Resign, Saraki: Protesters At National Assembly

The report reaching us is that Nigerians protesters have taken over the national assembly and blocked the whole area in a protest tagged #OccupyNass. The protest is led by the Citizens United for Peace and Stability (CUPS),


Updates:
Scores of protesting youths under the aegis of Occupy National Assembly, on Tuesday, besieged the premises of the federal parliament and demanded the immediate resignation of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki.

The youths made up of various Civil Society Organisations and students, were also demanding that the federal lawmakers should immediately revisit the grey areas identified in the 2016 budget by President Muhammadu Buhari.



Apart from this, they asked 36 senators who had so far collected their own exotic jeeps to return them immediately or face the wrath of Nigerians.

The protesters marched from the Unity Fountain within the Central Area of the city to the National Assembly, a journey of about two kilometers and forced their way to the main gate, defiling all security network mounted by regular and riot police officers.

The youths forced the main gate closed thereby preventing staff, lawmakers and visitors from either entering or leaving the premises.

The protesters, armed with placards containing various inscriptions, vowed to seal off the federal parliament for the initial three days to see whether their demands would be met.

They also said they would resume a permanent protest that would paralyse all activities in the National Assembly until all their demands were fully met.

BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS FIGHTERS HAVE NEW UNIFORM

Troops of 22 Brigade Garrison and elements of 3 Battalion that went out on long range fighting patrol yesterday, Monday 25th April 2016, to Gima village in Ngala Local Government Area made a startling discovery; Boko Haram terrorists now have new means of identification.

The patrol came in contact with some elements of the Boko Haram that started escaping in disarray on sighting the team.

However, they were able to apprehend 2 terrorists in their new styled uniform of green colour and use of ropes on their legs and necks. This is a new development in the ongoing clearance operations of the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists in the north east.

In addition, the patrol team recovered 1 Isuzu Canter lorry which found concealed with grasses, 5 motorcycles and 2 bags of guniea corn. Other items recovered include 3 Dane guns, a Solar panel, 3 bows and arrows.

The arrested terrorists are currently being interrogated to further assist in the clearance operations.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

We’ve Located Chibok Girls In Sambisa Forest And Going For Them - Nigeria Army

Security experts cautions on making lead public
Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian military has once again confirmed the possibility that most of the over 200 girls of Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State, kidnapped by the Boko Haram terrorists in 2014 are alive and allegedly kept in two locations in the North-east.

This was disclosed by the Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj-Gen. Leo Irabor, through the CNN Special Report yesterday on the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations.
Irabor said credible military intelligence indicates that Chibok school girls are still being held in a Sambisa Forest, which is the remaining stronghold of the terrorists, and as well as a location close to the Chad-Niger border.

The commander’s lead is coming barely two months after the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI) of the Air Force, Group Capt. Ayodele Famuyiwa, disclosed that the military had discovered the location of the girls but that the areas cannot be attackedfor the safety of the girls.

“We have no fears that the girls are not there because that particular location has been under surveillance for quite a while and we suspect that maybe it’s a kind of ammunition depot or maybe a workshop that they are using as their logistics place.

“Once you take off the logistics base, of course you gradually weaken the resolve of the enemy to be able to prosecute any campaign,” Famuyiwa was quoted to have stated.

In the same vein, Irabor while speaking to CNN, said that intelligence surrounding the current location of the Chibok girls does, in fact, point to the Sambisa corridor, where his forces continue to advance deeper. But while proud of the accomplishments of his men, he says they need more international support.

He said: “The question of the Chibok girls remains a sore point in our history. The biometrics — as it were — of the Chibok girls are not known to us. Those are the issues which I believe are among the challenges.

“We think, from the intelligence available to us, that the remaining areas that we are working to move into, that is where we are hoping to be able to rescue the Chibok girls.”

He expressed belief that following a two-year-old trail while waging war against Boko Haram’s brutal insurgency, the missing teens are now being moved in clusters so as not to attract unwanted attention. The commander explains that while his forces advance on the Sambisa Forest, they are also running down other leads on the whereabouts of the Chibok girls.

“It’s a belief,” he says. “But beyond that, we’re also getting some intelligence that (they) maybe somewhere on the Niger-Lake Chad border areas.”

Despite the obstacles his men face, Irabor is optimistic the Nigerian Army will ultimately be victorious in their mandate. The recent “proof of life” video obtained by CNN, has reinvigorated their resolve to bring back the girls.

“(It) gives us hope that what we have in mind — in terms of operations — that that is going to yield results.”

There are few things worse than a child being ripped away from its mother. For two years, this has been the unimaginable reality for the parents of the missing Chibok girls. But the commander has a message for them: “Keep hope alive.”

Irabor said: “We are working assiduously so that all of them are rescued and brought back to live in their communities.

“I think that the light is beginning to shine and in a short while we’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

However, the revelation was not well received by the former Director of the Department of Security Services (DSS), Mike Ejiofor, who warned that it could jeopardise operations and safe rescue of the girls.

Ejiofor reminded that the United States (US) were highly secretive about the whereabouts of Osama Bin Ladin until he was captured and killed.



“That information given by the commander is a very critical information that ought not to be given out. You could recall how Osama Bin Ladin was captured and that the Americans did not give any lead to his whereabouts. This is because if you give out such important lead, they might harm those girls.

“It is also very important that this current administration ensures that those girls are rescued because it is the cardinal point of their electoral campaign and promises,” he said.
The security expert also called on the federal government to look into the recommendations and findings made in the Chibok girls committee report, saying it will be helpful to resolving the conundrum.

“I believe that the present government has a duty to look into that report and recommendations. One is to ensure that safe return of those girls and the second is to prevent future occurrence,” he added.

Meanwhile, Gen. Irabor has assured that Nigeria has been working closely with the US, running operations based off of air reconnaissance that they have provided. He said that this has led to clearing a significant portion along the east of the forest and some promising wins.
The Theatre Commander also claims over 2,000 women and girls have been rescued in the last several months.

“We do have pockets of the Boko Haram terrorists still left in some places but very largely we’ve decimated them,” he says.

According to him, there is a sense among the military that as Boko Haram has lost their territorial footprint, they are regrouping and using asymmetrical tactics, deploying waves of would be suicide bombers — some successful, some not — to inflict terror as opposed to the ground assaults they once unleashed.

Irabor believes the militant group’s current capacity is “limited” and credits his force’s recent missions for the halt in attacks.

He reminded that just last month, the Nigerian Army captured Boko Haram’s camp in Alagarno forest, once considered the group’s “spiritual base” in the north-east.

BREAKING: Ugwuanyi weeps as herdsmen ravaged community, declares 2 days fasting [PHOTOS]

Tears flowed Tuesday morning as Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State visited Ukpabi, Nimbo, in Uzo-Uwani local government area of the state.Ugwuanyi, who could not hold back his tears was in the company of Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Nwodibo Ekechukwu, the GOC 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Ibrahim Attahiru, as well as the Enugu State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.
The Governor, thereafter, declared two days fasting and prayer in the State, asking residents to commit the situation into God’s hand.

The visit coincided with the recovery of one more dead resident, who was slaughtered by the herdsmen.

This is as many survivors, with varrying degrees of injuries on the head, neck, and other parts of the body are currently receiving treatment in different hospitals in Nsukka.
As at the time of filling this report, some of them are being moved to the Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Enugu.

Nnamdi Kanu Arrives Court In Handcuffs. See Photos

Here are photos of the embattled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court today for continuation of his ongoing trial. Mr Kanu who is standing trial for treasonable felony -arrived the court in handcuffs and was led in by prison officials...

Suleman To El-Rufai: “You Are Dead Already, Ask For Date Of Your Burial"

Earlier this month, Gov. El-Rufai of Kaduna State challenged Apostle Sulaiman to mention the day he will die after the latter declared that he’d die if he doesn’t drop the Religious Bill in his state. In the Punch interview, the Gov. said: “Of course, I will die.

If that apostle is truly an apostle, he should mention the day I will die.” Apostle Sulaimon has now replied him by saying he is dead already and that he should instead ask for the date of his burial, adding that he doesn’t give dates for death but only dates for burial


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEb6KORgVn4

Nigerians Have Discovered That APC Is A Party Of Deceit--- Wike

puo reports

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has declared that the  PDP  will take over the reins of  governance in 2019 because  Nigerians have discovered that the All Progressives Congress, APC,  is a political party  founded in  deceit.


Speaking  in Dutse,  Jigawa State on Monday during the PDP  Membership Mobilization Programme ,  Governor Wike from the mammoth  crowd that turned up  for the event it was obvious  that  there is no APC in Jigawa State.

He said  for tens of thousands  to troop out for an opposition  event, it proves that there is no APC  in the state.

He said : "What happened  in 2015 has opened the eyes of Nigerians. Nigerians  have lost faith  in APC.  From what we have seen, it is obvious  that  Nigerians  were deceived. They have  seen the deceit of APC and they have returned  to  where they belong.

"They have  seen the truth and they are back to their original  party. The false stories of 2015 will no longer  be accepted and come 2019, PDP  will bounce back  to  power".

The governor  added: "I am going back to the Niger Delta  to tell the people that PDP  is fully  rooted in  the  north".

In his remarks,  Former Jigawa State Governor,  Sule Lamido  declared  that PDP  is the antidote of the APC.  He said that PDP  will provide answers to  the  developmental needs of Nigerians.

National Chairman  of  the  PDP,  Senator Ali Modu Sheriff said the visit to Jigawa State was to mobilise more people to register as members  of  the  party.

He said : "There is PDP  in Jigawa  State.  APC is finished."


The Jigawa PDP Membership Regiatration Rally was attended  by  Former  Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Former Kaduna State Governor,  Ramalan Yero, members of  the  PDP  National Working  Committee,  serving and Former National Assembly members.

How 6 Ekiti Doctors Died, Survivor Recounts - Vanguard

By Rotimi Ojomoyela, Sola Ogundipe & Chioma Obinna

A survivor from Sunday’s accident in which six medical doctors, and a driver from Ekiti State were killed 60 kilometres from Kaduna State, yesterday told Vanguard exclusively on his sick bed in Kaduna how the accident occurred.


He said the doctors would not have died had basic medical care been administered on them after the accident.

He said the incident occurred around where the late Minister of state for Labour and Productivity, James Ocholi and his family perished in an accident on March 6, 2006.

Those who lost their lives in the accident were: Dr Tunde Aladesanmi of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti, FETHI; Dr Ojo Taiwo, Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital,, EKSUTH; NMA Secretary, Dr Akinyele Alex; Dr J. Ogunseye of the Health Management Board; President, EKSUTH Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Dr Olajide, Dr Adeniyi James of the FETHI and a driver identified as Mr. Ajibola.

Decrying the poor state of Doka Hospital, Senator Shehu Sani (APC, Kaduna Central), who visited some of the injured doctors at St. Gerard Catholic Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna called on the Federal Government to assist the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, with enough rescue facilities.

At least four of the medical doctors, who survived the accident while travelling to attend a National Delegate Conference of the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, in Sokoto were at present receiving medical attention at the St. Gerard Catholic Medical Hospital, Kakuri.

One of the survivors, Dr. Stephen Ayosanmi of EKSUTH, spoke on his hospital bed exclusively to Vanguard on the accident.

How it happened

Ayosanmi said: “I am one of the delegates for the National NMA Conference taking place in Sokoto. On our way, we decided to follow through Kaduna and stop so that we would continue our journey to the conference the following day. We were about 60km to Kaduna when the accident happened. We were in a bus that seats between 15 and 16 person. But we were 13 in the bus, including the driver. Aside the driver, we were all doctors. This was on Sunday, April 24. As we were approaching Kaduna, suddenly a tire burst. The bus somersaulted. This was around 4:45pm.”

Continuing, he said “When the accident happened, some of us came out and people came and tried to help in the rescue effort. I came and I found out that I did not have any fracture or serious injury. By the time the members of the Road Safety Corps came, some doctors that were severely injured had died. Five of them! But, we have two who could still survive. So we rushed them to the nearby hospital (Doka General Hospital, about 70 km to Kaduna).

“At the hospital, I was surprised when they said that there was no doctor there. I was even telling the nurses, ‘ok give me a pain reliever and let me put you through on how to resuscitate that man that was lying near me. But none of them attended to us. They were just running around, saying there was no this, no that. They were running around looking for this and that.

Then I pleaded with the Road Safety to take us to the nearest hospital away from the one we were. I said they should take us to Suleja, Kaduna, wherever, but the Road Safety said that they didn’t even have fuel. I told them that it was ok, that I would pay for fuel. So we left the place in search for fuel and bought the fuel on the road. But, before we got to the hospital (St. Gerard, Kaduna) the other person had died. That made the number of deaths six. The other very injured person, who was in the other bus also died, making the casualty seven”, he said.

Ekiti hospitals grounded, staff Protest

Meanwhile, activities in all the major Health institutions in Ekiti State, were paralysed yesterday by the death of six doctors involved in a ghastly motor accident along Kaduna road on Sunday.

The hospitals affected by the sad development included, Federal Teaching Hospital , Ido Ekiti (FETHI), the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital (EKSUTH) and other general hospitals.

In a reaction to the sad development, doctors, nurses and other staff of FETHI trooped out as early as 7am, locked the main gate of the hospital in protest, a situation which caused serious panic to the patients and intending visitors.

The placard-carrying protesters expressed grief over the death of three doctors in FETHI out of those that lost their lives, saying they suspected that their death was diabolical and beyond human imagination.

When newsmen visited EKSUTH in Ado Ekiti, the staff were seen in clusters discussing the situation, while few colleagues of the deceased, were at hand to render medical services to patients on admission.

Speaking on the incident, the FETHI’s Chief Medical Director , Dr Lawrence Ayodele , described the death as a national disaster, saying ‘’It is not about the state, but the whole country because it involves six senior doctors and a driver.”

Ekiti govt declares 3 days mourning

Meantime, Governor Ayodele Fayose has described the death of the doctors and one driver in the State, as a monumental loss not only to the people of Ekiti State but to Nigerians, declaring three days of mourning from Monday to Wednesday.

The governor, who directed that all flags should be flown at half-mast, described the death as an eclipse of professional and intellectual figures, who lost their lives in active service to mankind, saying; “Ekiti has lost some of the best trees in its forest of medicine. I am deeply sad. This is one loss too many.”

NMA declares 7 days mourning

Also, the Nigerian Medical Association, NMA, yesterday declared one week of mourning from April 26 to May 3

NMA in a statement by its National Organizing Committee of the Conference directed all doctors to put on black band on the left arm over white overall while during the conference.

The statement by NMA President, Dr. Kayode Obembe and Secretary General, Dr. Adewunmi Alayaki, equally released the names of the doctors including the driver.

Minister mourns

Reacting, Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, described the incident as a tragic loss to the Nigerian Medical community.

In a message to leadership of NMA over the loss of the doctors, he said “Our prayers is that Almighty God in his infinite mercy will give the family, friends and the entire members of NMA the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. I am using this medium thank the leadership of the NMA especially those at the scene of accident in Kaduna.”

Nima Elbagir Enters Sambisa Forest With The Aid Of Security Personnel. Photos

CNN's correspondent Nima Elbagir embarked on a fact finding mission as she reported on the Nigerian military's campaign to eradicate Boko Haram and also locate the abducted Chibok girls. The journalist entered the dreaded Sambisa forest with the aid of battle-ready military personnel (both army and airforce)

THE ROAD TO KIGALI

The number of Igbos slaughtered by Fulani militants in Enugu this afternoon has gone up to 100.
Many churches and homes have been burnt to the ground. When will President Muhammadu Buhari appreciate the fact that NON-FULANI LIVES MATTER?
In reaction to this horrific situation,
Mr. Babatunde O. Gbadamosi, a highly respected Lagos-based businessman, wrote the following:
"Scores slaughtered by ‪#‎FulaniTerrorists‬ in Enugu, but the Fulani President, Muhammadu Buhari, his Fulani senior security commanders and government functionaries are more interested in pipeline vandals that are killing no one!
Nigerians, if you don't arm yourselves and fight back, na una sabi.
Those of you Yoruba APC zombies that think you are special, when they finish with the MiddleBelt, the South-South and the South East, you will be next, and there will be no one left to defend you.
I am referring to you, my Muslim uncles and aunties, who think the Fulanis will see you as kindred spirits and spare you. They will not.
Just as they are fake Muslims in the eyes of the Arabs, you are also fake Muslims in their eyes, only useful to help subjugate your people under their rule, then you will see pepper.
Kill Afonjaism now, and stand for something, or your children will one day curse the day you were born".
Mr. Lere Olayinka added the following:
"In this April alone, Buhari's Fulani herdsmen killed almost 200 Nigerians, but Buhari's headache is Niger Delta".
In his own contribution Mr. Charles Ogbu wrote the following:
"The Fulani vampires are at it again. Today, Enugu, my state is their target. Dozens of people have been reportedly killed and hundreds displaced with buildings including a catholic church burnt.
This murderous group killed hundreds in ‪#‎Agatu‬ and occupied their land. The Fulani president did nothing. The Fulani headed DSS did nothing.
They went to Anioma in Delta state, abducted and killed their king. The fulani president did nothing. The Fulani headed DSS did nothing.
They went to Awgu community in Enugu state, killed dozens and abducted dozens. The Fulani president did nothing. The Fulani headed DSS did nothing. Only the police and the army did something this time: they arrested 78 indigenes of Awgu who are the victims and dumped them in prison and denied them bail on the allegation that they planned on attacking the fulanis. Meanwhile, the perpetrators were allowed to roam free
It took a ‪#‎hashtag‬ campaign on social media for the ‪#‎Awgu78‬ to be released.
Today, these vultures are back again, visiting death and destruction on defenseless Uzo-uwani people of Enugu state for no just cause.
The president will not say anything about this. The DSS will not say anything. The police will describe it as a mere misunderstanding between farmers and herdsmen. They will hardly confirm that anyone was killed neither will they arrest or prosecute any of those invading fulani vultures.
The jadi-jadi governor of Enugu state called Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi will neither say nor do anything about this.
The religious criminal called Father Mbaka ...the one who swore that Buhari is the Lord's anointed... will not talk. 
Basically, the citizens are left with no choice than to defend themselves by any means necessary. You either die fighting to defend your honour, your family, your land and your dignity as a human person or you die cowering in fear like some coward. Either way, you stand little chance.
Permit me to point out one fact here:
The Fulanis are not invincible (undefeatable) because they posses some kind of special fighting prowess. No! Not at all. These fulanis are invincible because they are enjoying govt support/cover/protection in their murderous activities. The impunity with which these guys operate is state-sponsored.
This is a fact, not just my opinion. Deep down, you know it. I know it.


President Buhari has a constitutional duty to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians. He swore to do this. He is being paid to do this. He has deliberately chosen not to do this. He has chosen to place the interest of his Fulani brethren above the lives of innocent Nigerians. Buhari believes that his Fulani people are superior to other Nigerians. This is no different from the mindset displayed by Hitler which led to the world war. We know how it ended.
The silence of President Buhari over the murderous activities of his fulani brethren is a moral tragedy! This is the height of man's inhumanity to man!
Believe it or not, it will come to a time that Nigerians will rise up in their numbers and confront the Fulani beasts together with their sponsors.
There is a limit to what a man can take.
Let it be on record that Buhari is the one setting this country on the road once travelled by Rwandans in 1994".
‪#‎GrazingBillMustDie‬
‪#‎SayNoToFulaniOccupation‬
My take? This is Yugoslavia downloading. This is the road to Kigali. This is Rwanda unfolding before our very eyes.
A few months ago I wrote an essay about the atrocities of the Fulani militants titled 'The Herdsmen From Hell' and I referred to them as "vampires, cockroaches and tsetse flies".
In return for this I received the usual insults from shortsighted Nigerians who have always believed that the best way to contain evil is to tolerate it, bow before it, accept it and welcome it with open arms.
It appears that I have now been vindicated and my concerns have proved to be legitimate.
The very same people that condemned me and called me "'a Fulani-hating racist", "a purveyor of hate speech", "a hater of muslims" and "a loud-mouthed and paranoid alarmist" just a few months ago are now saying that I was right.
Yet sadly it is too late. The vampires are now in control and they have tasted blood. The Nigerian supporter of APC are on a roll and they are determined to conquer new lands for the Caliphate.
Worse still they have the covert backing and unofficial endorsement of the state. They will not stop now and neither will they retreat.
Yet they are in for a shocker. Unless there is divine intervention, what lies ahead for this country is conflict, terror, bloodshed, war and ultimately a very messy and violent division.
It saddens me to say so but that is the bitter truth. That is what "chanji" has brought upon us.

Power Generation Drops To 3,494MW

The Guardian: 

The 11 Electricity Distribution Companies (Discos) have continued to ration power supply to consumers across the geo-political zones of the country as the national grid generation drops to 3,494Mega Watts (MW).

The Guardian investigations yesterday revealed that the nation’s power sector appears to be lacking proper harmonisation of data as various government agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Power, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) failed to update the power generation level while some are parading conflicting figures on their websites.

Before the dissolution of the Presidential Task Force on Power (PTPF), the agency had been the only platform that parades accurate information on the national generation levels. The Electricity System Operator ,an arm of TCN has also barred the public from the more reliable website that updates power generation (www.nsong.org).

Statistics from the Federal Ministry of Power showed that the national grid could only boast of about 3,144MW as at April 22, while the TCN announced 3,500MW same day.

As at April 23, the TCN data showed that generation has dropped further to 3,494MW from the highest peak generation of 5074MW recorded on February, 2, 2016.The generation statistics showed that the output has started dropping from 3.928MW on April 21, to 3639MW and 3494MW accordingly.

The situation, according to The Guardian source, may not be unconnected with shortage in gas supply, poor water management and transmission challenges.

The prolonged load-shedding embarked upon by the DISCOs has negatively impacted on business and domestic activities, as consumers lament paying high bills for poor service delivery.

Besides, some consumers told The Guardian that securing prepaid meters have become a herculean task for them, while the DISCOs continue to roll out estimated billings that are not commensurate with power supply.

NERC had berated the DISCOs over poor implementation of their metering plans under the Credit Advance Payment for Metering Implementation (CAPMI) scheme.

The acting Chairman of the Commission, Anthony Akah, described as unacceptable the low number of metered customers by the eleven distribution companies since privatisation of the power sector.

Expressing his dissatisfaction with the development, Akah said that the commission was in the process of winding down CAPMI since most of the Discos are not implementing it even as they are performing badly in their metering scheme.

“People are complaining of being unfairly billed, they are not questioning the tariff as much as the fact that there is no noticeable improvement in supply. We believe we have done what is closest to reflective tariff. We are being challenged, now there is no going back on our protection of the consumers, we are stepping up our enforcement’’, he said.

55 People Stole N1.34tr – Lai Mohammed

The minister of information and culture, Lai Mohammed revealed that 55 people stole N1.34tr between 2006 and 2013.

The minister made this revelation at the first town hall meeting held in Lagos state on Monday, April 25, 2016.

He said “We launched the campaign in January and we released what some people call a bombshell, that between 2006 and 2013, just 55 people allegedly stole a total of N1.34trn, an amount that is more than one quarter of the 2015 national budget.”

Mohammed also said the government did not abandon the country’s economy to fight corruption.

He said “On the issue of corruption, I’ve heard many commentators say that this administration is fighting corruption without paying attention to the economy. Of course, this is not true.

“But even if it was, it is patently justified. Why? Unless we fight corruption to a standstill, nothing else we do will yield positive results.”

Adding that “It was corruption that prolonged the war against Boko Haram and sent many soldiers and civilians to their early graves. It was corruption that ensured that while oil was selling for over $100 per barrel, we had nothing to show for the windfall.

“It was corruption that gave us darkness instead of light when we supposedly pumped millions of dollars into the power sector. I can tell you today that we are squarely fighting corruption and we are winning. The situation is serious and no government can fight the battle alone. That explains why we have launched a nationwide sensitization campaign to make Nigerians to join the anti-graft war.”

Mohammed said “Even if just one-third of the stolen fund is recovered, it will provide us with 6 Lagos Ibadan express ways and in addition, it will build 183 schools to educate 3,974 children from primary to tertiary education, also 36 modern hospitals. The money that was originally stolen represents the total earning s of four African nations.

“The funds meant to buy arms and ammunition for our soldiers to fight Boko Haram was shared out by few people for political purposes. What is remarkable in all of this is that no one who has been named to have shared in the money has denied it. All they have done is give very ridiculous excuses for what they did. All of must be part of the war; its not Buhari’s war, its not APC’s war, its Nigeria’s survival war.”

Collapse 36 States To 6 Zones, Ekweremadu Tells FG

-Ekweremadu has proposed that the 36 states be collapsed into 6 zone.

-Ekweremadu’s positions were offered in his new book, Who will love my country: Ideas of building the Nigeria of our dreams

Nigeria’s deputy senate president, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called for the collapse of the 36 states of the federation into six geopolitical zones.
According to the legislator, the move is a drastic restructuring of the country to avoid continually hindering of development.

The abolition of the 36 states, he said, would release the latent potentials for growth by the regions, which he said, were, over the years, foiled by the reckless derailment of the country’s federalism by successive military governments.

Ekweremadu’s positions were offered in his new book, Who will love my country: Ideas of building the Nigeria of our dreams , which is due for public presentation tomorrow, April 27 in Abuja.

The Deputy President of the Senate praised the nation’s founding fathers, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamadi Azikiwe and Sir Ahmadu Bello, for espousing federalism as the basis of the country’s federation at independence.

He said that suggestions that fiscal federalism would bring about distortive growth were untenable, affirming that even in a forest, not all trees are equal.

I Did Not Plan To Kill Oshiomhole - Odubu

The Deputy Governor of Edo, Dr Pius Odubu, has denied an allegation that he sponsored native doctors to kill his boss, Gov. Adams Oshiomhole.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kelly Odaro, Odubu said the allegation was being peddled by mischief makers and blackmailers bent on destroying his cordial relationship with his boss.

Odubu has also raised an alarm over an alleged plot by some persons to circulate fliers round Benin City with a view to further destroy his image and ignite crisis between him and the governor.
‎‎
"As a practising Catholic I will not do anything that is unbecoming of a true Christian in the name of politics.

"God knows that I have never had any pact with any witch/native doctor to kill anyone or avenge for me and I will never condescend to that extent as long as God lives. It is against my faith.

"The Bible teaches that even when the innocent suffers and mischief makers and traducers appear to triumph by their chief blackmail, it is for God alone to avenge.

"I will, by special Grace of God, continue to disappoint the dubious expectations of those who are bent on driving a wedge between me and Oshiomhole.

"It is my nature and character to be loyal to those who God has set over me because they are my instruments.

"At times like this, blackmailers are at their best but I have decided to take solace in God who knows the hearts of men, trusting and believing as always that God will vindicate the just.

"I wish to reiterate that I have no rift with my boss who I revere and deeply appreciates,” Odubu stated.

Fulani Herdsmen Kill 40 In Enugu

Catholic church,11 houses burnt

It’s a national issue, not ethnic —OKOROCHA

Cattle owners, not herdsmen, should be questioned—OHANAEZE

By Emeka Mamah, Clifford Ndujihe, Chidi Nkwopara & Chinenyeh Ozor

NSUKKA—About 40 persons have so far been reportedly killed by some Fulani herdsmen at Nimbo in Uzo- Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State, sources told Vanguard at Nsukka Police Area Command, near the area yesterday.

The incident took place barely 24 hours after stories filtered out that no fewer than 500 heavily-armed Fulani herdsmen sneaked into the community preparatory to launch an attack.

About seven villages in Nimbo (Nimbo Ngwoko, Ugwuijoro, Ekwuru, Ebor, Enugu Nimbo, Umuome and Ugwuachara) were among the areas attacked.

Ten residential houses and a church, Christ Holy Church International, aka Odozi Obodo, were also said to have been burnt by the herdsmen just as vehicles and motorcycles were destroed and domestic animals killed.

A young man, whose name was yet to be ascertained, was burnt inside a commuter bus belonging to one Ejima, son of a prominent man popularly called ‘Are you there’ near the Christ Holy Church, Nimbo.

A victim’s story

Kingsley Ezugwu, former Councillor, Nimbo Ward 2, was one of the victims of the attack.

Speaking from his hospital bed in Nsukka, Ezugwu said: “I was coming out from the house when I heard the community bell ringing. I was going with a friend to know what the bell was all about, only to see about 40 Fulani herdsmen armed with sophisticated guns and machetes.

“They pursued us, killed my friend and shot at me several times but missed. They caught up with me and used machetes on me until I lost consciousness.”

He said one of them later discovered that he was alive and called on the others to finish him off. They ignored him.

He said he crawled until a good samaritan helped him to the hospital.

Dead bodies litter hospitals
Refugees: Some residents fleeing the community.Refugees: Some residents fleeing the community.

So far, six dead bodies have been recovered and deposited at Bishop Shanahan Hospital, Nsukka, while others, who sustained injuries were rushed to Royal Cross Hospital and Enugu State District Hospital, Nsukka.

Meanwhile, villagers and other residents of the area were fleeing the town.

It’s a national issue—OKOROCHA

In its reaction to the development, the South-East Governors Forum, said what happened at Ukpabi-Nimbo is like any other national issue that deserves the understanding and cooperation of all Nigerians of goodwill to tackle.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, Chairman of the Forum, speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, said: “It is a national issue that also requires national approach to resolve.

“Our problem in this country is that whatever happens is given an ethnic colouration and that makes the solution to such problem somewhat difficult.”

It’s failure of governance—Ohanaeze

To the Secretary General of Ohanaeze, Dr. Joe Nwaorgu, the continuous killing of people across the country by herdsmen without any response from the Federal Government is a failure of governance.

He said: “We are very sad and very disappointed that all over the country, not just the South-East, these killings by Fulani herdsmen have continued unabated and nothing concrete is being done by the Federal Government.

“The first act of governance is protection of lives and property. It is complete failure of governance. There has been no response from the Federal Government and this is allowing the Fulani herdsmen to continue the killing spree.

“Everybody is worried about the poor attitude of the Federal Government to this massacre across the country. Boko Haram is operating in the North-East and Fulani herdsmen are killing people all over the country. It is not the herdsmen that should be held responsible, but owners of the cattle.

“The herdsmen are under the instruction of highly-placed Fulani people who own the cattle. They are heavily armed. How many cows can the herdsmen buy? Federal Government should stop this nonsense before it causes a catastrophe.”

Meanwhile, police sources said it would be difficult to say the actual number of those killed, even as the killing is spreading to other parts of the local government.

Similarly, member representing Uzo-Uwani constituency at the Enugu State House of Assembly, John Ukuta, said: “I am shocked that this has happened to my people. It is disturbing to learn that security men that were earlier assigned to ward off the rampaging herdsmen disappeared few minutes before they struck only to re-appear after they completed their horrifying assignment.

“This situation has become a national epidemic. People are leaving their communities in droves. Security agencies should move in now.”

Victims

The bodies of those recovered included that of an old man of about 85, and another young man whose throat was slit.

One of the victims, who was simply identified as Mr. Ajogwu, father of the former Councillor for Nimbo Ward 1, Sunday Ajogwu, had his left hand severed.

Another one had his stomach ripped open, spilling his intestines.

Traditional rulers lament

The traditional ruler of Nimbo, Igwe John Akor, told Vanguard on telephone that the attackers struck at about 7a.m. when they had left for their farms.

He said: “Most of those who were killed died in the early hours of the morning. We are still counting our losses. We have not started going into the farms and bushes to look for our dead brothers and sisters.

“When the situation becomes very calm, we will start looking for the rest of the victims. For now, our prayer is that the Federal Government sends security men to restore peace.”

Also reacting, the traditional ruler of Abbi community, Eze Fidelis Igwe, complained that his community had over the years suffered untold hardship in the hands of Fulani herdsmen, who he accused of maiming and gang-raping “our women at farmlands” in addition to robbing and kidnapping his people or stealing and destroying cash crops in the community.

He said: “This is the fourth time Fulani herdsmen have invaded our community in three years. The losses are too much for us to bear.

“The remaining people of the community have now taken refuge in neighbouring communities due to fear of another invasion by the herdsmen who do not give signs before striking.

“We have made several appeal to the Police, Uzo-Uwani Local Government and Enugu State government demanding for the Fulani herdsmen to leave our community, but nothing has happened.”

In his reaction, Igwe Herbert Ukuta of Igga in Uzo Uwani said: “I am appealing to the state government and the Commissioner of Police to send some detachment of police and military personnel to secure the lives of Igga community where I come from.

“The Fulani herdsmen had earlier threatened that Igga community is among the areas they will attack.

“They have now attacked Nimbo, which is among the areas they vowed to attack. Others are Echenwo and Abbi. Already, the people of other communities are fleeing their homes over fear of the herdsmen attack.”

Already, the Enugu State Police Commissioner, Ekechukwu Nwodibo, had visited the troubled community with the Area Commander for Nsukka, Monday Kuryasi, among other top police officers.

‘They evacuated their cattle’

The Fulani herdsmen had vacated the area with their cattle in the early hours of Saturday, before the attackers, who reportedly came from Nasarawa State, struck.

There had been anxiety in Nimbo following reports that about 500 Fulani herdsmen were assembling to attack the area.

It was gathered that fellow Fulani herdsmen at Adani had, at the weekend, imported about 500 others from Nasarawa State to help them invade Nimbo community on the grounds that some of their cattle were missing in the area.

Stakeholders’ wasted efforts

However, as a result of the development, stakeholders from the local government met, weekend, in Enugu to find solution to the incessant attacks, kidnap and rape by herdsmen on communities in the local government.

According to sources, Chairman of Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area, Cornell Onwubuya, had alerted Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the state Commissioner of Police, Ekechukwu Nwodibo, of the threat.

Onwubuya was said to have further alerted other stakeholders who met leaders of the Fulani community in Enugu State on the impending attack.

Speaking at the emergency meeting held on Saturday, Onwubuya said the local leaders of the Fulani community also confirmed that there were attempts to bring in mercenaries to attack some communities in Uzo-Uwani, adding that the Fulani leaders in Enugu had complained that some of their people were killed within the axis of Nimbo and Abbi communities in the recent past.

Fulani leader’s failed assurance

At the meeting, Enugu State leader of the Fulani community, Alhaji Haldo Saidu Baso, said he had lived in Enugu State for over 33 years and would not be alive to witness the type of crisis they were talking about.

The Fulani leader said he would talk to his people not to take laws into their hands but to report disturbing issues to the traditional rulers of the communities.

Vanguard learned from a native, who witnessed the gory scene that the herdsmen were armed with AK-47 rifles, and came with two buses fully loaded with arms and ammunition at about 7.13a.m.

Police, Army move in

Contacted, Police Public Relations Officer, Ebere Amaraizu, said: “The Commissioner, Ekechukwu Nwodibo, is in the area with a combined team of Army and Police. I can confirm there were casualties but the exact number is still what I do not know.”

At press time, efforts to speak with the Local Government Chairman failed as he claimed to be at the scene of the crisis with Nwodibo and other police officers.