Coalition Exonerate Heads Of Security From Insecurity Bedeviling Nigeria

A coalition of 92 Youth Based Groups and Non Governmental Organizations under the auspices of Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness has exonerated heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads from the insecurity bedeviling Nigeria.

While addressing the media in Abuja on Tuesday 29th December, 2020, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel who spoke on behalf of the coalition said that the security, economic and political problems of Nigeria are clearly caused by the so called political leaders which are the politicians especially those that have looted their states and now find a safe haven in the senate.

The coalition also called on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the Principal Officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

“The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel said.

Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing:

We the above named Organization in collaboration with 92 youth based groups and Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs), having concluded a One Day Summit titled “Origin and Root Causes of Insecurity In Nigeria; The Way Forward”, resolves as follows to be solutions and panacea to mitigating and solving the myriad of insecurity situation in Nigeria.

The Boko Haram sect emanated from the sponsorship and funding of Nigerian Politicians from the North East region of the country for their own selfish ambition. This sect is now hydra- headed and has given birth to prolong local and international terrorism, banditry, marauders, rapists, killer headsmen, cattle rustling, kidnapping, etc., with its attendant heinous crimes such as gruesome murder, rape, and the general atmosphere of insecurity in Nigeria.

In the same vein, the Niger Delta militancy which has also bedeviled the nation with serious security challenges and the attendant availability of small and light arms within the region with its attendant consequences was also originally formed by politicians within the region for their own selfish political and economic interests.

Therefore, it is clearly evident that Politicians in Nigeria are the founders, root causes, financiers and pre- cursors of insecurity in Nigeria.

Accordingly, the Dishonourable Ministers are here in Abuja dwelling on lofty ideas without being in touch with their constituents or at least create an avenue for regular engagement like periodic town- hall meetings with their constituents where the genuine efforts of President Mohammadu Buhari would be made known to Nigerians on a one-on-one grass roots level. No doubt, President Buhari has done a lot in the areas of fighting corruption, agricultural transformation, railways, road networks and fighting terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria. However, Ministers essentially are to act as deputies to the President and Commander- in- Chief by projecting the efforts of Mr President. But in Nigeria today, it is ironical that either most Ministers of the Federal Republic lack clear understanding of their functions or are completely ignorant of what to do while in office. We discovered that there is a lacuna. This gap is caused by the ineptitude and look- worm of the said so called honourable Ministers. While Mr. President is busy toiling day and night without the commensurate support from almost all the Ministers and other political appointees including the SGF. The inability of the NSA to effectively coordinate the security architecture of the country exposes a major weakness signifying the need for an urgent replacement of the sensitive position..

Some of these politicians and ex- Governors have now found the Senate of the Federal Republic as a shelter and resting place where they sit with practically nothing to contribute during plenary but rather indulge in unnecessary selfish political scheming, maneuvers and trading blames, heaping accusations on Mr President, and his security heads including the IGP and military chiefs.

Consequent to the above, for the peace, security and development of our country, we, as Nigerians and as a coalition, hereby, with utmost respect to President Buhari, urge the President and Commander- In- Chief to immediately sack all the current serving Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and replace them with his choice of younger, patriotic and competent citizens who are desirous to patriotically contribute their quota to nation building.

Again, we have also discovered the huge disconnect between members of the National Assembly and their so- called constituents. In the Senate, most of the principal officers dwell more on diversionary issues rather than embark on result oriented legislations targeting job creation for the youths and for peace, security and prosperity for Nigeria. If we may ask; how many times do some of these so called principal officers visit their constituents? Some only visit their constituents during elections times.

We, therefore, hereby, call on the Senate President, Senator Ahmed Lawan to immediately change the principal officers of the 9th Senate for a more result oriented legislations that would in turn impact positively on the yearnings and aspirations of all if not majority of Nigerians.

The same call goes to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila. We urge him to immediately relieve the current serving principal officers/leaders of the House and appoint more competent, God fearing representatives for effective, more impactful and result oriented legislations for peace, security and development of our country in line with the desire and tangible efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari.

We also state categorically that none of the heads of security including the Inspector General of Police and other military heads are the cause of insecurity bedeviling Nigeria. The security, economic and political problems of our country are clearly caused by the so called political leaders which are the politicians especially those that have looted their states and now find a safe haven in the senate.

Let it be on record that in all fair minded judgement and assessment, Nigeria as a Nation, is very fortunate to have the current security chiefs at this trying moment of our country’s existence. With their experience, patriotism and commitment to duty, the nation is indeed lucky to have these officers at the helm of affairs irrespective of whatever anybody says.

Consequently, on the basis of our country’s corporate existence, peace and security, we, as a coalition, hereby soundly pass a vote of Confidence on the Heads of Security in Nigeria particularly the IGP and all the military chiefs for performing creditably well so far in the discharge of the onerous tasks of containing the myriad of security challenges confronting Nigeria.

Thank You.

Signed: Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,

For the Coalition

Federal High Court Issues Warrant Of Arrest Against A Lebanese National Mr. Rafic Saab

A Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos on Thursday 10th December, 2020 has issued a warrant of Arrest against a Lebanese National Mr. Rafic Saab, a businessman that deals in Daikin Cooling System in Nigeria.

The Order for the arrest warrant was made by Hon. Justice I.N. Oweibo of Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos following the application of the prosecuting Counsel MA. Animashaun Esq.

The prosecuting Counsel’s application for arrest warrant to be issued against the Defendant Rafic Saab was consequent upon the failure of the Defendant who was bound by recognizance to appear before the Court on 10th of December, 2020 but failed to appear on three previous occasions and forcing adjournment of proceedings on 06-10-2020 and 26-11-2020.

Mr. Rafic Saab is facing a 4 count charge of Conspiracy to defraud contrary to Section 8 (a) of Advance Fee Fraud Act, 2006, false pretense and with intent to defraud, obtained the sum of $5,000,000USD and diverted same to Lebanon contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of Advance Fee Fraud Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (1) of same Act 2006, fraudulent diversion of monies outside Nigeria with intention to deprive the owners of the money permanently and knowingly making false statements with intention to defraud, concealed transaction information contrary to and punishable under Section 436 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 LFN 2004.

NIPOST Engages Courier Stakeholders For Effective And Efficient Services

 

There is need for stakeholders in the Nigerian Postal Industry to come together and brainstorm on how to enhance efficiency in the industry in line with global best practices.

The Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami made this known at the Courier Services Forum organized by Nigerian Postal Service, NIPOST, where he engaged stakeholders aimed at moving the industry forward for effective and efficient services to Nigerians.

The Minister emphasized Rule Making Process as the first step in stakeholders’ engagement which is lacking in most government agencies

Making reference to the just concluded United States of America general election, the Honorable Minister challenged NIPOST to brace up for the similar role the United States Postal Service (USPS) played in processing of mail-in- ballot in future, as part of efforts to enhance Nigerian Postal industry in line with Nigeria Digital Economy Policy and Strategy.

Dr. Pantami advocates reversing the zero budget status for NIPOST which has been the practice for so many years. This situation has hampered the growth of NIPOST and the postal industry. The Minister said his role is to promote NIPOST and make it work for the country and the citizens.

In his own remark, the Postmaster General of the Federation, Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi praised the Honorable Minister of Communications & Digital Economy for his intervention during the uproar generated with the release of the new regulation of Courier and Logistics business in Nigeria. 

Dr Ismail Adebayo Adewusi said that the challenges and grey areas between stakeholders have been ironed out through positive engagement. He commended Association of Nigeria Courier Operators (ANCO), Nigeria International Air Courier Association (NIACA), and MSMEs for their cooperation. 

Speaking on behalf of the Courier Operators, Okey Uba, President ANCO, commended the Minister and the Postmaster General for giving them audience during the issues concerning the licenses fees and creating an enabling environment for them to operate. 

He seeks the Minister’s support for development of the Postal sector and improvement of the industry, while he solicited for proper enforcement of the new regulations and to empower NIPOST to carry out Policy guidelines for the industry to thrive.

The stakeholders resolved to work harmoniously with the Ministry and NIPOST for social and digital growth of the sub sector of the economy.  

Bridging The Digital Divide Through Telecoms: Postal Service Role

 

By Ayo Alanamu

COVID -19 placed the world in crises, it rampaged across countries, and made our globalised world feel vulnerable, and at times, almost defenceless. Post and their partners in other economies had all faced impossible impacts with the declaration of a global pandemic; the business world took a new dimension.

The African Telecommunications Union (ATU) established on the 7^th December 1977, celebrates every year its founding day to reflect and demonstrate the key role Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays in the social and economic developments of Africa.

This year’s theme ‘’POST COVID 19: Role of Telecoms/ICT in the Resumption of socio-Economic Activities’’ is imperative because of the reality of the new normal.

Taking the whole gamut of communications including the postal service into consideration, it will be apt to conclude that telecommunication/digital advancement goes a long way to help situate and observe the social distancing protocols as the pandemic raged. The Post has played a critical role in uniting the people, providing essential services not only mails but also delivering other important services. This helped the citizens of the world to possibly curb the transmission of the virus.

Telecommunications has completely transformed how people communicate and navigate their personal and professional lives. With an ever- present need for humans to connect and communicate, this industry is slated to continue its upward growth.

Surfing the internet, placing phone calls, e-mailing and text messaging, plus ordering goods online,  and the delivery to the last man via courier services, either of private courier or government owned courier companies, are all added as part of the complete communication chain.

As a result of this, Telecommunication becomes one of the most crucial infrastructures for protection. From natural disasters to military needs, there is a wide spectrum of institutions that depend on telecoms to provide safety.

Postal Service has continued to evolve and with steady expansion of products and services, has found its place in the socio- economy space of communication. In later years after its creation, the Post has stepped into many frontiers that keep adding up its relevance to the mechanism of National and Economic development.

Communication is key to national development and it is largely premised on citizens fundamental right, economic buoyancy, rise in per capita income, rule of law, and above all, conflict resolution and security. By these templates and several other parameters, the Postal Service role has been noble.

When the scrupulous element took to the Post in the 90s to perpetuate Advance Fee Fraud, otherwise known as ‘’419’’, using it as conduit to send tonnes of documents aimed at defrauding unsuspecting Nigerians, it raised alarm, intercepted a large portion of such documents to the  credit of the country.

Telecommunications plays a critical role in communities, particularly remote regions where modern banking has not been able to reach. A recent study undertaken by Universal Postal Union, the specialised agency of the United Nations, revealed that despite the financial inclusion and deepening of teledensity efforts of various governments in integrating their citizens into the global financial networking, there are still well over half a million locations in Africa that should offer financial services using telecommunication to the teeming world population, no matter how remotely located. This is where the postal service comes in offering its vast spaces at the Post Offices to accommodate this service.

In the projection of any developing postal service, it ought to rely so much on telecommunication and information technology to make a Post Office modern, becoming a one stop- shop, where it can reintroduce mini banking services, e-government services, where citizen can access a number government services such as applying and collection of drivers’ licences, international passports, national ID cards etc. This will no doubt boost the economy.

Information Technology and the ability to connect and communicate is a fundamental part of how a society operates today's digital ecosystem, to transform the business world, and foster operational efficiency that stimulates steady growth.

In today’s business world, many organisations employ cross functional teams to tackle new products, corporate initiatives, marketing campaigns etc. With telecom service, these teams are equipped with the technology necessary to collaborate from any location, allowing for optimal productivity, enhanced connectivity and increased teamwork.

Driven by competition and customers demand, postal operators use advanced technology for different purposes, above all to improve operational efficiency and to offer new products and services. In particular, consumer demand for faster handling of orders and more convenient delivery is driving change in the post and technological innovations are enabling e-retailers and postal operators to respond to these requirements.

In the parcel and other e-commerce item delivery business, Last-mile delivery has improved with technology such as Parcel Dimensional Scanner for signatures scanning, which have added additional security for consumers.

Educational institutions now leverage telecommunication to deliver long distance or remote education. Equally certificates are being requested online, are centre quest by West African Examination Council (WAEC) on Nigerian Postal Service to help it deliver certificates to recipients who would have requested for their certificates without having to travel long distances.

Telecommunication has become the foundation for businesses, government communities and families to seamlessly connect and share information. Therefore technology has played an overall positive role for postal services and acts as an enabler and a drive for better services for consumers. Looking ahead, technology has become and more important for postal services, and further positive benefits are expected.  

Written by Ayo Alanamu of the Corporate Communication, NIPOST Headquarters Abuja  

 

#EndSARS Protest Was Politically Motivated And Funded; Coalition Alleges

The Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness, a coalition with over sixty-two Civil Society and Non Governmental, Nonprofit Organizations has said that the EndSARS protest was politically motivated and funded both internationally and locally.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, 3^rd November, 2020, the convener of the coalition, Dr. Nwambu Gabriel also said that Lekki Massacre was aimed at presenting the Nigerian Military as murderous and by so doing, spurs sentiments from citizen and the International community against the Military and Government with the ultimate goal of destabilizing the Federal Government of Nigeria.

In a press briefing tagged “Reading between the Lines; Truth, Facts and Fantasies,” Dr. Nwambu Gabriel appealed to the very articulate and hard working Nigerian youths to dissuade all attempts by some clandestine groups to make them return to the streets a second time while urging them to embrace dialogue with Government for a long lasting peace in Nigeria.

Excerpt is the full text of the press briefing:

The ENDSARS Protest; Reading between the Lines. Truth, Facts and Fantasies.

Welcome gentlemen of the fourth realm, heads of various Civil Society Organizations here present, Ladies and gentlemen.

The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness in coalition with over sixty-two (62) Civil Society and Non Governmental, Nonprofit Organizations, as Nigerian Citizens have decided to conduct an inquest on the ENDSARS demonstration and the climax of the protest in Lekki Toll Gate, Lagos state on Tuesday, October 20, 2020. This incidence in Lekki no doubt is still dominating the media space for which some media outfits and bloggers classify as “Lekki Massacre”. There has been a heated debate on the role of the Nigerian Army in the enforcement of the curfew as announced by the Governor of Lagos state, Babajide Sanwo Olu, the number of those injured and the number of deaths if any with substantial evidence to proof beyond reasonable doubts.

We would want to reemphasize that our coalition believes in the sanctity of the human life and the fact that every life is equal before our creator. But for the purpose of this fact finding and reality, we have chosen to be as objective and as practical as possible.

Now, the word Lekki “MASSACRE” according to the dictionary is synonymous with holocaust, carnage, bloodbath, death, slaughter, butchery. It also refers to large scale cold blooded murder of human beings. Several reports on both foreign and local media says that this was the case in Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday, October 20, 2020.

The protest was seemingly well organized, disciplined and focused in their pursuit of the disbandment of the police Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS). In a twinkle of an eye, the Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu joined the protesters, addressed them and ran the Aso Rock Villa to see Mr. President and presenting a five point demand. The President acceded to their request in principle. SARS was disbanded and modalities put in place to implement other demands. But the protesters were defiant; they remained on the streets and introduced other new demands.

Some questions readily come to mind; why was Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu so quick to join the protesters? How did he come to identify their leaders as to be so certain on what their demands were? And why did he run to the President to submit their demand?

The protesters continued. The longer the protesters stayed on the street, the more extraneous forces come in as protesters and systematically hijacked on alarming scale. Police stations were burnt, policemen murdered in most gruesome manner, armories looted as criminals made away with arms and ammunitions and there was general brake down of law and order tending towards an anarchy situation. The Governor at this time introduced the curfew and requested the help of the military in enforcing the curfew.

Why then did the protesters not disperse in line with their peaceful and law abiding stance knowing that the red line between legality and illegality had been crossed?

A national newspaper claimed 49 persons were murdered. Amnesty International claimed that 12 persons died. There were purported eyewitnesses who gave account on how soldiers short directly on the protesters with unprecedented casualties with AK47. The video that went viral showed men in military uniform, corking AK47 riffles from the left hand side and firing into the air. In this social media age and with the sophistication that captured the men in military uniform firing, we expected to see at least someone who captured the killings, the dead bodies as evidenced. Or at least, we expect some families to come forward laying claims of their loved ones who participated in the protest but still missing. No family has done this as at the time of this briefing. Again, a lady protester who gave a narrative about the different types of bullets for the police and the military also claimed she with the aid of some persons carried at least 17 dead bodies into the military truck. We believe she must have been invisible to achieve that narrative since according to her; it was a heavy and continuous firing. How come the alleged soldiers spared her life?

There is this claim that the CCTV camera was removed. Our quest is that the camera which captured men in military uniform firing into the air ought to have also captured the alleged direct shooting of protesters at close range and the evacuation of dead bodies as claimed by some reports.

The PRNigeria is a forensic expert company with Mamood Abdulsalam as the assistant editor has collected over 100 samples of footages showing dead bodies and those wounded. According to him, “when we subjected them to our reverse imagery testing tools, it indicated they were not recent while others are manipulated images and doctored videos. We also observed circulation of old pictures of victims injured and killed during violent skirmishes, unrelated to the ENDSARS demonstration across the country”.

Four major deaths were either refuted but the acclaimed deceased persons or discovered by several independent fact finders as false and unrealistic. The PRNigeria also discovered that a Nollywood movie star, Eniola Badmus, who was allegedly shot in the stomach and died at the Lekki Toll Gate, had denied the social media reports. This was evident on her Instagram page where she wrote that “Against all speculations about me being shot dead at the unspeakable event that happened at the Toll Gate a few hours ago, I would like to inform you guys that I Eniola Badmus is hale and hearty. I couldn’t make it there today to lend my voice on the ENDSARS Movement”.

Secondly, one Iraoye Godwin, a native of Otu- Auchi in Edo State was also posted by the ENDSARS narrative as one of the persons allegedly killed by the soldiers. On twitter, Godwin posted via a video denying this report, saying that he was hail and hearty.

The photo of a man carrying a dead lady wrapped in the Nigerian flag as posted by Yemi Alade was an image from a Nigerian movie acted with the theme “Heal Our Land, OH LORD”.

Lucia Adu was the lady with an open skull posted in the social media while dancing and was said to have been allegedly struck on the head by the bullets of the Nigerian Army an hour later. Her martyrdom was being celebrated all over the Social media as one the deaths in Lekki Toll Gate. Investigations shows that Luci Adu died from an accident with a stationary truck on the 20th of October, 2020. This is also confirmed by a new fact checking twitter handle on endsarshttp:/twitter.com/endSARSfctchek”

The fiction and lies perpetrated by Amnesty International was unprecedented. Osai Ojigho claimed 12 deaths were recorded but relied on circumstantial evidences in her reports. She also claimed she needed the permission of the deceased families to make the names public. What an irony! 

Nigerians, how did we get here?

From the above over whelming facts, it becomes evident that the ENDSARS protest was politically motivated and funded both Internationally and locally with the sole aim of presenting the Nigerian Military as murderous and by so doing, spur sentiments from citizen and the International community against the Military and Government with the ultimate goal of destabilizing the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu who by media reports initially said there was no deaths in Lagos, later claimed to have visited several hospitals with a few injured and 2 deaths is seen as someone who speaks from both sides of his mouth. He lacks the public confidence as far as this matter is concerned.

Therefore, the setting up of a Judicial Commission of Inquiry by the Governor of Lagos state is a kangaroo one. It is only a mockery.

Finally, by this medium, we want to appeal to the very articulate and hard working Nigerian youths to dissuade all attempts by some clandestine groups to make them return to the streets a second time. We urge them to embrace dialogue with Government for a long lasting peace in Nigeria.

Thank you

Signed: Dr. Nwambu Gabriel,

For the coalition.

 

Nigeria Civil Society Desk Extol Pres. Buhari For Re-Appointing Prof. Yakubu As INEC Chairman

 The Nigeria Civil Society Desk, a coalition of 30 Independent Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) across the Six geo-political Zones of Nigeria has applauded President Buhari for his listening ears and attaining to the yeaning of Nigerians even at this challenging and critical periods in the history of Nigeria.

In a press release jointly signed by Nigeria Civil Society Desk National Coordinator, Engr. M. A. E. Hashidu and National Secretary, Dr. Isaac E.O. Iduma, they said that Technology played the critical role of a third force, especially, the electronic transmission of results from polling units to collation Centres which had significantly enhanced transparency should be allowed to take root and the effective domestication of these technologies can only become part and parcel of our electoral system if the man who has set the machinery on motion but has demonstrated a very high standards, with clear determination and desire to leave a legacy of free , fair and credible elections in Nigeria be reconsidered for a seconds term in office.

Excerpt is the text of the press briefing:

"Our shared vision and mission is gear towards deepening democracy and good governance within the frame work of the rule of law while articulating norms ethics that can help further strengthening the democratic values and practices in our beloved country Nigeria.

"Arising from our Press Briefing a couple of weeks ago, we called on the Federal Government stating the need and reasons for the re-appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu as Chairman of Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the second term. Our calls did not fall on deaf ears as the president and commander – in – chief of the Armed forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his Excellency, President Muhammad Buhari GCFR in his wisdom approved the re- appointment of the incumbent Chairman last week to oversee (once more) the electoral umpire for another 5- years tenure, so as to continue with the good job he has started 5 years ago.

"As Independent, and nonprofit Organizations Internationally and Locally known as Domestic Election Observer Groups that have been observing and monitoring elections processes in Nigeria since inception of the 4th Republic which ushered in new Democratic Order since 1999 to date, want to emphatically state here without fear or favour that we have been working and monitoring the Commission very closely right from that time till this present dispensation, but had never recommended or moved to advocate for Re-appointment of any INEC Chairman. But haven reviewed and analyzed the past and the present Commission, essentially, with the conceptual ideologies, technological innovations, and the professionalism of the present Commission lead by Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, we discovered that there is absolute need for continuity to enable him consolidate and accomplish the novel and robust innovations, particularly with the newly introduced Technologies into our electoral system, would no doubt deepens electioneering process and build more confidence between the electorate, other relevant stakeholders and electoral architecture in particular.

"Importantly, we noticed with joy a paradigm shift during the just concluded Edo and Ondo State Governorship Elections. Undoubtedly, Technology played the critical role of a third force, especially, the electronic transmission of results from polling units to collation Centres which had significantly enhanced transparency should be allowed to take root and the effective domestication of these technologies can only become part and parcel of our electoral system if the man who has set the machinery on motion but has demonstrated a very high standards, with clear determination and desire to leave a legacy of free , fair and credible elections in Nigeria be reconsidered for a seconds term in office.

"However, one major factor that stands out is the technology that was deployed in the electioneering process in Edo and Ondo Governorship elections by the Commission was the Zpad, and we are aware that there are more innovations in INEC Blue Prints under his leadership that may further advanced the course of democracy and good governance in the country which will gradually lead to electronic voting as many Nigerians are already yenning for it to reduce the burdens of voters standing on the queue for a whole day.

"Therefore, we want to use this medium to make this passionate appeal to the two Arms of National Assembly to support and confirm Mr. President Re-appointment of Prof. Mahmood Yakubu by asking him to simply give a bow.

Finally, we wish to once more use this opportunity to make a Clarian call on all our teaming youths across the Country, especially the EndSARS Protesters to sheath their swords and approach the culture of peace, dialogue and give the Federal Government chance to look into their grievances with a view to addressing the issues raised. Also we are appealing to those who have hijacked the process to stop taken the laws their hands by vandalizing and destruction of lives and public properties.

"Once more, we wish to thank our able an" amiable President Muhammadu Buhari for taken the Bull by the horns to re-nominate Professor Mahmood Yakubu as the substantive Chairman of INEC for another 5 years term.

We also want to seize this opportunity to congratulate Prof. Mahmood Yakubu for a well-deserved re-appointment, and we want to urge him not to relent on his Oars but redouble his efforts and ensure that the card reader technology as well as z pad electronic transmission of results, to which he has demonstrated absolute resolve, is made part and parcel of electoral system .

"We wish to reassure him as a coalition and partners in the quest for true and fundamental reforms. We shall continue to support his well-intended innovations and do wish him and his team a very best in his onerous tasks of taking our electoral efforts to a higher pedestal.

Long Live Federal Republic of Nigeria.

LIST OF THE ORGANIZATIONS AND THEIR SIGNATURE

S/N NAME OF ORGANIZATION Names

1. National Committee of Patriots

Engr. M. A. E. Hashidu

2. Centre For Strategic Conflict Management

Dr. Isaac E.O. Iduma

3. Centre Foe Sustenance of Civil Rule In Africa. Chief Gilbert Oloksusi

4. Global Development Centre For Rescue Mission In Nigeria. Emeh Friday Eleojo

5. Citizens Rights & Leadership Awakes Initiative. Peter Nwokolo

Niger Delta Group Cautions Purported APC Ex-Agitators Against Blackmailing Buhari, PAP

The Niger Delta Agitators for Good Governance has cautioned a group which called itself Coalition of APC Youth Leaders and Beneficiaries of the Presidential Amnesty Programme against blackmailing the President and the leadership of the Amnesty Office for selfish motives.

The National Coordinator of the Group, Chief Moses Bebenimibo said in a statement on Thursday that the Niger Delta agitators who embraced amnesty are not divided along party lines.

He cautioned against using the platform of agitators to blackmail authorities with intent to score needless political goals and targeted pecuniary benefits.

He described statement credited to the amorphous group as a brazen and unconscionable attempt to cause avoidable division in the rank of Niger Delta people involved in the agitation for fairness in resource allocation and good governance in the country.

Bebenimibo said that true agitators who are motivated by patriotism and the genuine interest of the Niger Delta would not draw a line between APC Niger Deltans and PDP Niger Deltans.

He also called on the Federal Government to discountenance the call by some ‘merchants of mischief’ to sack the Amnesty Boss for allegedly engaging non APC members in the office.

He said that the crude sentiments expressed by the group of self styled Coalition òf APC ex-agitators, which called on the Federal Government to make APC membership as a condition for engagement in the Amnesty Office, is condemnable and indeed a recipe for division and avoidable unrest.

Bebenimibo commended President Muhammadu Buhari for the appointment of an Ijaw son as the Interim Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

The activist who also thanked the National Security Adviser, Major Gen Babagana Monguno, for recommending Col Dikio, urged the President to give him the free hand to take the requisite steps to reposition the PAP.

According to him, the culture of impunity and diversion of the objectives of the PAP would continue unless Dikio embarks on tough, deliberate and decisive steps to enthrone sanity in the agency.

Bebenimibo advised the Amnesty Boss to be focused and strong to be able to ward off the traditional blackmail responsible largely for the sorry story of impunity, waste, corruption in the Amnesty Offuce.

He advised ex agitators and stakeholders to exhibit maturity and patience with the new Amnesty Boss as he embarks in the calculated steps to reposition the office to make it effectively responsive to the beneficiaries, the region and the country.