Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Friday 12th November 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 12/11/21
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BREAKING: Missing Vanguard Reporter, Tordue Salem Found Dead
Tordue Henry Salem, an Abuja-based journalist who went missing in October has been found dead.
He was a reporter for Vanguard Newspaper, covering the House of Representatives.
Some persons have reportedly been arrested in connection with his disappearance, Daily Trust reports.
He was last seen around Total filling station, close to the Force headquarters, Abuja, on October 13, 2021.
One of them is identified as Prince Enyenihi, who was said to have contacted the journalist’s wife to demand a N100 million ransom.
“If you don’t pay, Tordue will be killed in seven days. For more information, call this number,” a test message from Enyenihi to Salem’s wife reportedly said.
The House of Representatives had called on the Nigerian security agencies to immediately launch an investigation into the whereabouts of the missing journalist, Tordue Salem, and give a report to the house in two weeks.This was made known in a motion raised on Tuesday by Ndudi Elumelu, the minority leader of the house.
In the motion, Elumelu raised concerns that the sudden disappearance of the journalist is “an extension of the deteriorating state of insecurity in the nation’s capital which questions the efficiency of the country’s security operatives”.
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E2%80%99s-fresh-foreign-loans National Assembly To Spend N25billion From Buhari Government’s Fresh Foreign Loans
The ninth Senate will get a total of $62million (N25,453,568,614.63) from the about $16.2billion fresh foreign loan which it approved for the Muhammadu Buhari government.The National Assembly on Wednesday approved $16,230,077,718 (N6trillion) and €1,020,000,000 (N479billion) loans requested by the Nigerian president, Buhari.
The upper legislative chamber also approved grant components of $125million.
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BREAKING: Senate Approves Buhari’s $16billion, €1billion Loan Requests As Nigeria Plunges Further Into Debts
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According to Tribune, part of the N25billion is reportedly allocated for the construction of a 17mw hybrid solar power plant in the National Assembly and will be funded by SINOCUTE standard chartered bank.According to the report, documents on the proposed loan and project quoted actual amount of the Solar Power Plant in NASS to be $60.1million without stating what the balance of $2million will be expended on.
The report reads: “The Committee notes that the Project includes, but is not limited to the construction of 17MW hybrid solar power plant for the use of the National Assembly Complex, Abuja.“The Committee notes that the contract was awarded to SEPCOIII Electric Power Construction Co., Ltd and NEWTECH Global Network Limited as the Consortium at a total value of $60,120,000.”The report of the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts led by Senator Clifford Ordia on the borrowing plans, $100million is projected for the Ministry of Women Affairs for the execution of unspecified Nigeria for Women Projects.It further stated, “The Committee notes that the project is intended to support livelihoods for 324,000 women over the age of 18 years in targeted local Governments in the States of Abia, Kebbi, Niger, Ogun and Taraba.“Committee notes that each participating State receives $15m but Edo State declined participation in the project leaving 5 States instead of 6.“The Committee notes that the objective is to assist women to enhance household income through grants and to meet specific lifecycle needs and to mitigate some household expenses.“The Committee further notes that the States have executed a Subsidiary Loan Agreement with the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning for the lending agreement.”
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E2%80%99s-house THISDAY Newspaper Disowns Journalist Paraded For Raiding Supreme Court Judge, Odili’s House
A journalist, Stanley Nkwazema, who was paraded alongside others for allegedly invading the home of Supreme Court judge, Justice Mary Odili, has been disowned by THISDAY Newspapers.This was disclosed on Thursday by the newspaper in a statement signed by its Managing Editor, Bolaji Adebiyi, titled, ‘Disclaimer: Stanley Nkwazema is Not Our Staff/Contributing Editor.’
The statement, which noted that the journalist resigned 15 years ago, said the newspaper had no hand in the invasion of the home of the judge.The statement reads, “The attention of the management of THISDAY Newspapers has been drawn to the news making the rounds that Mr. Stanley Nkwazema, one of those suspected to have invaded the home of Justice Mary Odili claimed to be a staff and Contributing Editor of THISDAY.“Contrary to his claim, Mr. Nkwazema is neither a Staff of THISDAY nor a Contributing Editor. He was a Sports Correspondent and resigned more than 15 years ago.“However, occasionally, he, like hundreds of other readers of the newspaper, sends for publication, articles and analyses and is usually obliged, a privilege THISDAY gives to some of its ex-staff. That does not in any way make him a staff and contributing Editor of THISDAY.“Since his resignation, THISDAY had at no time contracted Mr. Nkwazema to investigate any story, and we know nothing of his alleged investigation of a story leading to the raid of the residence of Hon. Justice Odili.”According to the newspaper, “police authorities and the general public should, therefore, note that Mr. Nkwazema, whatever may be his involvement in this matter, was not acting on behalf of THISDAY in any shape or form.”
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Nigerian Actress In Court For Allegedly Failing To Act In Movie After N1.3million Payment
A film production firm, UK entertainment, has sued famous Kannywood actress, Hafsat Idris, for alleged breach of contract, Daily Trust reports.In a suit before a Kano State High Court 14 sitting at the Ungogo Local Government Area, the actress was accused of collecting N1.3million to feature in a television series but ending up not fulfilling the terms of the agreement reportedly signed by both parties.
The plaintiff claimed damages were incurred by the production outfit due to the breach of contract by the actress.The production firm asked the court to award N10million as damages.The defendant, through her attorney, filed a formal response to the claims.The court adjourned the case for hearing.Idris who joined Kannywood eight years ago, is acknowledged as one of the richest actresses in the industry.The Sokoto State-born actress, whose marriage collapsed after four children, has featured in many movies and commercials.In 2018, Idris established a film production company known as Ramlat Investment and produced a number of movies in 2019 including Kawaye with actors such as Ali Nuhu, Sani Musa Danja and herself.
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BREAKING: Anti-graft Agency, EFCC Grills Ex-Edo Governor, Igbinedion Over N1.6billion Fraud
Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently interrogating Chief Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion, former governor of Edo State, over what a source described as alleged criminal diversion of public funds to the tune of N1.6 billion.
The former governor, who arrived at the headquarters of the EFCC at Jabi, Abuja around 2pm, November 11, 2021 was still being quizzed as of the time of filing this report.
Lucky Nosakhare Igbinedion
Shortly after his exit as governor in 2007, Igbinedion was prosecuted by the EFCC and convicted of corruption.
But the new investigation, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak on the matter, is based on fresh evidence that the former governor diverted a loan obtained by the Edo State Government to finance an investment during his tenure, in settling the financial indebtedness of a company in which he has interest.
Wilson Uwujaren, spokesman for the commission, confirmed the invitation of the former governor but declined further comment.
SaharaReporters as far back as 2008 exposed how the EFCC entered into a “plea bargain” agreement with Igbinedion.
Igbinedion was charged with stealing up to N4.4 billion, but in a ruling given then by a judge at the Federal High Court in Enugu, Igbinedion was fined only a paltry N3.5 million, with no option of jail time for the egregious crimes of looting the Edo State treasury for over eight years.
SaharaReporters had previously reported that a plea bargain was in the offing and that Igbinedion had struck a private deal with Mrs. Farida Waziri, the then controversial EFCC chairperson, at the residence of her friend, Mrs. Matilda Kwashi in Abuja. After SaharaReporters exposed the deal, Mrs. Waziri, through a former EFCC spokesman, Femi Babafemi cried that there was a ‘plot’ to destroy the then Umaru Yar’Adua regime by bringing down the EFCC leadership.
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Falana Chambers Urges Nigerian Government To Disqualify Two Foreign Consortiums From Airport Concession
The Falana and Falana’s Chambers has urged the Minister of Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, to disqualify two foreign consortiums, TAV and GMR from the Concession of four Airport Terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano states.
This was made known in a petition addressed to the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Aviation and the Director-General, Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission.
The law firm said the two companies contravened Section 2.2 of the Requests for Qualification which stated that no applicant single or a consortium can be part of more than one bid, noting that both consortiums are owned by a single party, the ADP Airport DeParis.
Falana and Falana’s Chambers argued that both consortiums and the ADP Airport De Paris must be disqualified from participation in the tender and from joining any group in future.
The petition reads, “We are a firm of Legal Practitioners dedicated to the defence of Human Rights as well as the promotion of the Rule of Law and Public Accountability in Nigeria.
”Our attention has been drawn to the public notice published by the Ministry of Aviation sometime in August 2021 wherein Requests for Qualification (RFQ) were invited for the Concession of four Airport Terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt and Kano in accordance with the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (Est.) Act 2005 and The National Policy on Public-Private Partnership (N4P).
“It is pertinent to note that it is expressly stated in Section 2.2 of the RFQ that no applicant single or a consortium can be part of more than one bid. Section 2.2.3 is further clarifying that the eligibility shall apply to an applicant and/or to the parties consisting of the applicant I.e shareholders.
”However, we have confirmed that two consortiums owned by ADP Airport DeParis submitted expressions of interest. The first consortium led by TAV Airport Holding (where ADP owns 49 %) and the Second submission done by GMR Airports Limited (Where ADP owns 46 %).
”Contrary to the misleading impression that both TAV and GMR are separate entities, a search on the Internet has revealed that ADP owns 46% of GMR and 49% of TAV. See About Us – Groupe ADP (parisaeroport.fr).
“Having contravened the RFQ without any legal basis whatsoever, the TAV led consortium and the GMR submission as well as ADP as a standalone party should be disqualified from participation in the tender or joining any group in future after Pre-Qualifications results are announced.
“It is hoped that you will accede to our request to avoid any litigation over the proposed concession of the four airports terminals.
“While awaiting your reply to this letter please accept the assurances of our highest esteem and professional regards.”
In August, the Nigerian government opened the bidding process for the concession of four airports for 20-30 years.
The airports slated for concessioning are Murtala Muhammed International Airport Lagos; Port Harcourt International Airport, Rivers; Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja.
By concession, the Nigerian government will turn over ownership of the airports for the private sector to operate and maintain and then revert the control after a specific period.
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E2%80%93-academic-union Terrorists-linked Buhari’s Minister, Pantami Not Qualified To Be Professor – Academic Union, ASUU
Pantami
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi State, has faulted the appointment of Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, as a Professor of Cyber Security by the Governing Council and the management of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO).The association maintained it was not convinced that due processes were followed in the appointment.
Pantami
ATBU is Pantami’s alma mater where he started his career as a lecturer.Addressing journalists at the Secretariat in Bauchi, the capital on Thursday, Bauchi ASUU chairman, Dr. Ibrahim Inuwa, said, “Appointing somebody to the rank of professor follows some procedures, to some extent we are convinced that these procedures are exhaustively followed but it is still questionable. But if it is proven beyond reasonable doubt, we don’t have an option other than to acknowledge it but for now, we are really not convinced.“We had congress on November 4, and we agreed that we should dissociate ourselves from that congratulatory message written by the VC. We have a disclaimer to that effect.”Inuwa claimed that the Vice Chancellor did not consult the union before going ahead to congratulate the minister on its behalf in “an appointment that is shrouded in a lot of controversies.”He also faulted the report by the union in FUTO, which cleared the Governing Council and the management of the varsity of any infractions saying the report contained “a lot of holes.”ASUU argued that according to information available at its disposal, the Minister left Nigeria for Saudi Arabia as a senior lecturer.“In the case of the Minister, his last appointment in a university, Saudi Arabia was as an assistant professor –is a nomenclature that is used by the Americans. Assistant professor is equivalent to a senior lecturer in Commonwealth countries,” he stressed.Inuwa said an Assistant Professor must satisfy a waiting period of three years, graduate postgraduate students, involved in university administration and must have been involved in community service to become a Professor.He argued that the Minister was not in the academic environment within the period and could not have been qualified for the appointment.SaharaReporters had recently exposed that the Minister accepted the role of Professor of Cybersecurity five months before the institution officially offered him the appointment on August 20, 2021.FUTO and Pantami have both been under fire by Nigerians over the circumstances which the Minister was promoted to the highest academic rank in the institution.The minister had been in the news earlier in the year over his past call to Jihad and unalloyed support for murderous groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.“This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria,’’ Pantami was quoted as saying in one of his vicious preaching in the 2000s.“Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda,” he was quoted to have also said.In other audio clips that surfaced online, Pantami was also heard as sympathetic to Boko Haram members when delivering sermons at several worship centres in the 2000s.However, Pantami claimed he had renounced his radical comments and said his views had changed over time. He said he had in the past 15 years been traversing the country to preach against terrorism.Despite the Minister’s claim, most Nigerians said the minister ought to have resigned due to public backlash and be investigated by the authorities. Should he fail to resign, some commentators said he ought to be sacked by the President.But the Presidency, in glaring support for Pantami, dismissed the possibility of sacking the controversial Minister because he had allegedly apologised for his radical views.
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Ex-Chairman Of Nigerian Basketball Federation Clashes With Secretary-General Over N6million Used In Clearing Olympics Kits
Ahmadu Musa Kida
The former Caretaker Chairman of the Nigeria Basketball Federation, Musa Ahmadu-Kida, has clashed with the Secretary General of the association, Afolabi-Oluwayemisi Olabisi, over an unpaid N6million he used for the clearance of kits of the Nigerian team during the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.Recall that the NBBF general election had been slated to hold on the last Saturday of October, before the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports Development postponed it indefinitely.
Ahmadu Musa Kida
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The NBBF board, led by Kida, had insisted on continuing with the election but later soft-pedalled to settle all disputes before the election would hold.The ministry would later go on to dissolve the caretaker board of the NBBF, and as it stands, basketball federation in Nigeria has no leadership.In a letter to the Secretary General of the association, Kida requested for a refund of N6million he used to clear kits used for the last Olympics before he could handover sporting equipment with him.He said, “I refer to your letter dated 9th of November 2021, on above subject and I am quite surprised that it’s coming from you, as you should be very abreast of where kitting and apparel donations to National Basketball teams stand within the NBBF.“It will excite you to know that the PEAK sponsorship with NBBF has been for the provision of uniforms on a tournament-by-tournament basis, the last been the carried forward for the 2020 Olympics held this year, as the contract itself has expired since last year. You are also most aware of the enormous challenges with Custom clearance for the last batch of the Olympics uniforms this year.“It required the serious interventions of the Hon. Minister FMYSD with the Federal Ministry of Finance to make it reality. The official receipted Custom and clearing charges that NBBF had to incur in getting the uniforms out of Apapa Wharf was more than 6 millon naira, which I fully paid and that is yet to be refunded by the ministry.“You are also aware that this consignment covered for the Olympics and was used with extra procured to execute the 2021 Men’s Afro-basket. The remnants are very incomplete bits and pieces of outfits as with other consignment in the past. I would urge you to process my refund efficiently, and once that is done, I can handover the remnants of the kits from the Tokyo Olympics.“In as much as I believe you re illegally and deliberately usurping the powers of the NBBF Board by trying to create task-force to organise and undertake the FIBA November qualifiers, you contact PEAK directly to purchase equipment or kits from them for your intended purposes.“Sec, I must warn you that your recent actions will potentially cause a huge embarrassment to Nigeria Basketball and the country at large as you have side stepped the NBBF Board in all your recent undertakings.”
Before the dissolution of the NBBF committee, Ahmadu-Kida, two weeks ago had made an appeal to the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, over the release of the ‘adopt-an-athlete’ funds meant for the preparation of D’Tigers and D’Tigress teams prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.In the letter, the NBBF had demanded the sum of $230,000 raised through the programme for the men and women’s national teams.The letter, signed by Ahmadu-Kida and the Secretary General of the NBBF, Olabisi Afolabi, titled ‘Re: Donations To The NBBF Under the Honourable Minister’s Adopt An Athlete Programme For Olympic Basketball Teams, read, “We would like to commend the Honourable Minister for his creative initiative and state that this is real and concrete evidence of the Honorable Minister’s sincere commitment towards the growth and development of basketball in the country, which has continued to encourage NBBF to strive to represent the country no matter the challenges it faces.“The Honourable Minister is also very aware that the NBBF has not received any fund from the ministry’s execution of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics preparation and camping for the national men’s and women’s team.“These principally held in the USA with friendlies in the USA and Europe.“I will recall to the Honourable Minister that the men’s team made history by beating the USA and Argentina, the first and fourth-ranked basketball countries in the world.”Meanwhile, the government dissolved the NBBF executives because of internal wrangling and rivalry in the federation.
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E2%80%93-attorney-general-malami-reacts-fake-police-officer%E2%80%99s-claims How Much Was He Paid? – Attorney-General Malami Reacts To Fake Police Officer’s Claims Linking Him To Raid On Justice Odili’s House
Malami
The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, who was fingered by one of the suspects arrested in the illegal raid on the residence of Supreme Court judge, Mary Odili, has reacted to the allegations.Malami said it was only evil minds that would assume that he engaged quack or fake police officer to serve as his consultant.
Malami
He described the allegation of his accuser as a case of a drowning man scavenging for a dying partner.AGF made this known while reacting to the confession of a suspect arrested for the invasion of the residence of Supreme Court Justice, Mary Peter Odili.Malami speaking on Thursday through his spokesman, Umar Gwandu, explained that with all the competent professionals at Malami’s disposal, it is only evil minds that will assume the AGF engaged “a quack or fake police officer to serve as his consultant”.
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The Minister noted that investigation had commenced to unravel the circumstances, personalities behind the invasion and the sponsored campaign of calumny against him.“This is an orchestrated attempt to stir unnecessary controversies and public apprehension.“We asked the suspect to present documents of engagements where he worked as a consultant to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, whether in past or now.“Consultant for what? Which activity or assignment? When was he engaged? What were the terms of references for the alleged consultancy service? When was he engaged?“Where was he engaged? Which worked has he executed for the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and the Ministry of Justice? For what duration? And for how much?“We boldly and unequivocally challenge the fake consultant/police officer to come out with answers or responses to these questions to the general public.”
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Triple R: What Nigeria Owes Biafra! By Ozodinukwe Okenwa
The gubernatorial election in Anambra State came to pass last weekend with little or no serious violent incident recorded anywhere. The former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo predictably won the poll by a landslide. Winning 19 out of the 21 local governments that make up the state is a great electoral feat indeed. Fears of gun battles and criminal activities never materialized during the poll. The Independent National Electoral Commission and the security services did a good job by ensuring a free, fair and credible poll.
The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) candidate in the election was about the best man for the job. Though Ozigbo was not bad Soludo has what it takes to take Anambra to the next level post-Obiano. We had hoped and prayed that the best should win and in the end the very best trounced the opposition.
The Hope Uzodinma scenario in Imo State (where a defeated candidate who came a distant fourth was eventually declared Governor by the Supreme ‘Cult’, sorry Court) cannot happen in our state. The PDP’s Valentine Ozigbo is a gentleman who would not want to use ‘justice’ to achieve what he lost at the polls. The APC’s Andy Uba might try his luck emulating Uzodinma but he would fail. Anambra State is not Imo state where politicians of fortune with questionable credentials and characters hold sway.
Prior to the election the news from the south-eastern region of the country was terrifying. Daily, news of violence, arson, killings and destruction of public and private properties circulated online. The Igbos were terrified and horrified by war-like crimes being perpetrated with impunity by both the invading federal forces and the ‘unknown gunmen’.
President Muhammadu Buhari and his handlers probably thought that deploying a disproportionate force into the volatile region would tame the explosive situation. But the reverse was the case; rather than abating the tension rose to feverish pitch.
Before our very eyes Biafraland was being destroyed by the protagonists, none of whom was ready for ceasefire or dialogue. For the President the boys must be taught a lesson in aggression in the language they understood better. And for the IPOB/ESN Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released from the DSS facility in Abuja for peace to reign. It was a deadlock!
And not too long ago a new dangerous dimension seemed to have been added into the protracted struggle for the soul of Biafra. Whenever or wherever a bloody clash erupted taking the life of a soldier or policeman the military summarily proceeded to ransack and sack entire neighbourhoods nay, villages looting, torching homes and killing innocent folks in reprisal attacks.
Though we recognise that it is wholly wrong and criminal for some undesirable elements wielding sophisticated weapons to murder police, military or paramilitary personnel on national assignments we frown at the unprofessional and irresponsible attitude of the state security forces visiting force and violence on innocent civilians.
The ‘unknown gunmen’, on the other hand, were busy wreaking havoc everywhere. They invaded police posts and prisons killing, maiming and committing arson, releasing prisoners and stealing weapons! Private properties were not spared of their rage. Traditional rulers, politicians and Biafrans (tagged wrongly or rightly as saboteurs) had been assaulted or killed gruesomely.
The sit-at-home edict (though officially suspended) continued to have serious adverse effect on the economy. Billions of Dollars had been lost following any lockdown in the region. Biafra could be said to be a great idea but must war be the last option towards its realisation?
Now, President Buhari and his Fulani gang appear hell-bent on meeting force with force. With Mazi Kanu still held hostage awaiting the conclusion of his celebrated trial (adjourned yet again till January next year) there is still room for dialogue and/or negotiation.
When the Biafra/Nigeria civil war ended in 1971 the then Yakubu Gowon-led federal government had declared an official policy of ‘no victor, no vanquished’ on paper. The Gowonic regime then had decreed a triple R state policy to wit: Reconciliation, Reconstruction and Rehabilitation. But with the advent of Kanu and his IPOB/ESN mob there seems to be a resurgence of Biafra and the quest for its actualization — this time through terrorism and unmitigated violence.
When the late great Dim Ojukwu heroically led Biafrans to war decades ago there were no Internet and Android phones with social media platforms. Then, mass communication was practically at the hands of the mighty federal government unlike now when modern folks have taken over the information technology.
Besides, arms and ammunitions were in short supply compared to now when almost everyone is armed. So things have changed for better or for worse depending on the side of the great divide one belongs.
Against this backdrop whoever is advicing Buhari that recourse to state terrorism would conquer the minds and hearts of Biafrans are not telling him the gospel truth. Rather than vanquishing their spirit the terror tactics of the state would embolden them more reinforcing their determination to achieve Biafra by hook or by crook.
Yet, we hold that the Nigerian state and her diffident leadership have failed their responsibility towards Biafra! And that singular failure is what has led to the current situation of neither war nor peace. How do we explain to our children and the next generation that close to half a century after the civil war (or call it organized pogrom if you like) reconciliation, rehabilitation and reconstruction remain criminally a pipe dream?
How can one understand that Biafrans are still on their own developing themselves individually and their lands infrastructurally with little or no federal intervention?
With Buharism at the helm of our national affairs division, mistrust and social cleavages had escalated over time. A President doing everything willfully to undermine national cohesion and ethnic harmony in a fragile convoluted federation cannot be said to be a success story presidentially.
Since the war that claimed millions of lives of Igbos ended Nigeria has achieved none of the promised three R’s. Nowhere had been reconstructed except by individual initiatives. No one had been reconciled with another anywhere. And reintegration into the corrupt nepotic system had happened by the sheer force of the indomitable spirit of Biafrans. Therefore, the three advertised R’s has happened only in our collective amnesia or imagination.
What Nigeria owes Biafra and Biafrans are legion. She owes Biafrans recognition for their economic efforts toward the greatness of the nation. Nigeria owes Biafra justice and equity. And fairness to Biafrans. They (Biafrans) have been discriminated against, marginalized, extorted and intimidated!
Nigeria owes Biafra certain freedom to exist and pursue happiness in a restructured just federation. Nigeria must devolve more powers to the states for them to be able to cater for the needs of their peoples. Every state must have its police force and control her natural resources.
The pervading atmosphere of terror and horror does not favour anyone — including Buhari and Kanu themselves. That is why the tension must be de-escalated. It takes sound leadership to overcome intricate situations.
If a referendum were to be held in Igboland today Buhari and the Fulani cabal saying no to self-determination of Oduduwa or Biafra would be shell-shocked or jolted to discover the outcome. More than 75 percent of Biafrans, we dare say, would definitely vote for Biafra as a separate sovereign entity under God. Perhaps the minority nay-sayers would comprise the ‘efulefus’ — Joe Igbokwes, Dave Umahis, Hope Uzodinmas, Fredrick Nwabufos etc.
Let the ‘debt’ Nigeria owes Biafra and Biafrans (reparations) be paid one way or the other for genuine peace to prevail. Anything less could lead to a more sinister conflict the outcome of which not even President Buhari could be capable of predicting.
A stitch in time, they say, saves nine!
SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr
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