond the media failure to investigate this unique terror phenomenon in Nigeria. Beyond the public’s frustrations and anger at this Northern stemming reign of terror; NewsRescue decided to figure out who Boko Haram are, where they are from and what they represent.
Our investigative team presents for you the simple, overlooked facts about this obscure, yet conspicuous organism that has presented a unique type of terror threat, before unseen on the planet. Boko Haram targets blindly, they are accused of and have taken responsibility for over 1000 bombing deaths per year for the last 2 years, these include, Churches, Mosques, government buildings including the UN building in Abuja in 2011; they also target media houses and telecommunications infrastructure.
The Kanuri and the Fulani
Nigeria in the 70′s was looked at as having simply three ethnic groups, the Hausa’s in the North, the Igbo’s in the East and South and the Yoruba’s in the South-west. As time passed, people got more informed and realized that there were many other groups, many almost as large as and rivaling these three major groups. And many of these unrecognized groups hated more than anything, being filed under some of the three main groups. Indeed there are over 500 unique ethnic groups in Nigeria according to NigerianWiki.com/Languages.
In the late eighteenth century, insecurity characterized the Hausa and Borno, Kanuri states of Nigeria. Many were disenchanted with the state of affairs, and in a revolution against this, the famous Fulani Muslim warrior, Shehu Uthman Dan Fodio overran Nigeria’s north. In 1809, he founded the Sokoto caliphate. By virtue of his reign and work, including writing over 100 books on religion, government, culture and society, Dan Fodio, an urbanized Fulani invariably led to a Fulani elite culture in northern Nigeria with most ruling or ambitious households embracing the ‘Fulani’ label.
Certain parts of the north were not conquered by the Dan Fodio, Fulani empire. Included in these were the Argungu in the North where Kebbi rulers holed up, and important to this piece, in Borno, where though the mai was overthrown, the Al Kanemi fashioned a powerful resistance and forced the Fulani to retreat west and south. The Al Kanemi then supplanted the eight hundred year old Safawa Dynasty ruler of Borno and established his lineage over these Kanuri people.
To cut the history lesson short. The north ended up having two major independent dynasties: The Sokoto Hausa-Fulani caliphate, and the Kanuri Al Kanemi dynasty.
But the thwarting off of the Sokoto Caliphate by the al Kanemi with help of Shuwa Arabs who he chattered to join his military ranks, was not the only feud between these two dynasties. The Kanuri Al Kanemi also contested with the Sokoto caliphate with a barrage of literature, books and letters, in an ideological battle. This he did knowing that the strength of the Dan Fodio regime was not just military, but based on theological, legal and political civil documents.
Boko Haram, a Kanuri Epi Center
With this very clear line recognized between the Hausa-Fulani, under the Sardauna of Sokoto as traditional head and the Borno-Yobe et al, Kanuris, who take religious and traditional directive, not from the Fulani, but the Shehu of Kanuri Borno, we immediately see a vital aspect of Boko Haram’s history and roots that has been largely ignored by most.
We might just be the grass, in the clash of two crazy and greedy Elephants.
Chukwu Jideani of the Pilot, rightly classified and described:
The Kanuri Jihad and the Ruin of a Nation
In its proper and distilled nature the so called “Boko Haram” issue is at its root a “Kanuri Jihad” aimed at over throwing the existing order established by the over 200 years old Jihad of “Uthman Dan Fodio” . Like Dan Fodio whose Jihad was aimed at rooting out societal ills, ineffective government and religious impiety and led by one ethnic nationality –the Fulanis; the Mohammed Yusuf Maidugiri based movement was said to have started out preaching against bad and ineffective leadership by the circular government as well as the traditional and religious leadership in the north east and this movement was also mainly led by one ethnic nationality – the kanuris. Read More…
Boko Haram is not a Hausa-Fulani phenomenon
Boko Haram is a revolution that stems from the center of the Nigerian Kanuri empire. The major states and parts of the states involved are Borno, parts of Yobe, parts of Bauchi, parts of Gombe and where many Kanuri reside. The Kanuri, though, like the Ijaw are known to widely disperse and acculturate in their host communities.
In analyzing any urban renegade insurgency as in Boko Haram, it is essential to separate strategic leadership and interests from tactical leadership, interests, tools and soldiers.
Senator Zanna
It is glaring that Boko Haram has most of its essential strategic leadership among the Kanuri people. On October 19th, 2012, a Boko Haram commander, Shuaibu Bama was arrested in a sitting senators domain. Senator Ahmed Khalifa Zanna conceded according to media reports, that upon the Nigerian security forces beating up his family children, the kids brought out the commander, who happens to be his sister’s son/nephew.
Without question, his family and possibly himself knew of this youth’s operation as commander of this deadly, merciless terrorist sect. But he is not the first Kanuri senator to be implicated. Another Senator from Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume has been arrested since November 2011, even though very not surprisingly, the Nigerian government and judicial system allowed him escape to Saudi Arabia. He too has been powerfully implicated as a Boko Haram mastermind. Boko Haram’s founder, Mohammed Yusuf was of course a Kanuri from Borno, as is the new face of the group, the alias, Abubakar Shekau, who is from Shekau village in Yobe state.
Many other arrests have been alleged to have occurred in and linked to prominent Borno, Kanuri government officials and their residences.
What are the interests of this Kanuri based sect?
The question to ask is- what can the Kanuri radical interests be? Before answering this question, it must be noted that the ruling Shehu of Borno, does not appear in league with Boko Haram and he himself has been targeted by this group of traditional Kanuri fanatics. It is possible that they for one, do not recognize his reign and wish among other interests, to replace him. The Shehu was born in Damagum, Yobe State and not Borno and only returned to inherit the throne.
So who are the people at strategic levels, with the know-how, limitless recourse and sophisticated ability to protect, arm and provide the high grade support to sustain the recruitment and maintenance of the radical fanatic hoodlums maintaining tactical operations?
It is impertinent to ask- what and who converted the initial Boko Haram, dime a dozen group of rabble-rouser fanatics into this sophisticated level of equipped terrorists with state-of-the-art equipment?
Traditionally one of the richest dynasties in Africa, the states under the Kanuri flag are now known as some of the poorest states in the federation and world, and as per Nigerian politics, they have been progressively been losing a foothold on power. This feature of the region, certainly aids the flourishing of the ‘franchise’ at tactical and strategic levels.
Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume {AllAfrica}
When you think about the Kanuri, it is essential to remember the person of no other than late president Abacha. He, like a few other of his political peers, is suspected to originally be from Chad and not even Borno, though the man with his proud Kanuri ethnic marks, claimed Kano state. He set up and funded one of Nigeria’s first terror networks.
Sani Abacha
The assassination of Kudirat Abiola, was suspected to be the handiwork of a terror network, established by Abacha. Abacha’s national security chief, Ismaila Gwarzo has long been fingered in the running of a network of assassins, via the ‘strike force’, and he had access to immeasurable wealth by virtue of his position. Gwarzo has been accused of stealing an estimated $2.45 billion from the Nigerian Central Bank. The Abacha created paramilitary ‘Strike force’, was an elite force trained abroad, in North Korea, etc.
It is possible that the wherewithal and security force created by Abacha could be what is let loose as Boko Haram for political goals. Knowing that terrorism requires sophisticated military and tactical know how, is it possible that the Abacha apparatus is the origin and foundation of Boko Haram? We must ask, where is the Gwarzo money and where is the Abacha ‘Strike force’?
Next, the rivalry between Borno State Governor and king maker, Ali Modu Sheriff, and Mala Kachalla, comes into mind, the governor’s brother, Goni was murdered as was his cousin, ANPP Deputy Zonal Chairman, Awagana Ngala. Could some of this be a feud between these two politicians?
And then, when thinking about those with influence, possible motives and ability by action or inaction to modify events in this region, the Kanuri politician who likes to call himself, ‘King I be’, Baba Gana Kingibe, must be remembered, being another most powerful Kanuri indigene, also suspected to have origins outside Nigeria, Niger to be precise, with his years of ambition to rule Nigeria.
He is most certainly not feeling too good right now after being sacked by the Yaradua government upon Yaradua’s return from the hospital in Saudi Arabia, to ‘realize’ that in his absence, Kingibe who being the Secretary of the government, was the official number 4 and administrative number 3 man, was already printing posters and planning his campaign for presidency in the hope of Yaradua’s demise. That’s ‘beef’ between Kingibe and Yaradua and current president GEJ (Goodluck Ebele Jonathan).
The Rise and Fall of Baba Gana Kingibe
Baba Gana Kingibe
Kingibe’s first sin is indubitably his insensate ambition to become Nigerian president and, perhaps, the first university-educated Northerner to do so, as evidenced by his total lack of interest in state politics and offices. Yar’Adua, ironically beat him to that goal. In reality, however, Kingibe has long been groomed for leadership. In addition, he is eminently well tutored and therefore qualified for national leadership tasks. Having been a foreign service officer, an ambassador, a principal officer at the supreme military headquarters, a political director in the cabinet office, secretary of the constituent assembly, minister of interior, minister of foreign affairs, minister of power and steel, a member of the Inter-Congolese Facilitation team, and a special representative of the AU [African Union], his resume is an enviable one. Fittingly, renowned Nigerian blogger, Dr. Wumi Akintinde cited Kingibe, amongst others as “a recurring decimal in the Nigerian political equation.”
In active politics, Kingibe has been chairman of a major political party, a vice presidential candidate, a presidential candidate and, most recently, Secretary to the Government of the Federation. He was on the Abiola-Kingibe Social Democratic Party (SDP) ticket that won the annulled 1993 presidential elections, considered the freest and most credible in Nigeria’s history. These, unquestionably, are very impressive credentials, except of course, that BGK is also a man with hefty political baggage and the attending detractions and enmity.
For starters, many disdain Kingibe because he is well versed in Nigeria’s military anti-politics and has been a key beneficiary. Secondly, he is very outspoken to the point of being arrogant. Nevertheless, it is much to his credit that he can easily mix such bluntness with his fine diplomatic skills. However, if Kingibe has committed a cardinal political sin, it is the widely held belief about his presumed betrayal of Chief MKO Abiola and the June 12 cause. In 2007, Ubanese Nwanganga summed up the angst against Kingibe with these acerbic words:
“BGK has demonstrated that he has no conscience. He has no conviction. He is like a prostitute, who engages any number of different men a night just for her money. There is no attachment to such relationships. She wants the money and how it is made is immaterial.” (see The Return of Baba Gana Kingibe) Read More…
Kingibe: Sacked by the Katsina Mafia
By Tobs Agbaegbu Sunday, September 14, 2008
Babagana Kingibe loses battle for influence at the presidency with his sack as secretary to the government of the federation last week
Babagana Kingibe had gradually lost influence at the presidency. Unknown to many, he had been having a running battle with other key members of the administration who have come to be known as the “Katsina Mafia.” His sudden sack was largely the handiwork of that group.
But sources also said that Kingibe also partly contributed to his own fall. He was said to have been over-ambitious in government and was openly undermining the office of the president and that of the vice-president, Goodluck Jonathan.
He was one of the most trusted members of the administration after it took off in earnest in June 2007. Gradually, he became a key figure, a power broker and even assumed a larger than life posture. But last Monday Septmeber 8, Babagana Kingibe, diplomat and politician was unceremoniously fired by President Umaru Yar’Adua.
The action, the first major decision to be taken by Yar’Adua less than 48 hours after his arrival in the country from his controversial trip to Saudi Arabia for medial attention, confirmed reports that had been making the rounds. Read More…
External Shareholders and Foreign elements
There is no doubt that there are non Kanuri Boko Haram members and shareholders. These are people who see a unique advantage of the militancy of this group that is more up to date in the enactment of terror than are the Nigerian security services in proactive crime deterrence.
And as southern gangs were used to establish certain regional and even national leadership, so also do some of these stake holders, utilize the Kanuri extremist cult, Boko Haram for pursuing their interests. This is why we see related terror activity in religiously and ethnically perturbed Kogi state.
We also have heard of other powerful Nigerians, Jerry Gana, a CAN (Christian Association of Nigeria) leader, who hails from the Middle Belt and has been pointed to as having some sort of affiliation with the group. Media has it that he bailed out group founder, Mohammed Yusuf, from Jail, not once, but twice.
The Northern controversial leader and outspoken pro-secessionist, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed Datti has also been fingered as being affiliated with this Kanuri organization. The fiery cleric, who was behind the institution of Shariah law in Nigeria is known to have been a mentor to Mohammed Yusuf, and recently was publicized as an intermediary to conduct government talks with the sect. Talks which he pulled out of when his involvement became public.
Foreign interests and connections to Boko Haram can never be ignored, as Nigeria is a world top oil producer and hence an important state in the global rush for a new colonization of Africa. Chaos, being a usual opportunity for military intervention and occupation, and the creation of a ‘New World Order’, as top US Elite leader, Eisenhower said during Obama’s inauguration.
But overall, strategic command of terror stems from the Kanuri leadership, who are also in charge of tactical operations. It will be recollected that Abu Qaqa II was easily murdered by the sect leader, due to his being a non Kanuri. Here is an excerpt on that event, from Thisday:
Abu Qaqa II was believed to have been killed on the instruction of the leader of the sect, Abu Shekau, for attempting to back out of their reign of terror.
He was said to have tried to denounce the sect after being trailed intensively by security agents, which forced him to change locations on several occasions.
The news of his killing coincided with the disclaimer by Vice President Namadi Sambo that the Boko Haram attacks have religious undertones.
Abu Qaqa II, whose real name is Mohammed Anwal Kontagora, was from Kontagora in Niger State. He adopted the name Abu Qaqa in February after the original Abu Qaqa, also known by many aliases, including Abu Dardaa, Mohammed Shuaibu and Abu Tiamiya, was arrested in January.
Kontagora, like his predecessor, was non-Kanuri, so the decision to terminate his life by the Boko Haram leader, as has transpired with other non-Kanuri members of the sect, was said to have been decided summarily. Read More…
It is essential for security services and the general populace to be well informed on all characteristics and demographics of this problem that plagues west Africa as a whole. Profiling the problem helps to identify it, recognize it and better deal with it. In considering the solutions to this problem that destroys the north, the Hausa-Fulani, the Igbo, Yoruba, and other groups in the North and across Nigeria that are plagued by the Boko Haram reign of terror, must recognize and address the issues erupting from the Kanuri empire. And, working with the decent leaders, help the Kanuri people overcome the mess.
Hamza Suleiman, Gary Frist and Lekan Abayomi contributed to the article
Senator Zanna
Senator Mohamed Ali Ndume {AllAfrica}
Sani Abacha
Baba Gana Kingibe
