… tasks South East Governors on prioritizing security of people
For what it described as unwavering commitment and great efforts in addressing the urgent need to halt open grazing in Enugu, Biafraland, the Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has commended Governor Peter Mba, saying that his proactive measures reflect a genuine concern for the safety and well-being of citizens.
The group had earlier in a press statement dated September 12, 2023, titled “Open Grazing Belongs To 16th Century: Must Be Stopped In Biafraland” highlighted the alarming rise of kidnappings and property destruction by Fulani herdsmen.
It noted with concerns that Biafraland had witnessed several distressing incidents at the time, including the abduction of two brothers in Ukwulu Dunukofia LGA, Anambra State, and the kidnapping of a farmer from Canada, who had returned home to invest millions of dollars in Isiagu, Anambra State, along with two others, just as four individuals fell victim to kidnappings orchestrated by Fulani herdsmen in Nsukka, Enugu State.
“Tragically, all these cases resulted in the release of the victims only after their families paid hefty ransoms”.
In a recent press statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, BDFCG condemned statement issued by a Biafra group on February 12, 2024, rejecting what it called “Governor Mba’s well-thought-out proposal” to establish a cattle ranch at Nimbo in Uzowani community of Enugu State for farmers and investors who will wish to go into animal husbandry in the state.
The group emphasized the importance of constructive dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve lasting solutions that prioritize the welfare and security of the people, and urged the people to always engage in meaningful dialogue that would contribute to the overall well-being of Biafraland.
It welcomed all peaceful and genuine businessmen and women, including those in animal husbandry, saying that while the group is against open grazing; it is fully in support of the establishment of ranches and modern abattoirs in Biafraland.
BDFCG also encouraged other Governors in the South East to emulate Governor Mba in implementing measures that prioritize the welfare and security of our people.
The Enugu State government has commenced work in earnest the construction of New Enugu City, a smart city flagged off by Governor Peter Mbah in October.
The Secretary to Enugu State State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia on Monday during a site visit with Journalists indicated Government determination to actualise the first phase of the New City in 24 months as already agreed with the China Communication Construction Company, CCCC, in October.
He said that the Governor, who already had series of conversations with the host communities and the Chinese Contractor had ordered the contractors to begin a 24-hour construction work.
Addressing journalists at the site, Prof. Onyia explained that the Governor is determined to build a New mega Enugu City with 21st century facilities and in line with international standard.
Flagging off the project in October, Governor Mbah said the New Enugu City would rub shoulders with Dubai, Singapore, and other major cities in the world.
“This is going to create a veritable platform because in this city, we are going to have a dedicated power project, a dedicated power plant, we are going to have a central sewage system, we are going to have all the public utilities centralised, and it is going to be provided by the government.
“We are going to have access to high-speed internet. In this New City, there is hardly anything you find in any modern smart city that you will not find in here”, he stated.
The EU on Monday announced a formal investigation into TikTok over alleged breaches of its obligations to protect minors online, under a landmark new law on policing digital content.
It is the second probe into a major online platform since Brussels introduced the Digital Services Act (DSA), after targeting tech billionaire Elon Musk’s X in December.
Brussels is particularly concerned that the video-sharing app owned by China’s ByteDance may not be doing enough to address negative impacts on young people. A key worry is the so-called “rabbit hole” effect — which occurs when users are fed related content based on an algorithm, in some cases leading to more dangerous content.
The European Commission’s concerns also include TikTok’s age verification tools, which it said “may not be reasonable, proportionate and effective”.
The commission opened “formal proceedings to assess whether TikTok may have breached” the DSA in other areas including “advertising transparency” and “data access for researchers”.
The action comes after analyzing a risk assessment report by TikTok and its replies to Brussels’ requests for more information about what measures the video-sharing platform has taken against illegal content, the protection of minors and access to data.
Angry youths in Oyo State hit the street to protest the skyrocketing price of food and the state of the economy.
It was observed that protesters gathered around the Mokola area in the state wielding placards with various inscriptions such as ‘End food hike and inflation,’ ‘The poor are starving,’ and ‘Tinubu, don’t forget your promises,’ among others.
They were also chanting songs to show their grievances. Armed policemen were seen at the protest scene. Speaking during the protest, a man who craved anonymity said, “The problem affects everyone. Every Nigerian should stand for their right and must collectively fight this high cost of living. We cannot afford three square meals.
“Sections 39 and 40 of the country’s constitution empower every Nigerian to organize peaceful assembly and to speak about the economic hardship. This protest is a continuous action, so expect protest from any angle. It is not about me alone but about Nigerians.
“We must collectively fight for this and make sure that things are brought back to normalcy,” he added.
The unemployment rate in Nigeria rose by 0.8% in the third quarter of 2023 am according to the National Bureau of Statistics, this was a significant rise, adding that the unemployment rate rose from the 4.2% recorded in Q2 2023 to 5.0% in Q3 2023.
The NBS, the custodian of official statistics in the country, disclosed this in a report it published on Monday titled ‘Nigeria Labor Force Survey Q3 2023’
“The employment-to-population ratio was 75.6% in Q3 2023 with a decrease of 1.5% compared to a ratio of Q2 2023. The combined rate of unemployment and time-related underemployment as a share of the labor force population (LU2) increased to 17.3% in Q3 2023 from 15.5% in Q2 2023.
“About 87.3% of workers were self-employed in Q3 2023.
“The proportion of workers in Wage Employment in Q3 2023 was 12.7%.
“The unemployment rate increased significantly in Q3 2023 at 5.0%. This is an increase of 0.8% from Q2 2023.
“The rate of unemployment among persons with post-secondary education was 7.8% in Q3 2023,” part of the report read.
It added that the unemployment rate for youth between the ages of 15 and 24 years was recorded at 8.6 per cent in Q3 2023 while the informal employment rate in Q3 2023 was 92.3 per cent. The report added, “The unemployment rate in urban areas was 6.0% in Q3 2023, a slight increase of 0.1% from Q2 2023.
“Time-related underemployment in Q3 2023 was 12.3%, showing a slight increase of 0.5% from the rate recorded in Q2 2023. This shows an increase of 1.4% compared to the rate in Q4 2022.
“4.1% of the working-age population was in subsistence agriculture in Q3 2023. Informal employment rate in Q3 2023 was 92.3%, while Q2 2023 was 92.7%.
“Percentage of youth Not in Employment, Education or Training was 13.7% in Q3 2023.”
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have intercepted a large consignment of Loud, a synthetic strong strain of cannabis, concealed in giant loudspeakers tucked in a consolidated cargo imported from New York, United States of America.
A statement on Sunday by the spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, Femi Babafemi, revealed that when the giant wooden boxes dressed as sound speakers seized by NDLEA officers at the NAHCO import shed of the Lagos airport, were opened, the sound boxes were stuffed with 60 bags of the expensive but highly sought-after psychoactive substance, Loud, weighing 33.5 kilogrammes.
Babafemi said at least, three suspects: a freight agent Akeem Afeez; logistics company manager Babalola Ayodeji Gboyega and the receiver of the consignment Taiwo Anuoluwapo have been arrested in follow-up operations between last Thursday and Friday, while Afeez was arrested at the airport, Gboyega was nabbed at his office on Allen Avenue Ikeja and Taiwo traced to his residence at 13 Ayo Babatunde Crescent, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, where he was picked on Friday.
The spokesman of the anti-narcotics agency, said in Abia, a joint raid operation between the NDLEA and men of the State Homeland Security at 23 Arochukwu street, Umuahia around 11pm last Wednesday led to the arrest of a female lawyer, Adaobi Nweke, 36; her boyfriend, Emeka Nkemefola, 36; her mother, Mrs. Ngozi Nweke, 65; Dike Okpara, 43, who is herbalist to the family; Chukwudi Abel, 33, member of the family; Amarachi Paul, 18, another member of the family and their 22-year-old salesgirl, Blessing Jonathan.
He said investigations revealed that members of the family had long been in the illicit drug business passed on to them by their deceased father, Jonathan Nweke. He noted that recovered from them as at the time of their arrest include various quantities of cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, Loud, cannabis sativa and precursor chemical with a total weight of 1.67 kilogrammes as well as N578,400 monetary exhibit.
Babafemi also disclosed that an attempt by a 25-year-old Uber driver, Joshua Henry to deliver a consignment of 26.2 grammes of Loud picked in Abuja to a customer in Keffi, Nasarawa state last Monday was thwarted by NDLEA operatives who intercepted him. In the same vein, 54-year-old Dada Adedara was last Wednesday arrested at Dan Bare area of Kano State with 468 blocks of cannabis weighing 246.4 kilogrammes. Same day, operatives in Ogun state arrested the duo of Kafayat Junaid and Sakirat Osoanu with 13 kilogrammes cannabis sativa.
In Kogi state, a suspect, Charles Chike, 45, was arrested by NDLEA operatives in a hotel in Lokoja last Friday with 290 blocks of compressed cannabis weighing 116 kilogrammes. The exhibit was concealed in the boot of a blue Honda Accord car marked Abuja ABC 853 SL, which took off from somewhere in Ekiti state enroute Abuja. Not less than 227 kilogrammes of same substance was recovered from Atoshi camp, Emure -Ile, Owo local government area, Ondo State, while two suspects: John Jonathan and Emmanuel Alex were arrested.
The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (Retd) while commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Abia, Nasarawa, Edo, Kogi, Kano, Ogun, Ondo and FCT commands of the agency for their outstanding feats in the past week, equally applauded their counterparts in all the commands across the country for intensifying their WADA advocacy lectures thus creating a fair balance between their drug supply reduction and drug demand reduction efforts.
In Enugu State, a bold proposal by Executive Governor Barr. Peter Mbah to establish ranching and abattoirs in select areas has stirred both commendation and controversy. While aimed at curbing alleged terroristic activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, some view it as a potential catalyst for future unrest. Emotions run high, fueled by decades of strife between farmers and herders, exemplified by the tragic Nimbo massacre of 2016. Despite skepticism, proponents argue for informed discourse, emphasizing the need for clarity on key terms like cattle ranching. In his analysis, Jude Eze confidently asserted that the proposal aligns with international best practices, focusing on sustainability, animal welfare, and effective pasture management. It also promises enhanced traceability and quality assurance in meat production. If executed effectively, the plan could not only mitigate conflicts but also boost revenue and tourism, offering a path towards a more secure and harmonious Enugu State.
In today’s fast-paced world, the significance of maintaining security and harmony within our communities cannot be overstated. The proposal put forth by the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Barr. Peter Mbah, to establish ranching and abattoirs in select Local Government Areas, deserves careful consideration. From the government perspective, this initiative aims to mitigate the alleged terroristic activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, in the state, thereby fostering a safe environment for all citizens.
But this explanation did not sit well with a portion of the populace. In fact, it is still generating heated reactions among the people of the state. While many lauds the governor for his foresight, others condemn it as an invitation to future anarchy from the Fulani cattle breeders who had been wrecking havoc across the state and the country at large.
Some of the reactions are borne out of emotions, and it’s understandable considering the endemic strife and untold hostilities that defined Fulani cattle (breeders) herders vs farmers parasitic relationship over the last two decades.
But come to think of it, barely five hours down south beyond the neighborhood of Ebonyi State from Enugu lies the famous Obudu Cattle Ranch established established since 1949 and sustained till date. So why have Mbah’s policy proposal on similar project eliciting mixed reactions? The answer is the same as above. People are apprehensive of what the future holds for them if the implementation of such ‘lofty” idea goes south, especially when one remembers Nimbo massacre of March 2016.
But we must agree with the old Latin phrase that “abuse don’t stop use.” The fact that these Fulani marauders tend to abuse the hospitality of native population, should not suggest that establishing ranching as a way of keeping them in check must quashed. Not every governor wants to allow nomads unguarded space to continue their gory escapades. They have to be dammed. And Mbah is envisioning it through ranching that mimics the Obudu project.
Despite the differing opinions surrounding this proposal, it is crucial to have an informed discussions and robust debate around it. First let’s start by way of definition of terms.
What exactly is ranching in livestock management?
Cattle ranching is the practice of raising and managing cattle for meat and dairy production. International best practices for cattle ranching encompass various principles aimed at promoting sustainability, animal welfare, and environmental stewardship.
Some key principles of cattle ranching are: Land and Habitat Management in which Cattle ranchers adopt sustainable land management practices that prioritize soil health, carbon sequestration, and protection of natural habitats. This includes rotational grazing, reforestation efforts, water conservation, and minimizing deforestation for pasture expansion.
Cattle ranching also prioritizes the welfare of the animals. This involves providing access to clean water, sufficient feed, shelter, and appropriate veterinary care.
It also provides effective pasture management which is critical for sustainable cattle ranching. Rotational grazing methods that allow the land to fallow and regenerate are encouraged. This helps prevent overgrazing, soil erosion, and degradation while maintaining a balanced ecosystem.
This plan by government will also enhance livestock traceability and quality assurance management in dairy and meat production which are major benefits of cattle ranching. The ability to track the origin and movement of animals, as well as ensuring hygiene and food safety standards throughout the production chain, helps build consumer trust and facilitates market access.
Feelers from government House indicates they are scaling up a skilled and knowledgeable workforce that will ensure sustenance in line with international best practices. It will map out a scheme for ranchers, farm managers, and animal caretakers, covering topics such as animal husbandry, land management, disease control, and sustainable practices etc.
So in overall analysis, by proposing the establishment of a state-controlled ranching and abattoirs, Mbah acknowledges the urgent need to protect the lives and property of Ndi Enugu, as he promised during electioneering campaign. This proposal would restrict the nomadic movement of cattle herders and effectively curtail their potential for wanton destruction of crops. By harnessing the power of ranching, the Governor offers a proactive solution that can help prevent conflicts, mitigate damages, and enhance overall security surveillance within the state.
Everyone knows that Enugu is a gateway state to the north, with sporadic border encroachment especially at the Isi-Uzo and Uzo Uwani LGAs axis.
One of the crucial aspects of the proposed policy is the regulation and control of meat production. It would provide a well-organized process for the production and distribution of meat, ensuring high hygiene standards and quality assurance. Thus, reducing the current rampart incidents of zoonotic human diseases. In the words of one of the founding fathers of America — Benjamin Franklin: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” By centralizing the meat production process, the government can implement stringent regulations, ensuring that only healthy and safe meat reaches the market. Consequently, this not only guarantees the well-being of consumers but also protects local farmers from unregulated competition.
Moreso, the clashes between herders and farmers have been a significant cause of tension and unrest within communities across the state, leading to avoidable loss of lives and property. Through the establishment of ranching and abattoirs, Governor Mbah seek to address this contentious issue. By confining cattle to designated areas, the risk of accidental trespass and subsequent conflicts with farmers will be mitigated. “Peace can only last where human rights are respected, where people are fed, and where individuals and nations are free” so said Dalai Lama
This measure seeks to foster mutual understanding, promote peaceful coexistence, and lay the foundations for a more harmonious society.
If implemented in its ideal sense, Gov. Mbah’s proposal is a wise step towards ensuring the security and prosperity of Enugu State. By implementing this policy, the government empowers itself to control the activities of Fulani nomads and cattle herders, while simultaneously protecting the lives and property of its citizens. Moreover, if well executed according to plans, the Ranch would be a vital source of revenue for the state, as not only will the breeders and rearers pay tax tariff for the services they enjoy, but it would be a tourism attraction as well.
So, as we embrace this prudent policy, we can move forward together, creating a more secure, prosperous, and harmonious Enugu State.
In the words of John F. Kennedy, “The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” Perhaps there is need to give Governor Mbah the benefit of doubt, and accord the proposal chance, as a proactive measure to ensure the safeguarding of lives, the effective regulation of meat production, and the fostering of harmony between herders and farmers.
A Nigerian-born London-trained Robotics, Artificial Intelligence and Software Engineer, Chinemelu Ezeh, has hinted about his ongoing effort to leverage the advantages of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in helping to solve the problems in Nigeria’s financial, health, and security sectors, among others,
Ezeh, with a first class Master of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Imperial College, London, and Doctor of Philosophy in Assistive Robotics from the university College, London, said during a media briefing in Abuja that AI could do human activities better.
Ezeh said with the deployment of AI, deficiencies in financial services could be addressed, adding that it could also be deployed in bolstering security and health sectors of the nation’s economy.
He said that the use of drones and other AI components at tracking subjects and objects in securing the nation’s borders and other critical national assets and other areas was a great possibility.
“Nigeria is perfectly suitable for AI. In healthcare, we can have one doctor to 5000 patients. One doctor can serve a lot of people using AI,” Ezeh stated, adding that “AI is going to change the nature of competition around the world.”
He said that AI already existed in Nigeria and was growing at an exponential rate. He explained that it required those who were good in Mathematics.
Ezeh said that “in AI, you do not need a lot of infrastructure…a lot of data gathering” with the potential for creative disruptions.
He said that in addition to drive down costs, AI would force people to justify the values they were bringing to their jobs.
He, however, expressed fears of probable human interference in the deployment of AI especially in the financial accountability, stressing people-centric problem in Nigeria.
He said that Technology was a tool to be used by people, stressing, “We need good leadership and champions for AI to work. We should hold people accountable for what they do. Leadership matters. AI’s workability in the financial sector will depend on leadership commitment.”
Ezeh disclosed that the group he leads was looking for collaborations on the AI initiative, pointing out that “I am in talks with some schools like the Nile University. I have people who already have the blueprint for education. I am going to have discussions with more universities.”
Ezeh, who was until May 2023 Senior Software Engineer and Team Lead, Motion Planning at Oxbotica, Oxford, Uk, was responsibile for a tam of ten people to develop motion planning solutions for autonomous motion of any mobile vehicle with a focus on optimising for low latency and low computing resource use.
He had, among others, contributed to a series C funding of $140m as a result of deploying several features such as overtaking cyclists and emergency braking by setting execution priorities, coaching team, removing rod blocks, and keeping stakeholders
About 60 members of the House of Representatives are currently seeking amendments to the 1999 Constitution to transition from the current presidential system to the parliamentary system of government.
Led by a lawmaker representing Lagos State under the All Progressives Congress, Wale Raji, the lawmakers identified the need for reducing the cost of government, and robust policy debates among others as some of the reasons for demanding a return to the parliamentary system.
Titled, ‘The Bills proposing constitutional alterations for a transition to parliamentary system of government,’ the bill was sponsored by the House Minority Leader, Kingsley Chinda, and 59 others and read for the first time on the floor of the House during Wednesday’s plenary session in Abuja.
The lawmakers – drawn from different party affiliations, anchored their positions on the need to adopt a parliamentary system at the Federal, State and Local Government levels.
Addressing a press conference at the National Assembly Complex on Wednesday, the spokesman for the sponsors and member representing Kebbe/Tambuwal Constituency, Sokoto State, Abdulssamad Dasuki said that when passed, it would significantly impact the national political landscape.
He said, “Our founders in their wisdom and in a political atmosphere devoid of compulsion, and having considered the interests of their native peoples and their desire to live together in a country where truth and justice reign, where no man is oppressed, and where all citizens live in peace and plenty, adopted the parliamentary system of government.
“That was the governance system of the First Republic, a period when legislative and executive powers were exercised by the representatives of the people in parliament and in the executive, and by the nature of the system, these representatives were accountable to the people.
“For six years while it was in operation, the system worked for the country.”
He added, “The collapse of the First Republic and the long stretch of military rule culminated in the adoption of a new system of government, theoretically fashioned after the presidential system of the United States but in practice, imbibed the uttermost attributes of military rule.
“No wonder the Nigerian President appears to be one of the most powerful presidents in the world.
“Over the years, the imperfections of the presidential system of government have become glaring to all, despite several alterations to the constitution to address the shortcomings of a system that has denied the nation the opportunity of attaining its full potential.
“Among these imperfections are the high cost of governance, leaving fewer resources for crucial areas like infrastructure, education, and healthcare, and consequently hindering the nation’s development progress, and the excessive powers vested in the members of executive, who are appointees and not directly accountable to the people.
“The bills presented today (Wednesday) seek a return to the system of government adopted by our founders, which made governance accountable, responsible and responsive, and ultimately less expensive.”
Following the presentation of the bills, the lawmakers said they intend to “ignite, provoke a national conversation about the future of the Nigerian governance system, ensure robust public debates, stakeholder consultations, expert analyses, and a thorough and informed decision-making process and raise awareness about this significant development and encourage constructive dialogue on the potential implications of these proposed constitutional alterations.”
While noting that the future of Nigeria’s governance rests on informed public engagement and responsive and responsible leadership, the sponsors of the bill noted that under the parliamentary system, the President will be replaced with a Prime Minister to serve as the Head of Government and establishing the office of the President as a ceremonial leader, stressing that “these elective offices are to be chosen from the elected members of the legislature.”
Legislative elections
Dasuki added that under legislative election, there would be a shift “in the process of electing governors and Chairmen of Local Governments from general election to voting within their respective legislative bodies.”
Streamlined administration
The parliamentary system, according to Dasuki, will potentially reduce “bureaucratic hurdles and foster closer collaboration between the executive and legislative branches.
“Our conviction is that a streamlined executive branch, which replaces the President and Vice President with a Prime Minister and Cabinet chosen from the legislature, could lead to a smaller central government, reducing salaries and administrative expenses.
“We also hold strongly that shifting the election of Governors and Local Government Chairmen from general election to votes within their respective legislative bodies could save billions spent on state and nationwide campaigns.
“Because ministers, commissioners (at the state level) and supervisors (at the local government level) emerge from parliament, there is greater coordination between the executive and the legislature, just as there will be increased legislative scrutiny, which would make cabinet members responsive to the yearnings of the people and more accountable.”
Conclusively, the lawmakers said as proponents of the constitutional alteration, they place national interest above any other consideration.
“Our hope is that the national conversation that would be ignited by these bills would lead to a system of government that works and our dear nation would attain her full potential,” they stated.
Leader of the sponsors of the bill and the lawmaker representing Epe Federal Constituency, Lagos State, Wale Raji, said though the road to the actualisation of the bid is a fairly long one, he noted that they hope to achieve their dream at a date not later than 2031.
BVI Channel 1 was reliably informed that the legal action instituted by the Elders of Indigenous people of Biafra will soon commence in Appeal Court, Enugu. In a letter dated 13th February,2024 addressed to Deputy Chief Registrar ,Court of Appeal ,Enugu Division, the Customary Government of Biafra(Appellant) through Mekadolf Chambers notified the court of her readiness to continue with the appeal against Federal Republic of Nigeria and Attorney General of the Federation ( Respondents) ,Gowon and others on a case pertaining unresolved issues between Biafra and Nigeria
Federal high court in Enugu had sometimes in 2020 dismissed the suit no FHC/EN/CS/103/2019. The decision of the Honorable Judge in federal High Court was later appealed by The Customary Government of Biafra through Mekadolf Chambers in Appeal no CA/E/96/2020.
