The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has reportedly barred its personnel from escorting very important persons (VIP) in the South-East geo-political zone.
A police signal dated “101054/05/2021” and with reference number 0900/DTS/DOPS/VOL47/812, according to The Whistler, conveyed the directive.
Coming from the Commissioner of Police (DOPS), Asaba, Delta State Command, the wireless message said the directive followed attacks on policemen by alleged members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its the Eastern Security Network (ESN) paramilitary wing.
There have been increased attacks on security facilities and personnel in the former eastern region lately.
“Sequel to the incessant attacks on policemen/snatching of arms and ammunition by the proscribed IPOB/ESN elements in the eastern states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo States and Rivers State, COMPOL DOPS directs you warn personnel that escorts of their principals to the six (6) eastern states is suspended forthwith until security situation improves. Ensure strict compliance please,” it reads.
The acting spokesperson of the state command, DSP Edafe Bright, confirmed validity of the wireless message, but noted that it was not meant for the press.
“Firstly, the message that was sent out is not for press, so I don’t know how it got to you,” Mr Bright said. “Secondly, it is for policemen attached to VIPS not to escort their men to any part of the eastern state. That is the directive.”
Frank Mba, police spokesperson, was not available for comments whether this was one of the new security measures approved by President Muhammadu Buhari after a security meeting with security chiefs at the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.
FULL COMMUNIQUE: 17 SOUTHERN GOVERNORS MEET IN ASABA, BAN OPEN GRAZING, ASK BUHARI TO ADDRESS NIGERIANS, CONVOKE ‘NATIONAL DIALOGUE’
The governors of the 17 southern states in Nigeria on Tuesday called on the federal government to “convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency.”
They also called on President Muhammadu Buhari to “address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity…”
The governors also resolved to ban open grazing of cattle in all their states.
The three resolutions were among 12 reached by the governors at their meeting in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
Below is a full list of the resolutions reached by the governors:
COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE MEETING OF THE GOVERNORS OF SOUTHERN NIGERIA IN GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ASABA, DELTA STATE, ON TUESDAY, 11TH MAY, 2021
At its meeting, held today, 11th May, 2021, the Southern Governors Forum reviewed the situation in the nation generally and focused
on the current security situation, agitations/restructuring,
prospect for inter-state collaboration and partnerships as well as on the incidence of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Rising from the meeting, the Forum:
i) affirmed that the peoples of Southern Nigeria remain
committed to the unity of Nigeria on the basis of justice,
fairness, equity and oneness and peaceful co-existence
between and among its peoples with a focus on the attainment of shared goals for economíc development and prosperity;
ii) observed that the incursion of
armed herders, criminals
and bandits into the Southern part of the country has presented a severe security challenge such that citizens are not able to live their normal lives including pursuing
various productive activities leading to a threat to food supply and general security. Consequently, the meeting resolved that open grazing of cattle be banned across
Southern Nigería;
iii) noted that development and population growth has put pressure on available land and increased the prospects of conflict between migrating herders and local populations in the South. Given this scenario, it becomes imperative to enforce the ban on open grazing in the South (including
cattle movement to the South by foot);
iv) recommended that the Federal Government should support WILLING States to develop alternative and modern
livestock management systems;
v) agreed that the progress of the nation requires that urgent and bold steps be taken to restructure the Nigerian Federation leading to the evolution of state police, review
of revenue allocation formula in favour of the sub-national
governments and creation of other institutions which legitimately advance our commitment to and practice of true federalism;
vi) recommended that in view of widespread agitations among
our various peoples for greater inclusiveness in existing
governance arrangements, the Federal Government should
convoke a national dialogue as a matter of urgency;
vii) recommended that in deference to the sensitivities of our
various peoples, there is need to review appointments into Federal
Government Agencies (including Security Agencies) to reflect federal character as Nigeria’s overall
population is heterogenous;
viii) resolved to foster cooperation among the Southern States
and the nation at large. In this connection, Secretaries to
the Governments of the Southern States are to work together to develop and institutionalize a mechanism to foster this cooperation which will advance the comparative economic advantages and other interests of the Southern
States;
ix) expressed concern on the continued gridlock on the
Oshodi – Apapa Expressway and the chokehold it has exerted on the nation’s economy being the sole outlet from Apapa Wharf. The meeting therefore recommended the activation and establishment of ports in other States of the
federation to create new jobs and promote socio-economic
activities in the country;
x) the meeting expressed concern on the economic implications of another lockdown on the country, and therefore suggested greater coordination and cooperation
between Federal and State Governments in evolving
strategies for dealing with the pandemic;
xi) expressed very grave concern on the security challenge currently plaguing the nation and strongly urged that Mr. President should address Nigerians on the challenges of insecurity and restore the confidence of our people; and
xii) expressed gratitude to our host, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa
for his generosity and hospitality.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN
Governor, Ondo State
His Excellency
Dr. Victor Okezie Ikpeazu
Governor, Abia State
His Excellency
Chief Emmanuel Udom
Governor, Akwa Ibom State
His Excellency
Senator Diri Duoye
Governor, Bayelsa State
His Excellency
Willie Obiano
Governor, Anambra State
His Excellency
Prof. Ben Ayade
Governor, Cross Rivers State
His Excellency
Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa
Governor, Delta State
His Excellency
Engr. David Umahi
Governor, Ebonyi State
His Excellency
Godwin Obaseki
Governor, Edo State
His Excellency
John Olukayode Fayemi
Governor, Ekiti State
His Excellency
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi
Governor, Enugu State
His Excellency
Senator Hope Uzodimma
Governor, Imo State
His Excellency
Babajide Sanwo-Olu
Governor, Lagos State
His Excellency
Dapo Abiodun
Governor, Ogun State
His Excellency
Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola
Governor, Osun State
His Excellency
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde
Governor, Oyo State
His Excellency
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Governor, Rivers State
Truth crashed home last Tuesday when 17 Southern governors rose from a meeting in Asaba to place a mirror before Nigeria and bid her to take a look. History will remember this act of courage as the boldest effort in recent times, to save Nigeria.
For so long, the nation’s political class had played the politics of “correctness” while Nigeria slides slowly to a predictable death. Like the famous Emperor Nero, they had fiddled while Nigeria burned. Happily, we all seem to have finally realized that truth may be harsh sometimes but it is better than a soothing lie!
The tragedy of Nigeria is that while a section of the country appears unbridled in pushing us all to the edge of the cliff, the other section plays safe; restrained by the obvious consequences. But for how long?
The dance on razor edge has gone on for two long. The time to stop it has come. We dance on razor edge when against decency, against morality and against equity, we handed the entire national security structure to one section of the country. We dance on razor edge when without justification, we allowed cattle herders roam freely with automatic weapons and slaughter peaceful farmers in their sleep; when we threw open our borders and allowed aliens to move in unchecked; when we conceived the idea that in 21st Century Nigeria, a $2bn railway project to Niger Republic should be a priority when all federal roads in Southern Nigeria have collapsed and finally when we allowed the circle of violence spread until it swallowed Nigeria; until we became clever with language and began to rename dreaded terrorists as “insurgents” and finally “bandits.”
But the resolutions reached by the Southern governors in Asaba offer Nigeria a fighting chance. They represent a rupture in the political architecture of the country which insulates whoever is in power from the shock of Nigerian realities. The governors have bucked the trend. They are finally asking for a Nigeria that represents the collective dreams of the people they lead.
In simple terms; the governors want an end to open grazing in Southern Nigeria, they want a restructured Nigeria and finally, they want a review of the current structure that placed the nation’s security in the hands of a section of the country. Another item which might be easily lost on some people but no less important is the resolution to establish new ports and reactivate moribund ones in other states. This particular item might be the only initiative that will free Apapa and save Lagos.
Truth be told; the Southern governors did not say something new. They merely spoke the language of the people who put them in office. And that is what makes it revolutionary. For when leadership appropriates the idioms of the people, it appropriates their anger, their desire and their fire! This is actually where Nigeria ought to be if she hopes to live another day! The political leadership must listen to Nigerians. Our tears and blood must mean something to them!
Yes; it took a long time of trying, for Nigeria to get to the crossroads. Will it take a longer time to get out of it? May be not. Not if the Northern governors can rise together for a handshake with their Southern colleagues across what has become a killing field. Not if the federal government listens to the cries of the people and restructures the nation’s armed forces to reflect national character; and of course, not if the federal government moves swiftly to convene a national dialogue which many respectable Nigerians have called for. These are simple adjustments which any forward looking society will make for national unity and cohesion. No country ever makes progress without national dialogues, negotiations and tradeoffs. Nigeria must do same. Now!
The Southern governors have shown courage when the nation needs it. In a country where truth is an enemy, it takes courage to speak it in the market square. It takes courage to stop this dance on razor edge.
Our governors have spoken.
They spoke our minds this time!
James Eze is a poet, journalist and PR Specialist.
Mr. Primus Ugochukwu Odili, the Chief of Staff of the Anambra State Government, has described Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo as the most credible aspirant in the 2021 governorship contest.
Odili maintained that the former CBN governor was the most credible of all the aspirants in terms of his curriculum vitae and antecedents in local, national and international assessments, evaluations and by records.
The Chief of Staff said it was time Anambra state had a standard it must not fall below especially as it concerned who occupied the office of the governor of the state, adding that the electorate should do a fair assessment of the aspirants so as to get the best candidate, stressing that Soludo stands out amongst the crowd.
He explained that Governor Willie Obiano has achieved numerous lofty projects in the areas of education, health, transport, infrastructure and other sectors of the economy but emphasized the need for the electorate to be vigilant and careful about their choice of who takes over from Obiano as he strongly believes that Soludo is a more suitable successor.
He also said that the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was not a political party but a vehicle that would get Ndigbo to their desired destination in the polity called Nigeria. Odili is of the opinion that in the last 16 years in Anambra state no political party has a structure except APGA which has been delivering democracy dividends for 16 long years.
Odili also notes that APGA does not listen to what opposition elements say; that Governor Willie Obiano is focused and irrespective of the negative propaganda against his administration, the governor has delivered the airport to Ndigbo.
Although he maintained that there would be primary election, he stated that Prof. Soludo was in good stead to become the next governor of Anambra state in November 6, 2021.
Meeting of Southern Nigeria Governors commences at the EXCO Chambers of the Delta State Government House, Asaba, with Governor Willy Obiano of Anambra State and his colleagues from South East, South South and South West geo-political zones in attendance.
The meeting will deliberate on the state of Nation and take position on restructuring of the Country.
The Peoples Democratic Party says the failed robbery attack in Aso Rock on Monday shows that the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), lacked the capacity to secure Nigeria.
The opposition party said this in a press statement on Tuesday titled, ‘Bandits Invasion of Presidential Villa Shows Buhari Can’t Secure Nigeria, Says PDP’ by its spokesperson Kola Ologbodiyan.
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, described the attack as “a foolish attempt”, claiming that the incident that happened around 3 am was not successful.
PDP in its reaction said the attempted robbery in the residence of Gambari has heightened apprehensions over the capacity of presidency to secure the nation.
The party said, “The @OfficialPDPNig is alarmed by the invasion of Aso Presidential Villa by bandits and armed robbers, saying the development further points to the collapse of security command structure under President @MBuhari’s incompetent watch.
“All over the world, the Presidential Villa, as the seat of power and national sovereignty, is the fortress of the nation that ought to have impregnable security.As such, any breach of security, particularly by outlaws and in sequence, sends a clear danger signal to the overall security of the nation.
“It is imperative to state that such security infraction, that gave way for outlaws to invade the Presidential villa in sequence, inspite of its perceptibly secured ambience, can only happen under an absentee President, who have not demonstrated the required capacity expected of his office.”
The PDP also recalled that there was security breaches in June last year in Aso Rock, involving a shooting, arising from a bitter squabble between members of the president family and some security aides.
“Our party is worried that if President @MBuhari cannot guarantee the security of the Presidential villa, then his capacity to secure the entire country is no longer assured.
“The @OfficialPDPNig, therefore, urges President @MBuhari to wake up from slumber, review his security architecture and take decisive steps, beyond his lethargic body language, to secure our nation,” it added.
Apex Igbo sociocultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has condemned the shoot-at-sight order given to Nigerian soldiers on Igbo land, warning that the Nigerian government should learn a lesson from history by not fighting an unwinnable war against nationalism.
Ohanaeze rather advised the Buhari-led government to “seek possible peaceful options that are the only solution that guarantees national unity and peaceful coexistence”.
Ohanaeze lamented that “subnational consciousness or ethnocentric nationalism which is a dangerous form of nationalism to national unity has taken over Nigeria”.The apex Igbo Socio-cultural body noted that “the dream of Nigeria unity is receding and fading fast with violence, crises and conflicts”.In s statement by its spokesman, Alex Ogbonnia, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof. George Obiozor was quoted as being “unequivocal that the current problems confronting Nigerian, eg ethnic militia, agitation for secession, insurgency, etc are a product of sustained orchestrated injustice in governance”.
According to the statement: “The attention of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has been drawn to the “Shoot at Sight Order” given to the Nigerian soldiers on how to engage the Igbo youths in the oncoming week.
The report further revealed that the exercise will commence from Orlu in Imo State, South East Nigeria. This is very disturbing.
“The pattern of deployment of northern military officers to the South-East lends credence to the above report. It was revealed that in preparation for the above, the Nigerian army has posted Northern Muslims as commanders over its operations and brigades in Anambra, Imo, Abia, Akwa Ibom, Enugu, Benue, Edo, Delta and Rivers.
In Anambra State, the Cantonment Commandant of the 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, is Col. Abdulsalam Abubakar Sambo, a Hausa-Fulani Muslim; while in Imo State, the Brigade Commander of 34 Brigade, Obinze, is Brig Gen Ibrahim Tukura, another northerner; in Abia State, the Brigade Commander of 14 Brigade, Ohafia, is Brig Gen M. Ibrahim, still, a northerner; while in Akwa Ibom State, the Brigade Commander of 2 Brigade, Uyo, is Brig Gen Faruk Mijinyawa, another northerner. This is truly worrisome!
“The President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Ambassador Prof. George Obiozor, an erudite scholar, seasoned diplomat with diverse experience in governments, has admonished the Nigerian government to “learn a lesson from history by not fighting an unwinnable war against nationalism but seek possible peaceful options that are the only solution that guarantees national unity and peaceful coexistence”.Obiozor lamented that “subnational consciousness or ethnocentric nationalism which is a dangerous form of nationalism to national unity has taken over Nigeria”.
The dream of Nigeria unity is receding and fading fast with violence, crises and conflicts.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is unequivocal that the current problems confronting Nigerian, eg ethnic militia, agitation for secession, insurgency, etc are a product of sustained orchestrated injustice in governance. For instance, Senator Shehu Sani, the former senator for Kaduna central, vehemently decried that the Igbo have been systematically marginalised since the civil war.
“Speaking in Kaduna at a meeting organised by the Association of Eze-Ndigbo in the Diaspora on Saturday, May 8, 2021, Sani described the marginalisation as a collective punishment”.
“There has been a systemic exclusion and marginalisation of your people, stemming from the historical Biafra war. This is a collective punishment”, he declared.
“Every right-thinking Nigerian, who loves the corporate existence of Nigeria, should align with the Shehu Sani position. The problem with Nigeria in general and the Igbo, in particular, is located in injustice and the simple solution lays in manifest dialogue, equity, and justice.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo warns that Shoot-at- Sight Order to soldiers on Igbo land is a call for another pogrom and genocide.
“Ohanaeze asks the Federal Government to refrain from the use of force in resolving the present national crises.
“History shows that military and violent means to solve the national question is bound to fail as it leads to further national fractionalization, anarchy and eventual or inevitable disintegration, as in all Empires or multi-national states or countries”.
Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, the Spiritual Director of Adoration Ministry Enugu Nigeria, AMEN has announced the shutdown of the Ministry for a period of one month.
This move though not contained in the notice released to that effect may not be unconnected to the earlier directive given to him by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu Diocese, Bishop Calistus Onaga.
Mbaka had said during his message to his members on Wednesday last when he reappeared that the Bishop asked him to embark on a 30 day prayer break.
In the notice sent out by the ministry in the early hours of Tuesday, members were informed that Fr. Mbaka was proceeding on a one-month private prayer retreat but was silent on whether the action was in obedience to the Bishop’s order.
The notice reads: “Our Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka wishes to inform his beloved adorers that he has embarked on a private prayer retreat that will end on 10th June 2021.
“Consequently, no ministry activities shall be held in the ministry ground pending his return.
“He directs that members of the ministry are to observe this period of his retreat as they used to do during the usual January breaks of the ministry, by praying at their homes, being charitable and fasting according to their ability. Adoration! Holy Spirit is our Power.”
