Following the incessant kidnapping, Banditry and insecurity rocking the nation, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode predicted that Nigeria could be on the brink of a second civil war.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Fani-Kayode said the only way to stop the impending war is for Nigerians to come together and unite.
He asserted that Nigeria is divided into regional, ethnic and religious lines, saying that discussing together as a nation will foster peace and unity.
Fani-Kayode called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wake up to his responsibility of securing the nation.
He said: “It is time for us to come together as a nation in order to avert a civil war.
“This country is on the brink of war. The security situation is so bad that it is not just good enough for us to get up and be throwing stones. We have got to proffer solutions to the problems that we are all facing.
“This country is divided now, divided into regional, ethnic and religious lines. We can’t run away from that fact.
“There’s no point in going on about who is right and who is wrong. It is time for us to come together to talk to one another.
“Northerners should talk to Southerners, Southerners should talk to Northerners, Christians should talk to Muslims, APC should talk to PDP and APGA should be included and anybody else who’s a leader, every stakeholder in this country must come together because what we’re facing is a situation which might cause a very brutal, bloody civil war.”
Opposition Party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has urged the new Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa to re-engineer and restore professionalism in the anti-graft agency.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, in Abuja, the party urged Bawa to avoid the pitfalls of his immediate predecessor.
It advised him to resist all partisan pressures to use the Commissin as a tool for political persecution, harassment of dissenting voices, settling of personal scores as well as for personal enrichment.
The PDP said that such tendencies eroded professionalism in the EFCC, compromised its activities and diminished the public confidence with regard to fairness, impartiality and even-handedness in the handling of cases.
The PDP also noted that the EFCC was established to fight corruption and not as a tool for oppression and intimidation of innocent Nigerians for political and other unjustified reasons.
It stated:“The PDP notes that for the first time, the Chairman of the EFCC is drawn from the pool of trained investigators of the commission
“Nigerians expect the new chairman to bring the benefits of his training to bear by sanitising the system and restoring professionalism in line with international best practices.
“Furthermore, our party urges the new EFCC Chairman to bear in mind that, given his young age and training, he should exhibit the ideals of the Generation-Next Nigeria in reciprocation of the confidence Nigerians repose in him.”
Bawa, 40, succeeded CP Ibrahim Magu, who was suspended from office in July, 2020, and was finally removed from office on the appointment of Bawa.
Magu’s fate is still unknown, months after a Presidential Investigation Panel, headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Salami, which investigated his tenure, apparently recommended his sack.
Contrary to speculations of imminent increase in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol) in the country, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC has ruled out any increment in the ex-depot price of petrol in March, 2021.
A press release by the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Dr. Kennie Obateru, stated that the Corporation was not contemplating any raise in the price of petrol in March in order not to jeopardize ongoing engagements with organized labour and other stakeholders on an acceptable framework that will not expose the ordinary Nigerian to any hardship.
NNPC also cautioned petroleum products marketers not to engage in arbitrary price increase or hoarding of petrol in order not to create artificial scarcity and unnecessary hardship for Nigerians.
The Corporation stated that it has enough stock of petrol to keep the nation well supplied for over 40 days and urged motorists to avoid panic buying.
It further called on relevant regulatory authorities to step up monitoring of the activities of marketers with a view to sanctioning those involved in products hoarding or arbitrary increase of pump price.
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised Nigerians that the Jangebe Abduction of innocent School Girls in Zamfara would be the last the Nation would experience.
Buhari gave this assurance through the Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, who led a high-powered Federal Government delegation to sympathise with the people and Government of Zamfara today.
He said new measures had been developed by the Federal Government which would bring complete end to all forms of criminality in the nation.
“The President is saddened by the abduction of the students of Government Science Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State and reassures you that the government has all the resources and wherewithal to contain these criminals.
“Buhari also commended Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara’s efforts against armed banditry and promised a continued support to bringing lasting peace.
“The Federal Government will continue its partnership with Zamfara Government and its citizens in resolving the security challenges facing the state,” Buhari said.
Responding Governor Matawalle of Zamfara appreciated the President and the Federal Government’s concern, noting that very soon the abductees would regain their freedom.
“I strongly believe in the President and his effort in fighting all forms of insurgence and urge him to improve on the nation’s security.
”This is by ensuring synergy among the security agencies so that confrontations with criminals can be coordinated on ground and air simultaneously.”
Other members of the delegation were the Minister of Police Affairs, Alhaji Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sa’adiya Umar-Faruk and Minister of Women Affairs, Pauline Tallen.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, has advised Nigerians to stop panic buying and stock-piling of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, in their houses.
Suleiman Yakubu, its National Public Relations Officer made this statement following the long fuel queues recorded at some filling stations in Abuja and environs, raising speculation that there could be a possible looming fuel scarcity.
He decried the panic purchases and long queues witnessed in various filling stations, advising Nigerians to stop panic buying.
Yakubu, however, said that crude oil price has gone up and has affected the price products.
He assured Nigerians that normal supply of petroleum products would soon be restored since loading has commenced at various deports.
“We want to assure the buyers that government and marketers are doing everything possible to ensure that the products are available in every filling station within a few days starting from today,” said the IPMAN spokesman.
Former Minister for Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has cautioned Southerners of impending doom if they continue to mock Northerners concerning the incessant kidnappings, banditry and attack from Boko Haram Insurgents.
Lending his voice to the State of the Nation on his Twitter page, he wrote:
”Southerners that mock the North and laugh at the travails they are going through in the hands of terrorists, are ignorant and shortsighted.
”The fire that is burning down your neighbour’s house will end up burning yours as well if you do not help him to put it out. Stop gloating!
Fani-Kayode wrote this few hours after he threatened that the South would block oil supply to the North if the Northern States stop the supply of food to the south.
It would be recalled that the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association, MACBAN, had threatened to stop the transportation of cows to the Southern part of the country as well as some food items from the North, over the crisis between some rogue herdsmen and some communities in the South, especially, in the South-west.
Fani-Kayode has frowned at the action, and warned them of the retaliation that could follow.
He wrote: “If the north blocks food supplies to the South, the South will block the supply of oil, refined products and oil money to the North. You touch me, I touch you! You do me, I do you! You Tarka me, I Daboh you! It’s called the law of reciprocity. Never start a dance you can’t finish”, he concluded.
Human Rights and Constitutional Lawyer, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, on Sunday said compared to 214 Chibok schoolgirls that were abducted under former President Goodluck Jonathan, 807 students have been kidnapped by criminals under the President Muhammadu Buhari Government.
Ozekhome, in a statement released Sunday,asked when Nigeria would be abducted if Government fails to put security measures in place.
The human rights lawyer arrived at 807 students abducted under Buhari added as follows:
*The Government Science and Technical College abduction in Dapchi, Yobe State, of February 19, 2018, where 110 school girls were abducted.
*The abduction 340 students in the Government School in Kankara, Katsina State.
*In Kagara, Niger State. 42 people, which included 27 students, three staff members of Government Science Secondary School and 12 of their family members were abducted in February and in the same month, about 317 Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, Zamfara State, were captured.
Ozekhome said, “What the Government does not still seem to understand is that because it has failed to give security and welfare to the Nigerian people as provided for in Section 14 of the 1999 Constitution, ethnic nationalism is fast rising in a way that ethnic groups and the various nationalities in the Nigerian contraption have begun to feel that they need to go the extra mile to protect themselves from ravaging insecurity. That is why I always ask, who is advising this government?”
“The present ravaging insecurity is what led to the emergence of Amotekun, in the South West and the Eastern Security Network in the South East. There have also mushroomed various local policing militias across the country. It is the failure of the government to provide security that is at the root cause of these defensive measures.”
“Is Nigeria not being abducted by Boko Haram bandits, herders, kidnappers, armed robbers and terrorists? The scenario is frightening and heart-rending. Let us see Buhari’s ugly tale of the tape: Dapchi, Yobe state. 110 school girls abducted on February 19, 2018. 110 have been released on huge ransom.”
“Kankara, Katsina state; 340 school children abducted in December, 2020, by about 100 Boko Haram bandits riding motorcycles; Kagara, Niger state. 42 people, who included 27 students, 3 staff members of Government Science Secondary School and 12 of their family members abducted. Then; Zamfara State Government Girls Secondary School, Jangebe, was their next port of call. About 315 of the 500 boarded students were abducted.”
“This country is in a complete mess; worse than ever before. So, when will Nigeria be finally abducted?”
In the same vein, the Leader of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Elijah Ayodele, has taken a swipe on President Buhari, saying he has broken Nigeria’s unity by negotiating with terrorists.
Speaking on the State of the Nation, the Pastor knocked the President of Nigeria over the unsecured state of the country.
Ayodele frowned at the method the Government has chosen to fight banditry; negotiating with bandits in order to stop terrorizing the ordinary citizens.
Ayodele, during a live-broadcast Service in his Church Sunday, made it known that Nigeria has broken already with the means through which the Government is fighting insecurity. He explained that terrorism will continue to grow bigger and tougher in Nigeria because the Government has invited terrorist already by negotiating with bandits.
He said the unity of Nigeria has been broken, and it’s only God that can bring the country back.
“Giving amnesty to Boko Haram and negotiating with Bandits is tantamount to breaking Nigeria, President Buhari and his people have broken Nigeria. In no time, it will come to the realization. But as it is now, the unity of Nigeria has been broken, only God can bring us together”.
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has described the sacked Special Adviser on Media to Governor Umar Ganduje of Kano State, Tanko Salihu Yakasai, as hero of democracy
Fayose in a series of tweets at the weekend also called for immediate release of the Governor’s aide, describing his arrest as “another sad commentary on how low this APC Government of President Muhammadu Buhari has gone.”
Fayose, commended Salihu Yakasai for being courageous enough to speak the truth, saying “This singular action of his has made him the latest hero of our democracy, and in turn confirmed that there is hope for a united Nigeria.”
Fayose pointed out that it was sad that Nigerians can not criticize the same President Buhari, who did not only speak against his predecessors, but also led protests.
Tanko Salihu Yakasai
“I join all well-meaning Nigerians to demand for the immediate release of Salihu Yakasai. He did not commit any offence to warrant being taken into custody.
“That he was arrested like a common criminal by the DSS just because he spoke his mind against a President that is more like the servant of the people is another sad commentary on how low this APC government of Buhari has gone.
“Sad that under this govt, our security men are only efficient in persecuting whoever speaks against the President.
“Sad too that Nigerians can’t criticize the same President who did not only speak against his predecessors, but also led protests.”
Commending Salihu Yakasai, Fayose said; “I commend the courage of Salihu Yakasai, the sacked Gov Ganduje’s Aide for being able to speak truth to power.
“This singular action of his has made him the latest hero of our democracy, and in turn confirmed that there is hope for a united Nigeria.
“Nothing can be more honourable than what he has done by standing tall amidst darkness and selfishness of leadership.
“His sack is the beginning of his rise politically. I sincerely congratulate him and indeed the ordinary Nigerians seeking good governance and leadership.”
Former President Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has called on African leaders to adhere to the rule of law and prioritise equality and justice in order to build a continent of peace, prosperity and development .
Dr Jonathan made the call during the Ninth African Leadership Magazine Person of the year award ceremony organised virtually during the weekend where he was awarded with the African Peace and Security Leader of the Year 2020.
In his acceptance remarks, the former President said: “For peace to reign, those who wield power should respect the rule of law, be fair to all and dispense justice in a manner that promotes equity and boosts the people’s confidence in their nation
“When politicians undermine democratic principles and usurp citizens’ rights, it creates a situation that impacts negatively on peace and development”, he said.
Underscoring the importance of democracy, stable leadership and peace and development, Dr. Jonathan stated: “In Africa, it appears we see the political process as a civil war or a fraudulent enterprise that has no rules. This is unhealthy for our polity as it impedes our development.
“Leadership commands great influence in the affairs of men, such that the fate of a nation is often interconnected with that of the leader.Leaders that promote peace and build institutions always focus on those deliveries that cater to the needs of our citizens and keep them safe.
“More than in any other parts of the world, self-centred and egocentric contests for power by African politicians had, more often than not, unleashed widespread violence and insurgency on the African soil.
The former President further said: “Peace in our continent is mainly threatened by political instability, poor democratic practices, and weak institutions. Many African nations that are today mired in conflicts, or just emerging from one, often have such crises rooted in the struggle for leadership.”
“ I always make the point that there is a clear link between a nation’s social and economic standing and its position in the global conflict index. Nations with fewer conflicts and more stable leadership tend to be richer and better off in the human development profile.
“The nations with the lowest progress on the official United Nations Human Development Index, many of them in Africa, are those that are either poorly governed or embroiled in leadership struggles.”
Jonathan who expressed appreciation to the publisher of African Leadership Magazine and the award committee said:
“I am delighted that my little contributions towards peace and sustainable democracy in our continent is being recognized.
“Awards and recognitions are good because it reassures the recipients that their little contributions to the growth of society have not gone unnoticed. It also comes with a sense of responsibility which jolts the awardees to the fact that they can no longer go below a certain threshold. To all of us receiving the award today, it is, therefore, a nudge to do more, ” he said .
Attaining the golden age is a no mean feat. It’s a biological, natural milestone that calls for deep introspection and celebration.
One, not everyone crosses the 5 and 0 mark. Many died on the cusp of 50, majorly at 48, 49. Secondly, crossing 50 rekindles hope of longevity.
Therefore, His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli (KSC), Okoli V, Agbakwuruibe III, the 11th Obi of Akokwa, has every reason to be grateful to God.
Not only that he has attained the golden age, His Royal Majesty will be clocking 19 years on the throne of his forefathers later this year.
Come February 28, 2021 , all roads will lead to the ancient kingdom of Akokwa. That day is His Royal Majesty’s day. On that date, Nigerians from all walks of life, people of goodwill, friends, associates and well wishers will empty into Akokwa to felicitate with Agbakwuruibe III.
The effervescent Eze ( Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli was born into the Ezesiobuna Royal Family in Obi Uzouhu Village in Akokwa on February 28, 1971.He attended St’ Peter’s Primary School, Akokwa between 1976 and 1982 where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate the same year. Thereafter, he proceeded to Federal Government College, Azare, Bauchi State and Federal Government College, Sokoto, Sokoto State where he obtained his West African School Certificate in 1987.
In 1990, the young Okoli gained admission into the Abia State University, Uturu in Abia State where he obtained a BSc in Sociology/Anthropology in 1994.
Agbakwuruibe III is imbued with the zeal for entrepreneurship, hence after his graduation, as young as he was then, he decided to be an employer of labour as he incorporated Equipment Alliance Limited of which he is the MD/CEO.
His Royal Highness thus commenced the business of equipment leasing.Till date Equipment Alliance Limited which is also into Earth and marine equipment leasing, is still operational with Head office at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Akokwa is noted for peaceful and orderly ascension to the Obi stool. This explained the seamless emergence of Eze Okoli.After the untimely and painful demise of his late father, HRH Eze Osita C. Okoli (KSC) in the 2002, Eze Ikenna Okoli, as the first son of the late monarch and in line with the primogeniture rule of succession of Akokwa people, was chosen by his people to ascend the ancient throne as the 11th Obi of Akokwa.
The Obi of Akokwa is deeply committed to the things of God and a dedicated Christian of the Anglican communion faith. No wonder the Ideato Diocese of the Anglican Communion found him worthy of knighthood and conferred him with one.
The same year he ascended the throne the Church investested him as a Knight of Saint Christopher. This was on December 8, 2002.
More wins were in store for him: On the 15th of March, 2005, the Imo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency Sir Achike Udenwa, the then Executive Governor of Imo State recognized and gazetted the name of Eze Ikenna C. Okoli as the Obi of Akokwa with effect from the 5th day of March, 2005.
HRH Eze Ikenna Okoli descended from a very long and illustrious line of rulers in the following order:
*Eze Okwarauhu Akokwa
*Eze Dimonyegbesu Okwarauhu
*Eze Ezesiobuna Dimonyegbesu
*Eze Dimesoro Ezesiobuna
*Eze Okwaraononihu Dimesoro
*Eze Ukachukwu Okwaraononihu
*Eze Okoli Ukachukwu
*Eze Joseph Okoli
*Eze Patrick Okoli
*Eze Osita Okoli
*Eze Ikenna Okoli (Present Obi of Akokwa)
His Royal Highness, Eze (Sir) Ikenna C. Okoli (KSC), (MSI) Okoli V, Agbakwuruibe III, the 11th Obi of Akokwa is blessed with three wonderful children.
Notedly, the Akokwa ancient kingdom is a border & nodal town in Ideato North LGA of Imo state.
It shares boundaries with Aro-Ndizuogu, Uzii, Osina, Akpulu and also a gateway to Anambra state as it shares border with Uga and Umuchu. Akokwa boasts of many industrialist, academics and technotracts.Some of these notables are: Sir Tony Ezenna, OFR, (Ijele Akokwa) Chairman, Orange Group, Chief Charles Anudu, MD/CEO Swift Networks Limited, Chairman of Envoy Oil ltd, Sir Linus Ojimba, Prof. Kevin Ibeh,Commissioner,Commonwealth Scholarship Commission and Pro Vice Chancellor (International) at Birkbeck, University of London, High Chief Fabian A. Onwuachu(Acharaugo) President Emeritus, Peoples club of Nigeria international and Patron/Trustee Peoples club of Nigeria international, Chairman of Tiger foods ltd, Chief Celestine Ebubeogu(Ide Akokwa),Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria 2017 (MBGN), Miss Ugochi Mitchel Ihezue,Late Professor (Chief) Elechukwu Njaka who founded the famous ERNEST GAMES GRAMMER SCHOOL Akokwa.
Others include Late Dr. Otuokere Njaka, the second Republic deputy minority leader of the old Imo State House of Assembly,Engineer Ezekiel Izuogu, The designer of the first made in Nigeria car, John Munonye Nigerian educator and novelist( The only Son), Renowned banker and Economist, Prof Willie Uzoaga and many others
*Ingram Osigwe( Enyioha) is the MD of Full page international communications Ltd
