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OPINION: Glad To Be Back In The Air!

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The Source
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Folu Olamiti

By Folu Olamiti, FNGE

To many frequent air travelers around the world, the year 2020 was a horrible one. It was the year of the great plague. It was the year the deadly corona virus, labelled COVID-19 by the United Nations, crept on the world like a boar constrictor, stretched it to its limits, and attempted to snuff its life out.

The pandemic was so deadly in its effects that citizens of the world were caged in their homes. All over the world, human traffic and all sorts of movements were either partially restricted or barred outright. World economies crumbled. Even America, the world’s number one economy, was at its knees, crying for divine intervention.

Tourism and allied industries collapsed. Life came to a standstill. In the history of mankind, the novel corona virus generated so much panic and such gripping tension that many thought the end of the world had come. Few travellers, no matter how much addicted to flying, dared confront the unseen enemy.

The fear of COVID-19 marked the beginning of wisdom for millions of travellers across the globe.

For the first time in my adult and working life, my yearly vacation abroad hit a brick wall. It went comatose. I recall that I tweeted in May last year that: “COVID-19 is here to stay…The only solution to fight it is to confront the menace physically (using the recommended non-pharmaceutical measures), and then back it up with fasting and praying.”

Did our prayers work? As a Christian, as a Knight of the Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion, I fervently believe the effectual prayers of the Saints availed much for the world on the rampaging pandemic. That is an issue for another day.

Back to where I digressed:

Transportation was badly hit.

Airlines and vehicular traffic were totally crippled in 2020. And when there was a glimmer of hope in 2021, the agent provocateurs came up with another scary resurgent theories one of which christened Delta Variant. Countries that were relaxing their lockdown orders started to tinker with another round of total lockdown protocols.

Nigeria that has no empirical data for COVID-19 sufferers in the country also announced its readiness to join countries like Britain, Germany, Canada, India and many others, in preparing for another lockdown.

But thanks to some knowledgeable Nigerians who stood against the move, insisting that cut-and-paste remedies would not work in the fight against the deadly virus. There must be original home-grown solutions.

Strangely, the hitherto escalated figures of the COVID-19 pandemic infections and victims started to crash; dramatically.

Even as I punch my laptop to write this piece, the statistics have remained low. Except in few places like Lagos where there appears to be a new wave that has been attributed to improper management of arrivals from foreign countries where the new variant of the virus, Delta , had been detected.

But with the coming of vaccines designed to blunt and possible kill the virus, the world has gradually regained a semblance of normalcy. Human activities have resumed. People are on the move again. Even my humble self, who had been scared to my marrows to fly, decided to shake off the phobia and fly again.

But did I really have a choice? Absolutely none. Reason? There were serious family issues begging for my attention. Consequently, I decided to take the plunge and fly again. With my absolute faith in the Lord, I began the process. It was then I knew of the many hurdles one needed to cross to qualify an intending traveller.

First, you have to take two doses of COVID-19 vaccines. More importantly, you have to go for COVID test 72 hours to your journey. And the test must be negative before you can be given the clean bill to travel.

But here comes the disgraceful ‘Nigerian Factor’.

For instance, if you go to any Government hospital or medical centre where you pay so little for the test, the results won’t be out until after two weeks. But if you visit any of the private centres permitted to conduct the test — and they are springing up virtually everywhere — you will pay N40,000 (forty thousand naira) for the test and you will get your result in less than 12 hours. Wait for this:

I reliably gathered that most of these private centers are operating with the active connivance of some top Government officials! Did you say: Naija, we hail o!?

Well, that is our Nigeria; our usual way of corrupting a service that is supposedly free, and is so important for the sustenance of life. It has now become a sort of oil block for some who have now turned it to a profit-making business.

Anyway, I went through the rigours only to be suddenly confronted with the choice of airlines. My destination is America. And to travel through Europe, you must be either a citizen or you have had your two doses of COVID vaccine, which means your 72 hours COVID test clearance would not meet your reservation.

Thank God, I got my reservation on Ethiopian airlines three months ahead of my travel but at cut throat price. This was a direct result of a sharp upsurge in air travel as soon as restrictions were relaxed. On the day I went for my COVID test, I got to the centre around 9a.m. It was like Oyingbo market. I met a long queue of prospective travellers. And I was sure not all of them would get negative results.

Curiously, there was this understanding that only those with visible positive symptoms would have to cancel their trip. That hung a big question mark on the transparency of the process.

Let’s set that aside.

The Ethiopian airline I took from Abuja was filled to the brim en-route Addis Ababa. I learnt same went for another Ethiopian airlines from Lagos. This airline operates two flights daily from Nigeria. A bigger B777/300 airbus was on ground for the connecting flight from Addis Ababa to the United States. The airbus was also filled to capacity.

The flight from Addis Ababa had a stop-over in Dublin. It took off 45 minutes later, after picking some passengers to Dulles International Airport in Washington. Total flying hours were 17 hours. I got to Dulles at exactly 5.30 a.m. local time; waited till 3.45 p.m. for my connecting flight, aboard United Airlines, to Houston. Flying time was three and half hours. In all, it took me 30 hours to reach my last destination!

However, the most interesting part of the trip was the bubble of activities at the airports in Abuja, Lagos, Addis Ababa, Dublin and Dulles. America has relaxed her COVID-19 regulations but ordered strict vaccination for her citizens. Everywhere you turn to, you find COVID-19 vaccination and Test Centres. You just drive in and get tested free of charge, and pronto, the results are out! With this relaxation, many Americans are taking back their lives by moving freely after getting the two jabs.

Though many are mindful of the fact that wearing a mask is a sure way to keep the deadly virus away, many Republican States are kicking against the mask mandate; for political reasons; specifically, for the love of Donald Trump.

Sadly, some Republicans, majorly Trump supporters who had thrashed the Mask Mandate of President Joe Biden, have succumbed to COVID-19. They got infected and died. Very sad.

Notwithstanding the conspiracy against mask wearing, interstate flights have resumed fully but with strict instructions of making wearing of mask all through the duration of the flight compulsory. For the airlines, the policy is: mask up or be de-boarded.

In the past four weeks, I have crisscrossed several American cities, moving from Houston to Atlanta; to California, Maryland and Ohio. I can tell you the Americans are destroying the conspiracy theories surrounding possible spike of another virus christened Delta variant.

When the noise was getting too loud the Biden administration slammed compulsory wearing of masks in public places, schools and at homes. The good news is that this new variant is not claiming lives as it was with COVID-19, which goes to show that physical war against these viruses can be caged with strict compliance with health regulations. The Americans are living their normal lives again. Some are screaming themselves hoarse: “To hell with the Delta variant! If we give in to this, how are we sure another one will not surface again. Are we going to go on like this ad infinitum? Forever? Never!”

Notwithstanding this latest development, many Nigerians and Americans are glad to be back in the air. However, we should be mindful of dangerous viruses which are daily flying around — be it Delta, Rivers, Kogi, Zamfara variants whichever names they brand them- let us keep strictly to the health regulations . You can’t get cleared in any airport without your COVID test and clearance from CDC from Nigeria as part of travelling documents.

Once again passengers are back, flying to savour nature’s wonders up, up in the sky. They are back, flying, sometimes, 40,000 feet above sea level, marveling at the creative power of God.

If you ask me, nothing tastes better than having your life back. And humanity is gradually having its humanness back.

Glory be to God for giving us science and scientists. God bless our scientists and doctors. May they and their families never be afflicted by COVID-19. And may God help us send back the pandemic to where it belongs – hell.

Jonathan Condoles with Shagari Family Over Death of Ex-President’s Widow

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The Source
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Former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has commiserated with the family of late former President Alhaji Shehu Shagari and the Government of Sokoto State over the death of the Ex-President’s wife, Hadiza Shagari.

In a condolence message he personally signed, Dr. Jonathan expressed sadness over Mrs. Shagari’s demise, describing her as a kind and warm-hearted matriarch.

The former President further noted that the late octogenarian was a uniting force in her family and her community.

The statement said: “I extend my deepest condolences to the family of the former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari, over the passing on of the late leader’s wife, Hajiya Hadiza Shagari, at age 80.

“Mrs Shagari was a kind and warm-hearted matriarch and role model  whose life was a stabilising and uniting factor in the family and community, especially after the death of her husband, former President Shagari.

“She was a well-respected First Lady during the Shagari Presidency because of her candour, goodwill and the unyielding support she provided to her husband and the administration.

“May Allah comfort her family members, forgive her sins and grant her al Jannah Fidarus.”

How Indigenes Of Ondo State Were Ambushed In Plateau, Killed, Maimed – Gov Akeredolu; Police Command Tells The Gory Story

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu - Ondo Communal Clash

By Ayodele Oni

To curtail any retaliatory action, Ondo state Governor, Mr Oluwarotimi Akeredolu has assured people of the state that he was on top of the report of attack on indigenes of the state in Plateau state.

The Governor spoke just as the Plateau State Police Command, in a statement, narrated what happened, revealing that 22 people were killed, 14 injured, 21 rescued, and six of the attackers arrested.

A statement on Saturday by Akeredolu’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Richard Olatunde, allayed the fear and tension generated by reports of the incident, assuring that Governor Akeredoku was in contact with his colleague in Plateau state on the incident. The statement reads:

“Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, just a few hours ago, received the unfortunate report of the Plateau state tragedy where some people believed to be indigenes of Ondo State were attacked.

“An unconfirmed number of deaths are believed to have been recorded while some are severely injured in the said attack. Their true identity will soon be unraveled.

“The Governor says from report he received from his brother Governor in Plateau, the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

“The victims, according to preliminary reports, took a route where crisis between Muslims and Northern Christians had ensued for some time, and that they may have been possibly, mistaken for aggressors.

“Accordingly, either of the two feuding groups in the area could be responsible in this regard.

“Governor Akeredolu hereby calls for calm among the people of the state, urging that nobody should take law into their hands. He particularly, urges the people to refrain from any hasty colouration of the unfortunate incident.

“I have spoken with my brother Governor in Plateau, and he has assured me that the situation is under control.

“I want to plead with our people to remain calm. From the report I gathered, it is clear some were killed, while many others who are injured have been taken to the hospital for medical attention.

“Let me again, make it clear that I was informed by my colleague that it was indeed, a case of mistaken identity. I want to assure our people living in Plateau that they are not targets of any religion or ethnic crisis.

“While assuring that justice will be served, I want to plead again that we do not take law into our hands. Let us remain calm.

“I also want to commiserate with the family of all those who have lost their lives in this unfortunate incident. We mourn the departed and feel the pains of their loved ones.”

Governor Akeredolu assured  indigenes of Ondo state living outside the State of his commitment to their safety.

In the Police statement signed by the Spokesman of the Command,

ASP Gabriel Ogaba said the victims were going back to Ondo from a religious rite in Bauchi State.

It reads:

“On 14th August, 2021 at about 09:28 hours, the Plateau State Police Command received a distress call that a group of attackers suspected to be Irigwe youths and their sympathisers along Rukuba Road of Jos North LGA attacked a convoy of five buses with Muslim faithful who were coming back from the Annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State and heading to Ikare in Ondo State.

Unfortunately, 22 persons were killed and Fourteen injured in the attack.

“Upon receipt of the report, a team of Police personnel, the military and other sister agencies were immediately mobilised to the scene where 21 victims were rescued and six suspects arrested.

“The Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, CP Edward Egbuka, along with the GOC 3-Division, Major General Ibrahim Ali, also visited the scene and ordered for a discreet investigation to fish out other perpetrators of this barbaric act at large.”

FG Not In Hurry To Increase Price Of Petrol, Says Organized Labour Holds The Ace

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The Federal Government has clarified that the outcome of its negotiation with the Organized Labour would determine whether or not to increase the pump price of petrol.

The FG’s  position is coming barely three months after it turned down the recommendation by the Nigeria Governors’ Forum for an increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol.

The Federal Government had first, on May 21, rejected the Governors’ recommendation of shooting petrol price up to between N380 and N408.5 per litre and removing fuel subsidy.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) had set up a committee chaired by the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, which submitted a report seeking the full deregulation of the oil sector.

Governor El-Rufai, while presenting the report of his committee to the NGF, explained that the current subsidy regime was unsustainable because smugglers and illegal markets in neighbouring African countries were the beneficiaries.

The Special Assistant on Media to the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Garba-Deen Muhammad, again at the weekend, re-echoed the position of his boss, Chief Timipreye Sylva, who had earlier stated the position of the Federal Government on the matter.

Muhammad explained that people were free to make analyses and recommendations but stressed that the government’s position on petrol price had not changed.

“The truth is that the key component for us to make the decision is basically for us to have a consensus with labour. So regardless of what the Governors or anybody else is saying, labour is the key partner in this project.

“The negotiations with labour officials are ongoing. A decision will not be reached until the negotiations are over. So anybody can say what they want.

“The fact is that the labour represents the Nigerian people and the Government is working with the Nigerian people. So it is a cardinal objective that the labour is carried along.”

Ondo:Akeredolu Outlines Benefits Of Independent Judiciary, As Chief Judge Bows Out

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that the people can only be better served, if the three arms of Government are allowed to act separately and independently as the Constitution permits.

The Governor, who said true liberty lies in the independence of the Judiciary in all ramifications, stressed that the people will be the direct beneficiaries.

According the Governor, the Judiciary as the last arm, is the gatekeeper checkmating the proclivity of the other two towards excessive preferences.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Richard Olabode in a statement, said Mr Akeredolu spoke on Friday at the Valedictory Court Session in honour of the retiring Ondo Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Olutoyin  Akeredolu held at the state High Court.

Justice Akeredolu will retire on Sunday August 15, 2021, upon attainment of 65 years of age. She was sworn in as a Judge of the state High Court on July 19, 2002, while she served as Chief Judge of the state for three years and four months.

The Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to  Judicial independence, adding that since the inception of his administration, he has continued to uphold the sanctity of the independence of the three arms of government in all its official dealings.

The Governor, while congratulating the retiring CJ, said the State is proud of her meritorious services, just as he congratulated members of the Bench in the State Judiciary for the cooperation extended to the CJ all through her tenure.

He described Justice Akeredolu as a fair and incorruptible Judge who rendered quintessential services to the state.

“We continue to insist that the people can be best served if these institutions of State are allowed to act separately and independently as the Constitution permits.

“We have never, at any moment, sought to undermine this principle upon which modern societies, which embrace democracy, act.

“We stand here, with our heads erect in the knowledge that we have been able to shield all members of our State from wanton disregard to decency.

“It is our pride to have a very vibrant third arm of government in the State.

“Even a casual observer of events since we mounted the saddle cannot miss the remarkable feat.

“True liberty lies in the independence of the judiciary in all ramifications. The people will be the direct beneficiaries as this last arm is the gatekeeper checkmating the proclivity of the other two towards excessive preferences.

“Our State judiciary has availed itself, creditably, in recent times.”

Governor Akeredolu, who disclosed that judiciary has a major role to play in the development of the country,  also noted that any judicial reform, which fails to recognise the present state of alienation of the institution of rectitude from the mass of the people, is a waste of time.

He pointed out that this system is distant, oppressive and retrogressive, adding that conscious steps must be taken to take justice to the grassroots in the interest of the generality of the people.

The Governor stated further that the current constitutional structure is a sure recipe for continual crises with the attendant underdevelopment, noting both the Federal and State judicial structures are too artificial and withdrawn from the current realities in a country as divergent as Nigeria.

” There have been tenuous attempts to redefine the functions of this very important arm of modern government to reflect the issues arising from the facts of divergence in our country.

“The inherited colonial structure is sustained, largely, a situation which renders any attempt at reforms cosmetic, ineffectual and, consequently, nugatory. There can be no remarkable progress if this system is maintained as it is at present.

“It is imperative that the current constitutional reforms proposed by the National Assembly must take into account certain fundamental principles which define a country with a federal system of government.

“The over-centralisation of all institutions of state in a country which prides herself as a Federal Republic underscores lack of readiness to advance.

“There has to be a fundamental shift from the present arrangement which best suits a colonial or military regime.

“The country must embrace the principles of devolution of powers and implement all useful recommendations in the interest of the generality of the people. The current system cannot engender development.”

In her Valedictory speech,  Justice Olanrewaju Akeredolu, specially appreciated God for making her retire in good health with many outstanding achievements under her leadership as Chief Judge of the state.

According to her, numerous achievements were attained in improving the administration of justice in the state, adding that she is leaving behind a legacy of meritocracy and called on her successor to sustain it.

Justice Akeredolu particularly lauded Governor Akeredolu for his support for the state judiciary, adding his support has greatly contributed to her  success at CJ.

Osun Outlaws Open Grazing, House Of Assembly Imposes Penalties On Defaulters

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

It has become an offence in Osun state to Convey any livestock on foot from one destination to another, except such movement is by Rail, Wagon, Truck or pick-up wagon.

Under the law, ratified by the state House of Assembly, such movement by truck is allowed  within 7:00am to 6:00pm.

The new law, which has just been passed by the legislature, also outlawed open grazing, which attracts three years in jail.

The law allows for regulation of animal grazing, establishments of cattle ranches and other related matters.

The House of Assembly also passed into law Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Bill 2021.

The Speaker,  Mr Timothy Owoeye at plenary noted that the bill passed into law would prevent the destruction of farms, crops by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

According to him, the bill would also prevent killings, sexual molestation, protect the environment from degradation and pollution caused by open rearing and grazing of livestock.

He pointed out that as from the  day of commencement of the bill, no person or group of persons shall rear, herd, or graze any livestock in any part of the State except within permitted ranches.

The Speaker maintained that any herdsman or group of herdsman that graze, herd or rear cattle or livestock outside permitted ranches after the commencement of this bill shall be guilty of an offence.

“Any person or group who contravenes the provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable to a terms of imprisonment of not less than 3 years without the option of fine as well as forfeiture of the herds of Cattle or livestock under his or her control to the State Government.

“A minor is prohibited from grazing, rearing or herding of livestock except under the supervision of an adult.

“A minor who contravenes the provision of Section 3 (4) committed an offence, and the guardian or parent of the minor or owner of the livestock as the case may be, shall be vicariously liable on conviction to a fine of N300,000.00 only.

“Permits shall only be issued to a Nigerian who is authorized to conduct business under the Bill of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“Preference shall be given in issuance of ranching permits to those within or near a district who are landowners interested in livestock business.

“Any herdsman or pastoralist who attacks or threatens to track any farmer, person or commuter whether or not injury is occasioned by the attack shall be guilty of an offence and liable upon conviction to a term of imprisonment of not less than one year without an option of fine.”

Tinubu’s Presidential Ambition Gathers Storm

By
Bayo Bernard
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Tinubu and Buhari

By  James Orji

Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent photographs with President Muhammadu Buhari in London has further exposed his health challenges amid his rumoured presidential ambition in 2023.

With his current state of health, not a few insist that the former governor should ditch his ambition of succeeding President Buhari, even as his teeming supporters want him to go ahead to contest the nation’s highest office.

President Buhari who just returned from an education summit in London had paid a last-minute visit to the former Lagos state governor and All Progressives Congress stalwart in his residence in London.

Tinubu was full of praise for the president as his media office said “The visit was a friendly and welcome one that underscored the considerate and caring personality of our nation’s President and Commander-in-Chief.

“By this gesture, Mr. President has, again, demonstrated his personal thoughtfulness and humility; defying the erroneous commentaries peddled by his critics.

“Once again, Asiwaju thanks President Buhari for taking the time to visit him and wishes the President nothing but the very best as his administration continues to govern and lead the nation,” Tinubu said.

Speaking on the issue, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju said the former Lagos helmsman should bother more on how to take care of his health rather than contesting the presidency.

Adeyanju said “His (Tinubu’s) fragility is apparently visible. Just like Buhari in 2015 when he was campaigning; he looked so fragile and we warned Nigerians that the country does not need someone who is sick and fragile because even developed countries need healthy Presidents not to talk of under-developed countries.

“Both of them are tired and need to be attended to by their loved ones and caregivers. Nigerians cannot afford to be the ones taking care of their medical bills. We have gone beyond the stage of Aso Rock being the retirement place of sick, old men.”

Amid this call for Tinubu to forget his ambition to become Nigeria’s Commander-in-Chief is the suggestion that the incumbent, Buhari would not back him to succeed him in office.

Earlier this year, President Buhari was believed to have referenced the former governor after he said “You cannot sit there in Lagos, for instance, and decide on the fate of APC on zoning,” in the president’s answer to a question on whether power should shift to the south. The president had since denied that he referred to Tinubu.

But Buhari’s photo ops in London with the Lagos strongman has sent shock waves among Tinubu’s supporters who did not take the action lightly, the magazine has learnt, because in their estimation, the action has shown Tinubu to be fragile and unfit to be president.

According to those who spoke with the magazine, the Tinubu camp is not happy that their leader was shown “with a walking stick” in the photograph with the president signposting his illness. “Close aides of the former governor are already complaining that the president’s action was political strategy intended to expose the fragility of their leader,” a source said.

In the photos released by presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad and posted on Facebook on Thursday captioned, “President Muhammadu Buhari this evening in London, the United Kingdom, visited Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu”, Tinubu was seen leaning on a walking stick as he posed for shots with the President.

The angst of the Tinubu’s camp comes amidst suggestions that the ruling APC and major opposition party, PDP are considering zoning the presidency to the North to frustrate the former governor’s presidential ambition.

Raymond Dokpesi, a chieftain of the PDP had few days ago urged his party to zone the presidency to the North in order to stand a chance of taking over power again.

He said “We are all Nige­rians and there is no need for us to keep deceiving ourselves at this point in time. At the age of 70 and with my experience in organising campaigns in this country, I can tell you that unless there is a candidate from the North, in my own considered opinion, the PDP will not stand a chance of winning the election.”

Ibrahim Babangida, a former military dictator has also recently made a comment which many insist cast a cloud on Tinubu’s presidential quest.

The former military strongman had in an interview to mark his 80th birthday anniversary said the nation’s next president must not be must than 60 years old. Tinubu is currently 69 years and would be 71 years by 2023, even though his real age has been widely contested.

In spite of this, not a few others also insist that President Buhari is titling towards Tinubu’s presidency. According to sources, the president appears to be succumbing to some pressure from the north on him to honour an unwritten agreement between him and Tinubu that the latter will succeed him.

“Some APC governors in the north has openly identified with Tinubu. This includes Babbagana Zulum ( Bornu), Bello Masari (Katsina), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano) and others who are calling for power to shift to the south. This is a boost for the former governor who is experiencing a popularity deficit in the south, Aliyu Gafar an analyst said.

Those in this line of thought said, for instance, that what President Buhari did, when he paid the Lagos strongman a visit in London, is to dispel his rumored feud with him over the latter’s presidential ambition.

“We are really happy that President Buhari visited Asiwaju in London to show that there is no disagreement between them. It further shows that the president is not against his presidential ambition,” said a chieftain of the APC in Lagos state who said he’s not authorized to speak on the issue.

Col Sakaba: Nigerian Army Tackles Officer’s Wife; Reveals How He Died, Says Six Year Old Son Is Next Of Kin

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Sakaba and his Wife

By Adesina Soyooye

An Angry and obviously embarrassed Nigerian Army, broke out from its usual restraint in such cases, and tackled the wife of one of its fallen senior officers.

A heartbroken Oluwaseun Sakaba, wife of late Col I Sakaba, had taken the Army to the cleaners. And placed a course on the NA: ” It will never be good with you.”, she said.

She lost her dear husband during a Boko Haram attack in November, 2018 on the 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Guzamala LGA, Borno State. 44 Military Personnel were lost in that attack.

Mrs Sakaba’s anger stemmed from photographs posted by the Army of alleged repentant Boko Haram terrorists, who displayed placards on which were written  “Nigerians, please, forgive us”. Mrs Sakaba, in an Instagram posting,  slammed the Army for posting such photographs, and asked why she should forgive the terrorists. “Should I forgive them for making me a young widow? Should I forgive them for making me to relocate outside”, she asked among other questions.

She also made other serious allegations. For instance, she said her husband’s benefits had not been paid. But the most serious was the impression she created that the NA deliberately killed her husband, claiming it was a friendly fire. That stung the Army.

In a strongly-worded reaction, signed by its spokesperson, Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Army debunked her claims, and stopped short of calling her a blatant liar.

While sympathizing with her trauma and sorrow and pain  over her husband’s death, the Army said Col Sakaba died honourably, killed in battle in defence of his fatherland. To suggest otherwise, the Army said, is to insult not only Sakaba’s memory, but that of all the soldiers who had died in action, as well as that of the Military.

The Army also disclosed that most of Col Sakaba’s benefits has been paid to his six-year old son, through her, revealing that the boy “is the next of kin”, not her.

Following  is the full text of the Army’s response to Mrs Sakaba. It is dated, August 12, 2021, and entitled:

CLARIFICATION: COLONEL SAKABA DIED FIGHTING GALLANTLY NOT ASSASINATED

The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of an article making the rounds online, in which an allegation credited to Mrs Oluwaseun Sakaba, the widow of late Col Ibrahim Sakaba alleged that the late senior officer was assassinated for refusing to loot funds meant for fighting the Boko Haram Insurgency.

The late senior officer’s widow was quoted to have made several uncomplimentary comments about the institution of the Nigerian Army (NA), making reference to an unfounded and baseless claims devoid of any fact.

While the NA is not interested in joining issues with anyone with respect to the enormous sacrifices made daily by our gallant troops, it is however expedient to address the weighty allegations credited to the widow. The NA acknowledges the emotional agony associated with loosing loved ones and that cannot be quantified by any unit of measure.

The demise of late Col Ibrahim Sakaba, like those of other officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price in the war against terrorism in the North East, is one that is painful to the NA. These men and women died serving our nation, fighting to restore peace and stability in the North East.

This is in tandem with the constitutional mandate of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Therefore, it will be totally a mischief and an assault on the psyche of our troops, who are relentlessly fighting, to begin to insinuate any plot against one of our own. And what is the plot here? That troops were led by their commander for an operational engagement is not a plot, as any one may want to insinuate. Rather, it was a clear military mission with clear objective.

It is however disheartening that this gallant officer and some of his men paid the supreme price in the operation and we pray fervently for the repose of their souls. Col Sakaba was a respected senior officer who gave his all in the defence of the freedom we all enjoy today.

His demise is a great loss to all of us. Insinuating anything contrary is a deservice to our nation and the sacrifices of our troops.

Concerning the issue of entitlements. Available records reveal the following incontrovertible facts:

That Master Samuel Ibrahim Sakaba, the son of Mrs Seun Sakaba, is the Next of Kin (NOK) to the late Senior Officer and the only child.

All entitlements meant to be paid by the NA have been paid to the NOK through Mrs Oluwaseun Sakaba.

As at the time his entitlements were processed, Samuel was less than 6years as such, he was not benefiting from NA school sponsorship.

However now that he has reached the required age, he has been captured for payment of school sponsorship which will commence any moment from now. The NA will continue to sponsor the child’s education up to graduation from university, as long as he fulfills the requirements outlined in the rules guiding the scheme.

The only entitlement owed Mrs Oluwaseun Sakaba is the Group Life Assurance which is normally paid by the Insurance Company and which would soon be received along with that of other deceased personnel.

The NA takes the welfare of her troops very seriously, as evident in the various welfare programmes put in place for troops and their families. The leadership has made the welfare of troops, one of the cardinal pillars of the COAS’ vision for the NA. This is visible in the various welfare programmes embarked upon in addition to those that are statutorily emplaced.

There are also well established communication channels with families of deceased personnel.

The NA under the leadership of the COAS, will continue to pursue the welfare of troops who are working round the clock to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.

The NA will not be deterred, but remain focused in its pursuit of excellence and in ensuring that all Nigerians enjoy their God given right to live freely anywhere in Nigeria.

Feminist Group Slams Bishop Oyedepo Over Comments On Marriage

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Founder, and General Overseer of Living Faith Church Worldwide popularly known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, has come under strong criticism over comments he made on marriage.

Nigeria Feminist Forum, NFF, has slammed the clergyman over comments that members of the Group shouldn’t dabble into marriage.

Oyedepo had warned that women who identify themselves as feminists should not get married during a sermon to his congregation, specifically warned women against joining the feminist movement as he stated that feminism would lead to frustration and devastation.

His statement did not sit  well with the Feminist movement who  called the renowned Clergyman out, questioning him to explain if feminists in Nigeria were responsible for his disengaged “unproductive pastors.”

In a statement issued by the Group through its Communications Officer, Angela Nkwo, it said its members were not happy with Oyedepo’s view that the “Feminism movement leads to frustration and devastation.”

The NFF advised Oyedepo to focus on suggesting solutions on how the challenges confronting Nigeria could be subdued.

The statement reads, “The Nigerian Feminist Forum (NFF) has condemned the comments credited to the celebrated cleric and founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo on feminism, saying he should proffer solutions to insecurity, inflation, amongst others confronting the nation.

“Casting huge aspersions on being a woman, its definition and expectations therein when he advised women against joining the feminist movement because it leads to frustration and devastation; contrary to the claims spread by people, feminism is about demanding gender equity, justice and access to equal resources for everyone, which will benefit families, communities and the wider society as a whole.

“The cleric’s comments justified the notion that women do not lead branches of the Church popularly called Winners chapel, saying it is condemnable as women form a followership of the congregation.”

The Feminist forum queried Oyedepo if they were the cause of his disengaged Pastors who failed to meet their assigned targets by the Church even as they maintained they were males, who did not advance feminist principles.

“We need to ask the eminent cleric, did feminists and the coalitions cause the unproductively of his Pastors, or the insecurity and high inflation that have enveloped the nation?” they queried.

It would be recalled that some Pastors were sacked and relieved of their duties in the vineyard following speculations and statements from one of the sacked Pastors that the reason behind the sack was because of their failure to generate enough income for the Church.

Oyedepo, however, made come clarifications as regards the sacking of the Pastors, saying they were “unfruitful”, quashing the notion that were sacked due to low revenue.

Reportedly, Oyedepo’s wife, Faith, kneels down to greet him.

NMA Threatens Sympathy Strike In Support Of NARD

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Nigerian Medical Association - NMA

By Ayodele Oni

The two weeks strike embarked upon by Doctors under the aegis of National Association of Resident Doctors, (NARD) is taking another dimension as the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) threatened to join.

The NMA, in a statement on Friday berated both Federal and State Governments for the lingering strike action of members of NARD, which has paralyzed hospitals to the detriment of the people.

The threat by the NMA is coming just as the minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, went on his knees, appealing to members of the NARD to call off the strike.

Dr Ngige’s stance contradict the position of the minister of health Dr Ehanire Osagie, who threatened on Thursday to impose no work no pay rule on the striking Doctors.

It warned that it would join forces if resident doctors were not paid all their due wages and the strike lingers.

The statement, signed by its Chairman on Inter Affiliate Affairs, Dr Rosemary Uzowulu, titled, ‘High cost of governance, maintained yet payment of doctors to avert health sector destruction a failure from government’, described the ongoing strike as uncalled for if those in corridors of power were sincere.

The body of doctors accused the political leaders of playing a game with the health of Nigerians because they could afford overseas medical treatment.

“It is most unfortunate that budget allocation for newspapers for assembly members, state governors, the presidency is approved and implemented within days of signing by Mr President, and yet the residency training allocation budgeted and endorsed cannot be implemented.

“The country in face of the high cost of governance has decided to use the health of her subject to play chess game where king and queens display the power of crown by killing their guards.

“I call on well-meaning Nigerians across the country to quickly put a stop to the strike by mandating those concerned including the state governors for state hospitals to pay the resident doctors all their due wages or stand the chance of black cloud collapse from NMA if the battle lingers.”

Dr  Ngige, who spoke at the second summit of the Medical Elders Forum in Abuja, said that the decision by the NARD, to embark on strike was incurring more pains on common Nigerians and further decapitating the already fragile healthcare system in the country.

At the Forum organized by the African Health Budget Network, the minister, who described the medical profession as one of the oldest, urged the Doctors not to play “God” by denying their services to Nigerians and reconsider their position.

He explained that such actions were further creating discomfort to the nation noting that the Medical profession was in grave danger.

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