The Fulani Herdsmen Attacks

~Professor Charles Adisa Startling research findings on Fulani herdsmen Must read The Result of the Research about Fulani herdsmen. "FULANI HERDSMEN KILLINGS; MODUS OPERANDI, THOSE INVOLVED, AND THE POSSIBLE SOLUTIONS. The most significant problem that African nations face is lack of leadership. Normally, Leadership should be an intentional conscious effort to attend to the people’s needs and aspirations. But in Africa, even though many of those that are thrust into the position of leadership mean well, they lack the capacity to lead and meet the people/s hopes and aspirations. Apart from lack of adequate preparation for leadership, one other notable factor that had inhibited good leadership among African leaders is the seemingly non-existent structures for research and information management in the society. Hence, many well-meaning leaders often do not have the requisite information needed for a thorough appraisal and resolution of problems as they arise. A clear example is the recent terrorist attack in Enugu State of Nigeria and the obvious ignorance of the State Leadership on the modus operandi of the Fulani Herdsmen which led to poor leadership decisions. For a long time, the Nigerian state has been under siege by Fulani herdsmen terrorists operating under a predictable pattern of reconnaissance, attack and withdrawal, leading to many deaths and social dislocations. Since January 2016, there has been documented deaths of approximately 1000 Nigerians from across the middle belt, the South-south, and Southeastern parts of the country from these coordinated Fulani herdsmen attacks. The Fulani herdsmen are credited with destabilizing the city of Jos, a once tourist destination; and their history of mayhem extend beyond the borders of the Nigerian state. They are also the major actors/catalyst to recent conflicts in the Central African Republic. Armed with adequate information about these murderous group, one would have expected the Governors in the Southeastern states, especially those whose citizens were murdered in cold blood by these terrorists to come out with a strong condemnation of the Fulani herdsmen carnage and unify towards a common cause solution. On the contrary, events in the past weeks only showed confused state executives, who do not even understand the magnitude of the problem at hand. In fairness to these Governors, some of them mostly followed the normal state security protocol in responding to this abnormality, Hence, the failure to protect the citizens was the liability of the Federal Government of Nigeria and its armed forces. Though we do not excuse the shabby response of these Governors to the Fulani Herdsmen tragedy, we are inclined to give them a slack because to solve a problem, one needs to first understand the problem. The Governors did not understand the problem. Most Nigerians and international bodies do not understand the Fulani herdsmen problem and we at CACLD did not initially. We therefore dispatched a fact finding team to the Southeastern part of the country to unravel the intricacies and complexities of the Fulani terrorist group; a group rated as the fourth most dangerous by respected international conflict organizations (According to the Global Terrorism Index 2015 report; "Fulani militants" killed 1,229 people in 2014 -- up from 63 in 2013, Making them the "fourth most deadly terrorist group"). Our fact finding team visited “Ama Hausa and Garki” camps in both Enugu and Abia States. They also interviewed neighbors from the local communities living within and around the Hausa communities in both states. Both the Northerners and the local community were very open and volunteered valuable information to our team. There seems to be a willingness and eagerness for the violence to end. Below, we will present our findings in numbered points. 1. The Fulani herdsmen terrorists are Fulanis but mostly non-Nigerians: This may come as a surprise to most of us. About ten percent of the terrorists are Nigerians and they live within the Hausa Fulani communities in Ama-Hausa and Garki’s in the South East and South-south regions. 2. The Fulani Herdsmen terrorists do not own cattle: This is another revelation that may come as a surprise to many. Fulani herdsmen killers’ major job description is just to kill. They do not own any cattle. Most of them are employed by the cattle owners as “security men” whose job is strictly to protect the cattle. They do not however follow the cattle around, but move in separate vehicles along a defined route within the states where cattle are being reared. 3. The Ama-Hausas and Garkis harbor 80% of the Fulani herdsmen killers. This is a very important revelation. The Garkis are mostly Hausas and other minorities from the north, but within them, they Fulani herdsmen killers reside. The northerners were able to show us these Fulani herdsmen “security personnel” and they were dressed differently from the normal Northern Nigerians within these settlements. They were young, less religious, most of them use drugs, and consume alcohol. A majority of these herdsmen terrorists are migrants from Chad, Niger, and other Fulani enclaves outside the Nigerian state. A small percentage of these Fulani youths are Nigerians born in the states where they reside. They are the ones vested with the responsibility of leading these Fulanis on their regular rampage; serving as compasses to the blood-hungry terrorists. 4. The Fulani herdsmen that accompany cattle from the North to the South per season do not own cattle. This is another surprise coming out from the investigation. The cattle are owned by more prominent Fulani leaders in the country. Most Nigerian Fulanis are no longer migratory herdsmen, but are either Emirs, Sultans, heads of parastatals, oil barons, Imams, Christian Pastors, Governors, Federal Reps, and Senators. However, they still maintain their cultural ownership of cattle. These wealthy Nigerians increase their wealth astronomically through cattle rearing by using their not well off brothers from outside Nigeria to rear these cattle. Instead of investing in ranches and buying of grasses from the South, they chose the cheaper alternative of having their kinsmen, imported from outside the country, take these cattle from the north to south seasonally; using the entire Nigerian space as their “grass kingdom”. These cattle, in turn, destroy farms in their path, rendering farmers economically bankrupt to further enrich the wealthy Fulani “remote herders”. For clarity sake, let us present the breakdown of Fulani people in Nigeria as we deduced from our investigation. There are about 5 million Fulani people in Nigeria making them one of the smallest ethnic group in the country. Out of the 5 million Fulani people, only about 3 million of them are Nigerians. The remaining 2 million come from outside the country and are first generation immigrants. About 60 percent of the Fulanis in Nigeria are governors, Pastors, Imams, Emirs, Sultan, House of Rep members, Importers, Exporters, Ministers, Oil well owners, lecturers, Vice Chancellors, Ministers, and Senators etc. In a nutshell, the Fulani control all sectors of the northern economy. These rich Fulani’s own all the cattle being reared in Nigeria. The remaining 40 percent of Fulanis come from outside the country. These are the poor and peasant Fulanis. These immigrant Fulani’s are mostly in charge of the cattle owned by the Bourgeois Fulani. Because the Fulani’s have the highest income per capita in the Nigerian state (Fulani’s who are Nigerians), they constantly need to import their poor brothers and sisters from outside the country to increase their population (the Fulani’s always either marry into rich families or they would marry only Fulani to maintain their pure race) and to help with menial jobs. In Garki and Ama-Hausa settlements all over the country, there exist a few Nigerian Fulanis (some are born in these states) who coordinate the cattle business. These Fulanis either help manage family cattle or are just contracted middlemen in charge of the business on behalf of various millionaire cattle owners. They themselves are also millionaires. Under these middlemen are about a group of 20 to 40 Fulani boys within the ages of 20 and 35. These are the unofficial Fulani herdsmen security team whose job is to protect the Fulani herdsmen cattle. Lastly, there is a group of Fulani herdsmen who rear the cattle from the north to the south. These are at the bottom of the Fulani Herdsmen ladder. Some of them do not even know how to speak English and are so poor that they are paid just a little amount of money for their job. These herdsmen do not carry guns. They only carry arrows and machetes to help them navigate the bushes on their way down to the South. 6. Fulani Herdsmen Attack. We learned from the surrounding communities and from some of the Hausa elders about what constitutes a Fulani herdsmen attack. According to information we received, when there is a disagreement between host communities, or between herdsmen and farmers, the Fulani herdsmen who accompany the cattle will locate the nearest Fulani settlement and if there is none, they will locate the nearest Garki or Ama Hausa. When they arrive, they will narrate their story. The Fulani (Nigerian middlemen) cattle managers will notify their top Fulani Herdsmen which in this case, include governors (like El Rufai) and other top Fulani Bourgeois who own the cattle. A decision will be made about whether there should be an attack or not on the said village or host community. If an attack is sanctioned, then modalities will be mapped out and a date will be chosen for the attack. Most times, Fulani herdsmen in the military and police are notified and everyone sends a representative. Neighboring settlements sends out representatives and arms cache are opened and arms are distributed to the participants. The major participants are the 20 to 40 Fulani herdsmen who reside in the Garkis and Ama Hausas. These are the Fulani warriors whose job is to kill. During an attack, every Fulani person in the area knows there will be an attack and all will contribute to make sure it goes on successfully. Fulanis in the higher levels of the military will ensure all commands under them stand down, and the top Fulani police officers will do the same. The road is then clear for the Fulani herdsmen to carry their attacks. 7. Solution Many of those who interacted with us suggested solutions that are very interesting. Most of the northern Hausas and the local communities suggested a ban on grazing in the affected states. A total ban would be the only way to solve this problem. Some argued that with the Fulani’s nature of encroaching on other people’s land and territories, any attempt to give them land would aggravate the problem and not solve it. Most villagers from Abia State suggested that these cattle be penned in the north while government releases money for people in the South to cut grasses, process the grass, and send to the north. This is the practice all over the world. They indicated that any attempt to take their lands and give to the Fulani would definitely result to a civil war. We agree, the solution is very simple; ban grazing, establish ranches for the cattle in the north, pay the southerners to harvest grass and send to the north. With this, everyone would be pleased with the outcome. This solution is expected to generate 1 million jobs in the South and about 500,000 jobs in the North. Also Fulani herdsmen terror will be totally eliminated. Conclusion Next time when we talk about a herdsmen attack, we must understand that the attack was not carried out by the herdsmen you see escorting cattle on the roads and bushes. These attacks are well coordinated and sometimes involves the approval of senators and influential men in Abuja. Even our president Mohammed Buhari has a herd of cattle and hence is a Fulani herdsman, corroborating the information we received from respondents on ground. Fulani herdsmen attacks involves all Fulani ethnic members in Nigeria. Most times, these attacks happen only because “respectable men” sanction them. Issued by the News Team of Chinua Achebe Center for Leadership and Development

Happy Democracy Day 29th May 2016

UPDATES: Real Madrid win 11th Champions League title. Over 1.2m Children displaced in Northeast, says UNICEF. MainOne partners Radware on internet security solutions. FG verification exercise uncovers 43,000 ghost workers. Presidency, NASS, judiciary got N2.3trn in 10 years. Democracy rogues: Politicians, civil servants, generals steal N38tn in 17 years. We didn’t ask you to sue Makarfi, ex-NWC members tell Sheriff. Niger Delta Avengers bomb Aiteo, Agip pipelines. EFCC releases Fidelity Bank MD, traces stolen funds to NNPC. We’ll go nude to protest lecturers’ strike — Bayelsa students. I didn’t collect N54m from Oshiomhole – Impeached Speaker. Cocaine trafficker forces Dubai plane to land in Lagos. APC scores Buhari high, calls for patience. Troops ambush B’ Haram members, recover arms, viagra. Wike bans street trading in Rivers. Customs impound 21 vehicles, generate N4.6bn. Tension as soldiers comb Delta community for Tompolo. Ganduje dumps SSG, appoints new Perm Secs. Bello bows to labour’s demands, removes Okutimo. Soldiers storm Tompolo’s guest house, arrest occupants. Effective use of speed limit device will slash road crashes, says Ambode.

US Carrier, United Airlines, stops flights to Nigeria

US carrier, United Airlines, stops flights to Nigeria May 27, 2016 Transport Minister, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi United States carrier, United Airlines, will stop flying to Nigeria next month, ending operations on its only African route because of weakness in the energy sector and difficulties in repatriating money from tickets sold in the country. This came barely six weeks after Spain’s national carrier, Iberia Plc, stopped flights to Nigeria, citing dwindling passenger traffic as the reason. United Airlines said in a note to employees on Wednesday that the daily route from Houston to Lagos had underachieved for years but was kept alive because of its importance to Texas-based customers. The last flight will be on June 30, 2016, after which Delta Air Lines will be the only major US carrier flying to Africa. The Central Bank of Nigeria’s foreign exchange policy has restricted the movement of foreign currencies abroad after the global slump in oil prices depleted the country’s foreign reserves. Highlighting the reason for the US carrier’s exit from Nigeria, United Airlines’ spokesman, Jonathan Guerin, told Bloomberg, “Repatriation has been a significant issue, as has been the downturn in the energy sector.” In an emailed statement to our correspondent, the Head of Press, Europe, Africa, Middle East and India, United Airlines, Mr. Kevin Johnston, said, “United confirms that it will discontinue its service between Houston and Lagos. The last departure from Houston will be on June 29 and the last departure from Lagos will be on June 30. “We have regretfully taken this decision because of the route’s poor financial performance. We will contact customers with bookings for flights beyond those dates to provide refunds. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.” Passengers can still fly to Nigeria on United’s trans-Atlantic business partner, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, through a connection in Frankfurt. The Boeing 787 serving Lagos will be used on the San Francisco to Tel Aviv route, which will expand to daily in October from three times weekly, according to the airline’s note to its employees on Wednesday. The International Air Transport Association said that funds belonging to foreign airlines, which had been trapped in the country due to the Federal Government’s policy on foreign exchange, stood at $575m (N113.28bn) as of March this year. The association, which represents over 260 airlines attending to 83 per cent of the global air traffic, made the disclosure at the IATA African Aviation Day programme in Abuja on Monday.

Parents demand police action as apprentice abducts kids

Parents demand police action as apprentice abducts kids May 27, 2016

The kids The parents of two abducted sisters – Chikamso Okpara aged two, and four-year-old Chinaza Okpara – say they have not heard any positive news from the police about the kids’ whereabouts since their abduction on May 14, 2016. They said they had explored all avenues to trace the abductor, identified only as Rose, to no avail and urged the police to ensure that their children were rescued safely. Rose reportedly fled with the children around 12pm penultimate Saturday shortly after their mother, Ijeoma Okpara, left the shop to buy foodstuffs at a market – a few metres away from the shop on Cemetery Street, in the Ajegunle area of the state. The incident happened four days after Rose enrolled as an apprentice hairdresser. Ijeoma, a stylist, had left the children in the care of Rose and a resident, Franca, only to return 15 minutes later and discover that Rose had fled with the kids. Her husband, Emeka Okpara, told PUNCH Metro on Thursday that except the assurance he received from his pastor that the kids were safe, the police had yet to give the family any positive development after the incident was reported at the Ajeromi Police Division. He said, “We have searched for them. We have made reports and people have helped us to circulate their pictures on the social media. We have been told by men of God that the children are safe and are being kept within the state by the apprentice. We pray every day for their protection and safe return. “I spoke with the policeman investigating the case. He said no progress yet and that I should be prayerful. I don’t know the mode of their operation, but they should make more efforts to rescue them. Those are the only children we have. I am very disturbed and it has been difficult handling my emotion and that of my wife. Nobody has contacted us for ransom so far.” The distraught wife, Ijeoma, said she was surprised that the apprentice could abduct her children. She said, “The shop is in front of our house and is owned by a woman. I only work there to assist the owner. On Tuesday, May 10, Rose came and said she wanted to learn hairdressing. I told her to come back as the owner of the shop that will decide on her acceptance was not around. She begged me to allow her start immediately, saying she was idle at home. I eventually accepted after much pleading. “The customer I was making hair for on that Saturday said she wanted to pick something at home, so I had to take a break. I decided to quickly go to the market to buy foodstuffs. The market is near the shop and I didn’t spend more than 15 minutes before I returned. “On getting to the shop, Franca said Rose went with my children to buy something immediately I left. I became apprensive when she did not return early and that was how we began to search for her and the kids. We went to Turner Street which she gave as her address, but we could not find her.” The Lagos State Police Command, however, said it was on the trail of the apprentice and promised to get her arrested. The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos said, “The police are on the trail of the abductor. Efforts are ongoing to rescue the children and apprehend the culprit.”

High tension wire kills school leaver, injures Landlord

High-tension wire kills school- leaver, injures landlord May 27, 2016 The wires, Deborah Olaleye Aluko Tragedy struck on Fagbeyiro Street in the A

lakuko area of Lagos State after a high-tension wire fell on a 14-year-old girl, Deborah Faleke, who was electrocuted. Our correspondent learnt that Deborah, who had come to stay briefly with her elder sister, Bukola Ogunbajo, on the street, just left secondary school, having finished sitting for 2016/2017 West African Senior School Certificate Examination about three weeks ago. PUNCH Metro learnt that the wire – which belonged to the Ikeja Electric – fell on the girl immediately electricity was restored to the area around 10am on Saturday. It was gathered that Deborah was at the gate of the apartment when the wire fell on her head and also injured a landlord in the area, whose name had yet to be ascertained. Our correspondent learnt that the victim’s elder sister, Ogunbajo, and neighbours rushed Deborah to a hospital, but she was rejected. She was rushed to another hospital, where she was confirmed dead. It was gathered that the incident was reported at the Alakuko Police Division. PUNCH Metro learnt that some Ikeja Electric officials also visited the street on Saturday to reconnect the damaged high-tension wire, promising Ogunbajo’s landlord, identified only as Ogudugu, and the deceased’s family that a meeting would be held with them. When our correspondent visited the area on Thursday, Deborah’s father, Pastor Ademola Faleke, who lived on Ilupeju Street, said Deborah was his last child. He said, “On Friday, I went out of Lagos State for a ministration. So, the girl went to stay with her eldest sister on Fagbeyiro Street. That was not her first time. “I was at Iyana-Ipaja on Saturday on my way back when I was called on the telephone and told about the incident. There was no rainfall. Deborah was not sent on any errand. She was just passing through the gate when the wire fell on her. The marks on her body showed that the wire fell on her head. “She was rushed to a hospital. The workers there said they did not have adequate equipment. So she was rushed to a second private hospital on Adegbola Street, where she later died. The doctor issued a death certificate to us. “She just finished secondary school; she was also my interpreter. She was very active in church. I want the electricity distribution company to at least show some concern. My daughter, who is my joy, has been taken away by a careless electrical connection.” Speaking with PUNCH Metro, the landlord, Ogudugu, said the Ikeja Electric officials promised to come on Thursday to hold talks with him. He said, “There was a wooden hanger that connected the three high-tension wires. When electricity was restored that day, the wood caught fire and one of the wires snapped and fell. There was confusion in the whole area on Saturday. The officials promised to visit my house around 1pm today (Thursday). I am still waiting to receive them.” A resident of the area, who gave his name only as Olusola, said, “A landlord was injured. He is still being treated in a hospital. Nobody could move near the girl for fear of being electrocuted. “I want to enjoin the electricity distribution companies that any high-tension wire passing through a community should be placed on a suspended hanger so that if any of them breaks, it will not fall on people.” The Lagos State Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Damasus Ozoani, confirmed the incident. He said, “The police received the report of the electrocution. The high-tension wire cut off on the street and fell on the girl. Investigation is ongoing.” The Head, Corporate Communications, Ikeja Electric, Felix Ofulue, had yet to reply to a text message sent to his mobile phone on the incident.

Happy Children's day UPDATES 27th May 2016

UPDATES: Metuh wrote EFCC, ready to return N400m – Counsel. Akpobolokemi, Gen. in fresh N8.5bn NIMASA fraud. Abducted girl, Ese Oruru delivered of baby girl. Herdsmen may have links to Boko Haram, says Buratai. Nigeria built on fraudulent federalism, says Amosun. 46% of households borrow to eat in North-East —UNDP. EFCC re-arraigns Ajudua for $8.4m fraud. Colonel jailed seven years for duping church of N34.5m. Unpaid salaries: Workers declare war on Fayose, begin strike. Nobody can arrest Jonathan, Ijaw youths tell Buhari. PDP BoT asks Sheriff, others to withdraw cases. Drama as 15 Kogi lawmakers hold session. Bayelsa uncovers payroll fraud in SUBEB, 765 illegal employees. We have no mandate to privatise refineries – Kachikwu. Kwara workers begin strike over salary arrears. I can’t sell myself to pay striking workers – Fayose. Adeosun: 2016 Budget Implementation Depends on Revenue Targets. Mourinho signs with Manchester United. Again, Militants Bomb Chevron Crude Pipeline in Warri. Okumagba, Edozien Get 20 Years Ban from Capital Market Activities.5.7m Nigerians have HIV/AIDS, say African ex-leaders. Herdsmen’s invasion, plot to establish caliphate in Benue —Gov •As ethnic nationality demands N100bn compensation. Kano Spends N3bn On Environmental Cleanliness. ‘330,000 IDPs face epidemic in North-East’. Ambode’s Performance Has Been Wonderfully Excellent – Ikuforiji. Fuel hike: NANS shuts down institutions in S’East, S’South today. I won’t rest until Boko Haram is eliminated, says Buhari. The best rule of friendship is to keep your heart a little softer than your head. Happy Children's Day ☺

NHRC probes Kano toddler’s torture

NHRC probes Kano toddler’s torture May 27, 2016

The National Human Rights Commission said on Thursday that it had ordered a preliminary investigation into the alleged torture of a 20-month-old baby, Musa Murtala, in Kano State. A statement by the commission’s Chief Press Officer, Mrs. Fatimah Mohammed, said the disturbing picture of the baby’s condition appeared in a newspaper on Wednesday. Mohammed said the baby was lying critically ill at the Murtala Muhammed Specialist Hospital in Kano State. She said the baby’s mother, Bilkisu, “disclosed that her baby was brought to the hospital, following multiple fractures on his arms and legs, a cut on the tongue and testes as well as an injury to his right eye.” She disclosed that the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Prof. Bem Angwe, had ordered a preliminary investigation into the incident. The statement said the intervention by the Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Abbati Dikko, led to the arrest of the suspects who were said to have been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department in the state. The statement by the NHRC spokesperson did not disclose the number of the suspects, the nature of the torture meted out to the baby and the motive behind the act. But the NHRC spokesperson said the directive of the commission to investigate the elements of right violations in the case was made on the strength of the Standing Order and Rules of Procedures of the commission. The statement read in part, “The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Prof. Bem Angwe, stated this in Abuja while reacting to the gruesome picture of the baby on the front page of a national newspaper. “He (Angwe) disclosed that the commission had received preliminary reports on the incident from its zonal office in Kano, stressing that he would ensure that all those involved in the dastardly act would be made to face the wrath of the law. “He said a preliminary investigation conducted by the officials of the commission indicated that the alleged violators were now being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department in Bompai. Angwe said, “No cause justifies human rights abuse,” adding that the section 34(a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999, states that “no person shall be subjected to torture or to inhuman and degrading treatment.” Meanwhile, the executive secretary has commended the Kano State Police Commissioner for his quick intervention leading to the arrest of the suspects. Angwe also urged Nigerians to desist from hiring underaged children for house chores or menial work.

Ese Oruru gives birth to baby girl

Ese Oruru gives birth to baby girl May 27, 2016

The rescued 14-year-old girl, Ese Oruru, was on Thursday morning delivered of a baby girl. Ese was allegedly abducted in Bayelsa State in August 2015 and taken to Kano State where she was converted to Islam and married out without the consent of her parents. Since her return to Yenagoa,  she has been living at the Police Officers’ Mess in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital. She was said to have gone into labour on Thursday morning and taken to the Bayelsa State Government House Clinic where she was delivered of a baby girl. Ese’s father, Charles Oruru, obviously elated by the news, confirmed the development. Charles said his daughter was delivered of the baby about 10.15am on Thursday. He said the young girl, who was in Junior Secondary School at the time she was taken away, was in a good state after going through the early morning labour stress. “Ese and her daughter are hale and hearty. She gave birth to a baby girl at the Government House Clinic, Yenagoa. I just came back from the hospital,” Charles said. Charles said that the family members were excited about the latest addition to the family, despite the circumstances surrounding her pregnancy. He added that the baby and the mother were doing well, saying that the young girl gave birth without any complication. ‘’ Yes, my daughter gave birth around 10.15am. The mother and the child are well. She gave birth to herself (a baby girl). We are very happy that she gave birth safely,” he said. Ese was allegedly abducted in Bayelsa State last August and taken to Kano where she was converted to lslam and married off without the consent of her parents.  Since she returned to Yenagoa following a public outcry and pressure mounted by the media, she has been living at the Police Officers’ Mess in Yenagoa in custody of the police authorities in the state. Ese’s abduction case is currently before the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, where her alleged kidnapper, Yunusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, is facing five counts of alleged kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation of a minor. Dahiru has been in prison custody because he was unable to fulfil the bail conditions slammed on him by the court headed by Justice Ajiya Nganjiwa. Before Thursday’s incident, Ese was expected to give evidence in secret when the hearing of the case will come up on June 2.

Killer Herds men may be Boko Haram Affiliates- Buratai

Killer herdsmen may be Boko Haram affiliates –Buratai May 27, 2016 Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has said some of the killer herdsmen, who had wreaked havoc in Benue, Enugu and Ekiti states among others, may have affiliation with the Boko Haram insurgents. He said this on Thursday in Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State, when he paid a courtesy visit to the governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at his Oke Mosan office. Buratai, who was also visiting Army formations in the state, said this probability was already being investigated as the troops continued their onslaught on the insurgents in the North-East. He, however, called on all Nigerians to be security conscious and report any suspicious movement of persons in their communities to security agents. The Army chief added, “One may not be too far from the fact that some of these herds men that are attacking communities across the country may have some affiliation with the Boko Haram terrorists. “This we are further investigating and also pursuing them so that we can address the situation. “Let’s report quickly movement of suspicious persons carrying arms especially. If you suspect any individual within your community, we should be able to report immediately. Timely information is very important. “We have our troops deployed in certain areas and I believe the Police are working with them to be able to tackle any challenge that comes in immediately.” Buratai, who explained that the insurgents had been largely defeated, said there was no community in the North-East under the sect’s control. He said, “Our troops are patrolling all those places and we are coordinating with the Multinational Joint Task Force to ensure that the borders are well secured and are blocked from any infiltration.” Amosun, who called for the creation of a Nigerian Army Division in the state, said the population of the state had increased to over seven million just as the economy of the state had also expanded tremendously. He commended the military for the successes recorded against the Boko Haram terrorists. “Nigerians are now happy with the military. We are happy that normalcy has returned to the North-East region even to the point where Emirs, who had earlier had to run away from their domains, have now returned,” he added. Meanwhile, the Benue State Government on Thursday raised the alarm that the “systematic” attacks by suspected Fulani herdsmen in Agatu and other local government areas in the state were part of a plot by foreign insurgents to occupy Nigeria. It called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to nip the development in the bud before it spiralled into another B’Haram insurgency, which it pointed out could be “10 times the scale of what we witnessed in the North-East.” The Benue Government told a panel of the House of Representatives that the aim of the “bigger agenda” was first to weaken the Middle Belt of Nigeria, particularly Benue State, before expanding to the South-East, South-South and the South-West. The Deputy Governor of the state, Mr. Benson Abonu, who presented the position of the government to the committee in Abuja, disclosed that intelligence suggested that insurgents dislodged from Mali had moved into Nigeria with the mission of occupying communities. “There is a national dimension to it, which indicates that they are headed for the South-East, South-South and they are already in the South-West in Ekiti State,” Abonu added. He called on the Federal Government to treat the matter more seriously than the present approach that tended to situate it as mere clashes between herdsmen and farmers. Abonu noted that if the government sought to maintain that it was mere clashes, the solution should be to restrict herdsmen to ranches as practised in other climes. The deputy governor added, “Our stand is that the solution is ranches, ranches and ranches. “Cattle breeding is a private, professional business that should be devoid of government involvement. “It is a private affair of the cattle owners; so, they should seek permission from land owners to build their own ranches in their own localities.” Some lawmakers from Benue State, including Mr. Dickson Tarkighir, Mr. Adamu Entonu and Mr. Terse Gbillah, also made presentations to the committee, recalling the sad experiences of the attacks on the Agatu, Buruku, Gwer-West/East, Makurdi, Katsina-Ala, Kwande and Logo local government areas. For instance, the Spokesperson for the Benue Dialogue for Peace and Dialogue, Mr. David Ogbole, informed the committee that herdsmen had already occupied “15 out of the 23” local governments in the state. “They kill, burn down houses, take over farm-lands and occupy”, Ogbole stated. On its part, the Mdzough U Tiv, the umbrella body of the Tiv people of Benue State, demanded N100bn compensation from the Federal Government for the lives and property lost in parts of the state. The President-General of the group, Chief Edward Ujege, who addressed the committee, also demanded the immediate eviction of the herdsmen from Benue State. He disclosed that in 2014 alone, 883 persons were killed, while 23,324 persons were displaced. According to Ujege, property worth N31.4bn was lost in 2014. He added that between 2015 and this year, more than 170 lives were lost in Tiv land, besides the 500 hacked to death in Agatu in March. He said, “The attackers are well trained in modern warfare and highly motivated. They use sophisticated weapons and are brutish in their attacks, killing all humans that are in sight, including women and children.” The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, who also appeared before the committee, told the committee how he held strategy meetings with the governors of Benue and Nasarawa states as well as holding town hall meetings with Fulani herdsmen and farmers. Arase claimed that due to his professional leaning, he needed to handle the issue more carefully with the sole aim of achieving peaceful resolutions. But not satisfied with Arase’s position, the Haliru Jika-led committee sought to know why the police had hardly arrested and prosecuted any herdsmen for the atrocities they committed over the years. The IG claimed that the police arrested 18 suspects in connection with the Agatu killings, but added that they were not prosecuted because the police could not get enough evidence. “Eighteen suspects were arrested. But, I don’t have to go on air to malign them until there is sufficient evidence to prosecute them,” he added. He also disagreed with the alarm raised by the Benue State Government that insurgents were plotting to overrun Nigeria. “There is nowhere in security history, that hoodlums overrun a state and the Nigerian state cannot be an exception”, Arase argued. No member of the Miyeti Allah Cattle Rearers Breeders, the umbrella body of the herdsmen, attended the session on Thursday. Also, the Executive Director of Stefanos Foundation, Mr. Mark Lipdo, said on Thursday that the increase in the attacks on communities by Fulani herdsmen might dwarf the successes the Federal Government had recorded against the Boko Haram insurgents. In a report prepared by the foundation, a copy of which was obtained by The PUNCH in Jos, Lipdo said there were 233 attacks with Boko Haram responsible for 149 and 84 attributed to Fulani herdsmen between 2014 and 2015. He added that under the Muhammadu Buhari administration, the attacks stood at 198, in which Boko Haram carried out 94 while the attacks by Fulani herdsmen increased to 96. Lipdo said 8,004 Nigerians died in 546 attacks during the last two years of former President Goodluck Jonathan administration, but 2,385 Nigerians had died in 233 attacks, mostly by Fulani herdsmen, in the one year of the Buhari administration. Lipdo said, “The report indicates a significant terror decline between July and September 2015. Fulani terror attack indicates a significant drop in November 2015, but soon picked up in December 2015. “Boko Haram terror attack was on progressive decline since October 2015.”

25th May 2016

UPDATES: Buhari appoints Babandede new Immigration boss. Conflicting court rulings deepen PDP’s crisis. Kidnapping: IG deploys helicopter, policemen to Kogi. ‘Tomato Ebola’ hits six states – FG. FG closes false asset declaration case against Orubebe. A’court rules on Metuh’s no-case-submission appeal today. Ibadan ‘husband killer’ to face trial. I didn’t promise regular power in six months –Fashola. Fuel price hike: NLC, FG resume talks today. EFCC declares Omisore wanted over N700m Dasuki contract. LASG disburses N147.7m loans to workers. Looters block effort to recover £300m Abacha’s loot –FG. Blowouts caused 722 accidents in Nigeria – FRSC. ADB’s $5b jobs scheme targets 25m African youths. New Oshodi project starts June 1, costs N22.4bn. Operators query dominance of construction sector by foreign firms. Court dismisses NDIC’s suit against Capital Oil. Two missing Ebonyi students found dead. Forex Scarcity: Marketers Still Depend On NNPC. Court to rule on de-freezing Nyako’s account June 22. Governmet to probe Discos over CBN’S N260b for transformers. At Last, Central Bank to Introduce Flexible Exchange Rate Regime. Bayelsa Workers Suspend Strike, Accept 50% Salaries. Kaduna HIV/AIDS cases drop in one year. Borno Emirs Return Home, Two Years After Fleeing From Boko Haram Onslaught. Senate Asks FG to Recover N42bn Waivers Granted Dangote, Bua, Others. Harsh Economy: Only One Qualified Bidder For NCC’s2.6GHz Spectrum Licence. Kwara Lauds BUA’s $300m Investment in Lafiaji Sugar Estate. Pipeline bombing: Nigeria’s oil export dips further by 21,000bpd. Nigeria gets 34m tablets to treat school children of worms. Nasarawa sets up committee to review workers salary. God isn't limited by Time, Space or Matter... seek him always.

24th May 2016

UPDATES:EFCC to get N8bn new head office. IG warns PDP factions as Makarfi woos Mantu. Reps panel okays FRSC’s speed limiters. Fani-Kayode to spend three more weeks in custody. Judge okays court premises as Dasuki, lawyers’ meeting point. FG seeks $166bn to fund energy, transport sectors. B’Haram bomb maker killed by sect leader’s guard – Army. Fuel crisis: FG, PENGASSAN meet on strike notice. Seven feared killed in Anambra students’ hostel collapse. EFCC opposes Metuh’s application for permission to travel abroad. Lagos to introduce water kiosks. Obama lifts arms embargo on Vietnam. ISIS suicide bombers kill 148 in Syria. Fayose bans grazing in Ekiti. 80% of Kaduna tomatoes ravaged by disease, says El-Rufai. ‘Fayose’s land’ was sold to Badeh for N650m –Contractor. Erediauwa’s burial rites begin May 25. Edo retirees protest unpaid pension arrears. Tompolo bribed Akpobolokemi to defraud NIMASA of N23.8bn – Witness. Chinese investors eye energy, rail, communication sectors. Jonathan denies exile story. Okonjo-Iweala to appeal against missing N30tr judgment. Anxiety grips civil servants over looming job cuts. Oshiomhole sacks commerce, industry commissioner. Dickson begins defence as INEC closes case. NEITI alleges N2.23tr fraud in NNPC. Bauchi ex-SSG, others refund N17 million. Ogun surpassed revenue target despite challenges, says Amosun. Agatu Killings: Idoma Community Stages Concert To Raise Fund. Lagos Govt Plans 50 Housing Units In Every LGA. Land Titles: Lagos Begins Land Administration, Automation System.

22nd May 2016

UPDATES: PDP sacks NEC as Makarfi heads caretaker committee. President Buhari to pay 2-day working visit to Lagos. Now is the time to invest in Nigeria — Atiku. Fuel price hike’ll accelerate passage of PIB — Senators. We operate with just one AK47 – Kaduna priests’ abductors. Biya’s car breaks down at Cameroon National Day parade. Kidnapped Kwara APC chairman, secretary freed. FG should have fixed refineries before hiking fuel price — Gbajabiamila. Met Officer Removed from Corruption Post over Ibori Case. Negative GDP Rate, Galloping Inflation Top Agenda as MPC Meets Tomorrow. Fuel subsidy: Police warn labour leaders over Protests. Release Otukpo Vicar General, Others, Abductors Urged. NCC tasks Govs on telecom infrastructure, double taxation. EFCC seals off property belonging to Dickson’s ex-aide. Osun school offers rescued Chibok girls scholarship. Lawmaker secures release of 10 convicts. 2 Killed, six injured as suspected fulani herdsmen attack Ekiti community. Nigerians spend 73 per cent of income on food, beverages. Egypt Air Jet Sent Smoke-alarm Warnings Before Crash. NLC In Crucial Meeting Today. Four FUTA Students Killed In Auto Crash, Eleven Others Injured. Bayern Munich beat Borussia Dortmund 4-3 on penalties following a goalless draw after extra time to clinch the German Cup for the 18th time. Jesse Lingard scored the winner in extra time as Manchester United beat Crystal Palace 2-1 to clinch the FaCup for the 1st time since 2004. The biggest risk in life is the avoidance of risk taking. Every challenge has its profits . Happy Sunday=-)

19th May 2016

UPDATES: NLC walks out of meeting with FG, begins strike today. Alleged diversion: FG to automate military payroll before Dec. EFCC seizes Fani-Kayode’s passport, detains ex-gov Yero. PDP crisis: We’ll hold parallel convention, say ex-govs, ministers. No area’ll be neglected in Lagos – Gov. FG releases N13bn to NYSC. Saraki failed to declare N375m London property – Witness. Lagos approves 54 firms to manage streetlights. Ghost workers: Bauchi suspends two perm secs, others. Lagos reopens Lekki Gardens. Fuel hike is consequence of corruption, says Osinbajo. Senate bows to pressures, throws out “Anti-social media law”. ECOWAS Court permits FG to give oral evidence against Dasuki. Power generation drops further, now 1400MW. ‘Metuh queried PDP source of campaign funds’. Airlines ration flights as fuel scarcity bites harder. LASU raises professors’ retirement age to 70. Shiites demand El-Zakzaky’s release as condition for polio vaccination. IGP To Arms Bearers: Renew Licence Or Risk Arrest, Prosecution. Again, Militants Blow up Agip Gas Pipeline in Bayelsa. UBA Appoints Five New Executive Directors to Group Board. US supports NDLEA operations with $11m equipment. SSANU threatens showdown with UI, others •Over planned sack of staff school teachers. Salary deduction: Workers give Fayose 24 hours to pay. Fani-Kayode Still Being Held Despite Meeting Bail Conditions. Osun Assembly Recommends Reinstatement of Sacked Lecturers. Witness: Metuh Questioned Source of Funds Received from ONSA. Leicester City boss Ranieri named England’s Manager of the Year. Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech won the Premier League Golden Glove after keeping 16 clean sheets in his 1st season at the Gunners. BPL – Result: Manchester United 3-1 Bournemouth Sevilla defeated Liverpool 3-1 to win the Europa Cup for the third consecutive time

May 17th 2016

UPDATES: Ambode donates 50 new buses to BRT. IYC wants ‘unfair allocation’ of oil blocks probed. Buhari begs lawyers to support anti-graft war. Reps in rowdy session over subsidy removal. Fuel price hike: FG, Labour meeting ends in a deadlock. Saraki’s trial: A’court fixes May 31 for hearing. Paucity of funds’ll frustrate corpers’ mobilisation – NYSC DG. Crude oil production drops below budget’s target. ‘Arrested persons in Delta are Chevron workers, not militants’. PMS selling above N200 in Ekiti, Imo, others. Niger cancels sponsorship of Hajj, Israel pilgrims. Gbaramatu communities under siege, cries wanted Tompolo. Oil, Electricity Workers Opt Out Of Strike. Nigeria Loses 800,000 bpd To Pipeline Vandalism – Kachikwu. NOUN approves scholarships for prisoners. Zenith Bank, French Firm Sign $100m Power Generation Pact. National Carrier Underway As FG Concessions 4 Airports. Nigeria's internet users down to 92m in March. Lagos Earmarks N36bn To Tackle Ocean Surge. Sheriff Emerges PDP Sole Chairmanship Candidate, Vacates Office 2018. You can't improve the future without disturbing the present. Let's be positive in every situation. This too shall pass. Good morning =-). Have a nice day.

UPDATES 16th May 2016

UPDATES: I forged certificates to help the needy –75-year-old retired teacher. UK ready to return looted funds, says Malami. S’West PDP congress illegal, say zonal leaders. Bayelsa NSCDC kills three militants. Fuel price hike: FG meets labour today as Reps summon Kachikwu. N’West govs meet to tackle crime, boost agric. 3,716 Lagos hoodlums jailed in four months. Telecoms firms jostle for N44 billion spectrum licence. Embrace bicycle, beat fuel price hike – Anambra monarch. FG votes N940m for grazing reserves despite opposition. We’re probing Aregbesola over alleged LG funds diversion – EFCC. FIFA President to visit Nigeria. My arrest by EFCC not political, says Shekarau. Military Confirms Arrest of N/Delta Avengers, Masterminds of Chevron Attacks. Gbajabiamila backs new pump price, wants review of minimum wage. FG to propose N45,000 wage, meets labour today. Eight million Nigerians to benefit from govt’s N.5tr social welfare scheme. CBN debunks reported plan to devalue naira. Discos disconnect govt, security agencies over N93b debt. BPL – Results: Arsenal 4-0 Aston Villa, Chelsea 1-1 Leicester City, Everton 3-0 Norwich City, Swansea City 1-1 Manchester City, Watford 2-2 Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion 1-1 Liverpool, Newcastle United 5-1 Tottenham Hotspur, Southampton 4-1 Crystal Palace, Stoke City 2-1 West Ham United. The biggest risk in life is not taking any at all. Create a timely goal and take the risks attached to it. Good morning =-) Have a pleasant week ahead.

15th May 2016

UPDATES: PDP, UPN, others seek probe of Ogun building collapse. Nigerians begin to stockpile food ahead of labour strike. Security summit: Fighting terrorism difficult, Buhari admits. US to return $350m stolen by Nigerian generals. EFCC seizes N860m mansion from ex-Air Force chief. NBC Loan: Ozekhome says Mohammed’s request illegal, unlawful. Fayose causing confusion in our party — PDP. Lagos will change danfo colour next year — Mobereola. Harvest of crises at PDP congresses. Fresh twist, as Edo central APC demands guber slot. Buhari: Nigeria needs €916m for Chad Basin, climate plan. Buhari to inaugurate FRSC's operational vehicles, others. Buhari: Taking Sambisa, Rescuing Chibok Girls Our Last Major Task. NLC, TUC Give FG 3 Days to Restore Fuel Subsidy. UK approves £40m to fight Boko Haram. CAN shifts election to June, as TEKAN/ ECWA fails to submit candidate. Tension in Nasarawa over 35% pay cut. Ortom Backs FG On Subsidy Removal. We Have No Plan To Attack Enugu – Fulani Community. Bayelsa LG workers reject Dickson’s one-month salary offer. Lagos council demolishes 100 shops at Aregbesola market. Ambode Orders Repair Of Oshodi-Apapa Expressway. Herdsmen Kill 5 In Benue, Sack Community. Buhari cannot intimidate me — Adegboruwa. LaLiga – Results: Atletico Madrid 2-0 Celta Vigo, Deportivo 0-2 Real Madrid, Athletic Bilbao 3-1 Sevilla. Barcelona have been crowned champions of LaLiga after beating Granada 3-0 with Luis Suarez scoring all 3 goals. We often meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it. Do the right thing always. Happy Sunday =-)

UPDATES 13th May 2016

UPDATES: Govt hints of naira devaluation. Wike condemns blowing up of pipelines. Fresh crisis hits PDP as elders sack Sheriff. Nigeria losing over N1tr to non-remittan ce of operating surplus. Government begins release of 2016 budget funds today. Lagos plans mobile cancer centre to enhance health care delivery. Oruru’s evidence to be taken in camera, judge rules. Fayose, Falana, ASUU, NANS, HURIWA protest increase in petrol price. Suspects in Anisulowo’s kidnap moved to Abuja. Govt orders probe of military payroll, sets up audit team. Suicide bomber kills six, injures 14 in Maiduguri. 2016 budget: FG identifies 34 priority points of action. Militants give oil blocs owners two weeks to quit Niger Delta. NEMA shuts down SIX IDPs camps in Adamawa. Ortom appeals to FG for refund N6 billion projects sum. Court upholds Oduah’s election as senator. Maikashuwa bows out as N’Assembly clerk today. INEC releases timetables for Edo, Ondo gov polls. EFCC searches Fani-Kayode’s house, arrests domestic worker. Lagos lawyer, Adegboruwa, arraigned, remanded in EFCC custody. Court bars PDP from holding S’West congress. Ebenezer Obey, Ayewa, others for Osile’s 27th coronation today. DHQ Inaugurates Committee To Address Issues With Troops’ Allowances. International Community Complicit In Stolen Funds – PMB. Slain Soldiers: Bayelsa Residents Flee over Fear of Military Reprisal. Dismiss Onjeh’s suit, David Mark urges tribunal. Buhari: No Tax Clearance, No Payments by Government. Subsidy Removal: PPPRA Pegs Naira at N298/$ for Fuel Imports. MTN, Lumos Expand Solar Electricity Service to Katsina. 10 Luxury Buses Belonging To ‘The Young Shall Grow’ Consumed By Mysterious Fire. More often than not, we meet our destiny on the road we take to avoid it. Good morning

UPDATES 12th May 2016

UPDATES: Cameron Makes U-turn, Praises Nigeria’s Fight Against Corruption. Petrol to sell for N145 per litre as new import regime opens. Moro, others re-arraigned over Immigration job scam. Oyo suspends payment of workers’ salaries. FG Pleads with Resident Doctors to Shelve Warning Strike. Protesting hospital workers lock out Fayose, CMD. Osun Assembly okays 2016 budget, appoints minority leader. Prosecution witness admits discrepancies in listed Saraki’s properties. Lagos earns N75b, saves N5.9b via TSA. Local airlines hit by 50 per cent fuel supply shortage. I made statement to EFCC in error, says witness in Badeh’s case. I changed N7.8bn to dollars for Badeh – NAF cashier. TCN, NDPHC to sign pact as generation drops to 2,276MW. Violence in Ogoni, a plot to stall clean up, says MOSOP. Return Nigeria’s stolen assets, Buhari tells Cameron. I’m innocent, detained lawyer, Adegboruwa, insists. Diezani bribe: EFCC grills Imoke, detains Edo gov aspirant. 16,532 Oyo workers face probe over multiple salaries. CBN Unveils Guidelines for Non-interest MFBs. Nigeria loses 400,000bpd as Shell declares force majeure. Kaduna beggars begin strike. Nigeria disagrees with global Fund over grants’ misapplication claim. ‘150 Pregnant Women Die Monthly In Kaduna’. 73% Of All Abortions Done By Married Women- Study 60% Women to Benefit from CBN’s N220bn Empowerment Fund. CCT Adjourns Saraki’s Trial Till May 17. BPL – Results: Liverpool 1-1 Chelsea, Norwich 4-2 Watford, Sunderland 3-0 Everton. Life is a summary total of our actions and inaction. Make selfless decisions and be happy.

11th May 2016

UPDATES: EFCC secures remand warrant to keep Fani-Kayode. Militant group defiant, says pipelines bombing to continue. Fashola hopes to boost power with N99 billion. Kachikwu promises more refineries. WAEC to print certificates only on request. Nigeria, Afghanistan ‘fantastically corrupt’, says Cameron. Unfreeze my bank accounts, says Akingbola. Govt orders Discos to submit audited financials to NERC. Badeh’s house paid for in dollars, says principal witness. ‘It takes 22 years to conclude case up to Supreme Court’. Ooni calls for development of domestic tourist centres. I Kidnapped My Madam’s Son, Demanded N20m Ransom – Driver. My assets’ form tampered with, Saraki tells CCT. Oshiomhole Squandered Over N1trn On Inflated Projects —Ize-Iyamu. CCT trial: Saraki had 14 cars worth N263.4m before becoming gov 2003 — Witness. Gov Ishaku Launches Free Medical Treatment In Taraba. Army arrests 17 suspected cultists, robbers in Rivers. Three remanded for cloning Aregbesola’s phone number. Nigeria records first vaccine-derived polio case since 2014. EFCC summons First Bank, Sterling, Access officials. FG to establish 6 new varsities of science, tech —Minister. Alleged N61m scam: EFCC arrests Tompolo’s lawyer, Adegboruwa. Dasukigate: EFCC to arraign ex-Chief of Air Staff today. 2016 budget will ensure full payment of workers’ salaries —Osun Assembly. French President, Hollande to Visit Nigeria as Buhari Hosts Security Summit. Bode George’s mother dies at 91. Fuel Subsidy: It’s Time for Difficult Decisions, Says Osinbajo. Real Amount Diverted in Arms Purchase was $15bn, Says Information Minister. Justice Uwais’ Son Killed in Airstrike in Syria. AshakaCem Independent Power Plant to Gulp $100m. DMO:  Borrowed Funds will Be Used to Finance Capital Projects.  Adeosun to Present 2016 Borrowing Plan to FEC Next Week. NDPHC: Eight NIPP Plants Ready to Generate 2,000MW. Currency-in-circulation Rises to N1.811 Trillion. BPL – Result: West Ham 3-2 Manchester Utd.

UPDATES 8th May 2016

UPDATES: Sheriff will bury PDP at May 21 convention — Ex-ministers. Buhari orders military to crush new Niger Delta militant group. No land for grazing in Benue —Ortom. Army arrests young female B’Haram suspect. Lagos police hunt for man over banker-wife’s death. Nasarawa workers decry non-payment of salaries. Boko Haram landmine kills seven IDPs in Yobe. To Block Stolen Wealth Safe Havens, Buhari Heads for Anti-graft Summit in London. APC Finally Reconciles Kano Foes, Ganduje, Kwankwaso. FG to commence bidding round for bitumen. GLO celebrates Nigerian women on International Mothers’ Day. EFCC Invasion Of Fani-Kayode’s Home, Irresponsible, Barbaric-Fayose. I Regret Making Suswam Benue Governor – Akume. FRSC Redeploys Principal Officers, Command Heads. Dickson Probes Bayelsa Salary Frauds. Army Records Major Gains In Operation Crack Down Sambisa. Dubai’s Non-oil Trade with Africa Hit $30bn in 2015. BPL – Results: West Ham 1-4 Swansea, Crystal Palace 2-1 Stoke, Sunderland 3-2 Chelsea, Norwich 0-1 Man United, Leicester 3-1 Everton, Bournemouth 1-1 West Brom, Aston Villa 0-0 Newcastle. Your life does not get better by chance, it gets better by change. Good morning=-) Have a beautiful Sunday

UPDATES 4th May 2016

UPDATES: Buhari meets Biya over Boko Haram. N’Assembly remains in control of Kogi assembly, Reps insist. Budget: Saraki, Dogara meet over clean copy. Manslaughter: Synagogue engineers get N20m bail. At 73, Buhari lacks ideas to run Nigeria – Fayose. Buhari reaffirms crackdown on killer herdsmen . Zoning: 120 South-West PDP leaders meet in Akure. Wada optimistic of PDP’s return in Kogi. Herdsmen attack: FG removes Enugu police commissioner. FG plans supplementary budget for tourism industry. Chaos as Edo Assembly impeaches Speaker, deputy. NPA votes N14.3b for Lekki deep seaport project, eyes N201.31b revenue. Troops rescue octogenarian, 1000 other Boko Haram hostages. Parents, teachers protest unpaid salaries at OAU school. Edo declares five-day holiday to mourn Benin monarch. IMF: Policy Reset Urgently Needed in Nigeria, Others to Secure Growth. FG Slams N1.3tn Claim on Shell for Bonga Spill.3 persons, 4 cows die as cattle causes accident on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. FG Orders Doctors to Treat Gunshot Victims without Restraints. We will poison our water, Fayose threatens Fulani herdsmen. Atletico Madrid lost 2-1 to Bayern Munich but progress to the UCL final on away goals following a 2-2 aggregate score.

THE WORKERS' DAY : the aftermath 3rd May 2016

UPDATES: Fayose is an ingrate, says Bode George. Vote out PDP, Boroffice urges Ondo workers. N56,000 minimum wage demand:No special consideration for states owing salaries – Labour. Ogun PDP crisis deepens, chairman, secretary suspended. Budget: N’Assembly concluding work on clean copy. Anisulowo: Police promise N5m reward for information. World Bank donates $500m for food, livelihood project in N’East. N23bn scam: Fidelity Bank names acting MD. Camrounian leader, wife begin two-day state visit to Nigeria. Katsina laments loss of N700m monthly to ghost workers. . Military Launches ‘Operation Crackdown’ on Sambisa Forest. Aregbesola names major road after workers. I was close to my father, says Benin crown prince. As panel adjourns, Shiites again protest against El-Zakzaky’s detention. Osinbajo says $15b lost to dubious security equipment purchase. Aregbesola names major road after workers. 843,008 apply for 10,000 police jobs. FG Subsidy on Petrol Increases, Says PPPRA. Northern Governors Divided over Implementation of Preaching Law. Outrage as herdsmen kill monarch, nephew in Kaduna. Eko Disco to ration electricity supply to Lekki, Ikoyi, VI. After Spurs failed to beat Chelsea, Leicester City were crowned Barclays Premier League champions. Burnley returned to the Premier League at the first attempt after a 1-0 home win over QPR secured promotion. There is no school equal to a decent home and no parent equal to a virtuout patent. Have a great day:)

30th April 2016

UPDATES: 240,000 vehicles in Lagos not roadworthy, says official. UITH performs three open heart surgeries. Double salary for ex-govs, count me out, says Ngige. EFCC traces N3.6 Billion alleged fraud to Stella Oduah, arrests Nigerien over ATM fraud. DPR seals petrol stations in Benue for hoarding fuel. Bello accuses Aliyu administration of embezzling N6 billion wards development funds. Ahead of Workers Day, NLC, TUC Insist on N56,000 Minimum Wage. Mass Purge as Aero Sacks over 100 Workers. Pandemonium in Lagos as LASTMA Vehicle Crushes Tanker Driver. Boko Haram has been subdued, say Northern Governors. Benin monarch ‘re-unites’ with ancestors. PDP Govs Brand Fayose A Potential Future Leader. Aftermath attack: Fulani herdsmen flee Enugu. Solid minerals capable of fetching Nigeria N5trillion annually, says Fayemi. EFCC begins manhunt for Diezani’s son. Military plans joint operations against herdsmen. Bello accuses Aliyu administration of embezzling N6 billion wards development funds. Army denies allegation of exhuming shiites victims buried in mass grave. Oshiomhole pledges to work till last day in office. Families abandon corpses in Abuja hospital‎ – Medical Director. Sheriff, PDP governors hold meeting. Read and expand in knowledge... Garbage in; garbage out. The mind is a terrible thing to waste.

29th April 2016

UPDATES: Lack of interpreter stalls Suswam’s alleged N10b fraud trial. Govt declares Monday, May 2, public holiday to mark Workers’ Day. W’Bank urges patience over disclosure of Abacha loot spending. PDP zones chairmanship to North-East. Herdsmen, B’ Haram endanger Nigeria, say Soyinka, Ohanaeze. ‘Senate’ll save N1.47bn with Nigeria-made SUVs’. BoT members, others shun PDP NEC meeting. Military plans joint operations against herdsmen. Jonathan shared ecological funds to PDP govs – Oshiomhole. EFCC recovers N6.5b in cash, properties. ‘Government receives $33b from NLNG’. N23bn bribe: EFCC to arrest more INEC officers, bankers. NASC commissioners reject Sani-Omolori as acting clerk. Saraki faces fresh charges, appeals CCT ruling. Braithwaite buried, Ambode lauds his achievements. Military kills seven terrorists, arrests five in Borno. Army arrests Boko Haram logistics elements in Borno. Multinational task force to patrol Gulf of Guinea waters —Buhari. FIRS seals off companies in Rivers over indebtedness to FG. Ekiti hosts 11 PDP governors for Fayose. Customs officer beat up FAAN staff at Lagos Airport. President approves N60 billion for N’Assembly’s constituency projects. Rivers partners FG on Ogoni clean-up. INEC releases supplementary guidelines for future elections. EXTORTION: NERC Reads Riot Act To DISCOs Over Transformers, Others. FBN Holdings To Downsize To Boost Profitability. 3 suspected kidnappers of GUO Motors boss discharged, acquitted for lack of proof. Governors push for new revenue sharing formula. UEL - RESULTS: Villareal 1-0 Liverpool Shakhtar Donetsk 2-2 Sevilla. We aee all created with different abilities an characteristics...Never let someone else's limit define your own potential. Good morning, TGIF and have great day.:)

28th April 2016

UPDATES: NLC demands N56,000 minimum wage from FG. Budget: Buhari, N’Assembly set up committees on ‘grey areas’. Bayelsa LGs’ verification uncovers fraud, 60 underage workers. Buhari Seeks World Bank’s Support to Recover Stolen Funds. Saraki must face trial, say 20 political parties. Fake FG worker arrested for selling appointment letters. Again, Saraki Says Trial Before CCT Chairman Questionable. Finally Buhari Orders Security Chiefs to Apprehend Marauding Herdsmen. Nigerian Missions Abroad Broke, Can’t Meet Obligations. Badeh bought N320m Abuja house for son’. Waziri’s EFCC initiated $6m no-trial deal, not me — Adoke. Revenue Collection: Banks’ Withdrawal of Service May Impede Operations of TSA, Systemspec Warns. World Bank Gives Kachikwu Thumbs up on NNPC Reforms. Judge Hands off Abba Moro’s Case. CBN Records N123bn Operating Surplus. Ngige Distances Self from Double Salary, Emoluments Controversy. Lagos Completes Restructuring of N167.5bn Bond. Reps oppose fresh N309bn FG bond to finance power sector. Hope rises for Nigeria as oil price hits $46.61. Bank MD in EFCC’s custody over N29.2b arms deal. APC, Edo govt officials shun deputy gov’s guber declaration. Buhari seeks World Bank’s help to repatriate Abacha loot. No free land for grazing in Oyo, says Ajimobi. UCL SF, 1st Leg – Result: Atletico Madrid 1-0 Bayern Munich. The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom Good morning. Have fruitful day.

27th April 2016

UPDATES: Northern Christians caution Buhari against alleged plan to arrest Jonathan. Metuh hospitalised after falling from swivel chair. Commission rejects Saraki’s reversal of acting clerk to N’ Assembly. Faleke did not resign his position before Kogi election, says witness. Kenya’s ex-first lady, Lucy Kibaki, dies in London. Rampaging soldiers shoot at motorist in FESTAC Town. We’re now refugees in our land, say victims of Enugu herdsmen violence. Canadian hostage beheaded in the Philippines. Protesters storm NASS over delayed Imo North senatorial rerun. Court remands Synagogue engineers, rules on bail requests May 3. UI shut indefinitely over students’ protest. Don’t rely on allies to revamp your economy, U.S. expert tells Nigeria. NNPC Offers to Pay $10bn Disputed Arrears to IOCs. Court dismisses Ricky Tarfa’s objection, assumes jurisdiction to hear case. Navy arrests 40 crude oil thieves, smugglers. N1.5tr yearly food import bill unacceptable, says govt. Overspeeding caused Ekiti doctors’ death, says FRSC. Arase orders arrest, prosecution of fuel black marketers. Bianca to reopen evidence in suit against Ojukwu’s family. MTN CEOs Were Paid N560m Severance Package After Fine. 150 females raped, 31 babies abandoned in Lagos. Demolition: Osun landlords protest unpaid N2bn compensation. Ex-Finance Minister refunds N140m, surrenders 2 houses. Arms scandal: $15bn, not $2.1bn stolen, says EFCC. Debate on PIB suffers setback in Senate. Niger borrows N400m monthly to pay salaries. We’ll fix Lagos-Ibadan Expressway despite court injunction –FG. NBS: Telecoms Subscriber Base Shrank to 148.68m in 2015. UCL SF, 1st Leg – Result: Man City 0-0 Real Madrid. Glo wins big at Beacon of Nigeria’s ICT A wards. Aman that does not read isn't better that a man who cannot read. Read a minimum of chapter a day. Have a great day! :)

26th April 2016

UPDATES: Saraki Alleges Plot To Remove Him. Police Commence Construction Of 1,004 Housing Estate In Abuja. Bloodbath in Enugu as Fulani herdsmen kill 40. Edo Deputy Gov Denies Plan To Kill Oshiomhole. Driver arrested for removing Eko Bridge rails. I‘ll run for presidency in 2019 – Lamido. Mimiko seeks review of revenue allocation formula. I’ve forgiven Oshiomhole, says Anenih. Court jails Larmode’s accuser three years. Assault on Rep: CG Prisons apologises, disowns security details. Malaria killed 400,000 persons in 2015, says WHO. Eagles striker Ighalo loses dad. Arms scandal made me leave PDP – Yuguda. We see children’s footprints in Sambisa forest, says Army chief. Court strikes out Saraki’s motion to stop trial at CCT. Nigeria’s fuel diverted to Chad, Cameroun, says Kachikwu. NMA confirms death of six Ekiti delegates in auto crash. FG generates N2trn through Treasury Single Account. Kaduna refinery begins production at 68% capacity, says NNPC. We’re ready to tender 2017 budget, says Presidency. Govt arraigns Consolidated Discount House workers over alleged N16b fraud. Customs probes fire incident at warehouse, delivers 90% consignment to IDPs. "FG requires N2trn to complete ongoing road projects -Fashola.

20th April 2016

UPDATES: NJC Recommends Two Judges for Retirement for Misconduct, Age Falsification. Saraki’s Defence Team Picks Holes in Witness’ Testimony. Niger To Build 7 New General Hospitals. Finally, Synagogue Church Trustees, Engineers Arraigned for Manslaughter. Boko Haram Ambushes Army Commander, Kills One Soldier.  Emefiele: China to Start Importing from Nigeria.  Kwara To Generate 20,000 Agro- related Jobs Annually. 705,352 Apply for 10,000 Police Jobs. N58.9bn Needed Annually For Treatment Of HIV/AIDS – NEPWHAN. Benue Assembly Summons Commissioner, VC Over Increase In Varsity Fees. Foreign Airlines Accused of Using Forex Scarcity to Rip off Nigerians, FG. We’re vindicated, Fayose collected roads refund- APC. Doctors, nurses quarantined, as Lassa fever kills patient ‎at UBTH. Edo 2016: Criticising Oshiomhole’s performance won’t help PDP, says ex-Senator. Senators deny N872m car loan, defend purchase of 36 vehicles. Abandoned Match: LMC banishes Giwa FC to Ilorin, fines club N6.75m. New HIV testing, treatment begins in endemic states. Leave when your time is up, Annan tells African leaders. Government loses secret trial bid as Dasuki gets access to lawyers. 6 ships laden with petrol arrive Lagos ports. DSS arraigns Rivers SSG, APC former lawmaker over alleged poll misconduct. Leave when your time is up, Annan tells African leaders. Kano, Osun, three other states to benefit from N345b EU fund. No Grazing Bill before us —Senate. FUEL SCARCITY: We owe foreign creditors $1bn— Marketers. EFCC makes Ekweremadu anti- corruption ambassador. NAFDAC Bans Unregistered Herbal Products. It is wise to keep in mind that neither success nor failure is ever final. Have a great day=)

18th April 2016

Mon, 18th April THISDAY Anti-Saraki Forces Mobilise Ex-Student Leaders for Protest march World Theatre Day: Thespian Family Theatre Honours Veterans Lagos Vows to Go Tough on Commercial Motorcyclits’ Restriction, Street Trading Pipeline Vandals Evade Arrest as Navy Storms Atlas Cove Order Military to Treat Fulani Herdsmen as Terrorists, HURIWA  Challenges Buhari FCT Minister for Novare Gateway Mall’s Groundbreaking Ceremony Today Order Military to Treat Fulani Herdsmen as Terrorists, HURIWA Challenges Buhari Unidentified Cultists Shoot, Butcher Man in Lagos Atoki: All CPC Interventions are Backed by Law DAILY SUN Fresh crisis looms in NASS Falana cautions Dogara, Reps against amendment of CCB, CCT Acts Igbo being provoked daily –Deputy Senate president Nigeria loses 250, 000 barrels of crude, gas to pipeline vandals daily –Osinbajo 2 policemen, 4 others die in Bauchi auto crash No end in sight to fuel scarcity Angola overtakes Nigeria as Africa’s top oil producer Customs impounds N572m contraband VANGUARD Drug tests for armed policemen  Rep denies complicity in power outage during Saraki’s trial  Weak macro-economy: Investors urged to seek asset diversification  AGONY OF A BEREAVED HUSBAND: How my wife died at LUTH  Police raid hotel, arrest 40 as female suspects accuse officers of sexual molestation  I’m not interested in becoming PDP chairman — Bode George  $2bn loan: Lagos lawyers chide Fayose over letter to Chinese govt  Mobile payments records highest transaction of N6.5bn in March  CCT amendment bill, ‘legislative rascality’, as SERAP drags Senate to UN  Probe explosion at Agip’s oil field —Bayelsa community  Buhari’s critics should have their heads examined —Oyegun  We’re lucky to have Buhari at this time — Prof. Sagay LEADERSHIP  Time To Call Fayose To Order  BBOG Seeks Effective System For Handling Rescued Citizens  Group Calls For Removal Of CCT Chairman  I Did Not Support CCB Amendment Bill – Sen Ibrahim  Invest Recovered Funds In Job Creation, Worker