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Opinion: Sheik Gumi And His Ministry Of Bandits

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Onoshe Nwabuikwu

Call it ministry of bandits, ministry for bandits or ministry of banditry affairs, it doesn’t make that much difference to me. Impunity appears to be the order of the day and it’s no longer news that Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been working really hard to advance the Fulani herdsmen’s cause (whatever that means). But Gumi’s advocacy means he’s been fighting tooth and nail for kidnappers and bandits, terrorists they all are. Still, in spite of Gumi’s status as ambassador to bandits, his increasingly bold ‘say-it-and-be-damned’ attitude raises eyebrows and calls for answers. I have questions and I’m sure many other Nigerians would like to have certain questions answered.

We have to ask: Who does Gumi speak for? Has the dreaded DSS (The Department of State Services (DSS) heard any of Gumi’s ‘sermons’? Apparently, the DSS has had cause to interview Gumi in the past but was this just to fulfil all righteousness or there was an actual plan to stop him from causing more national division? Ordinarily, I wouldn’t be calling on the DSS but the agency has been so reduced (or managed to reduce itself) that the DSS may soon start getting called in to resolve husband and wife quarrels. I guess the foregoing questions all lead us to ask: Is Gumi above the law, free to roam and go wherever he wants, mix with bandits and terrorists, say whatever he wants to say not caring whose ox is gored in the process? In other words, is Gumi a sacred cow (no pun intended)? Now, whether the answer to these last questions is yes or no, it’s obvious that Nigeria has a Sheikh Gumi problem. Yes, Nigeria may have 99 problems and Gumi may as well make it 100… But what are we going to do about it?

Forgive me if my introduction has left you scratching your head as to exactly what I’m on about. Sometime last week, news headlines had it that Sheikh Gumi was asking for the establishment of a ministry for herdsmen or a ministry for nomadic affairs. I’m not sure if he made a distinction between Fulani herdsmen, other Nigerian herdsmen and/or the so-called foreign herdsmen who’re the ready scapegoats blamed for the killings. Remember when Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the information minister blamed herdsmen from Mauritius or was it Malaysia for the killings across farms in the nation. Anyway, since it’s Gumi we are talking about, let’s go with Fulani herdsmen.

I wasn’t immediately shocked by Gumi’s latest campaign. He has since become the mouthpiece for the terrorists termed bandits. In that role, Gumi has sought to make the rest of us see these kidnappers, murderers and terrorists as victims, that we are somehow the cause of their foray into criminality. So, I didn’t miss a beat seeing the headlines about Gumi’s latest wisdom. In fact, I go out of my way to avoid reacting to Gumi. Until I saw a clip of him on Maiyegun Politico (on Youtube), watched him with my own eyes and heard him with my own ears, rationalizing his call for a special ministry to cater to bandits. He was on a programme on Arise TV. I would’ve loved to give you a transcription of what he said but a summary will suffice. Although Gumi asked people not to generalize all Fulani herdsmen as bandits, he didn’t really make any distinctions himself.

To paraphrase Gumi: Herdsmen need protection. Compared to IPOB which kills security agents and burns INEC offices, bandits are harmless and not as dangerous. That bandits only kidnap school children for money, and they don’t harm the children. Can someone ask Gumi where Leah Sharibu is? Gumi then asked for people to be fair because it was wrong to compare IPOB to bandits. It was at this stage of his ‘sermon’ that he asked for provision to be made to rehabilitate the herdsmen. At this rate, the best thing for everyone would be to create a separate country for Fulani herdsmen. Anyway, if you live long enough especially in Nigeria there’s nothing one wouldn’t hear or see. Especially in these times which can be called Talibanic Times. Or as Isuikwuato people say: ‘Odu ihe madu odu a hu.’ In Pidgin English-‘nothing wey person no go see,’ or the politically-incorrect “nothing Musa no go see for gate.”

To be fair to Gumi, he has been pretty consistent. A cursory desktop search into him brings up headlines like these: “Sheikh Gumi Makes Case for Fulani Herdsmen,” Sheikh Gumi Wants Federal Govt. To Dialogue With Bandits,” Sheikh Asks FG To Give Bandits Blanket Amnesty,” “Bandits Were Pushed Into Crime,” “Bandits will remain until Buhari grants them amnesty like…,” “Allow bandits to guard our forests for peace to reign…,” “Don’t Use Military Force On Bandits —Sheikh Gumi.”

By the way, Gumi is not your average illiterate religious leader. As he boasted of himself: “I am a qualified Medical Doctor…I was a commissioned military officer… I am an intellectual with a Ph.D. from Abroad. I am an Islamic scholar…” Can we also call him the Grand Commander Of Bandits?

By sheer coincidence, Retired Commodore Kunle Olawunmi’s ‘Sunrise’ interview on Channels TV was what played immediately after Maiyegun Politico. I hadn’t watched it but only saw the brouhaha that ensued-how the National Broadcasting Commission, NBC invited two of the show’s hosts Chamberlain Usoh and colleague, even Commodore Olawunmi himself was called in for some sort of interview.

I found the import of Commodore Olawunmi’s interview chilling. The fact that he wasn’t trying to be sensational but just spoke quite matter of factly: “You remember this Boko Haram issues started since 2012 and I was in the military intelligence then. We arrested those people. It was my organization that actually conducted interrogation and interview. And they mentioned names. I can’t come on air and start mentioning names of people that are presently in this government that I know…The boys that were arrested mentioned some names. Some of them are governors, some of them are in the Senate. Some of them are in Aso Rock…the defence headquarters cannot conduct any operation that is not sanctioned by the President, no matter how little it is…They have the information.”

Still, “the Defense Headquarters has the solution. I am not going to come here to advise them. It has to do with politics. The sponsors, people that feel that this country should be Islamised…The end game for them is to turn the country like a Taliban type of country. It’s a mindset and anything goes. In other words, 10 percent, 20 percent casualties is allowed in trying to Islamise this country.”

Does this begin to explain Gumi’s actions and his seeming untouchability? How does he fit in? As I said Comm. Olawunmi’s interview was chilling. If the federal government wants to dispel any of his allegations, now would be a good time to call Sheikh ‘PhD from abroad’ Gumi to order.

SCOA Boss Lauds Unity Bank For Facilitating Supply of N15.5b Worth of Trucks, Equipment to Julius Berger 

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By Fola James

The Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of SCOA Nigeria Plc, Dr. Massad Boulos has commended Unity Bank Plc and other banks for facilitating a credit facility of N15.5 billion for the importation and supply of 33 MAN Platform Trucks and equipment to construction giant, Julius Berger Plc.  e

The equipment is to be deployed for the construction of the 380 kilometer Abuja-Kaduna-Kano roads.

“I commend Unity Bank, their MD and the members of the Executive Management; and the entire team of banks who have worked closely with us on this project,” he said.

Unity Bank advanced the largest sum of N4.24 billion for SCOA Equipment, which is a portion of the N17 billion total line of credit that the Bank extended to both SCOA Motors and SCOA Equipment.

The other seven Banks – Heritage, Zenith, Providus, Wema, UBA, Union and Coronation Merchant Banks – pulled the total sum to facilitate the equipment supply deal to be deployed for the construction of roads across the country.

Of the 33 trucks that the total sum covered, 16 trucks were delivered during the first phase and handed over to Julius Berger. The second phase, which will see to the delivery of the remaining 17 trucks will be executed next month.

Commenting during the official handover ceremony of the equipment to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, the Managing Director/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs. Tomi Somefun stated that the involvement of Unity Bank in the project financing deal was in line with the Bank’s strategic business objective to redistribute resources and channel funds to critical sectors of the economy.

“We looked at the strategic importance of this project and how such infrastructure could contribute to stimulating economic activity and decided that Unity Bank must play its part. Unity Bank will continue to provide support to such projects as we have been doing in other critical sectors of the economy such as agriculture,” said Somefun who was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Wale Ogunride, Directorate Head, Lagos and South West Zone, Unity Bank Plc.

Speaking further, Boulos stated at the handing over event that the partnership with Unity Bank and the other banks “is like no other considering the parties involved especially SCOA Nigeria and Julius Berger”.

FFK Insulted Me – Gov. Umahi; Gives Him Ultimatum; Ojodu, Sad Over His Defection To APC

By
Akinwale Kasali
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By Akinwale Kasali

Like claps of thunder, angry reactions have continued to follow the defection, to the All Progressives Cogress, APC, from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP  by former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode. Even from within the APC, there is, at best, subdued anger over his becoming one of them.

On defection on Thursday, FFK had claimed to be instrumental to the defection of three PDP Governors to the APC. He named them as Dave Umahi,  Ebonyi, Ben Ayade, Cross River, and Bello Matawalle, Zamfara.

He also claimed to be in consultation with three other Governors to defect. They are Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Enugu, Seyi Makinde, Oyo and Mohammed Bala, Bauchi.

But an angry Governor Umahi stopped short of calling Fani-Kayode a blatant liar for claiming he was instrumental to his (Umahi’s) defection to the APC. He declared the claim an insult, and asked him to withdraw the embarrassing statement.

Speaking on a Channels Television Interview program, Umahi said: “For someone to come and say that a whole Chairman of the South-east Governors Forum, that he was instrumental to my movement from PDP to APC  is an insult on my person, and with all due respect, he has to withdraw that statement.

“He remains my friend, and a good one for that matter, but he played no role in my movement, and I’m sure he didn’t play any role in the movement of the rest of us.”

In another development, Presidential Aide, Babafemi Ojodu, described the day Fani-Kayode was allowed to defect to the APC as “My saddest day in politics”

No Mercy For Bandits, Ndume Says

By
Bayo Bernard
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0

By James Orji

Senator Ali Ndume has never supported the idea of treating criminals operating in Nigeria’s North east and North west, such as Boko Haram and bandits with kid gloves. The Senator representing Borno South in the National Assembly has again thrown his weight behind Nigerians who insist that the only way to end criminality in the country is to totally route them.

The lawmaker who was once accused of sponsoring Boko Haram in his state, Borno and later declared innocent by the court has, again upped the ante by joining those that believe that the criminals should not be treated with mercy, rather they should be sent to God for judgment,in the words of Femi Adesina, President Muhammadu Buhari’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity.

“In their scores, scores upon scores, they are being spoken to in the language they understand, and sent to God to answer for their sins. One has never been prouder of our military”, Adesina said recently.

While endorsing the ongoing onslaught against bandits, including, Ndume who is also the Chairman, Senate Committee on the Army said it is good that the armed forces have now taken the war to the criminals.

The senator had also ruffled feathers after he opposed the plan by the federal government to grant amnesty to over 5000 boko haram members and their families who surrendered to the military in Borno state. The returning insurgents must be tried for their crime, he said contrary to the position of the governor of his state, Prof. Babagana Mungonu.

The armed forces have recorded solid gains in the war against the bandits who are killing and kidnapping people in Zamfara and Katsina states, by pushing the criminal underground, including the neutralization of key bandit leaders. As a result of the success, Governor Bello Matawalle recently claimed that the bandits are up for a dialogue with the government, but said they have been rebuffed.

The senator said what the military has done so far is in line with their rule of engagement, in his response to media reports that the rights of the criminals were being abused.

For instance, controversial Islamic cleric, Dr Ahmed Gumi recently berated the intensification of the war against the bandits, claiming that innocent women and children of the bandits are the ones being killed by soldiers.

Senator Ndume however stated that the bandits are getting what they deserved for taking up arms against the country and killing and kidnapping people for ransom. He said the bandits have inflicted so much pains on the country for them to deserve being treated with kid gloves.

According to him “After hearing this kind of thing, I beg you, the press, to be objective in your reporting. We are facing serious problem of banditry and kidnapping, and it affects all of us.

“When the army stands up to the occasion and start taking the fight to the bandits and achieving results, the next thing you would start talking about is human rights, mass killings and all that.

“What of the rights of the people that were killed, the women raped and the ambush to kill our soldiers?”

Fani-Kayode Is A Liar- Umahi

By
Bayo Bernard
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0
President Buhari and Fani Kayode

By James Orji

The last has not been heard of the jaw-dropping defection of Femi Fani-Kayode to the APC, as Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi state has described him a liar for claiming that he was instrumental to the governor’s defection to the ruling party.

Umahi had left the PDP, last year to join the APC citing the need to support President Muhammadu Buhari to galvanized unity on the country. He also cited inequality in PDP as one of the reasons for his defection, noting that the party had not treated the south East zone well, when it comes to the Presidency. Umahi is rumoured to be interested in the nation’s number one seat.

Fani-Kayode Kayode, on his part also joined the APC on Wednesday after he was presented to the president in Aso Rock by APC Interim Chairman, Governor Mai Mala Buni and the Governor of Zamfara state, Bello Matawalle. The former minister of Aviation had earlier boasted that he would prefer to die than join APC.Dave Umahi

But after meeting the president yesterday, Fani-Kayode boasted that he was instrumental to the defection of three PDP Governors to the APC.

The former PDP Governors who are now with the ruling party are Umahi, Ben Ayade of Cross Rivers state and Governor Matawalle.

Speaking on the issue on Channels Television, Governor Umahi denied being influenced by the former minister to dump PDP.

Rebutting the former minister Umahi said: “I think he needs to withdraw that statement, he’s my good friend but it was an insult to my person and the other governors,” he said.

“The man did not know when I moved but he incidentally visited me and he said he’s coming to join me with the other governors to declare. How would someone in the PDP be instrumental in my moving. A whole governor of a state, not even a small governor, an experienced one.

 

“He has to withdraw his statement. He was never part of any discussion of my movement. I moved south-east to the centre of administration. I moved to close the gap between the centre and south-east, which our forefathers like Nnamdi Azikwe fought for.

“For somebody to say that he’s instrumental to the movement of a whole chairman of south-east governors forum is a bit of an insult to my person. And with all due respect, he has to withdraw that statement.

“He remains my friend, a good one for that matter but he played no role in my movement and I’m sure he played no role in the movement of the rest of the governors.”

Meanwhile, many  Nigerians are still in shock over Fani-Kayode’s defection to APC, the party he had verified so much in the past.

Breaking: Court Awards N20billion in Damages To Igboho

By
Uche Mbah
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0

By Uche Mbah

In a landmark ruling, an Oyo  State High Court, sitting in Ibadan, Friday, ordered the Federal Government of Nigeria to pay damages to Sunday Adeyemo, also known as Igboho, to the tune of N20billion being specific and general damages sustained by the invasion of his home by Security Agents.

Recall that security agents invaded Igboho’s home in Ibadan in search of weapons at an uncivilised hour, killing two people  and arresting a number of his associates. vicinity.

Igboho’s attempt to flee the country was stopped at the Republic of Benin, where he is being held and tried allegedly at the behest of the Nigerian government.

His Lawyer had gone to court to challenge the right of the Department of State Securities to invade his residence.

Details, later.

Imo: Sigh Of Relief As Fuel Becomes Available

By
The Source
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0

After weeks of anguish, Residents of Imo State are full of appreciation for the peaceful resolution of the recent face off between the Government and Petroleum Marketers which has led to the return of fuel price at N165 per litre across the state.

Following the face off, oil marketers, particularly tanker drivers, embarked on strike that lasted for about one week,  a situation that left residents buying a litre of fuel at N300 or more in the black market across the State.

During the strike, the tanker drivers vehemently refused to lift petroleum products to Imo State while the dealers were warned by their Union not to open their Filling Stations for businesses.

On Wednesday, September 15, 2021, Governor Uzodimma met with the leadership of the Petroleum Marketers and appealed to them to call off the action and start normal operations.

The Governor had proceeded to set up a  15-man committee, seven from the side of the Government and eight from the Union of Petroleum Marketers to resolve the issues at stake once and for all.

Secretary to the Imo State Government, Chief Cosmas Iwu led the team from the government while Chief Billy Harry G. led the team from the petroleum marketers.

After delibrating on the matters before them, both parties agreed that the strike should be called off, tanker drivers resume lifting of products immediately  while the official cost of fuel  which is N165 per litre be restored.

Before the close of business on Wednesday most of the Filling Stations in the State had started to receive supply while their metres re-adjusted  to the normal N165 per litre.

On Thursday, all Filling Stations within Owerri capital territory and beyond were flung open to customers as the temporary queue that dotted them few days ago had disappeared.

“Congratulations to the Government of Imo State. Fuel is back to N165 per litre.  I bought in Ogorpalm Filling Station, Afor Oru Mbaise 10 mins ago. It is a big relief,” a resident who identified herself simply as Thompson wrote on Thursday from Mbaise.

Also, another resident from Nkwerre in Orlu, Chief Nwosu Ekele thanked Governor Uzodimma for his intervention and pleaded that the peaceful resolution reached be sustained.

“Governor Uzodimma has shown that he will not allow the common man suffer unduly in our State. I must commend him for this timely intervention. Everybody knows that tankers’ drivers are always difficult to deal with. That our Governor intervened and in one meeting alone the matter is resolved, we thank him,” wrote Mrs. Agnes Amadi from Emekeuku.

Give Imo A Sense Of Belonging, Uzodimma Pleads

By
The Source
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0
Hope Uzodimma

Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has passionately requested for the establishment of, at least, one Air Force Secondary School in the State to give it a sense of belonging like other States where such Hi-Tech Institutions exist in the country.

The Governor made the request, according to a statement by his Media Adviser/Chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachuku, when he received in audience senior officers of Air Force Ground Training Command, Enugu, led by the Air Officer Commanding the Institution,  Air Vice Marshal Frank Oparah who were on a courtesy visit to him at Government House Owerri.

The Governor acknowledged the critical role played by the Nigerian Air Force at the peak of insecurity in Nigeria, and Imo State in particular, in stemming the tide of insurgency and banditry in particular.

He pledged the  State’s support to the Air Force and emphasized the need for the Institution’s sufficient presence in Imo State.

He assured that “Imo State is prepared to receive more of your projects”,  pledging that “there is enough land for such establishments as they will assist in the protection of lives and property.”

Governor Uzodimma also called on the Air Force authorities to urgently equip their already existing Medical Centre in Imo State so that both their personnel  and the people of Imo State will have access to such health facility.

He reminded them of  how highly Imo State Government regards the Nigerian security agencies, noting that his Government depends so much on the partnership it has with them for the security of lives and property of her citizenry.

He therefore asked them to always feel free to knock the doors of his administration for assistance as Imo State is already a willing partner in their assignment.

On the reason for the visit, Air Vice Marshal Oparah said they came to  thank Governor Uzodimma for the numerous support and encouragement the Air Force has been receiving from Imo State under his watch since he assumed office.

AVM Oparah commended the zeal of the Governor in stemming the tide of  insurgency and banditry that has bedeviled Imo State in recent time.

He reassured the Governor of the readiness of the Air Force to always come to the assistance of Imo State Government when called upon.

OPINION: This Buhari Has No Boundaries

By
The Source
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0

By Femi Adesina

Many were the prayers and goodwill messages that sped our feet to Owerri, capital of Imo State, the Eastern Heartland, on September 9, 2021.

Why were the people so effusive in prayers?

We were considered as going into unsafe territory, where anything could happen, as President Muhammadu Buhari and his team visited Owerri on a one day working visit.

Rather erroneously, some people have pedestaled the President as not liking the Igbos. Who, President Buhari? They don’t know the man. Not this man I’ve worked with closely and observed for over six years. He hates nobody. And I repeat: nobody.

To make matters worse, a shadowy group had claimed that the President was not welcome in any part of the South-east. I got messages filled with trepidation from home and abroad. Please prevail on the President to cancel the trip. He should apologize to Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, and abort the visit. There could be a bloodbath.

I only laughed it all off. Who would tell a duly and popularly elected President where to go, and where not to go, in his own country? At the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, he had campaigned in Borno State in 2015 and 2019, respectively. A man, who repeatedly tells us that for the 30 months the Nigerian Civil War lasted, he was right there at the front, not even taking one day off. Is that then the person you would scare from visiting any part of the country?

And again, this was a serial Igbo Chief. The Ogbuagu 1 (The Lion Killer) of Aba. The Ochioha 1 (Leader of All) of Igboland, given to him in Ebonyi State in 2017. Also The Enyioma 1 (The Good Friend) of Ebonyi, and Ikeogu 1 (The Great Warrior) of Ndigbo, among others. Is this then the kind of person you frighten from visiting anywhere, particularly Igboland? It doesn’t happen!

So, off to Owerri we went. And we saw. And conquered, with Gov Uzodinma pulling out all the stops to make it a memorable visit. A number of landmark projects were commissioned; roads, drainage, new council chambers, and then, a town hall meeting. All drew a modest number of cheering crowd, people of goodwill. It was more than had been portrayed by scaremongers.

The South-east region had virtually emptied into the Town Hall meeting, in terms of quality leadership. From the five South-East States had come Governors, their representatives, monarchs, retired military generals, academics, leaders of Ohanaeze socio-cultural group, politicians, captains of industry, they were all there. It was a colorful event.

President Buhari was turned out in his chieftaincy regalia, completed with the elephant’s tusk. He simply blended well with his hosts, most of who wore the same color of clothes. A son (or rather, father), had come home.

One thing was significant about the whole visit. Closing of ranks and unanimity by the hosts. Looking through major newspapers of the day, it was evident. The five Governors of the region bought advertisement space, welcoming the President. Ohanaeze expressed its welcome. Groups and individuals also did. Even the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Imo State chapter, did. It was crystal clear that anyone against the visit was swimming in lonely waters.

I recall that one of the earliest places the President visited, and spent the night in his first term, was Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, in November, 2017. Gov Dave Umahi was even then still of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). But it didn’t stop President Buhari from visiting, and passing the night. The man really has no boundaries, I tell you.

Governor Uzodinma spoke at the Town Hall meeting. He eulogized the President for being a vital part of finding solution to the security crises rocking the region. He said he and his people believe in the unity of Nigeria, and it was inconceivable to support a break up, and it won’t happen now, not tomorrow, and never. Wide applause.

He said the region believes in a united Nigeria based on justice, equity, and fairness. Another wide applause.

The Governor then addressed the President directly: “We want to be treated like Nigerians. Fortunately, you are addressing that through policy initiatives which give us sense of belonging. The Second Niger Bridge is a project we have emotional attachment to.”

He mentioned other benefits the region has got under Buhari, and then declared:

“The South-east will continue to support you, because you are not insensitive to the yearnings of our people. You’ve shown us love, we’ll show you love. South-east is with you.”

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prof George Obiozor, described Buhari as a “graceful President,” noting that the visit had more than political significance. He said the country was being led by a “serious President,” and not a “frivolous one.”

“Your presence brings light that drives away cloudiness of relationship with Ndigbo, “ he added.

Prof Obiozor said Igbos were not separatists or secessionists. “We are most federating unit among all Nigerians. If you go anywhere, and you don’t see Ndigbo there, run away. Something is wrong there.

“Propensity for friendliness and peaceful co-existence defines us. We are cosmopolitan. The traveler doesn’t make enemies, but friends. Leadership should have faith and hope in us. No secessionist will survive in the face of equity and good governance.”

And this drew thunderous applause from the hall:

“However rough the storm, the fish cannot be driven out of the sea. Same with Igbos. We will always be here.”

Prof Obiozor presented a shopping list. Security. Jobs for youths. Infrastructure; more roads, rail, bridges, ports. Sense of balance in the political system. And others.

Then, the main man spoke. The President said he was overwhelmed by the reception he had received, adding: “The Governor didn’t tell me the whole Igbo leaders would be here. He has achieved surprise, which we in the military don’t like.”

President Buhari reiterated the fact that there’s no town you visit in Nigeria, without finding an Igbo. “In fact, they are in charge of the economy, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, and there’s no need for them to be outside Nigeria.”

He said government was working to get infrastructure right, “so that Nigerians can mind their businesses,” pointing out that the South-east has its fair share of different projects. He added: “The Igbos stand to benefit more than anybody, because you are enterprising.”

President Buhari delved into the challenges the country has with security, the economy and corruption, submitting: “I will like to be remembered as a person who stabilized this country. Without security, there’s nothing anybody can do on the economy. When people feel secure, they mind their businesses. I will also make sure we curb corruption under this difficult system. I will do my best, so that Nigerians will succeed in their endeavors.”

The visit of the President was a roaring success, and like the Ohanaeze President said, it drove away “the cloudiness of relationship with Ndigbo.”

The Ogbuagu, indeed, slew the lion of insularity, wrong profiling, and scaremongering. Bring on the other lions!

Adesina is Special Adviser to President Buhari on Media and Publicity

Southern Governors Back Collection Of VAT By States

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The meeting of Southern Governors which was held in Enugu on Thursday, September 16, 2021, declared that it is within the Governors purview to collect the Value Added Tax, (VAT).

The Governors, in a communique, reaffirmed their stand on open-grazing ban, urging every State in the region to quickly pass a law in that regard.

Chairman of the Forum and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, who read the communique, reaffirmed earlier commitment to final federalism.

Present at the meeting were Ifeanyi Okowa, Delta; Babajide Sanwolu, Lagos; Gboyega Oyetola, Osun; Emmanuel Udom, Akwa Ibom; Nyesom Wike, Rivers; Dapo Abiodun, Ogun and the host Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State.

Deputy Governors present included Rauf Olaniyan, Oyo; Bisi Egbeyemi, Ekiti; Philip Shuaib, Edo; Ude Okochukwu, Abia, Kelechi Igwe, Ebonyi, Placid Njoku, Imo.

The communique stated that “Nigerian Southern Governors’ Forum at its meeting of today, Thursday, 16th September 2021 held in the Government House, Enugu, Enugu State review the state of the nation and the progress of implementation of the decisions reached in her previous meetings and further resolved as follows:

“Expressed satisfaction with the rate at which the States in the Southern Nigeria are enacting or amending the Anti- Open Grazing Laws which align with the uniform template and aspiration of Southern Governors and encouraged the

States that are yet to enact this law to do so expeditiously.

“Encouraged the full operationalization of already agreed regional security outfits; which would meet, share intelligence and collaborate, to ensure the security and safety of the region.

“Reaffirmed its earlier commitment to Structural and fiscal federalism as resolved at the inaugural meeting of the

Forum held on Tuesday, 11th May 2021 at Asaba, Delta State.

“Emphasized the need for the Southern States to leverage the legislative competence of their respective State Houses of Assembiy as well as representation in the National assembly to pursue its inclusion in the Nigeran Constitution through the ongoing constitutional amendment.

“Following from paragraph 3″ above, the meeting resolved to support the position that the collection of VAT falls within the powers of the States.

“Expressed satisfaction with the handling of issues around the Petroleum Industry ACT (PIA) and ownership of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) by the larger Nigerian Governors’ Forum.

“Reiterated their earlier position that the next President of Nigeria must come from the Southern part of Nigeria in

line with politics of equity, justice and fairness.

“The Forum thanked the host Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and chose Rivers State as the next host for the

Southern Governors’ Forum meeting in November 2021.”

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