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This is Good.
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PhotoNews: Uduaghan Celebrates Birthday with Flood Victims
NEMA Evacuates 215 Nigerian Fishermen from Gabon
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.
FCT Minister: A Misunderstood Journalist in Public Service
From Dan Muhammad, Maitama Abuja
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
Again, Certificate Scandal Rocks National Assembly
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.
Ifeanyi Ubah regains freedom
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.
Stay tuned.
Decoding Boko Haram: The Regional Ambitions and Permutations
October 20th, 2012
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 ZannaIt 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 AbachaThe 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…
Baba Gana KingibeExternal 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
Resources
http://allafrica.com/stories/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.mongabay.com/
South Sudan’s vice president dismisses talk of military coup
NEW YORK (Reuters) – South Sudan’s vice president, Riek Machar, dismissed on Friday rumors of a planned military coup, saying it would be “unwise” for army officers to attempt a takeover of the year-old state.
The speculation was serious enough to prompt South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir to visit the headquarters of Sudan’s army (SPLA) this week to warn that any successful coup leaders would be isolated internationally, according to the Sudan Tribune.
APGA: Between Enugu Court And Democracy – By Emmanuel Onwubiko
The Court of law is constitutionally clothed with the judicial powers of the state to adjudicate matters between parties with a view to interpreting the provisions of the law and by so doing to promote the respect for the principle of rule of law. In the exercise of these powers, the judges as ministers in the temple of justices are obliged to live above board and to dispense justice creditably, without allowing any sort of compromise or influence to make them reach a pre-determined end.
Since the inception of the ongoing democratic experiments in the country, the role of the judiciary has come under constant scrutiny even as several serving judges of the various court system in the country have been dismissed and/or sanctioned by the National Judicial Council (NJC) for offences bordering on bribery and frivolous granting of injunctions to applicants which have in the past operationally crippled the smooth conduct of elections by the independent National electoral commission.
Some of these ex parte injunctions which were awarded indiscriminately by some judges have also prevented political parties and other institutions of democracy from functioning optimally thereby making observers to question whether some of these judges who issue these nebulous injunctions are actually using their high offices to undermine democracy in Nigeria.
The National Judicial Council has also faced criticism in the past for not responding quickly to allegations of impropriety against certain judges in the High Courts of the various states and the Federal Capital Territory and the Federal High Court of diverse divisions in the country.
Observers are of the opinion that if the hierarchy of the National Judicial Council are always ready to effectively bring heavy sanctions and other disciplinary measures to bare on the indicted judges, then other judges who may be tempted to compromise their high office and misbehave will be effectively deterred since they are aware of the serious consequences of their actions and inactions.
With the exception of the periods that Justices Muhammadu Lawal Uwais and Alfa Belgore served as the Chief Justices of Nigeria and the chairmen of the National Judicial Council (NJC) respectively whereby a good number of indicted judges dragged before the disciplinary forum[NJC] were severely sanctioned, the National Judicial council has come under increasing criticism as not actively enforcing its constitutionally guaranteed mandate to ensure that Judges adhere to professional ethics and exercise their powers enshrined in the section 6 of the constitution with the highest display of maturity, wisdom and patriotism.
Most observers therefore remember Justices Uwais and Belgore for bringing high sense of discipline in the administration of the nation’s courts when they each served as the Chief Justice of the Federation. In the past few years, all eyes have seriously being directed toward the hierarchy of the National Judicial Council hoping that the unprecedented indiscipline and unprofessional conducts of some judges all across the country are checked.
When therefore, for the first time in the history of Nigeria, a woman by name Justice Maryam Alooma Muktar emerged as the Chief Justice of Nigeria, most Nigerians expressed optimism that she will carry out a clean sweep and restore credibility, respect and integrity to the institution of the judiciary and importantly that she will ensure that the National Judicial Council stops the business-as-usual tendency and rise up to the challenge of enforcing strict professional ethical codes of conduct among serving judicial officers.
The demand for the strict enforcement of discipline among judges is so that litigants and the members of the general public are not made by the gross indiscipline and apparent disposition of some judges to bribery and other monetary inducements, to lose faith in the impartiality of the court as the last hope of the common man.
The new Chief Justice of Nigeria, who is the first woman to become the leader of the court system in Nigeria since independence, is expected to carry out a moral revolution to once more convince Nigerians that those judges, who have constituted themselves into formidable cogs in the wheel of Justice, are effectively sanctioned and dismissed.
The current leadership of the National Judicial Council is facing a litmus test as a result of a troubling allegation of compromise made against the person of the Chief Judge of Enugu state Justice Innocent Umezulike by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) Chief Victor Umeh.
Specifically, Chief. Umeh has come under intense pressure by some of his estrange party members who have resorted to the adoption of series of antics, manipulations and other strategies to compel him to relinquish the office of the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) which produced the Governors of Anambra (Peter Obi) and Imo States (Rochas Okorocha).
Chief Umeh has similarly been told by the governor of Enugu State Mr. Sullivan Iheanacho Chime of the People Democratic Party (PDP) to prepare for the demolition of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) since the ruling political party at the center (PDP) has set machinery in motion to defeat and uproot the All Progressives Grand Alliance from its traditional South East zone.
Soon after the Governor of Enugu State made the declaration, Chief Umeh was dragged in his personal capacity before the chief Judge of Enugu state by whom he (Umeh) described as an expelled member of the party form Udi local government which happens to be the home local council of the governor of Enugu state who had earlier served media notice of the impending ‘demise’ of the All progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).
Not long ago, the Chief Justice of Nigeria acknowledged publicly that state governors in most states of the federation are starving their state judiciary of funds. What this statement implies is that because state judiciary is not financially independent, it is possible that some governors may resort to blackmail to compel their state courts to play by their own game. If this is the case, then democracy is imperiled.
The petition instituted against the Chief Judge of Enugu state by the National Chairman of APGA Chief Victor Umeh has alleged that the Enugu Chief Judge failed to disqualify himself from hearing a matter seeking his ouster by an allegedly suspended party member from Udi local government even as the Chief Judge granted unnecessarily prolonged ex parte injunction against Chief Umeh which in effect crippled the administration of All Progressive Grand Alliance.
Chief Umeh had reduced his grouse with the chief Judge of Enugu state in the following issues he has raised before the Justice Muktar-led National Judicial Council.
Umeh stated; “Recall, Sir, that by letter dated 19th September 2012, I prayed the Chief Judge of Enugu State to transfer/re-assign the Case to another Judge of the Enugu State High Court as I have no confidence of obtaining justice in his Court given the attitude and antecedents in the Case. This request was ignored and not responded to”.
Chief Umeh also disclosed that; “By Motion on Notice, through my Counsel, I prayed the Hon. Chief Judge of Enugu State for “an Order that the Honourable Chief Judge of Enugu State, Hon. Justice I. A. Umezulike, OFR the Presiding Judge in Suit No. E/270/2012 Ichie Okuli Jude Ejike V. Chif Sir Victor Umeh disqualifies himself and decline from continuing the hearing of Suit No. E/270/2012 pending before the Enugu State High Court”.
According to Chief Umeh; “The Motion was filed on 5 October 2012. One would have expected that the Hon. Chief Judge would, as a Court of Law, hear my said Motion on Notice and determine same one way or the other before proceeding further in the Case”.
He continued thus;
“The Case came up before the Hon. Chief Judge of Enugu State on 8 October 2012. I was perplexed that, not only did Hon. Chief Judge refuse to hear/entertain the Motion filed on 5 October 2012 seeking to disqualify him from hearing the Case, but the Chief Judge proceeded to the hearing of the Case even when Counsel representing me in Court urged him to hear the Motion.”
The National Judicial Council needs to find out why the Chief Judge failed to transfer the matter to another judge because the moment a party in a case before you raises such fundamental doubt regarding the impartiality or otherwise of a presiding Judge, it is better for another judge to hear the matter so that Justice will not only be one but will be seen to have being done.
To even imagine that very senior members of the bar were part of the legal team that prayed the Chief Judge to hands off the matter, it is shocking that the Enugu state Chief Judge proceeded with hearing the substantive issue brought by a plaintiff even when the respondent shouted ‘blue murder’ severally and doubted the credibility of the presiding judge.
What then is the interest of the Enugu State Chief Judge in this matter? Is he playing the game prepared by some powerful politicians who vowed to ensure that the APGA is destroyed before the 2015 election? How is a judge to adjudicate a politically charged litigation to escape accusations of being bias and compromised?
These are the knotty issues that needed to be untied by the Justice Maryam Alooma Muktar’s-led National Judicial Council in the petition brought by Chief Victor Umeh of APGA against the Chief Judge of Enugu state who is also a holder of the national honour of officer of the Federal Republic.
* Emmanuel Onwubiko, Head, HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA blogs@www.huriwa.blogspot.com.
FBI: Former Nigerian Fugitive Convicted in Multi-Million-Dollar Fraud Scheme
HOUSTON—Godwin Chiedo Nzeocha, 45, a naturalized United States citizen originally from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has been convicted for his role in the multi-million-dollar City Nursing health care fraud scheme, United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson announced today.
Nzeocha, who was charged on October 19, 2009, entered a plea just a short time ago to one count of conspiracy to commit health care fraud and one count of money laundering. As part of the plea, he has also agreed to forfeit $1,098,320 to the United States.
According to the documents in support of his plea, Nzeocha left the United States to avoid arrest not long after receiving a telephone call from a co-conspirator the day Umawa Imo, owner of City Nursing Services of Texas Inc., was arrested. Nzeocha made his initial appearance June 27, 2012, after being extradited back to the United States from Nigeria.
Nzeocha admitted he had an agreement with Imo to sign his name on City Nursing patient documents as the provider of physical therapy services that he knew he was not qualified nor did provide to Medicare beneficiaries. The documents included blank treatment data forms, progress notes and daily physical therapy records. Nzeocha further admitted to knowing Imo was buying Medicare beneficiary information from recruiters and paying Medicare beneficiaries cash in order to bill for physical therapy services that were not provided. Nzeocha received approximately $1,098,320 from City Nursing.
Between December 3, 2007 and June 26, 2009, when Nzeocha worked at City Nursing, the company billed Medicare and Medicaid for approximately $35,819,508 worth of physical therapy services that were not provided and received approximately $26,233,122 as payment for those services from Medicare and Medicaid.
Nzeocha is the eighth person to be convicted in relation to the City Nursing health care fraud scheme, including Imo, who was sentenced to 327 months in federal prison.
Nzeocha faces a possible punishment of up to 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine on each of his convictions. He will remain in custody pending his sentencing, set for January 18, 2013.
This case has been investigated by the FBI, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigation, the Department of Health and Human Services-Office of Inspector General and the Texas Attorney General’s Office-Medicare Fraud, Control Unit. Assistant United States Attorney Julie Redlinger is prosecuting the case.
Bayelsa flood claims Nursing mother, her two children, 3 others as boat capsizes
From Yenogua, Bayelsa State
As the devastating effect of the current flood continue to cause hardship and mystery, Bayelsa over the weekend recorded a serious casualty when a wooden boat conveying a family and other passengers capsized.
One of the drowned passengers indentified as Abbey from Efon Alaye, in Ekiti state, an auto mechanics based in Yenagoa, lost his life alongside other passengers, including a nursing mother and her two children along Epie creek, Akenfa community,Yenagoa local government area of the state.
The journey of less than five minutes sailing, in a twinkling of an eye, according to an eye witness account claimed the lives of the six out of the eight passengers on board of the manually operated wooden boat.
However, the Bayelsa state Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson has ordered the recovery of the bodies of the victims and as well sympathized with the bereaved families.
The Governor during his visit to the scene of the incident ordered the provision of life jackets for all the boat operators in the area, adding that the incident would have been averted, had it been the passengers put on the life jackets.
The victims, as reliably informed boarded the wooden boat because the affected community could no longer be accessed by road as a result of the recent flooding of some part of the state.
To convey the passenger across the trouble spot, the wooden boat operators charge between N5 and N10.
The ill fated boat, according to eye witness account was about to berth when the incident occurred. Two of the passengers on board swam to safety, while Abbey and remaining passengers on board got drowned.
Efforts to locate them prove abortive, as sympathizers gathered at the bank of the creek, waiting for the body of the victims to float.
Members of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Nigeria Security Civil Defence, local divers and other security operatives were sighted at the bank of creek, waiting helplessly for the time that the body of victims will float.
One of the sympathizers who spoke under condition of anonymity said Abbey supposed to have traveled to his hometown but postponed the journey till next week.
His word, ‘Abbey supposed to dedicate his newly built apartment next week. Not only this, his father’s coronation ceremony is coming up same time next week. I met him two days ago, and expressed fear over the recent flooding which has rendered hundreds of people homeless.
He told me that he is always afraid of water not knowing that the same water will claim his life. He could not wait to pack into the house that he has labored to build.
Another eye witness account stated that two of the victims were traveling to the other side of the creek in search of snake meat, disclosing that, only yesterday they bought one at a cheaper rate.
Confirming the incident, the State Police Public Relation Officer, Fidelis Odunna said three people were feard dead in a boat mishap that occurred along Epie creek in Akenfa community, Yenagoa local government area of the state.
