Articles by "Top News"
Showing posts with label Top News. Show all posts

at 0
Biafra post


Published On the Biafra Post 
March 2, 2026


THE United States Congress has outlined major recommendations for the Nigerian government in a report submitted to US President Donald Trump, following investigations led by lawmaker Riley Moore into alleged Christian genocide in Africa’s most populous nation.

Moore shared the full report on his X handle on Tuesday hours after releasing a statement where he explained that he had presented a congressional report to the White House aimed at addressing religious violence and insecurity in Nigeria.

The ICIR reported that the development followed congressional hearings and visit of investigative delegation to Nigeria, which form part of Washington’s broader push after Nigeria’s redesignation as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over alleged religious freedom violations.

The report was formally delivered after months of investigations into “violence affecting Christian communities” and broader security challenges in Nigeria. 

Highlights of what US lawmakers want Nigeria to do
(1a) New US–Nigeria security agreement: The Congress wants a bilateral agreement between the United States and Nigeria to protect vulnerable Christian communities from violent persecution, eliminate jihadist terror activity in the region, further economic cooperation, and counter ‘adversaries’ in the region, including the Chinese Communist Party and Russian Federation. Such an agreement should include:


Commitments by the Government of Nigeria to co-fund donor-supported humanitarian assistance – including through faith-based organisations and to prioritise underserved communities of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and their host communities, especially in the predominantly Christian Middle Belt region; support and respond to early-warning mechanisms to prevent attacks and kidnappings, including by deploying sufficient and capable security forces to the Middle Belt to enable rapid and effective response, and hold those who ignore the warnings accountable.

(1b) Remove Fulani militias from confiscated, productive farmland and enable the voluntary return of displaced communities to their homes, including by ensuring security and infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for humanitarian aid and generating economic development through increased agricultural productivity.

(1c) Continue and expand security cooperation with the United States, including by divestment of Russian military equipment for American military equipment through sales and financing.

(1d) Technical support to the Government of Nigeria to reduce and then eliminate violence from armed Fulani militias, including developing a demobilisation, disarmament, and reintegration programme to address illicit weapons and support safer communities while allowing farmers to engage in legitimate self-defence; supporting the new Ministry of Livestock’s ranching plans and meaningful land reform efforts; and enhancing the recruitment, technical capabilities, and willingness of the security forces and military to prevent and respond to violent attacks.

Read Also:
 ‘I did my best’, Buhari says in valedictory New Year Message
 
 ‘Indigene letter for sale’: How we will detect foreigners for 2023 census – NPC
 
 [UPDATED] Was Tinubu the first governor to raise bond for infrastructure in Nigeria as claimed by Fashola?
 
 109 persons killed in election violence in three months — CDD
(1e) Comprehensive counter-terrorism cooperation to rid the region of foreign terrorist organisations that pose a direct threat to the American homeland, including through the provision of excess defence equipment and use of relevant drawdown authorities.

(1f) Counteract the hostile foreign exploitation of Chinese illegal mining operations and their destabilising practice of paying protection money to Fulani militias.

(2a)  Implement security measure 
Implement the National Security, Department of State, and Related Programmes Appropriations Act, 2026, to support the preceding recommendations and the following priorities:

(2b) Increased accountability by requiring proof of progress before obligating additional funds.

(2c) Programmes to address religious freedom, atrocity response, legal reforms, expand and improve policing, strengthen the criminal justice sector, improve anti-money laundering methods, and enhance capabilities to disrupt terrorist financing networks as well as capture illicit monies from Fulani militia members.

(2d) Treasury Department programmes and activities to strengthen the integrity of Nigeria’s financial system which will safeguard US national security and enhance the favorable balance of trade for the United States.

(2e) US Development Finance Corporation investments in Nigeria, especially in the Middle Belt.

(2f) GAO audit report on the effectiveness of aid to Nigeria and recommendations for strengthened oversight.

(3) Invoke and publicly announce the CPC Presidential Directives to name and shame perpetrators of violence.

(4) Implement sanctions on groups and individuals who participate in, or tolerate violence against, Christians.

(5) Continue visa restrictions for perpetrators involved in Christian violence and violations of religious freedom.

(6) Demand the repeal of Sharia codes and criminal anti-blasphemy laws.

(7) Review and use points of leverage to compel Fulani herdsmen to disarm, including by blocking export of beef and other cattle-related products to countries like Ivory Coast, Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal.

(8) Ensure adequate staffing of diplomatic posts in Nigeria.

(9) Improve the Foreign Military Sales process to expedite the procurement and delivery of defence articles and services necessary to support shared security priorities.

(10) Require a National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Nigeria’s sectarian and communal violence, and review classifying Fulani militia groups with links to terror groups, as well as other groups conducting organised campaigns of violence that threaten the United States, as a foreign terrorist organisation.

(11) Enlist the support of international partners, including France, Hungary, and the United Kingdom.

 


Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post





Radical Islamists are killing Christians in Nigeria, and the Tinubu Government is simply not doing enough to stop this religious violence. 

The situation in Nigeria resonates with me both as a policymaker and a person of faith. The Christian Reformed Church of North America, which is headquartered in Grand Rapids, represents approximately 400,000 members. In Nigeria, the Christian Reformed Church Membership totals roughly 500,000. As a member of this denomination, my faith community here in West Michigan has historic ties to Nigeria, dating back to the 1920s, when missionaries began serving in what is now the Taraba State.

Nigeria must do more to protect all innocent individuals, including Christians, within its borders.

The week before Thanksgiving, the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa held a hearing on Nigeria.  During the conversation, I criticized members of Congress, the American media, and the Nigerian Government for downplaying the atrocities taking place. The religious violence against Christians and moderate Muslims is outrageous. 

These radicalized Islamists have attacked churches and mosques, they've kidnapped, killed, and intimidated religious leaders as well as people of faith, all while invoking Shari'a Law as the justification. 

Last month, I sat down with Arise TV to discuss the ongoing violence in Nigeria. Sadly, I had to say the Government in Nigeria is not taking enough action to protect not only Christians, but all Nigerians. While the Tinubu Government does not see the violence and killing of Christians as a dire problem, I certainly do. 

I am proud to cosponsor H Res. 860, which commends the Trump Administration for designating Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern, while calling for the Administration to enact sanctions against individuals and entities in Nigeria who are supporting this horrific violence. Additionally, this measure calls for setting verifiable conditions on any US Aid going to Nigeria. 

The United States was too late on Rwanda, too late on South Sudan; it is critical that we are not too late for Nigeria."
Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published On the Biafra Post
April 13 2025 

The Edo State Police Command on Saturday announced that another set of four hunters who came from Kano State were intercepted by operatives of the Edo Security Network with arms and ammunition when they arrived in the state.

The state police command announced this in a statement by its Public Relations Officer, CSP Moses Joel Yamu, on Saturday night, saying the statement became necessary in order to dispel the misinformation on social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at a hotel in the state and handed over to the police.

The command disclosed that contrary to the report, those apprehended were hunters and not herdsmen, while also giving their names as Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu.

The command added that when they were apprehended, items recovered from them were three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers.
The statement reads: “The Edo State Police Command is aware of misinformation on social media that four herdsmen armed with guns were arrested at Americanus Hotel on Osemwenkhae Street after Big Joe Motors, Ramat Park, Orogbeni Quarters and handed over to the police.

“The command wishes to inform the general public that four suspects: Yusuf Abdulkarim, Mujaheed Garba, Shittu Idris, and Jamilu Habibu, intercepted by a member of the Edo Security Network with three Dane guns, six empty cartridges, three half-filled cartridges, four cutlasses and two daggers were swiftly taken over by officers from the Ikpoba Hill Police Station.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that they are hunters, not herdsmen. They were from Doguwa in Kano State, heading to Uvbe community in Orhionwon Local Government Area of Edo State. Meanwhile, an investigation is ongoing.

“The Edo State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, wishes to use this opportunity to discourage residents of the state from circulating wrong information capable of causing unnecessary tension.”
Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published On the Biafra post 
March 11, 2025 

Sunday Jackson, a farmer from Adamawa State, has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing a Fulani herdsman in what many are calling an act of self-defense gone tragically awry. The Supreme Court today upheld the lower court’s ruling, cementing Jackson’s fate and igniting a passionate plea for clemency from supporters who view the sentence as a grave injustice.

The incident occurred when Jackson, working on his farm, was attacked by a Fulani herdsman wielding a knife. According to trial details, Jackson sustained injuries to his legs during the assault.

In a desperate struggle, he managed to overpower his assailant, seizing the knife and stabbing the herdsman, who later succumbed to his injuries. The prosecution acknowledged during the trial that the knife belonged to the attacker, a fact that has fueled arguments that Jackson acted to protect his own life.

Jackson, working on his farm, was attacked by a Fulani herdsman wielding a knife

However, the trial court ruled that Jackson should have fled the scene after disarming his attacker rather than using the weapon against him. Despite the clear context of self-defense, the court convicted Jackson of murder, sentencing him to death by hanging.

The Supreme Court’s decision today to uphold the verdict has left many questioning the application of justice in this case, with critics arguing that the ruling fails to account for the immediacy of the threat Jackson faced.

He managed to overpower his assailant, seizing the knife and stabbing the herdsman, who later succumbed to his injuries

“This is clearly a case of persecution,” said a commentator on Arise Prime Time, where the story was recently featured. “Sunday Jackson was defending his life against an armed attacker. To sentence him to death for that is a miscarriage of justice that demands urgent attention.”

Supporters of Jackson have launched an impassioned campaign, urging believers and human rights advocates to “raise a cry to Heaven” for clemency. They are calling on Governor Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State, who holds the power to grant a pardon, to intervene and spare Jackson’s life. The governor’s office has yet to respond to the growing chorus of voices demanding mercy.

The case has reignited broader conversations about self-defense laws in Nigeria, particularly in rural areas where clashes between farmers and herdsmen have become increasingly common.

For many, Jackson’s story is a stark reminder of the fine line between survival and prosecution in a system that some argue disproportionately punishes the vulnerable.

As the clock ticks for Sunday Jackson, his fate now rests in the hands of Governor Fintiri and the collective will of those rallying for his deliverance. Whether this cry for justice will be heard remains uncertain, but the call for compassion grows louder by the day.


Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published on The Biafra Post 
February 27, 2025
Report by Kabeer Bello

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has raised concerns over the increasing influence of Al-Qaeda-affiliated extremist groups in Nigeria, West Africa, and the Sahel. According to the NAF, these groups are taking advantage of weak governance structures to strengthen their foothold in the region, posing a significant threat to national and regional security.

During a high-level meeting at NAF headquarters in Abuja, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, emphasized the urgent need for stronger regional security cooperation. He pointed out that porous borders in the Lake Chad Basin have allowed extremist groups to sustain their operations, making it crucial for affected countries to work together in addressing the security challenges.

Abubakar highlighted the evolving nature of modern warfare, noting that the increasing use of artificial intelligence, drone technology, and social media manipulation has changed the dynamics of asymmetric conflicts.

He stressed that lessons from conflicts in Europe, the Middle East, and West Africa indicate a growing reliance on these technological tools to shape war narratives and execute attacks.

A significant example of this trend was the use of drones carrying locally fabricated grenades by Boko Haram in a kamikaze-style attack against troops in Wajiroko, Damboa Local Government Area. This incident, according to Abubakar, underscores the increasing sophistication of terrorist tactics and the need for the Nigerian military to develop countermeasures. He emphasized that implementing a comprehensive and integrated counter-Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) system is critical to safeguarding military personnel and air assets.

In addition to the threats posed by extremist groups on land, Abubakar also drew attention to the persistent security challenges in the Gulf of Guinea. He noted that maritime crimes, including piracy and illegal oil bunkering, continue to pose serious threats to regional stability.

To address these challenges, he advocated for sustained aerial surveillance and stronger international cooperation in maritime security efforts.

The CAS concluded by reiterating the importance of refining military doctrines and adopting advanced technological capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness.

He called for increased intelligence sharing and strategic partnerships to counter both conventional and unconventional security threats in Nigeria and across the region.



Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published On Biafra Post 
Febuary 27, 2025 

Seven of the alleged 11 suspects involved in the killing of Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, are feared dead in police custody. It was gathered yesterday that they died as a result of tetanus caused by the gunshot wounds.

Before their arrest, the suspects had engaged the security operatives in a gun battle and were seriously injured.

Though the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Tochukwu Ikenga had debunked the claims, he confirmed that some of the suspects sustained various injuries.


A senior Police Officer, who did not want to be quoted, insisted: “They have travelled (died). That’s all I can tell you. We suspected that they died of tetanus caused by bullet wound injuries, Seven of them.”

However, Ikenga said: “Please ignore such information. Though some of them sustained gunshot injuries before their arrest, notwithstanding.


“Assuming you were there in both the first and second parades of the suspects involved, you would have seen them.’’






Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published on The Biafra Post 
January 18, 2025 

This was stated in a press statement issued by the group on Wednesday, advocating that each region in Nigeria should be allowed to be ruled independently with its government.
The Western Region Organization (WRO) has demanded the implementation of a unicameral legislature and a regional government in Nigeria.

This was stated in a press statement issued by the group on Wednesday, advocating that each region in Nigeria should be allowed to be ruled independently with its government.

The group emphasized the need for each region to have its own government, allowing for independent rule and decision-making, in the statement signed by its Secretary General, Dr. Akin Fapohunda, on behalf of its executive committee members.

The WRO criticized the National Assembly's lack of political will to implement fundamental reforms since 1999, which has hindered the country's progress. It argued that Nigeria's current system, with 36 states and 774 local governments, has led to a misallocation of resources and excessive recurrent expenditures by political office holders.

The group said: “As it has now turned out, Nigeria and all of us citizens have been wobbling and fumbling since the events of 1966 altered the trajectory of our progressive development.

Most remarkable is the absence of the political will by the National Assembly since 1999 to authorize fundamental reforms of our governance framework, as would have liberated all citizens and set us all on the positive path towards the deployment of our inalienable self-determination energies about being best of neighbours to one another as members of the respective ethnic nationalities.

“It is in view of the foregoing that the National Assembly ought now to be prevailed upon to do what is fundamentally right by the people of Nigeria.

“Years of gingerly tinkling with the 1999 Constitution have not produced significant outcomes, as to douse continuous agitations for fundamental changes in our governance framework. “Our balkanization into 36 States and 774 Local Governments have continued to drain our resources in favour of recurrent expenditures by political office holders.

“The Federal Government is a behemoth comprising almost 1,000 MDAs as articulated in the Oransaye Report. Many more are being created regularly, notwithstanding our situation of local and international debt peonage. It is time we lift the veil off our pretense about transforming from a mere country to a nation. We are seemingly not on the right course.”

The group noted that about two years “before the forthcoming 2027 cycle of elections, we are now at an epochal junction of history that requires an act of courage that will set us on a different course politically”.

“A no action now, would be another 3 years of postponement of the inevitability of change,” it said.

The thrust of the proposal being canvassed to be presented by the group to President Tinubu is that Nigeria should be set on the course towards systematic decentralization, following the dictum of unity in diversity.

It identified the first element of the proposition as: “An Amendment to the 1999 Constitution that will enable the Zones/Regions to produce their respective 2nd Tier Constitutions, as would permit the infusion of differentiated local tenets, culture, and situational worldview to be determined by the respective constituent peoples.”

The other two are: “An Amendment to the 1999 Constitution to embody a Reworked Exclusive versus Concurrent List of Functions in favour of 2nd Tier Federating entities: a Fundamental reduction in the 68 Exclusive items to no more than 15, towards a decentralized development system that will empower the Federating entities.

“An Amendment to the 1999 Constitution to permit Referenda to obtain public consent for all subsequent amendments of the Federal and Regional Constitutions.”

It identified the tangible deliverables as follows: Two-tier Governance Levels - Federal and Regional Structure; Uni-camera Federal Legislature (the Prime Minister and the Executive Council to comprise members drawn from the elected members of the Parliament); Regional Constitutions, separate and distinct from that of the Federal Government; Proportional representation based on the outcome of all elections; and Systematic Regionalization.

It noted that the systemic regionalization should affect the judiciary (Court of Appeal and Supreme Courts); security architecture (not just the police), with citizens/civil society stipulations and control outside the reach of the executive government and the socio-economic systems (agriculture, education, transportation, infrastructure, culture, and tourism). health.

Others are revenue generation and remittance of stipulated dues to the Federation account and all electoral contests and census.
Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post



by Chinagorom Ugwu 
Published on the Biafra Post 
 November 23, 2024 

Mr Ekpa was arrested by Finnish Central Criminal Police alongside four others on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities.

The Enugu State Government has offered to provide “evidence of atrocities” allegedly perpetrated in South-east Nigeria by a pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa. 

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chidiebere Onyia, in a statement on Friday, said the arrest was in line with the demands of Governor Peter Mbah-led administration to Finnish authorities.

Arrest
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities.

The Finnish police said Mr Ekpa “has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.”

A Nigerian-Finnish citizen, Mr Ekpa heads Autopilot, a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a group leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra which it wants carved out from the South-east and some parts of the South-south Nigeria

Praise for Finnish govt
Mr Onyia, a professor, said the Enugu State Government has commended Finnish authorities for the arrest of Mr Ekpa who is based in Finland, a North European country.

The SSG said the state government believes the pro-Biafra agitator is “a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.”

“The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria,” he said in the statement.


Join the Premium Times WhatsApp Community For Quick Access To News and Happenings Around You.
Open in WhatsApp
‘Ekpa’s arrested ‘ll strengthen security in South-east’
Mr Onyia said the Enugu State Government was delighted with the arrest of Mr Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South-east.

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South-east, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the SSG said.

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published on the Biafra post 
September 27, 2024

The incident which reportedly happened on Tuesday in Agu-Uwani, Akwuke, has raised apprehension over the safety of beans sold in various markets in the state.

 


A devastating incident occurred in Enugu South local government area of Enugu State as three siblings from the same family lost their lives after consuming beans purchased from Garriki Market.

 

The incident which reportedly happened on Tuesday in Agu-Uwani, Akwuke, has raised apprehension over the safety of beans sold in various markets in the state.


 

The victims were children of Mr. Callistus Egbo, proprietor of Elohim Primary and Secondary School, Agu-Uwani, who hails from Nenwe, Aninri local government area.

 

According to reports, the family ate the beans on Tuesday evening and soon after, they fell ill, leading to the death of one child that evening, while the other two children died on Wednesday.

 

Meanwhile, according to video circulating in various WhatsApp chat groups, seen by SaharaReporters on Friday, the father of the deceased children, Callistus Egbo, has been critically ill at a private hospital in Enugu.

 

Although there hasn't been a medical report to authenticate or establish the cause of deaths, however, it is generally suspected to be food poisoning from the contaminated beans.

 

This heartbreaking incident has sent shockwaves through the community, highlighting concerns about food safety and the importance of proper food handling and inspection.

 

A source close to the scene of the incident said as a result of the tragedy, many people in their area now shun beans and beans-related food such as Akara and Moi Moi.

 

"It was indeed a big tragedy that the incident befell the family. Since the incident three or four days ago, nobody is eating beans in our area, not even Akara and Moi Moi. Go to the Garriki Market and the shops in the streets and see if there is anybody selling Moi Moi or Akara?

 

"We are praying that the man will not die so that his wife that travelled at the time they ate the meal will not die," the source said.

 

“May the souls of the departed children rest in peace, and may their father recover soon,” said the source.

 

Meanwhile, the authorities have remained silent over the incident as neither the police nor the state government has released an official statement on the incident.

 

Efforts made by SaharaReporters to reach the State Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, for comments were unsuccessful as he did not answer his calls.

 

Meanwhile, according some journalists he spoke to, Ndukwe reportedly said that he was not aware of the incident. 

"Did they report the incident to the police? I have not gotten such report," he was quoted to have said.

 


Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Published on the Biafra Post 
July 27,2024 

SaharaReporters learnt that Ubah died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom. 

Nigerian Senator from Anambra South, and an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, is dead.

 

SaharaReporters learnt that Ubah died in a hotel in London, the United Kingdom. He had left for London two days ago.

 

His death was also confirmed on a group chat of senators who had started to pour in tributes.


 

Just days ago, his campaign council donated a total of N71 million to the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Anambra State, bolstering the party’s presence and strength in the region.

 

The donation, which includes N50million from Senator Ubah himself, was part of his pledge to support the party and enhance its effectiveness in the state.

 

The senate has yet to comment on the incident.

 

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post



by Adebayo Paul 17
Published On the Biafra Post 
April 25, 2024




Isaac Godwin Omokri, the brother of activist, Reno Omokri has been called out for alleged r3pe.

Isaac, a clergyman and senior pastor of The Nuture Centre church in Abuja was alleged to have s3xually assaulted a 15-year-old girl.



The minor is said to be a member of his own church.

The father of the victim made the accusation in a viral video shared by Gistlover.

The victim’s father who goes by the name Bless Dan said that he got Godwin arrested but he made bail and is currently walking a free man.


He said, “All I want is justice. I want a Nigeria where everybody can have access to justice. You raped my daughter and molested her. He was arrested but is now a free man as he was granted bail. I don’t know how many people his victims are but I am calling on well-meaning Nigerians to help me get justice for my daughter.”

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post




With N46,000 Salary, We Now Take To Oil Bunkering, Robbery, Kidnapping To Survive – Nigerian Army Personnel Write Tinubu
Photo

April 16, 2024
Published on the Biafra post




According to the sergeant, the Nigerian government has failed to improve welfare package for military officers as a gesture to show appreciation for their efforts in securing the country.

A soldier with the Nigerian Army has lamented the poor salaries of his colleagues, the junior army personnel in the country.


According to the sergeant, the Nigerian government has failed to improve welfare package for military officers as a gesture to show appreciation for their efforts in securing the country.

He added that salaries of junior army personnel was last increased by late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua’s administration.

Yar’Adua was elected as Nigerian President in 2006 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and died on May 5, 2010.

The aggrieved personnel in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday noted that to meet financial needs, soldiers now got “involved in illegal duties, oil bunkering, arms and ammunition deal, armed robbery and kidnapping”.

The letter titled, “OPEN LETTERS TO ADDRESS OUR SUFFERING IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY” urged the President to attend to their plight.

The soldier further asked Tinubu to thoroughly investigate happenings in the army, particularly issues involving and affecting the rank and file.

“Sir, with due respect, I hereby open up to you on how we are from the Army Authorities, this very letter is about our current challenges within the Army alone, not Nigerian Navy nor Nigerian Air Force.

“We have lost our morale already, in the Army today, all the Generals are only after their families, they are less concerned about the solutions to the current insecurity in Nigeria. Most of these insecurity challenges that we are facing today have these army Generals behind them, so they can keep seeing free money that can’t be accounted for.

“Secondly the salaries of the junior soldiers need to be addressed. Among all the security agencies in Nigeria today, army junior personnel are the ones being paid the lowest. So we need a proper review of our salaries as junior soldiers are now involved in illegal duties, oil bunkering, sabotage, arms and ammunition deal, armed robbery and kidnapping.

“Since 2008 that late President Yar’dua increased our salaries, nothing has been added to it till date, that was 16 years ago. Private soldiers still collect N46,657,67. Sir, Lance Corporals are being paid N50,139.90, Corporals collect N51,980.89 while Sergeants take home N56,798.70 only monthly.

“Mr President, Staff Seageant are still being paid N67,585.46, Warrant Officers collect 87,900.57 while Master Warrant Officers after over 30 years in service are paid N130,976.20 monthly in this current economy.”

SaharaReporters last December reported how the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said that soldiers and military officers earn less than N50,000 as monthly salaries while Generals and soldiers on operations get N1,200 for feeding daily.

The CDS had disclosed this during an interview where he said that Nigerian soldiers and military officers were doing well and therefore should be paid salaries that were worth the jobs to encourage them to do more.

SaharaReporters has done several reports on soldiers lamenting poor feeding, poor salaries, poor medical treatment and poor welfare packages in general despite abandoning their families, putting their lives on the line with massive promises by the Nigerian government.

On December 11, SaharaReporters reported how troops attached to 145 Taskforce Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Damasak, Borno State for Operation Hadi Kai lamented the alleged misuse of power against their rights by their Commanding Officer.

The soldiers who spoke on condition of anonymity over fear of victimization also lamented acute hunger.

The soldiers who lamented that they were not being properly fed, called for the immediate intervention of President Bola Tinubu and military chiefs to address the issue of poor treatment of soldiers on the front lines, sacrificing their lives daily.

Apart from not being given good food, the soldiers lamented that many of their colleagues had been killed by terrorists because the military lacked adequate firepower and equipment to combat the insurgents.

In what seems to be the affirmation of the claims made by the soldiers, the Chief of Defence Staff said, “The issue of ration cash allowance where we feed, any time we are on operations, I, as a General I’m being fed on N1,200 per day with my soldiers, from the first General to the last soldier, the same amount. That is what we manage with.

“My soldiers collect less than N50,000 for a salary a month. We all know the situation on ground. My appeal is for them to have salaries that are worth the work they are doing. We deserve to have that so that it will encourage them to do more.

“We have a lot of them that have been injured, families separated for a very long time. These are the morale aspect of it that we check to actually ginger the troops to want to do more.”

TOPICS
ECONOMY
The main enemy of high pressure is in your kitchen
The heart no longer hurts, there are no noises in the head: write down the recipe
Cardiology in Nigeria
|
Sponsored
Liposuction Side Effects You didn't know (Read NOW!)
Are you looking to remove your belly fat? Check why Liposuction become trendy in your area, prices are not high as you think (take a look)
Liposuction
|
Sponsored
Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery In Lagos: The Price Might Surprise You
Fat Removal | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
What is the cost of Liposuction in Lagos (Take a look)
Are you looking to remove your belly fat? Check why Liposuction become trendy in your area, prices are not high as you think (take a look)
Liposuction
|
Sponsored

Remember Abby from NCIS? Take A Deep Breath Before You See How She Looks Now
Trips-Shop.com
|
Sponsored
Here Are The New Kitchen Trends In 2023
Kitchen Remodeling | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
The New Jeep Grand Cherokee 2024 Is Utter Perfection - See The Prices
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
|
Sponsored
Nigeria: Don't Miss Out on These Amazing Sofa Deals at Clearance Prices
Luxury Sofa
|
Sponsored
Jewelry On Sale For Half Price (Check Price List)
Jewelry For You
|
Sponsored
Lagos: Jewelry On Sale For Half Price! (See Price List)
Luxury Jewelry Prices
|
Sponsored
Unsold Smart Beds From Mexico on Clearance Sale (See Prices)
Smart Beds Mexico I Search Ads
|
Sponsored

Sahara Reporters
SaharaReporters.com is an outstanding, groundbreaking news website that encourages citizen journalists to report ongoing corruption and government malfeasance in Africa. Using photos, text, and video dynamically, the site informs and prompts concerned African citizens and activists globally to act, denouncing officially-sanctioned corruption, the material impoverishment of its citizenry, defilement of the environment, and the callous disregard of the democratic principles enshrined in the constitution.

CONNECT WITH US
  
SAHARA REPORTERS
About
Support Us
Advertise
RSS Feeds
Submit A Story
SECTIONS
News
Reports
Opinion
Politics
Business
Sports
Entertainment
Lifestyle
Education
Videos
Photos
Documents
NEWS SOURCES
COPYRIGHT
Copyright © 2006–2024 Sahara Reporters, Inc. All rights reserved. — Privacy Policy

Powered by Drutopia

The main enemy of high pressure is in your kitchen
Cardiology in Nigeria
|
Sponsored
Liposuction Side Effects You didn't know (Read NOW!)
Liposuction
|
Sponsored
Belly Fat Removal Without Surgery In Lagos: The Price Might Surprise You
Fat Removal | Search Ads
|
Sponsored
­oldier with the Nigerian Army has lamented the poor salaries of his colleagues, the junior army personnel in the country.


According to the sergeant, the Nigerian government has failed to improve welfare package for military officers as a gesture to show appreciation for their efforts in securing the country.

He added that salaries of junior army personnel was last increased by late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua’s administration.

Yar’Adua was elected as Nigerian President in 2006 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and died on May 5, 2010.

The aggrieved personnel in an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, obtained by SaharaReporters on Tuesday noted that to meet financial needs, soldiers now got “involved in illegal duties, oil bunkering, arms and ammunition deal, armed robbery and kidnapping”.

The letter titled, “OPEN LETTERS TO ADDRESS OUR SUFFERING IN THE NIGERIAN ARMY” urged the President to attend to their plight.

The soldier further asked Tinubu to thoroughly investigate happenings in the army, particularly issues involving and affecting the rank and file.

“Sir, with due respect, I hereby open up to you on how we are from the Army Authorities, this very letter is about our current challenges within the Army alone, not Nigerian Navy nor Nigerian Air Force.

“We have lost our morale already, in the Army today, all the Generals are only after their families, they are less concerned about the solutions to the current insecurity in Nigeria. Most of these insecurity challenges that we are facing today have these army Generals behind them, so they can keep seeing free money that can’t be accounted for.

“Secondly the salaries of the junior soldiers need to be addressed. Among all the security agencies in Nigeria today, army junior personnel are the ones being paid the lowest. So we need a proper review of our salaries as junior soldiers are now involved in illegal duties, oil bunkering, sabotage, arms and ammunition deal, armed robbery and kidnapping.

“Since 2008 that late President Yar’dua increased our salaries, nothing has been added to it till date, that was 16 years ago. Private soldiers still collect N46,657,67. Sir, Lance Corporals are being paid N50,139.90, Corporals collect N51,980.89 while Sergeants take home N56,798.70 only monthly.

“Mr President, Staff Seageant are still being paid N67,585.46, Warrant Officers collect 87,900.57 while Master Warrant Officers after over 30 years in service are paid N130,976.20 monthly in this current economy.”

SaharaReporters last December reported how the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, said that soldiers and military officers earn less than N50,000 as monthly salaries while Generals and soldiers on operations get N1,200 for feeding daily.

The CDS had disclosed this during an interview where he said that Nigerian soldiers and military officers were doing well and therefore should be paid salaries that were worth the jobs to encourage them to do more.

SaharaReporters has done several reports on soldiers lamenting poor feeding, poor salaries, poor medical treatment and poor welfare packages in general despite abandoning their families, putting their lives on the line with massive promises by the Nigerian government.

On December 11, SaharaReporters reported how troops attached to 145 Taskforce Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Damasak, Borno State for Operation Hadi Kai lamented the alleged misuse of power against their rights by their Commanding Officer.

The soldiers who spoke on condition of anonymity over fear of victimization also lamented acute hunger.

The soldiers who lamented that they were not being properly fed, called for the immediate intervention of President Bola Tinubu and military chiefs to address the issue of poor treatment of soldiers on the front lines, sacrificing their lives daily.

Apart from not being given good food, the soldiers lamented that many of their colleagues had been killed by terrorists because the military lacked adequate firepower and equipment to combat the insurgents.

In what seems to be the affirmation of the claims made by the soldiers, the Chief of Defence Staff said, “The issue of ration cash allowance where we feed, any time we are on operations, I, as a General I’m being fed on N1,200 per day with my soldiers, from the first General to the last soldier, the same amount. That is what we manage with.

“My soldiers collect less than N50,000 for a salary a month. We all know the situation on ground. My appeal is for them to have salaries that are worth the work they are doing. We deserve to have that so that it will encourage them to do more.

“We have a lot of them that have been injured, families separated for a very long time. These are the morale aspect of it that we check to actually ginger the troops to want to do more.”

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post
Published On the Biafra Post 
April ,15, 2024

Over 1,700 children abducted by gunmen since 2014; 17 mass school abductions recorded in six years; 20 released Chibok girls forced to marry former Boko Haram fighters. 



The Nigerian authorities must ramp up efforts to ensure the safe release and return of the remaining 82 Chibok school girls abducted by Boko Haram fighters in 2014, and ensure schools are protected from child abductions, which have become increasingly frequent in the decade since the notorious raid by the armed group in northern Nigeria, said Amnesty International.




Today marks 10 years since 276 girls were abducted from Chibok secondary school in Borno state on 14 April 2014. Since then, Amnesty International has documented at least 17 cases of mass abductions in which at least 1,700 children were seized from their schools by gunmen and taken into the bush, where, in many cases, they were subjected to serious abuse, including rape.



“It is shocking that in the 10 years since the Chibok school abduction, the Nigerian authorities have not learned any lessons or taken effective measures to prevent attacks on schools. The number of abductions that have taken place since 2014, including as recently as last month, and the fact that hundreds of children are still in the custody of gunmen, shows the lack of political will by the authorities to address the problem,” said Isa Sanusi, Director of Amnesty International Nigeria.



“The abduction of children and attacks on schools may amount to war crimes. It is the duty of the Nigerian authorities to end these attacks and bring the suspected perpetrators to justice through fair trials and ensure access of victims to justice and effective remedies. A decade is enough time for the Nigerian authorities to find a solution to this problem, but so far, the reality shows the government has neither the will nor the commitment to end these attacks on children and their schools.”



The Safe Schools Initiative to improve security around schools was launched in the aftermath of the Chibok abductions. However, its implementation has been bogged down by bureaucratic roadblocks and allegations of corruption. As a result, many northern states have closed hundreds of schools indefinitely, disrupting the education of thousands of children.



Investigations by Amnesty International reveal that the state of education in Chibok and its surrounding communities, is still being impacted by the 2014 abductions.



The Borno state government rebuilt the Government Girls Secondary School Chibok, which was completely burnt down by Boko Haram in 2014, and set up day secondary schools and a technical school in Chibok. However, academic activities in the schools remain minimal because parents are still skeptical of sending their children to school, for fear of being abducted by Boko Haram.



Forced to marry their abductors

Amnesty International is also calling on the Nigerian authorities to promptly, thoroughly, impartially, independently, transparently and effectively investigate allegations of forced marriage between 20 Chibok women rescued in the last two years and former Boko Haram fighters in a centre provided by Borno state government in Maiduguri. The father of one of the women confirmed to Amnesty International that the forced marriages had taken place.



A parent of one of the girls forced into marriage with former Boko Haram fighters told Amnesty International: “I do not want a situation whereby if I speak, the government or Boko Haram will say we are conniving with others to expose issues to the public. I can speak on anonymity but will not still share everything.” 




Borno state government claims these Boko Haram fighters have undergone rehabilitation and been reintegrated into society under the government’s conflict recovery programme for repentant Boko Haram fighters.



“It is appalling that these freed Chibok girls were forced to marry and live with their abductors. Organized by the Borno state government, these forced marriages are apparently an attempt to appease Boko Haram fighters with complete disregard for the rights and mental wellbeing of the girls involved,” said Isa Sanusi.



The parents and relatives of the girls who remain in captivity said they have been abandoned by government, citing the lack of information about attempts to ensure the safe release of their children from Boko Haram.



The Nigerian authorities must deliver on its national and international human rights obligations by immediately redoubling efforts to ensure the safe release and return of not only the 82 Chibok girls abducted 10 years ago, but also all people held captive by gunmen across Nigeria.




“As we mark the anniversary of these abductions, the Nigerian government must put in place a comprehensive and effective plan to protect schools and children. Authorities must also prioritize helping girls who escaped or were rescued from Boko Haram, to rebuild their lives. They must not ignore the ongoing anguish of the parents whose daughters remain in captivity and ensure they are regularly briefed on efforts to ensure the safe release and return of their children,” said Isa Sanusi.



In a report to be published next month, Amnesty International will document crimes and violations committed by Boko Haram and the Nigerian military against girls associated with, or perceived to be associated with, Boko Haram since the start of the conflict in north-east Nigeria in 2013. The report will also detail their unique reintegration needs and their aspirations to rebuild their lives.



Background



In April 2014, 276 schoolgirls were abducted from a government secondary school in Chibok, a town in Borno State. Some of the girls escaped captivity on their own, while others were later released following intense campaigning efforts by civil society organizations and negotiations by the government. 



Of those initially abducted, however, 82 girls remain in captivity, while several children have been abducted in subsequent attacks. Amnesty International has been documenting Boko Haram’s atrocities and targeting of schools since 2012. In May 2020, Amnesty International also published a report on the dire impact of the conflict in Northeast Nigeria on children.


    

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post


Publishd on the biafra post 
March 17, 2024 


.... National Dialogue holds to commemorate 10 years anniversary of 2014 National Confab in honour of Ben Nwabueze

.....To set agenda for Constitution Review Process of the Federal Government

Eminent Nigerians, including Former Heads of State and Presidents of Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, Abdulsalami Abubakar, Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Emeka Anyaoku, Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka, Former Chief of Army Staff, TY Danjuma, Chairman of the Northern Elders' Forum, Ango Abdullahi, Leader of the Niger Delta, Edwin Clark, Former Chief of Defence Staff, Alani Akinrinade, Northern Elder, Tanko Yakassai, Leader of Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Of House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, Serving and Former Governors and Legislators, Eminent Northern and Southern Leaders among other leaders of thought in Nigeria are now set to address the constitutional dialogue on the future of Nigeria holding on Monday at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs NIIA, Lagos

Announcing the Agenda of the constitutional dialogue, on behalf of the organisers at the weekend, the Chairman of the Patriots, a group of eminent leaders of thought in Nigeria, and Former Secretary General of the Commonwealth of Nations, Chief Emeka Anyaoku said the dialogue is designed to help build national consensus, especially among the Nigerian elite on the constitutional future of Nigeria, particularly on how to make Nigeria work for all its diverse peoples and citizens.

In a major National Broadcast, the foremost international diplomat and Chair of the Eminent Leaders of Thought Group known as the Patriots announced that the National Dialogue, which is aimed at mobilising Nigerians towards breaking the barriers against the cohesion and good governance of the country, will hold in Honour of Late Prof Ben Nwabueze SAN, a foremost Champion and Protagonist for the convocation of the 2014 National Confab inaugurated 10 Years ago on 17th March, 2014 by President Goodluck Jonathan and whose body was laid to rest last month in his home town in Atani, Anambra State.

The historic National Meeting is also expected to set a formidable citizens' agenda for the ongoing constitution review process of the Federal Government initiated by the National Assembly towards the popular reconfiguration, cohesion, stability and prosperity of Nigeria through a constructive advocacy for new democratic people's constitution to replace the subsisting military decree No 24 of 1999 in force in Nigeria as the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended)

Other eminent stakeholders slated to participate and speak at the National Summit under the Theme: Lawful Procedures for Actualising a People's Constitution For Nigeria are Keynote Speakers, Discussants, The Presidency, Former Presidents, Former Vice Presidents, Serving and Former Governors, Leadership of the Senate and House of Reps, Traditional Rulers, Eminent National Leaders of Thought, Scholars, Members of the Judiciary, Captains of the Private Sector, Leaders of Organised Civil Society and Labour, among other Nigerians. 



Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

The director-general of West African Monetary Zone (WAMZ), Olorunsola Olowofeso, says expectation for an ECOWAS single currency by 2027 is no longer realistic.


Mr Oluwafeso, who said this in an interview on Monday in Abuja, said this was due to the inability of all the WAMZ member states of  meeting all the required criteria.

He spoke against the backdrop of the recently held 48th meeting of the Committee of Governors of the Central Banks of the nember-states of the WAMZ in Abuja.

According to him, it is unlikely that any of the member-states will satisfy all four primary convergence criteria on a sustainable basis between 2024 and 2026.

“The quest for a single currency by WAMZ will take much longer to achieve as the convergence indicators have declined significantly. The assessment of member states’ performance reveals that, as of the end of June 2023, all member states failed to meet all the four primary convergence criteria.

“The zone’s performance score declined to 29.2 per cent, compared to 41.7 per cent during the same period in 2022,” he said.

He said the medium-term projections on macroeconomic convergence suggested that none of the WAMZ member-states would meet all the primary convergence criteria sustainably between now and 2027 for the convergence phase of the ECOWAS Single Currency Roadmap.

Meanwhile, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Wale Edun, said Nigeria remained committed to achieving the WAMZ objectives.

Mr Edun said, “I am sure we have the wherewithal and resilience to realise the WAMZ ambition.

“We must, as a bloc, work together to strengthen and improve the economies of the zone.”

WAMZ is a group of six countries within ECOWAS formed in 2000.

Member countries are Nigeria, the Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

At ECOWAS’ 55th ordinary session in July 2019, the 15-member regional group had agreed to launch Eco in January 2020.

While eight, mostly francophone countries — Benin, Burkina Faso, Guinea-Bissau (Portuguese-speaking), Ivory Coast, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo — announced in December 2019 that they would be changing from the CFA Franc to Eco, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Ghana, Liberia and Gambia, who are all English-speaking, as well as Guinea, a francophone country, rejected the adoption of Eco.

Then-President Muhammadu Buhari-led government had called for the extension of the take-off.

(NAN)

Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post
A civil rights group, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, Intersociety, has vowed to resist any attempt by governors of the South-East states to cede any land for ranching.


There have been plans by some governments in the zone to establish ranchings in some locations in their states as part of measures to quell incessant clashes by farmers and herders.

However, in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Monday, Intersociety said such action would not be tolerated.


The statement was signed by Emeka Umeagbalasi, Intersociety Board Chair, Chinwe Umeche, Head, Democracy and Good Governance Program and Obianuju Igboeli, Head, Civil Liberties and Rule of Law Program.

The group specifically told governments of Enugu, Anambra, Abia, Imo and Ebonyi states that “the South-East landmass (measuring 29,525km2) was too tiny for grab, for the purpose of Ranching/Settlements.”

Intersociety strongly advised the governors “to back off from any form of moves- under whatever disguises or camouflages, aimed at establishment of herders’ settlements in any part of their respective States.


“These moves must be done away with in the entire South-East or be lawfully and popularly resisted.”

It added that despite denials and reasons given by the governors and their governments “to justify the widely suspected politically motivated moves to establish the so called ‘non-native trailer parks’, ‘agro-industrial farms’, ‘mechanized farm settlements’ or ‘modern cow ranching’, most social clusters have remained saturated with strong suspicions that the governors and their governments are being economical with the truth.”

Intersociety traced the current food insecurity in Nigeria, including food shortages and price hikes to “terrorization of the country’s food baskets- Ondo, Ogun and Oyo in South-West; Delta and Edo in South-South; Benue, Plateau, Nasarawa, Kogi and Niger in North-Central; Southern Kaduna and Southern Kebbi in North-West; and Taraba, Southern Borno and Northern Adamawa in North-East.”


“It is therefore most likely correct to say that the ongoing moves by the named governors and their governments are tantamount to ‘the Voice of Jacob and the Hands of Esau’.

“It must be clearly pointed out that it is the duties of the referenced governors and their governments, as Chief Security Officers of their respective States, to rise to the occasion at ensuring security and safety of those they were elected or selected to govern and protect, including mustering enough political will to flush out marauding Jihadist herdsmen wrecking havocs in farmlands located in communities across their states and restore farmers’ access to their farmlands and cultivated and harvested crops.

“The governors and their governments are also duty bound to ensure general security and safety of lives and properties in their domains and provide access and good roads, energy supply, ICT technologies, social amenities and services, as well as modern urban and rural planning, so as to attract huge direct foreign investments (under public-private-partnership-PPP),” the group further stated.





Continue reading

at 0
Biafra post

Report by  Adebayo Paul 
Published on the Biafra Post 
February 29, 2024


‘Pure Water’ Prices To Soar To N100 Per Sachet, There Is Nothing We Can Do – ATWAP Laments As Production Costs Hit Record Highs


The Association of Table Waters Producers (ATWAP) has said the price of pure water may be sold for N100 per sachet due to the high cost of production materials.

The association made this known on Tuesday during a press conference held in Lagos on the rising production cost of packaging materials and its effect in Nigeria.


The association’s President, Clementina Ativie, said they have been facing many challenges, such as the high cost of diesel, lack of power, and the high cost of production.

He added that the current price of water sales reflects the country’s situation, and there is nothing they can do about it.


He said, “Pure water is sold for N50 now, and it is even going up to N100 per one. At our own end, there’s nothing we can do. The cost of production is high.

“As at last year December, we were buying materials (nylon) for N1,100 per KG. The 6 kg of nylon is now N3,600/N3,700. The cost of treatment is also high. The increment for these materials comes at 3 times in one week. It is also difficult for us to increase the price of water.


“If ordinary Nigerians can’t afford pure water, I don’t know where we are going. Every water producer is funding the pure water factory on personal pockets or borrowed money.

“Many banks don’t give pure water producers loans. We want Nigerians to bear with us. We don’t want Nigerians to buy water at more than N20 per sachet. The cost of production including the price of diesel has affected so many things.”


Continue reading
no image

at 0
Biafra post


Published on the Biafra Post 
February 29, 2024 

Binance Delists Naira From Its P2P Market Following Clampdown By Nigerian Government
Apopular cryptocurrency trading platform, Binance on Wednesday removed the Nigerian currency, Naira from its peer-to-peer feature.

The feature, known as the P2P market, allows users, buyers, and sellers to transact without the intervention of a third party. 

It became widely known among Nigerians in 2021 after former president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration banned crypto trading in the country. 

Many Nigerian users can no longer enjoy the feature because of the removal of their currency. 

The removal of Naira by Binance from its P2P market came amid claims by Nigerian authorities that the platform contributed to the devaluation of Naira.

A Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga on Wednesday said if not stopped, Binance would destroy the Nigerian economy because of the way it arbitrarily fixes foreign exchange rates. 

Financial Times reported on Wednesday that two employees of Binance were detained by the office of the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu in Abuja as part of an investigation into the cryptocurrency exchange’s operations in Nigeria.

Their detention in Nigeria was in an attempt to curb naira speculation and steady its free fall by clamping down on cryptocurrency exchanges.


Continue reading
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)