Category: Security - Page 89 - African News Today

Nigeria: Tompolo Denies Endorsing Buhari

13Feb

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News, Nigeria, Security

Nigeria: Tompolo Denies Endorsing Buhari

Following an earlier report that the one-time militant, Tompolo along with others endorsed the candidacy of Buhari for presidency, he has come out to deny this claim. In a short statement, Tompolo dubunked the claim, saying he knew nothing about the endorsement signed by Ebikabowei Victor Ben, a.k.a. Boyloaf. His statement which was released by his media adviser, Paul Bebenimibo read: "It must be pointed out that Tompolo has not been in touch with Boyloaf since 2015. Tompolo is not into endorsement politics. Tompolo is presently troubled with the way and manner his kinsmen in Gbaramatu kingdom are being harassed and intimidated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s military on a daily basis. “This same military harassed, brutalised and killed his father, Chief Thomas Ekpemupolo, in 2015...

Nigeria: A Message from U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington

12Feb

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News, Nigeria, Press Statement, Security

Nigeria: A Message from U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington

The United States Embassy in Nigeria wishes to reiterate unequivocally that we are not taking sides in Nigeria’s election. We do not support any party or candidate. We support a level playing field and the democratic process. That is the bedrock principle of our Government’s advocacy on democratic elections. In the final run-up to the Feb. 16 vote, fake news and rumors are operating in overdrive. But it must be repeated: we are not taking sides. This is Nigeria’s election and the citizens of Nigeria will decide who will lead their nation. It is important for the future of every Nigerian and it is important that every Nigerian contribute to making it a democratic, peaceful, free and fair process. This will ensure that all Nigerians see the results as credible, and they accept t...

Press Release: PDP To Buhari Presidency: False Alarm Will Not Help You

12Feb

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News, Nigeria, Press Statement, Security

Press Release: PDP To Buhari Presidency: False Alarm Will Not Help You

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says no amount of fabrications, false alarm, blackmail and resort to violence by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Buhari Presidency can sway Nigerians or help their plots to rig the 2019 Presidential election. The party says the Buhari Presidency’s fresh attempt to use its chief propagandist, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, to lay further false allegations on the PDP has failed, because Nigerians already know those plotting to scuttle the elections by inciting violence and issuing death threats against others. What has Lai Mohammed to say to President Muhammadu Buhari, who in Zamfara state on Sunday, urged his supporters to get ready to fight and unleash violence on other Nigerians? What has Lai Mohammed to say t...

Nigeria: Those Who Interfere in the Electoral Process or Incite Violence Must be Held to Account – US

9Feb

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News, Nigeria, Security

Nigeria: Those Who Interfere in the Electoral Process or Incite Violence Must be Held to Account – US

As the Nigerian general elections looms close, the United States Government yesterday fired a cautioning shot to all actors, warning that “those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be held to account.” This warning is coming on the heels of another caution by the US government that ISIS West Africa, a faction of Boko Haram, is growing its membership base, and is increasing the tempo of its terror war against Nigeria in the north-east region. In a press statement by Secretary of State, Michael R. Pompeo, released in Washington, DC and dated February 7, 2019, the US government said it was in support of a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the will of the Nigerian people. The statement on the election caution by the US government reads: ...

Opinion: New IGP – Why Progressive Northerners Should be Embarrassed by Farooq Kperogi

16Jan

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Justice, News, Nigeria, Security

Opinion: New IGP – Why Progressive Northerners Should be Embarrassed by Farooq Kperogi

In August 2015, when I first publicly voiced out my disapproval of what I called the embarrassingly undisguised 'Arewacentricity' of Buhari’s appointments, a few people, mostly southerners, asked why I was bothered since I'm a northern Muslim who is “favored” by such appointments—“favored,” that is, on the emotional and symbolic plane. I was and still am—bothered for at least four reasons. One, I criticized similar such parochial appointments by previous presidents from the South. It would be hypocritical to look the other way because I'm now “favored” by such appointments. (Yes, I have more friends and acquaintances in powerful positions in this government than I’ve ever had since 1999). Two, Buhari came to power on the promise of “change,” on the promise of doing things differen...

Nigeria: Stop Harrassing the CJN or We Will Mobilize and Shake the Country – Niger Delta Agitators

14Jan

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Judiciary, News, Nigeria, Security

Nigeria: Stop Harrassing the CJN or We Will Mobilize and Shake the Country – Niger Delta Agitators

A coalition known as the Niger Delta Agitators has issued a warning to the Federal Government regarding what they term the harassment of the Chief Justice of the federation. According to the group, this harassment was simply based on the fact that the CJN was from the South-south and not from the North. In a statement released by Niger Delta Watchdogs' General John Dukku the group stated as follows: "The General Assembly of the Coalition of Niger Delta Agitators is shocked to learn about the arraignment of the Chief Justice of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Justice Walter Onnoghen over allegations of his false declaration of assets based on a petition written by one Mr. Dennis Aghanya of the Anti-Corruption and Research Based Data Initiative. The CJN is suffering just because he is ...

Gabon: Coup Attempt Foiled, Situation Under Control – Gabonese Government

7Jan

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Gabon, News, Security

Gabon: Coup Attempt Foiled, Situation Under Control – Gabonese Government

A spokesperson for the government of Gabon has said the political situation in the country is "under control", following an attempted coup. Guy-Bertrand Mapangou told the BBC that four of the rebels had been arrested by the authorities. A fifth is on the run. Junior officers claimed they seized power "to restore democracy" in oil-rich Gabon, where the ailing leader's family has ruled for 50 years. Tanks and armed vehicles could be seen in the capital Libreville. The soldiers took control of the national radio station at 04:30 local time (03:30 GMT) to read a short statement announcing a "National Restoration Council". Current leader Ali Bongo succeeded his father Omar Bongo as president in 2009. He narrowly won re-election in 2016 in a poll marred by violence and accusations...

Nigeria: Buratai Invites Editors to Maiduguri, Offers Each N500,000 by Churchill Umoren

31Dec

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Corruption, News, Nigeria, Security

Nigeria: Buratai Invites Editors to Maiduguri, Offers Each N500,000 by Churchill Umoren

...Army chief Buratai implores the media to take it easy and not pursue "negative" stories about it. Last week Army spokesman, Lt. Col SK Usman, at the behest of Army chief Buratai, invited 40 journalists, so many editors, to Maiduguri. All expenses paid. It was a meeting that had two phases. He met with Heads of NGOs and officials of UN agencies in the NE. The theme for the media? To implore the media to take it easy and not pursue "negative" stories about how the military high command are stashed funds meant for soldiers, allowing them die like hens when in combat with Boko. One of those they accuse was Babajide Otitoju of TVC. Usman personally accused him of " demoralizing" troops. Babajide was there at the diner and got his share took photos with d boss and promised to take it ea...

Opinion: Nigeria in the Throes of Anarchy – by Mike Ozekhome

31Dec

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Human Rights, News, Nigeria, Security

Opinion: Nigeria in the Throes of Anarchy – by Mike Ozekhome

A press statement by Mike Ozekhome's chambers on the unconstitutional siege laid by the Nigerian Police on Senator Dino Melaye's house, at no 11 Sangsha street Maitama, Abuja. On Friday, the 28th of December, 2018, a team of plain-clothed policemen, stormed Senator Dino Melaye’s house at No 11 Sangha Street, Maitama, Abuja, and barricaded the entire street before eventually forcefully gaining entry into his compound. The said plain-clothed policemen proceeded to beat up Melaye’s security whom they immediately handcuffed. They also arrested the cook and other domestic staff in Senator Dino’s residence. His relatives approached the head of the said security to find out why they were treating Dino, a serving Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in such high-handed and disdainful man...

Opinion: Northern Sentiment Southern Ointment by Mansur Isah Buhari

26Dec

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Economy, News, Nigeria, Religion, Security

Opinion: Northern Sentiment Southern Ointment by Mansur Isah Buhari

A northern or southern president cannot solve our problems, a Nigerian president can. You can't have excuses and results. Sentiments don't solve problems; they compound them. Every region in Nigeria has its peculiar sentiment issues. I chose to talk about northern sentiment because I can authoritatively do so without the fear of being sentimental. The north is most interested in having a northern President rather than a Nigerian president. The only experience and qualification one needs to have the total support of an average northerner to become a president is "Alhaji" or "Malam" contesting against a "mister". Now that the north is gradually burning, we want the rest of Nigeria to join us in speaking up because Nigeria now belongs to all of us. Most times when they do spea...