2027: PDP GOVERNORS TURN AGAINST ATIKU
Dons Eze
- October 21, 2024
CONFUSION AS DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS DENIES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF
CONFUSION AS DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS DENIES APPOINTMENT OF ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF The Defence Head Quarters (DHQ) has announced that there is no appointment as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS) exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria. This is as the DHQ clarified that Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, remains the Chief of Policy and Plans, and has not been appointed as the acting Chief of Army Staff. The DHQ, in a statement on Monday by the Director Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, said Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, remains the COAS, and Ibrahim provides routine briefs to the COAS as per standard operating procedure. The DHQ added that Lagbaja is on leave and would resume immediately after his leave. “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) wishes to clarify that it has not announced the appointment of any senior officer as the acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), contrary to speculation by certain media outlets. For the record, no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN). “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave. The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitutionof the FGN. Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS as per SOP. “The DHQ urges individuals spreading unfounded rumours to desist from doing so immediately. The COAS is hail and hearty and will soon resume normal duties at the end of his leave. “Media organizations are advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing fake news to the public. The CDS had only spoken with the COAS a few minutes ago,” the statement reads. No Coup, Military Pledges Allegiance To President Tinubu The DHQ also rubbished calls for a military coup to take over power from President Bola Tinubu. Gusau stressed the loyalty of the Nigerian Military to President Tinubu and appreciated him for his support to the Armed Forces of Nigeria. “Additionally, those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should be aware that such actions are treasonable under the Constitution. “The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The military remains focused on achieving its statutory responsibilities of protecting the nation’s integrity. “The relative peace being enjoyed today is a direct result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of the AFN leadership. “To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country. The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” the DHQ statement added.
AT 90, WHEN WILL YAKUBU GOWON DO A MEA CULPA? BY DONS EZE
AT 90, WHEN WILL YAKUBU GOWON DO A MEA CULPA?, BY DONS EZE God has blessed(?) General Yakubu Gowon, Nigeria’s Military Head of State, from 1966 to 1975, to attain an enviable age of 90 years on this planet earth. We rejoice and congratulate him, and wish him many more years ahead. We however note that the attainment of such long life of 90 years should have been an excellent opportunity for one to have looked back at his journey in life, see what he did that was right, and where he had made some mistakes. He will then sincerely atone for those mistakes, or do a mea culpa, and ask God, and those he had injured one way or the other, for forgiveness, as a way of preparing himself for journey to the hereafter. But Yakubu Gowon, who presided over the affairs of Nigeria during her darkest period in history, when the country was plunged into a devastating civil war which claimed millions of lives, rather than become remorseful or sorry for the ignoble role he played, chose to tell lies, and to turn history upside down about what led to the civil war. In a recent newspaper interview to mark his 90th birthday, Gowon said that the Nigerian civil war was caused by the desire of the South East to secede. According to him, “I have always said that if there’s no secession, there wouldn’t be a break out and there wouldn’t be a question of civil war because it got to the stage that the situation was getting pretty clear that a part of the country, the South-east wanted to secede.” But Gowon did not tell us why the South East had wanted to secedeHe also did not say anything about the senseless killing of Easterners in different parts of the country, particularly in the North, which precipitated the desire to secede, and how he, as head of state, had turned blind eye on all these. Gowon said he did not go to Aburi, Ghana, in January 1967,:where solution to the crisis would have been found, with “my Secretary to the Government and officials like advisers”, while”Ojukwu had a different intention, So, he came with all his advisers, and prepared a memorandum”. This shows the naivety and unseriousnes of Yakubu Gowon in handling the affairs of the country. He thought he was going to Aburi on a picnic, jamboree, or sightseeing. That was why he travelled there without any of his advisers, nor prepared any memorandum. Gowon also revealed another of his naivety and unseriousnes. He claimed that it was from Ojukwu’s “paper that he was reading all the conditions, things he wanted done. We discussed them. We had two days there. “The agreement was that when we got back, I would be the one to make a statement on the areas we agreed on. “Unfortunately, I was down with a very serious fever; and honestly, I could not do anything. “As soon as Ojukwu got back, he made a statement on what was agreed. I had not seen the document he was using. He made a statement that we had agreed to part or something like that. That was how the confusion started. Of course, when I got better, we disagreed because that was not the agreement.” The Aburi meeting was the first time all the Nigerian military leaders were to meet since after July 29, 1966, when former Head of State, General Aguiyi Ironsi, was assassinated, followed by mass killing of Easterners, both military and civilians, in different parts of the country by Northern Nigeria soldiers, under the supervision of Yakubu Gowon as new Head of State. So, any serious leader, genuinely interested in finding solution to the…
TINUBU’S CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER REMOVED BY DSS
TINUBU’S CHIEF SECURITY OFFICER REMOVED BY DSS The Department of State Service, DSS, has removed Adegboyega Fasasi as Chief Security Officer, CSO, to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The development comes as Fasasi was replaced with Rasheed Atanda Lawal, a Deputy Director, the Nation reports. Although details on why Fasasi was removed remained sketchy as of filing the report on Sunday evening. Meanwhile, sources familiar with the development said the Director-General of DSS, Tosin Ajayi, had requested President Tinubu to approve the release of Fasasi from serving as CSO so he could proceed on a strategic training course. “The angle I want us to look at it from is the fact that such exercise as this ‘change of guards’ usually happens when the DSS gets a new DG. You know they deal strictly with intelligence and operate in secrecy; the new DG will always prefer to have his trusted men on critical beats, the Presidency and the office of the CSO to the President being number one on that list,” the source told the Nation. Meanwhile, the Presidency has yet to react to the development.
BLACK SUNDAY IN ANAMBRA AS GUNMEN KILL 16 PEOPLE
BLACK SUNDAY IN ANAMBRA AS GUNMEN KILL 16 PEOPLE Tragedy struck Nibo, a community in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Sunday as not less than 16 persons, mostly youths, were reportedly killed by gunmen. Unconfirmed reports said the incident is as a result of cult clash in the community. Our correspondent reported of seeing a video circulating online displaying gory images of persons lying dead on the ground. A Facebook user who posted about the incident wrote: “Please avoid Nibo today. Many feared dead already. They said it’s cult clash. Our youths are dying in their numbers.” Another Facebook user identified as Ifeyinwa Okeke, who also commented on the incident, said the emergency ward at the state university’s teaching hospital was filled with victims. She wrote: “Our emergency ward at Amaku Teaching Hospital, Awka is filled with victims from there. It was terrible.” Government authorities in the state are yet to comment on the incident as at the time of filing this report.
NIGERIAN ARMY APPOINTS ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, SAYS LAGBAJA IS ‘ON LEAVE’
NIGERIAN ARMY APPOINTS ACTING CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF, SAYS LAGBAJA IS ‘ON LEAVE’ The Nigerian Army has declared that the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is on leave. The development follows reports that the COAS is currently incapacitated due to ill health. Disclosing this development, the Army spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, said there is a laid down process that ensures no vacuum in the leadership structure. Nwachukwu said the Army Chief of Policy and Plans, Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, would act on behalf of the COAS during his absence. In a statement he signed, Nwachukwu said the COAS’ leave won’t affect the Army’s operations. According to Nwachukwu: “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth. “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. “Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away. “Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.”
NIGERIA MUST AVOID BECOMING ONE-PARTY STATE – MAKINDE
NIGERIA MUST AVOID BECOMING ONE-PARTY STATE – MAKINDE Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged Nigerians to ensure the country does not slip into a one-party system as the 2027 general elections approach. Addressing rumours about a potential presidential run, Makinde dismissed the speculation, stating that he would personally announce his intentions if he decided to contest. Speaking to correspondents at the Fashola Agribusiness Hub in Oyo, Makinde stressed that his performance in office was not motivated by personal ambition. “We didn’t achieve these things because someone has a presidential ambition. I am old enough to make my own decisions, and if I want to do something, I will say it. No one can push their agenda onto me,” he stated. The governor highlighted the importance of maintaining Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, warning against the dangers of a dominant party monopolising power. Reflecting on his own rise to power, Makinde pointed out that the people of Oyo elected him in 2019 without the backing of any political godfathers.
APC WILL CAPTURE ALL SOUTH WEST STATES, BUT I WON’T REVEAL OUR SECRET – GANDUJE
APC WILL CAPTURE ALL SOUTH WEST STATES, BUT I WON’T REVEAL OUR SECRET – GANDUJE The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, has expressed the party’s determination to secure all Southwest states, starting with the November 16 governorship election in Ondo State. Ganduje made this statement during a stakeholders’ meeting in Akure, Ondo’s capital, where he outlined the APC’s strategy for future elections in the region. The Southwest consists of six states: Lagos, Oyo, Ondo, Osun, Ogun, and Ekiti. Currently, the APC governs all except Osun and Oyo, which are controlled by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). While the APC holds power in Ondo, it faces a tough battle against the PDP in the upcoming election. But the APC hopes that a decisive victory in Ondo will set the stage for capturing all Southwest states, solidifying its dominance ahead of the 2027 general elections. SPONSOR ADAddressing the gathering, Ganduje emphasised the importance of uniting APC members across the Southwest to ensure electoral success. He stated that the party’s strategy for winning Oyo and Osun would remain confidential, but insisted that the entire region must rally behind President Bola Tinubu. “In this geopolitical zone, we must deliver 100% in favour of the APC. Ondo must lead the way, and we will capture Oyo and Osun,” Ganduje said. He expressed confidence in Ondo Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s chances of re-election, announcing that Lagos Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu would lead the party’s National Campaign Council for the Ondo election. “We are expecting 90% of the votes in this election. Visit every house and ensure people come out to vote,” Ganduje urged. He also encouraged party aspirants who lost in the APC primary to unite behind Aiyedatiwa, reminding them that “there is no victor, no vanquished.” Governor Sanwo-Olu echoed Ganduje’s message of unity, stressing that the APC could not afford to lose Ondo to opposition parties. He urged party members to set aside their differences for the sake of the party’s success. Also speaking, Ekiti state Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji described the upcoming Ondo State governorship election as a pivotal moment for the Southwest region. He urged the people to unite in delivering victory for the APC, stressing that they must preserve the legacy of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu by ensuring the party retains the governorship. Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele highlighted the significance of the stakeholders’ meeting, stating that it came at a crucial time when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu needed stronger support from the Southwest. Several aspirants from the April 25 APC primary, including Chief Olusola Oke, Wale Akinterinwa, and Oladunni Odu, expressed their commitment to the party. They assured that past disputes were behind them and promised to mobilise support for Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa in their respective local government areas, with the goal of securing 90% of the votes for the APC.
- Foreign Affairs
- October 20, 2024
- 63 views
UK DEPORTS 44 NIGERIAN/GHANIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS
UK DEPORTS 44 NIGERIAN/GHANIAN ASYLUM SEEKERS The United Kingdom has deported 44 Nigerian and Ghanaian asylum seekers, marking the highest number of deportations in a single flight to date, according to a report by the UK Guardian. This deportation comes just 48 hours after UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer signed a controversial deal to deport migrants arriving on small boats to the Chagos Islands, relocating them to St Helena, a British territory more than 5,000 miles away in the Atlantic Ocean. The UK Home Office confirmed on Friday that the deportations are part of a “major surge” in immigration enforcement and returns. Since Starmer took office in July, a total of 3,600 persons have been deported to various countries, including 200 to Brazil and 46 to Vietnam and Timor-Leste. Regular deportation flights also target Albania, Lithuania, and Romania. However, deportations to Nigeria and Ghana have been relatively rare, with only four recorded since 2020. The most recent deportation to Nigeria took place in June, involving 13 Nigerians flown to Lagos. One of the Nigerian deportees from the latest flight stated he was a victim of human trafficking, but his claim was rejected by the Home Office. “I told the Home Office I was a victim of trafficking. They rejected my claim,” he said. Another deportee, who had lived in the UK for 15 years as an asylum seeker with no criminal record, also had his application denied. In August, Nigeria reportedly signed a deportation agreement with the UK, allowing the return of illegal immigrants. This came after the UK’s asylum deal with Rwanda faced significant setbacks.
LAGBAJA, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF NOT DEAD – ARMY SPOKESPERSON
LAGBAJA, ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF, NOT DEAD – ARMY SPOKESPERSON The Nigerian Army has debunked the rumour flying around on the purported death of General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff. The rumour, which has since gone viral, started after a tweet from Jackson Ude, former presidential aide and social media commentator. “CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF DIES OF CANCER The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has died. Lagbaja died in an undisclosed hospital overseas nearly 48hrs ago from a stage three Cancer, according to a senior Government official. The death of the Chief of Army staff has been kept secret because of intense lobbying by some Generals who want to take the position. Lagbaja, born on February 28, 1968, in Ilobu, Osun State, was appointed by President Bola Tinubu in June 2023, as the 27th Chief of Army Staff,” Ude had tweeted at exactly 12:49pm. But the Nigerian Army, which has consistently denied reports on the alleged ailment of the General, stamped Ude’s tweet with FAKE NEWS on X. On Saturday, Onyema Nwachukwu, Army spokesman, dismissed media reports suggesting that there is leadership vacuum following the absence of Lagbaja, saying he is on official leave, and necessary protocols had been put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Ibrahim, to act on his behalf during his absence. Nwachukwu, a major general, emphasised that Lagbaja’s absence is not affecting the operations of the service. “There have even been insinuations that there is a leadership vacuum, with officers confused about what to do. Nothing could be further from the truth.” “To be very clear, the Nigerian Army is a highly structured establishment with well-laid-out procedures and processes for dealing with different circumstances. Before proceeding on leave, necessary protocols were put in place for the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim, to act on behalf of the COAS while he was away. “This is not peculiar to the NA, as there have been instances where unforeseen human frailty kept service chiefs away for about three months, and their Chiefs of Policy and Plans held sway in their absence. Claims of a leadership vacuum in the NA at present are therefore mere speculation, as all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course.” The army spokesman said all routine and scheduled activities of the service are on course, adding that the appropriate departmental chiefs are fully carrying out their responsibilities in line with the COAS directives.