STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE* *NEC STRONGLY AFFIRMS NIGERIA’S UNITY, DIRECTS STATE-BY-STATE CONSULTATIONS*

_**Unanimously debunks claim Naira was printed to support March allocation* Welcoming recommendations of a national townhall meeting on Enhanced Security and National Unity recently held in Kaduna, the National Economic Council (NEC) rose from its monthly meeting today strongly affirming the unity of the country, emphasizing that staying as one country remains the best option for Nigeria. The Council’s position was among resolutions adopted at the 4th 2021 meeting of NEC, chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, which also had in attendance State Governors, FCT Minister and the Central Bank Governor. Also at today’s meeting were the Finance, Transportation, Information, Aviation and Water Resources Ministers, and the Minister of State for Budget and National Planning. While emphasizing the need to address the problems of agitation in parts of the country, Council noted that “these agitations are common with countries with huge and diverse populations like ours and it is important not to allow the minority to hijack the mainstream of opinion.” The Council also directed States “to hold consultations and dialogues on the issues and report back by the next meeting of Council so that a firm position would be taken on the recommendations of the Townhall many of which it already welcomed.” NEC urged all States (even where there are no agitations) to hold wider consultations to have diverse opinions on the burning issues, taking into consideration local peculiarities and report back to NEC the outcome of the consultations. The Council resolved that after the planned State-wide consultations a national consensus would be reached on the recommendations of the national town hall meeting held in Kaduna which included the adoption of State Police among other matters. Taking a position on the alleged printing of N60 billion after receiving presentations from the Minister of Finance and the Central Bank Governor, the National Economic Council (NEC) stated that the claim as reported in the press is outrightly false, affirming that no money was printed to shore up allocation for the month of March. The Governors, having critically reviewed the matter, unanimously expressed satisfaction with clarifications made by the NGF represented by its Chairman, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Finance Minister, Hajiya Zainab Ahmed and the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele. While the Finance Minister categorically debunked that Naira was printed to back up allocation last month, the CBN Governor fully supported the position of the minister, and the Chairman of NGF also noted that he knew no such thing happened at all. OTHER HIGHLIGHTS 115TH NEC MEETING: BUDGET AND NATIONAL PLANNING MINISTER TO BRIEF ON FINANCE UPDATES: The Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning gave update to Council on the under listed accounts as follows: 1. EXCESS CRUDE ACCOUNT (ECA) Balance as at 22nd April 2021 stood at N72, 413,008.60 2. STABILIZATION ACCOUNT Balance as at 22nd April, 2021 was put at N23,299,008,799.06 3. NATURAL RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT Balance as at 22nd April, 2021 was N77, 742,012,342.87 BUDGET SUPPORT On the budget support facility, Finance Minister observed that the deductions for repayment by States are meant to resume in May. The Governors however requested for an extension considering the economic challenges in the States. The Central Bank Governor explained the technical challenges involved should there be a further postponement of the deductions. The Vice President then directed that a meeting be held soon after today’s NEC where the issue would be properly considered and a decision reached. The VP will chair the meeting and the Governors would be represented by Governor Kayode Fayemi, while the Finance Minister and the Central Bank Governor both of whom attended the meeting today will also participate. Council also received a presentation on the current status of water, sanitation, and hygiene services level across the country as revealed by the 2019 WASH National Outcome Routine Mapping (WASH-NORM II) survey jointly carried out by the Federal Ministry of Water Resources and National Bureau of Statistics in collaboration with UNICEF. Under the 2019 survey, six modules were adopted: (1) Households, comprising Water Quality assessments and household WASH; (2) Water Facilities, (3) WASH in Educational Facilities, (4) WASH in Health facilities and (5) WASH in Public places (markets and motor parks), and (6) Water Utilities and Consumer Satisfaction Survey. Key findings from 2019 WASH-NORM survey: The percentage of the population with access to basic water supply services has steadily increased from 67% in 2015to 68% in 2018, and 70% in 2019. In terms of population figures, these changes equate to about 9 million more people gaining access to basic water supply services between 2018 and 2019. However, only14% of the population has access to safely managed drinking water supply services, which means that up to 171 million Nigerians are still off the SDG target 6.1. On access to sanitation, indicators across the country show a slight improvement as 44% of the population were found to have access to basic sanitation services in 2019 compared to 42% in 2018. Only 17% of the population use improved sanitation facilities that have proper handwashing facilities with soap. The number of people practicing open defecation marginally changed from 24% in 2018 to 23% in 2019 meaning that about 46 million people are still defecating in the open. About 27% of markets and motor parks have access to basic water supply services. Accessibility of persons living with disabilities is very low at 17%. About a quarter of markets and motor parks (24%) have access to basic sanitation services and slightly more than half (53%) of markets and motor parks do not have toilets for public use. 28 out of 36 States plus FCT have urban water utilities out of which only 16 are functional and producing water for the people. The functional 16 State Water Agencies (SWA) have a total number of 1,171 water works which 41% is operational. Council, therefore, welcomed the key findings from the 2019 WASH-NORM survey and noted that the Ministry has commenced the third round of WASH-NORM Survey in 2021 and is hereby urging all the States and FCT to support the process. PRESENTATION ON NATIONAL AVIATION INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PROSPECTS OF LEVERAGING PRIVATE SECTOR CAPACITY ON INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT BY SENATOR HADI SIRIKA, MINISTER OF AVIATION The Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Aviation is saddled with the overall responsibility for the formulation and management of aviation policies and was given the following mandates: 1. Conclude the Concession of Murtala Muhammed International Airport (Lagos), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja), Aminu Kano International Airport (Kano) and Port-Harcourt International Airport (Port-Harcourt). 2. Implement a plan for effective maintenance and optimal use of Airport facilities across the Country. 3. Ensure and facilitate the Establishment of a National Carrier. 4. Actively collaborate with the Private sector to create a large number of well-paying jobs for Nigerian youths. 5. Implement a strategy towards the realization of Mr. President’s June 12 promise to take 100 Million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS 1. Concession of four International Airports - Lagos, Abuja, PH and Kano 2. Implement a plan for effective maintenance and optimal use of all Airport facilities across the Country 3. Ensure and facilitate the establishment of a National Carrier 4. Actively collaborate with the Private sector to create a large number of well-paying jobs for Nigerian youths 5. Implement a strategy towards the realization of Mr. President’s June 12 promise to take 100 million Nigerians out of poverty in the next ten years Council Resolution: The Minister should make available copies of the presentations to states so that Council will have a fuller understanding. PRESENTATION ON THE PROGRESS REPORT OF RAIL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA BY RT. HON. CHIBUIKE ROTIMI AMAECHI, HONORABLE MINISTER OF TRANSPORT Council was informed on how Rail Development was stalled in the 60s until 1986, when the Federal Government of Nigeria commenced the construction of 326 km standard gauge (1,435m) rail lines phase 1 from Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri. Furthermore, rail infrastructure development halted until the present Administration came on-board and brought to reality the railway modernization plan of the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) by commencing the implementation of the 1,367 km Lagos – Kano railway lines. The outcome of the present government intervention includes: Completed and made operational the 186 km Abuja – Kaduna Standard gauge rail lines; Commencement of 185.5 km Lagos-Ibadan new Double standard gauge rail lines in 2016 and is almost completed; Completed and made operational the 302 km Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri standard gauge rail lines; and Connected the Apapa Ports by Rail, while that of Warri Port has been concessioned. THE 25 – YEAR RAILWAY STRATEGIC VISION The Federal Government in its determination to revive and modernize the Railway System in line with the 25-year Strategic Vision, adopted a Systematic dual approach. This entails the rehabilitation of the entire existing narrow gauge lines simultaneously with the development of standard gauge lines. The Ministry/NRC is rigorously following the strategic vision in developing its short and medium-term plans KEY CHALLENGES Finance Inadequate Funding Operational challenges Insufficient locomotives, coaches and wagons, leading to congestion Obsolete Machineries and workshop equipment Access to only two seaports and none to airports Lack of capacity to recover encroached premises and rental debts from government organisations Security Porosity of rail corridors and level crossings Vulnerability of outdoor Signalling & Telecommunication installations to vandalism Legal and Legislative The Railway Act of 1955 does not encourage Public Private Partnership. Council welcomed the presentation and looked forward to further collaboration with the FG on this matter. *Laolu Akande* *Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media & Publicity* *Office of the Vice President* 22nd April 2021

Analysing Ethnicity, Ethnic Crises in Nigeria and its Management

Given the increasing cases of ethnic crisis across geopolitical zones and states in Nigeria, the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Group in collaboration with the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and the European Union recently held a multi-stakeholders’ consultative forum on peace and security challenges in Nigeria themed “Ethnicity, Ethnic Crisis and National Security: Implications and Consequences”. Chiemelie Ezeobi reports Nigeria has over 400 ethnic groups, which ordinarily should amplify its rich culture but the reverse seems to be the case. These groups are broken down between religious, languages, and tribal lines. These divisions existed ever since but were further broken down at independence to a multi-ethnic nation state. With the divisions, the nation has been battling with the problem of ethnicity on the one hand, and the problem of ethno-religious conflicts on the other, as has been witnessed severally when ethnicity and religious intolerance lead to ethno-religious conflicts. According to historians, it was these conflicts that gave birth to many ethnic groups like the O’ dua People Congress (OPC), Bakassi Boys, Egbesu Boys, Ijaw Youth Congress (IYC), Igbo People Congress (IPC), Arewa Peoples Congress (APC), and Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB). Since independence, Nigeria has experienced an avalanche of ethno religious conflicts that resulted in loss of lives and unquantifiable damages on properties. No doubt, the violent nature of ethno-religious conflicts, which often take the form of riots, sabotage, assassination, armed struggles, guerilla warfare and secession in Nigeria, have implications on the political and economic development of the nation. Ethnic Conflict According to reports, ethnic conflict is an issue that, particularly during the last decade or so, has crept to the forefront of international political debate. According to Stremlau (1999-03-26:1), “polarisation between ethnic groups and resulting conflict between them as they compete for resources, political and economic power and other goals, has spawned negative consequences of tremendous proportions, of which genocide, ethnic cleansing and civil war are but a few examples, have caused several loss of lives, livelihoods, displacements as well as properties”. Causes Ethnic conflicts in Nigeria and Africa in general arise as result of scarcity of political resources, multi-culturalism, religion, militarisation of ethnicity among others. These conflicts cannot be ignored as they are most times often initiated by people who benefit from control of state resources and power which are the bases of their patronage networks, thus they seek to instigate violent ethnic conflict. They often get away with this because of the high rate of unemployment, illiteracy, marginalisation and an unequal distribution of the national wealth in their areas dominated by their ethnic groups. Consequences Undoubtedly, the consequences of such ethno-crises have been far reaching. According to paper on Ethnic Conflict in Nigeria: Causes and Consequences by Ali Usman and Yahaya Garba of the Department of Public Administration, Taraba State University, “the consequences of ethnic conflict on women, aged and children had the most damaging impact, thousands of women, the aged and children have been compel to desert their homes and seek refuge in neighboring villages, towns and countries due to the ethnic conflict, they are internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their own country”. The paper which was found on International Journal of Scientific Research in Multidisciplinary Studies further posited that “violence against women, the aged and children is devastating which include emotional and physical injuries, rape as a traumatic injury, sexually transmitted diseases, maternal mortality, unwanted pregnancy, unsafe abortion and the use of child soldiers’ to fight in ethnic conflict. “Ethnic conflict have affected the government and the people generally and have resulted to political and economic instability, weakened patriotism, breed suspicion, lack of trust and true relationship among different ethnic groups in the country, it is believed that responsive and responsible government would restore confidence among the population and promote de-Ethnicsation policy among the competing ethnic groups in Nigeria”. Recent Wave in Nigeria In Nigeria, and the recent wave ethno-crises have become alarming as it has become a daily routine across practically across all geopolitical zones and states. Aside the raging war between farmers and herdsmen, with the former bearing the brunt of the menace, gunmen recently attacked the Police Headquarters in Imo State, set several vehicles ablaze, and executed a jailbreak at the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) facility in the state capital, Owerri, where over 1,800 inmates escaped. In Anambra, they attacked the Police Zonal Headquarters at Ukpo and killed two policemen while setting a found in the compound. In Ebonyi State, over 18 people were killed in an ethnic clash between locals and armed herdsmen. Same was also witnessed in Enugu State. In Shasha in Oyo State, an ethnic war followed the killing of a cobbler by a cart pusher that escalated to Ibarapa and some other parts of the state, leaving many people dead and properties destroyed. In Ogun State, AK47-wielding herdsmen sacked remote agrarian villages in Yewa North and Imeko Afon Local Government Areas (LGAs) such that surviving locals were reported to have fled to neighbouring Benin Republic. Practically across states in the South, bandits and and terrorists masquerading as herdsmen have resorted to raping, killing and kidnapping natives with reckless abandon without recourse to justice. Also in some Northern states, these armed brigands have carried out mass kidnapping for ransom and cold blood murder of school pupils, travelers and anyone. Stakeholders Forum It was in a bid to address these that the Civil Society Legislative and Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Nigeria with support from the European Union recently held a stakeholders consultative forum on Peace and Security Challenges in Nigeria. Themed “Ethnicity, Ethnic Crises and National Security: Casual Analysis and Management Strategies”, the stakeholders drawn from both military, lawmakers, security and paramilitary organisations, as well as civil societies, tackled the causes of such ethnic crisis which is presently breeding security challenges across the country and in essence threatening the corporate existence of Nigeria. Essentially, the stakeholders advocated for dialogue of all ethnic nationalities and inclusiveness if the issues are to be addressed holistically. Objectives According to the organisers, the objective of the forum was to cross fertilise ideas, analyse gaps and the threats of separatists’ agitation across the country and its implication on national security and develop a policy recommendation; raise awareness on implication of ethnic champions and its threats to national security; and enhance cooperation and collaboration between state and non-state actor as a collective response to unism. Definitive Constitution In his speech, Executive Director CISLAC, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani) said there was need for a new constitution that defined rights and privileges of citizenship in terms of residency rather than nativism, ancestry and religious background, adding that the new constitution must devolve power over resource distribution and development from an all-powerful central government to local constituencies to enthrone economic justice and equity. In his opening remarks, he said: “This periodic event brings together key players within the security space to look critically and think of ways to resolve the ongoing fiasco on ethnicity and its implication on national security, which currently undermines human security in Nigeria and has largely become a threat to socio-economic and political culture of our co-existence. “Nigeria with over 300 ethnic groups, over 1000 dialects, practicing several religions, with different cultures and histories came under the British imperialist in the 19th century. With the 1st of January, 1914 amalgamation of Southern and Northern Protectorate the foundation of a nation now called Nigeria was laid. Nigeria is now populated by over 200 million people and has adopted the federal system of government with 36 States and a Federal Capital Territory. “Mismanagement of national resources and misrule by multi ethnic and multi-religious coalitions of successive rulers since independence have impoverished and denied opportunities to the majority of Nigerians. As a result, religious rhetoric blaming of members of other religious communities and proposals for religious reform as a solution to society’s ills have found purchase among the masses. This genuine, if misplaced, quest for a religious utopia has given some opportunistic political gladiators an excuse to curry legitimacy through politicised appeals to piety and religious fervor. “Official graft needs to be tackled headlong, a new constitution that defines rights and privileges of citizenship in terms of residency rather than nativism, ancestry and religious background also needs to be crafted. This new constitution needs to devolve power over resource distribution and development from an all-powerful central government to local constituencies. “This will ensure economic justice and equity. It will also make central political power less attractive, less corrupt, and the contests over national political offices less contentious. The use of religious and ethnic appeals as tools of political mobilisation will become less attractive and it will find a diminished reception in a climate of justice, equitable resource distribution, and equal opportunities for all. “Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), in collaboration with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) with the support from European Union (EU) has worked collectively to institutionalise a participatory system that is vibrant, robust and effective. One of the expected deliverables for today would be to equip participants with sound understanding on how to mitigate ethnic gaps within the security framework, processes, practices and spending. “Ethnic champions have now arrogated to themselves powers to issue quit notices. This is very unhealthy, dangerous and a big threat to national security. urge all of us in this room this morning to come up with knowledge based solutions that can support the recovery from what is considered a bad case. We must do something to rescue this country and corridor it from those misery vendors and merchants of death.” Kinetic and Non-kinetic Approaches In his remarks, Defence Minister, Major General Bashir Magashi (rtd), highlighted some of the issues causing further division among the people including absence of social justice, feelings of marginalisation and lack of equality. The minister who was represented by Major General Benson Akinroluyo, advocated the use of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches in addressing the issues, noting that force alone would not yield positive result, just as he called for dialogue, noting that the implications of separatist agitations and other forms of insecurity on Nigeria were enormous. According to the minister, there was no doubt the country was confronted with multiple security challenges that were affecting socio-economic wellbeing and threatening the survival of the nation state. He listed the implications to include under development, social tension, displacement of citizens, destruction of private and public property, disruption of means of livelihood and educational system. He said: “I am aware that this meeting is being organized in collaboration with the House Committee on Army and Friedrch-Ebert Stiftung (FES) Nigeria with support from the European Union to share ideas, proffer solutions and develop a policy recommendations on the threats by several separatist agitations across the country and its implication on national security. “In this regard, there is no doubt that Nigeria is confronted with multiple security challenges, notably the Boko Haram terrorists in the North-east and militancy in the Niger Delta, increasing violence between herders and farmers, banditry and kidnapping especially in the North-west and Central regions as well as separatist agitations for Biafra and now Oduduwa Republics in the South Eastern and Western parts of the country respectively. “The implications of these separatist agitations and other forms of insecurity on Nigeria are enormous. These include socio-economic implications such as under development, social tension, displacement of citizens, destruction of private and public property, disruption of means of livelihood and educational system. Others are fanning the embers of disunity, overstretching of security agencies and loss of lives. Therefore, the combination of the above implications is continuous cycle of insecurity that has led to heighten tension and violence that is capable of affecting the survival and corporate existence of the country. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies who are constitutionally saddled with the responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria as well as maintaining law and order have continued to confront these challenges through both kinetic and non kinetic instruments. ” Specifically, Sections 217 – 220 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999) charged the Armed Forces with the primary role of defending Nigeria from external ggression and maintaining its territorial integrity as well as securing is borders from violation on land, sea and air. The Constitution passes the Armed Forces the secondary role of suppressing insurrection and act in aid of civil authorities to restore law and order when called upon to do so by the President. This secondary role provides the basis operations in the country. “However, it is worth noting that the efforts of the Armed Forces and other security agencies using kinetic means alone may not bring the peace and security we all desire in the country. Kinetic and non kinetic measures must be applied to complement each other. ” The non- kinetic measures could take the form of addressing all the major causes of insecurity and discontent through genuine dialogue, economic empowerment, good governance, provision of employment and social infrastructure. Other non-kinetic means include fighting corruption, extreme poverty, hunger and maladministration, provision of equal opportunities to all citizens as well as addressing perceived to the current multi-dimensional security challenges facing our nation. ” The timing of this meeting is very apt as it is coming at a time when some of these security challenges are posing serious threats to the corporate existence of our country will assist appropriate authority to address all forms of insecurity implementabir solutions that would engender effective policies towards addressing the myriad of security challenges facing Nigeria today.” A Lawmaker’s View In his remarks, Chairman, House Committee on Army, Hon. Abdulrazak Sa’ad Namdas, who also doubles as Chairman, Technical Working Group on Protection of Civilian and Civilian Harm Mitigation in Armed Conflict, decried that tribalism has been elevated to dominate national discourse, control how people think, talk and determines who they oppose or support. He said: “It is promoted by the political elites, embraced by the young and the old, passed from generation to generation, and even has base in the constitution. This explains the assumption that conflicts in Nigeria is motivated by ethnic competition Nigerians must ask, “How did we get here, what and who are responsible’? “Why are other countries (India, Indonesia, Brazil, United States, Switzerland, Belgium, China, etc.) which are as diverse as Nigeria not half as obsessed with their diversity? The ethnic diversity of Nigeria has more or less been a threat rather than a source of national pride and development as countries above have experienced. Why? “Ethnic tensions are boiling over. At the centre of it all are herdsmen who for as long as anyone can remember have roamed the country grazing their cattle. Even as a little boy, growing up in my community in Adamawa, I recall coming across the harmless looking herders who usually only had a stick slung languidly across their shoulders. “These days, a new generation ply their trade caressing AK47 rifles to ward off threats. Over the years the damage done to farmlands as they traversed the land became a flashpoint. Now, they are regularly accused of being involved in the booming kidnapping business. “It’s hard to dismiss this accusation because of testimonies of countless victims on the Abuja-Kaduna Expressway and other parts of the country as to the ethnicity of their captors. Unfortunately, despite public outcry in many states, official response has never adequately addressed the problem. This is not the best time to succumb to sentiments. Refusing to address the issues at stake in an honest and unbiased way is the worse form of injustice. For instance, to suggest that what is happening is just a blind attack or ethnic profiling on any ethnic group is unhelpful. “Finally, the constant reference to tribal animosities and differences affects the youth’s psyche and has created a pattern or legacy of hate and suspicion which the successive generation carries like a mantle. Ethnic and religious intolerance has exposed the nation to bizarre conflict experiences with loss of lives and properties, creating uncertainties in the polity. “Boko Haram insurgent group is a classic example of the outcome of a long stretch of ethnic distrust and rivalry. Nigeria must not go the way of Sudan, Central Africa Republic, Mali, Somalia, etc. Nigeria has a testimony of resilience and the fact that, even though there are so many distrust and suspicion, the people still believe in the indivisibility of the country.” About CISLAC CISLAC is a non-governmental, non-profit legislative advocacy, information sharing and research organization in Nigeria. CISLAC works towards bridging the gap between the legislature and the electorate; by enhancing strategies; engagement of bills before their passage into law; manpower development for lawmakers, legislative aides, politicians and the civil society, as well as civic education on the tenets of democracy and Human Rights. About FES FES began to work in Nigeria in 1976. In 2002 the main office was moved from Lagos to Abuja but FES still maintains an office in Lagos. Throughout its presence in Nigeria, FES has collaborated with human rights and pro-democracy groups, the labour movement, researchers and many civil society organisations. The priority areas of FES Nigeria are: good Governance and Democracy Promotion; Trade Union Cooperation; and Nigeria’s Role in International Affairs.

‘The South-east Needs Unity, Consensus to Produce Next President in 2023’

The jostle by the geo-political zones over which zone would produce the next President in 2023 is underway. In this encounter with Ugo Aliogo, Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Uchenna Orji insists that the South-east geo-political zone must be united and rally behind a consensus candidate to produce the next president In the past, politicians from the South-east have been blamed for putting their personal ambitions far and above the interest of the zone when it came to jostling for the presidency. This was documented in the number of aspirants who usually indicated interest from the zone. Although Ebonyi State Commissioner for Information, Barr. Uchenna Orji says nothing is wrong in that he acknowledged that in a democratic setting especially in a republic such as Nigeria, you don’t rule out the possibility of multi-interests for any particular position. He explained that “It is not an aberration that in the South-east there are many people contesting for one position, that is the presidency. What is important is that, at this point in our history as a people, we need to look back and see what we have suffered and be sincere to ourselves that the next president of this country should be someone who will unite the country.” Calling on the ruling class to insist on choosing someone with established pedigree to lead the country in the next dispensation, Orji stated that “We need someone who has the capacity and competence to lead us to the desired destination. We need someone who will look at our ethnic comparative advantage and see how to build on it to enable our nation to move on in prosperity, as an egalitarian society. We want a situation whereby whoever is going to emerge should be able to tackle the issue of security and know fundamentally what the problem .” He called on stakeholders to settle for someone who will be able to solve economic problems such as unemployment, adding that it is only when that is done, that we can be sure that the future as a people will be bright. Orji pointed out that during the process of looking for the right one, many people may come and boast, making it diificult to know the best candidate. He profeered that stakeholders need to look at the antecedent and track record of people before they contest for this much-sort after position of the presidency. “I think without fear or favour, we should look at those persons that have made a mark as leaders in their own time. It is the only way to go,” he insisted. Speaking on the groundswell of support that followed Governor Dave Umahi’s defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC), Orji said in Ebonyi State, the people speak only one language that is to support the governor. He insisted that wherever he goes “we shall go and his people shall be our people.” He explained that the groundswell of support is underpinned by the realization that the governor is doing justifiably well. He added that “the APC, the stakeholders in the 13 Local Government Areas (LGA) are with the governor. APC in Ebonyi State is very strong and viral, the party will make it 100% in 2023, and APC in Ebonyi state has no rival.” He dismissed the pockets of protest and opposition to the governor as mere rantings of flies. According to him “The only rivals that we have are a few people some of whom are already expiring as politicians; some of these politicians have no track record of performance, those are the people that decided to single themselves out and stay like Lords of the manor in their own kingdoms.” He said those seemingly opposing the governor nurse the idea that now that they are lords of their own kingdoms, they will have opportunities of having automatic tickets in the PDP. Orji however remarked that these same politicians have a a day of reckoning ahead of them because the people of Ebonyi have resolved that after getting their automatic ticket in PDP, that they are coming home to face them and “they will chase them away with their votes, which is the mandate of the people of Ebonyi State.” He predicted doom for PDP in Ebonyi State, stressing that “from what they are doing, they have signalled that there is no vacancy. So all the supporters of the so-called National Assembly members are going to be disillusioned, they are going to pull out because these people are going for the automatic tickets. “There is no vacancy for PDP in the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives positions because they already have automatic tickets. All these people following the PDP sheepishly will soon turn around and say now, we know that you are in PDP for your own aggrandizement. Those people you’re seeing in PDP are a gathering of strange bedfellows who will clash, because when they remember the issue of 2001 and 2003, that will lead to the history of 2021 and 2023, it is history repeating itself,” he recalled. Commending the governor for his selfless work for his people, Orji said,, “today, we have the biggest light tunnel that has not been built by any government in Africa, not yet commissioned. We also have 13 flyovers that will soon be completed yet to be commissioned. We have the Ecumenical Centre that looks like heaven on earth, we have 1,500 kilometre state-owned roads, (he did some of these roads in concrete pavement), yet to be commissioned. His thinking is that the cost of commissioning should be deployed to doing the project, in such ways, we will have more projects and the state will be developed.” Lamenting the destruction of lives and property by unknown gunmen in the state recently, Orji stated that “In the history of Ebonyi State, especially under the current democratic dispensation, there have been cases of violent clashes between communities especially intra and interstate boundary disputes.” He explained that the governor swung into action when he came on board in 2015, “there was the perennial Eziulu- Ezza crisis that was going to be a national concern. The governor with his skills in negotiation had to take the bull by the horn by determining the issue and ensuring permanent resolution.” He disclosed that the governor went further to create permanent boundary demarcation and the area has been in peace now. “Since the governor came on board, he has been opening up rural communities; the nooks and crannies have opened up and that has raised the consciousness of rural dwellers on issues of boundary and ownership of land. “You will recall that even before now, we have had unsolved boundary disputes between communities within and outside the state especially within Ebonyi and Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia, Ebonyi and Cross-River, Ebonyi and Benue States. The governor has been handling the situation in a way that lives will not be lost. Recently, we have had some pockets of violence despite how monumental these pockets of violence may be, we feel that the governor’s efforts so far have been very commendable,” he stated. Asked to comment on whether the recent spate of security challenges could be from within provoked by the governor’s decampment to the APC? Orji said “This is an issue that security agency need to unravel and that is where intelligence comes into play. As a responsible and responsive government, we don’t want to go into alleging what we are not sure of. But the truth of the matter is that when we were in PDP the situation was very quiet. But by the mention that we are defecting to the party of national colouration, then we are beginning to experience this. “So it appears somebody out there will allude it to the fact we joined APC that is to say the fact that some people are behind it. We have gotten no evidence, but what is important is that we need to look at the menace of social media. Security and intelligence group should be able to know the people behind it or persons who are peddling those social media lies and see how to get them to a round table to stop this because there are a lot to it and it is aimed at provoking and inciting the people. We don’t know where all these are coming from, but I think that with time all these will be unraveled,” he stated. The Commissioner acknowledged that although there was a recent security challenge, the governor remains highly focused and cannot be distracted. “I say this without any fear of equivocation. All our projects are going on, if you enter the streets of Ebonyi State, you will realise that everywhere is quiet, except these isolated places that are being handled in such a way that very soon normalcy will return in those places otherwise, Ebonyi state is fine. But it is only the flashpoints that are boiling, but very soon, given the efforts of government in bringing security especially by engaging the stakeholders, all these will be a thing of the past. But if you go into Ebonyi state, you will not see much negative impact of the situation as it were,” Orji pointed out. Orji praised the governor for deploying the issue of engagement with stakeholders and security agencies alongside sensitisation processes to ensure that the people understood the need to live together, despite what may be their differences. He expressed the optimism that in no distant time, the governor’s efforts in all of these will resolve the problem. He named the Effiong-Ezza crisis, Abomege crisis, and Enyibuchiri which at the moment are about land demarcation as among the crises areas that have been settled and peace is gradually returning. On the issue of herdsmen carnage in communities within the South-east which is a source of concern, Orji maintained that the government is doing a lot to ensure that there is no reoccurrence of violent attacks on the people of Ebonyi state and it is to be done through investigation, tracking, and cracking down of criminal cartels. He disclosed that plans are underway to engage with the leadership of Myetti-Allah to ensure that perpetrators are brought to book. On insinuations in the social media that the President endorsed the recent attacks on some communities in Ebonyi by fulani militia, Orji said Umahi will be the last person to promote anything against the unity of the country. He stressed that the governor has been very emphatic and continuously spoke on the need for people to live together, regardless of where they are coming from. He clarified that despite what is shared on social media, every stranger including herdsmen’ have the confidence to stay in the state. “We have a cordial relationship with every stranger living in our state, even the herdsmen. Even in the case of herdsmen, we have a committee at the local government level, set up by the state government and aimed at ensuring peaceful coexistence and resolving matters and problems when they come. We have also integrated some of the herders into the governance structure. Some of them are technical assistance on herdsmen matters, others have been given vehicles to see how they can be helping us coordinating and monitoring farmers’ and activities of herdsmen within the state. “We feel strongly that the people who are doing these things are not good citizens, therefore the herdsmen who are good citizens are in Ebonyi state and doing their legitimate business without any hindrance or embarrassment from the people of the state. We do know also that our people are in the North and West, so we must preach peaceful co-existence, and let me say that the people that are doing all of these things are criminals. I want to say that intelligence gathering is ongoing to unravel the masterminds of these criminal elements, some of whom are natives and non-natives,” he affirmed. Speaking on the newly formed security outfit – Ebube Agu by the South-east governors to secure the geo-political zone, Orji endorsed it as a smart move in the right direction. He explained that “the parlance Ebube-Agu in my view is seeking to go back to the glorious days of the South-east. Ebubu ­means glory, while Agu means Tiger, and it is a symbol of strength which we all know in the South-east. In dynastic parlance, Ebube-Agu, means the majesty of an empire is the safety of its protection, without the glory and majesty there will be nothing like an empire. “Therefore we need to look back at our glorious days socially and economically. This entails that we need to have a kind of renaissance in our economic and social abilities as a people. This means that at all times, we should crack down on criminalities and criminals in parts of the South-east. An injury to one in any part of the South-east is an injury to another, we should have collaboration to ensure that we flush out criminal elements in parts of the South-east. “We must also encourage that each State should make some legislations to make it possible for civilian security officials from the state to have the ability to go to another state to crack down on criminals without being hindered by the laws of any state. Thus, this is essentially the coloration of that time Ebube-Agu. “I want to say that the governors of the South-east have been doing well. They may be silent, but they are working very well. No matter these pockets of banditry and herdsmen issue, I can say that in terms of normal social vices, the South-east is still the least among them the six-geopolitical zones. We are safest among them,” he assured. Heaping encomiums on the governor for blazing an uncharted transformational path that has placed the state on the global developmental map, Orji said “I want the governor to be remembered by the next generation as a man of extraordinary ability, world-class leader, and performer per excellence. In a time we had economic recession, he came onboard. He became the first deputy governor in Nigeria history to become Governor, when the master was not supporting him and he conquered. “Today, he is making history as the best performing governor in Ebonyi state. We want to remember him as a man with a special moral character in leadership. He is a man of humility, resilience and tenacity of purpose. He is someone who knows what is good for the people. He has the three Es of leadership. The governor is well educated and exposed; he is more learned than a professor of Engineering. Sometimes, he bares his mind on issues; we call him an associate counsel. “The governor is very detailed and pays attention to every bit of information. He is a man that whenever he travels out of the country, comes back to replicate what he has seen overseas in Ebonyi state. This is a rare virtue; some of our leaders will travel overseas and will not be able to replicate what they have seen back here in Nigeria. There was a time we went to China, and the Governor saw the transformation efforts in some parts of China, he prayed and asked God to give him the wisdom to replicate what he saw in China. It is what I describe as exposure at work,” he noted. Orji said the governor has transformed Ebonyi to become the new Dubai and London using his wealth of experience; adding that due to his experience, he was able to deal with some of these former leaders, he had to use his spirit of accommodation to stoop low to conquer and manage them until when they betrayed themselves thinking that they betrayed him. He described Umahi as a man that doesn’t go to war, but a man of valour and the David of old, stating that if he fights back he will conquer. According to him, “I think that these kinds of persons should be celebrated while they are alive. We should have a monument of this man to show his extraordinary virtues. The state is now a flagship of excellence, and a reference point in good governance. No matter who you are, when you visit Ebonyi, you will praise the giant strides of the governor.” Regarding the pockets of violence that erupted recently, he assured that intelligence will unravel it; adding that “To the man in the street, he may think that something is behind the recent attacks in Ebonyi that is it is artificially created to distract this man that performs, but they don’t know that he cannot be distracted and many know his personality and the way he feels about Nigeria.” According to him, “Umahi believes Nigeria should be one indivisible country where there is love for one another. The governor is a bridge-builder between Ebonyi and the outside world. He is a man that can give the country the needed freedom, love, and prosperity for one another. Nigerians are very hardworking, and they are not indolent, they are very independent. “When you visit overseas and see how the citizens attack the government, here in Nigeria we don’t do similar thing. What Nigerians want is the enabling environment to do their businesses. For instance, in the United States of American, it is only few family members that are into government, others are into business because government created the enabling environment for them to thrive. In Nigeria, if the federal government should create the enabling environment, I’m sure many people will leave government and go into their private businesses,’he stated. QUOTE There is no vacancy for PDP in the governorship, Senate and House of Representatives positions because they already have automatic tickets. All these people following the PDP sheepishly will soon turn around and say now, we know that you are in PDP for your own aggrandizement. Those people you’re seeing in PDP are a gathering of strange bedfellows who will clash, because when they remember the issue of 2001 and 2003, that will lead to the history of 2021 and 2023, it is history repeating itself,” he recalled

How bandits kidnapped Kaduna private varsity students

By AbdulGafar Alabelewe, Kaduna More facts have emerged on how students and a female staff of Greenfield University were abducted from the institution’s premises at Kasarami, Chikun Local Government Area axis of Kaduna-Abuja highway. One of the students rescued by troops of the Operation Thunder Strike told The Nation the bandits aged between 17 and 20 years stormed the university around 9:30pm on Tuesday. The student (name withheld) said the bandits came from different angles of the premises located around kilometer 34 on the highway and burgled some doors to carry out the attack. “The bandits are young boys within ages of 17-20 years but they were fully armed, they came in shooting sporadically into the air. “They hit some of the students inflicting injuries on them, killed our porter and went away with some of our colleagues but I don’t know the specific number but I know they are mostly girls including the matron. “The porter was shot when he was trying to close the door against the bandits to protect us,” he disclosed. Registrar of the university, Bashir Muhammad, who was at the Operation Thunder Strike camp where the rescued students were being kept before release to their parents, said he will not speak on the matter based on order of the University’s Pro-Chancellor. He however assured the school management will speak on the matter on or before Friday when details of what transpired would have been gathered. Some of the parents, who refused to speak with journalists, had already been contacted by the abductors to demand ransom in millions, The Nation learnt. The Registrar also confirmed the parents have been contacted for ransom but did not disclose the amount demanded. Some parents of the abducted students at the scene of the attack were too traumatised to speak. They were seen in groups discussing on how to rescue their children.

Experts: unstable Chad will worsen Nigeria’s insecurity

•Deby’s death has created a vaccum in Boko Haram battle, says Buhari •Why insecurity persists, by Fayemi, Uzodimma By Tajudeen Adebanjo, Bolaji Ogundele, and Vincent Ikuomola, Abuja Neighbouring Chad Republic slipped into political turmoil yesterday following the death of President Idris Deby from injuries sustained while battling rebels. The wider implication of his death for Nigeria is that being a reliable ally in Nigeria’s fight against Boko Haram, instability in Chad will worsen Nigeria’s security challenges in the Northeast, experts have warned. President Muhammadu Buhari acknowledged the support of the late President and his country in Nigeria’s battle against insurgency. He described the late Deby as having “played a very active role in our regional joint collaboration in the military campaign against the Boko Haram terrorists.” President Buhari said he was “a friend of Nigeria who had enthusiastically lent his hand in our efforts to defeat the murderous Boko Haram terrorists that have posed grave security challenges not only for Nigeria but also our African neighbours, particularly Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.” He added that “the death of Deby will surely create a big vacuum in the efforts to jointly confront the Boko Haram terrorists and the Islamic State West Africa Province. “I’m deeply shocked and devastated by the sudden death of Idriss Deby on the battlefront to defend the sovereignty of his country.” International Affairs experts, including a former Director-General of the Nigeria Institute of International Affairs (NIIA), Prof. Bola Akinterinwa, Ambassadors Bulus Lolo, Ogbole Amedu-Odu and Mr Paul Ejime, described Deby’s death as a bad omen for Nigeria and the Sahel region. Deby, 68, was considered a vanguard in the international fight against armed groups in West and Central Africa. He was also a key ally of Western Powers. Under him, Chadian troops became the key regional force in the battle against ISIL and al-Qaeda-linked groups in the Sahel and Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin. Chad is the headquarters of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which is fighting Boko Haram. The country also enjoys the conference of Western Powers. Deby’s son, Gen. Mahamat Idris Deby took over power as head of a Military Transition Council that will serve for 18 months before elections are held. However, this is against the constitutional provision which allows the Speaker of parliament, in case of death and incapacitation of the leader, to take charge for 40 days before elections are held. The uncertainty in the country deepened with the dissolution of democratic institutions by the new leader, who slammed curfew and three months mourning period. Prof. Akinterinwa said Deby’s death raises a fundamental problem of regional security. “His style of dictatorship was acceptable to his countrymen because he led by example by participating in fighting terrorism. The Western leaders found an ally in him for leading anti-jihadists battle. Remember, last year April, he led Chadian soldiers to fight Boko Haram in Sambisa Forest. A vacuum has been created. How they would get a worthy and trusted replacement would be the issue now. The insurrectionists appeared to have won the battle but not the war. They luckily killed him but the war to take over Chad by them is still ongoing,” he said. Akinterinwa added: “If we do not have a strong force to counter the insurgents, we’ll see Boko Haram freer than ever before in launching attacks on Nigeria. Nigeria cannot do much in this case because of the expanse land of Sambisa forest where the Boko Haram take refuge. We need Niger, Cameroon and Chad to jointly fight them. Our country is even on many battlefields – banditry, Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the one in the Southwest. You can’t fight many battles and succeed without good weapons. “If the stolen money is diverted to acquire weapons including powerful surveillance technology to monitor the activities of Boko Haram without sending thousands of soldiers, then you can curtail their aggression and successfully fight them.” Lolo, a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affrais, said: “Instability in Chad is not good for us. Beyond that, Chad is the headquarters of the multi-national force fighting against Boko Haram in the Northeast. “The military has been very careful to bring on the 37-year-old young man who is a general. It is a strategic move to ensure a kind of protection of the dynasty.” The former envoy said it is not going to be an easy task for the young Derby. “The choice is a herculean task. Chad does not have a Vice President and the position of the prime minister is a ceremonial one.” Amedu-Ode, one-time spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said a destabilised Chad would likely impact negatively on Nigeria. “Whatever is the situation, Nigeria must take a keen interest because Chad is central to the fight against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups in the Sahel region. “We cannot afford to have a destabilised Chad as it will negatively impact the fight against terrorism which Chad is central to. There must be stability within the country’s neighbourhood.” Ejine said: “Deby’s absence could lead to further crisis within the G5 Sahel region which comprises Niger, Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania and Chad,” he said. Chad under the late Deby, Ejime said, helped Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram. He urged the Nigerian government to act fast before the rebel group that claimed responsibility for Deby’s death turn their attention to the country.

Mustapha, former CPC Leader joins APC Chairmanship race

By Jide Orintunsin, Abuja Former Deputy National Chairman of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and a stalwart of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mallam Saliu Mustapha, has declared intention to run for the party’s chairmanship position at the June National Convention. He unveiled his intention to contest for the party’s prime office in an exclusive interview with The Nation in Abuja on Sunday. Mustapha, who was also a former Governorship candidate in Kwara, said his leadership will provide the impetus a party will need to serve as a vehicle for mass development of the country. The chairmanship hopeful said he plans to bring his wealth of experience in party administration to bear by driving a disciplined, focused and inclusive party when elected. He said: “I am showing interest in the party because over the years some of us have gathered experience in party administrations. ” I have been there before now. I was one time the Caretaker national chairman of the defunct CPC one of the legacy parties. ” I was one time organising Secretary of the Congress of Political Parties in Nigeria (CPPN) under late Balarebe Musa as our chairman. I was one time Secretary of the PFP. I serve under Chief Anenih. “We are in the race to make the party a viable vehicle as a platform. And to have a viable vehicle, we must have leadership that is purposeful, discipline and with direction. “A leadership who knows what the people want, so that we can produce candidates for the party that will come and sell themselves to the public and at the same time help the party to achieve its manifesto.” Asked if he has enough war chest to compete with most of the aspirants, who are former Governors, Mustapha said he was not out to compete with other aspirants but to seek their cooperation and endorsement.

The Man Saliu Mustapha

On the surface, Saliu Mustapha is a reputable politician with over two decades of experience in party administration and developmental politics. But beyond that facade is a philanthropist and an accomplished international businessman with interest in real estate and construction. Born on September 25, 1972, into the reputable family of Issa and Maryam Mustapha of Gambari Ward in Ilorin East Local Government Area, Kwara State, Saliu was groomed at an early age to imbibe the core traditional and religious values of discipline, courage, honesty, piety and hardwork upon which the ancient city of Ilorin was built. He has continued to hold on to these values till date in a way that reflects in his daily living. The young Saliu attended St. Bartholomew Primary School, Wusasa, Zaria. He proceeded to Command Secondary School, Kaduna for his post-primary education. For his higher education, Saliu studied Mineral Resources Engineering at the Kaduna Polytechnic, Kaduna and graduated in flying colours at every score. He is presently running other professional courses in some of Nigeria’s top grade higher institutions of learning. As an undergraduate, Saliu Mustapha developed keen interest in governance and that formed the basis of his evolution into politics. His belief in purposeful and progressive leadership vis-a-vis dedication to public service, brought him on the same ideological paths with the likes of Chief Alexis Aniello, Chief Olu Falae, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, and President Muhammadu Buhari. Specifically, between 2001 – 2002, Saliu was the National Publicity Secretary of the Progressive Liberation Party (PLP) under the leadership of Dr. Ezekiel Ezeogwu. A little further in 2003, Saliu and other likeminds came together to register and form the Progressive Action Congress (PAC), whereat he was returned again as a National Publicity Secretary, an impressive feat for his age and clout as at that time. At about the time President Muhammadu Buhari conceived the idea of coming back into public service as a civilian President, Saliu Mustapha keyed into the vision. Thus, he became a pivotal member of The Buhari Organisation (TBO) and the Buhari Campaign Organisation (BCO) respectively for several years. He was a major member of the Buhari Presidential Campaigns in 2003 when the latter ran under the platform of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). In 2007, instead of sitting in far away Abuja, he decided to go into the political trenches to hold forth for the ANPP in his home state, Kwara State, where he contested as a member of the Federal House of Representatives for Ilorin East and South Federal Constituency. In 2011, Saliu became a foundation NEC member of the Buhari’s newly formed Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) first, as an Ex-Officio, and subsequently as its National Deputy Chairman under the leadership of Prince Tony Momoh (of blessed memory). The CPC would later merge with other legacy parties to forming the All Progressives Congress (APC). Saliu, dogged, dutiful and conscientious, was among the very few that made the historic merger come to reality. In fact, he is reputed to be the signatory to the merger agreement on behalf of the CPC tendency in the coalition. Since then till now, he has remained true to the progressive ideology as a stakeholder of the APC both at his home state and at the national level. He has contributed in no small measure to the sustenance of the party. Amid the accolades and achievements at the national arena, Saliu Mustapha never allowed his giant strides to becloud his sense of duty to the grassroots. This is evident in his much talked about philanthropic activities and interventions in Kwara State, particularly in the areas of educational, health and human capital development programmes. Through his foundation – the Saliu Mustapha Foundation – Saliu has engaged in a wide range of charitable projects in his hometown and beyond, advancing humanitarian causes. On the average, he spends over N100,000,000 (One Hundred Million) Naira in private, hard-earned funds annually to execute various plans and projects of the Foundation, including an annual financial empowerment programme, annual scholarship and educational support services, among others. Politically, he is a force to reckon with in the political firmament of Kwara State. For years, he has nurtured and maintained his SMS political group, a one of its kind political movement that cuts across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state. In 2019, this group would later prove its mettle as it joined forces with other progressives in Kwara state, under the Otoge Rainbow Coalition that heralded a rare political revolution never witnessed before in the history of the state. Ironically, all these happened in spite of his ill-treatment by some forces in the party in the 2019 gubernatorial primaries of the party. That clear case of injustice necessitated the then Adam Oshiomole-led NEC to write a formal Letter of Apology admitting the iniquity against him and apologising for same. Analysts believed that the decision of Mustapha not to litigate his ill-motivated treatment then is the singular reason APC is still standing today in Kwara as a political platform. It was the height of loyalty that he not only refused the temptations to rock the APC boat, he also pulled humongous personal resources in support of all the candidates of the party, and participated very actively in the campaigns during the 2019 General Elections which led to a 100% victory for the party in the state. Saliu Mustapha is very widely respected as a mentor and a pillar of support to thousands of youths in Kwara State and beyond, being a young person himself. He mingles freely with them, supports them and their aspirations from time to time. Mustapha is very widely traveled. He has been to virtually all the continents of the world, either for business or family vacations. He is happily married with kids. He speaks a variety of Nigerian languages; namely Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo and Okun.