Author: Our Correspondent

IYC Frowns At Humanitarian Minister For Insensitive, Inhumane Analysis Of Most Impacted Flood Disaster States

The unbridled statement by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development Sadiya U. Farouq has caused steers in public discuss revealing the uncultured manner at which she aggregates devastated states in ranking order.

The IYC President Peter Igbifa while commending the Federal government for the proactive response of awarding N506 billion for East West road rebuilding, as he knocks the Humanitarian minister for her insensitive and inhumane analysis of most impacted flood disaster states, mentioning that Bayelsa state is not among top 10.

According to IYC President, Peter Igbifa, ‘the Minister cannot just seat in Abuja to act in assumption and talk carelessly by measuring the level of destructions caused by the flood, what was the scientific measuring tools? What are the parameters in judging most affected states? These are questions begging for answers. Clearly if Bayelsa was a northern state she would have reported the situation to UN for support.

Clearly the Minister lacks capacity to Mann that office to address the unimaginable humanitarian crisis caused by the flood in the Niger Delta, Bayelsa in particular. Bayelsa, a state that is practically cut-off with over 80% of its indigenes displaced, over 1000 communities sacked completely by the flood is not termed most affected? This is pure wickedness and disheartening to see a federal minister so openly biased with such public display of ethic affiliation even during natural disasters. This is perhaps the reason behind the non-involvement of the current Nigerian government on WET-LAND CONSERVATION hence, unattended to as Bayelsa state is directly representing the Niger Delta in that regard shameful.

However, Igbifa urgesd the Minister to be called to order and statement withdrawn with apology.

‘‘I think that this minister is an enemy of the nation and should resign immediately haven exposed herself.’’

Campaigners urge FG to adopt landmark disability law

Sightsavers’ Equal World Campaign, in partnership with the African Union and the African Disability Forum, has called on Nigerian government and leaders to adopt the Landmark Disability Law protocol and ensure that the rights of people with disabilities were upheld.

In a press release issued on Tuesday by the International Development Organisation’s Head of Media, Joy Tarbo, it disclosed that Nigeria was on the cusp of becoming one of the first west African countries to ratify the African Disability Protocol, ADP, but action was needed to push it across the finish line.

The statement read: “This is why today (October 29), Sightsavers’ Equal World Campaign, in partnership with the African Union and the African Disability Forum, is urging governments and leaders to adopt the protocol and ensure the rights of people with disabilities are upheld.

“The human rights protocol addresses forms of discrimination that specifically impact people with disabilities living in Africa. It supplements the provisions of the existing African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
Nigeria could lead the way. The protocol needs to be adopted by the Federal Executive Council and endorsed by the National Assembly.

Also, Sightsavers Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Sunday Isiyaku said “We are so close to making this critical step forward in protecting the rights and dignity of people with disabilities in Nigeria. Now, more than ever, we must ensure that those who have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic are prioritised and protected.

Meanwhile, the Executive Secretary, National Commission for Persons with Disability, Mr. James David Lalu said, “This treaty is a vital instrument in tackling discrimination and inequality and improving the lives of millions of people with disabilities. While assuring that Nigeria before the end of this month shall sign the treaty and ratification process shall follow suits.

“Nigeria must take the leadership at these critical times,” Lalu assured

“We are counting on Nigeria to step up and take the lead in creating a safer, more accessible Africa.”

The African Disability Protocol was adopted in 2018 by the African Union, to address forms of discrimination affecting people with disabilities living in African countries.

It is an additional protocol to the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (1981) to set standards and promote and protect human rights in Africa. For the protocol to come into force, at least 15 member states must sign and ratify it. So far Angola, Burundi, Kenya, Mali and Rwanda have ratified, and several others are nearly there.

Bauchi Governorship: Avoid desperate Politicians, vote wisely – Group urges electorate

 


As the campaign for 2023 general election continues to gather momentum, a group under the aegis of Corruption Track Network (CTN) has urged the people of Bauchi state not to vote politicians that are unnecessarily desperate for power.

The group in a statement signed by its Country Director, Dr. Idris Inusa, said such individuals will not only make bad leaders but their leadership style could also cause huge discomfort for the people of the state.

 

Speaking specifically about the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, the CTN alleged that the retired service chief has declared the 2023 elections in Bauchi as a do or die affair.

The Country Director also alleged that the former Chief of Air Staff, at a stakeholders meeting at his Bauchi private residence over the past weekend, charged his campaign managers and APC leaders in the state to spare no bill in ensuring that the ruling Peoples Democratic Party is booted out of the Bauchi State government house.

Present at the meeting, according to CTN, include his campaign directors, the state working committee led by the chairman of the party in the state, Babayo Aliyu Misau, some members of the State Assembly among others.

The CTN opined that, the APC governorship candidate is scared that he might not be able to upstage the achievements of the incumbent governor who is a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Dr. Inusa also alleged that his group gathered that the APC candidate said he was ready to achieve success at whatever cost even if it means pouring N12 billion into the venture.

The group alleged that the former Chief of Air Staff said, “I have prepared for this election very well. I didn’t spend six years as the Chief of Air Staff for nothing and you all know that the war on terror requires billions and billions to prosecute. Anybody can say whatever they like, but I have enough salted away for this purpose.

“Don’t also forget who my wife is and the resources available to her. I won’t say further about this because of moles and social media exposure. I will however tell you to fear not, no sitting oil rich governor can match my spending power not to talk of a governor of a poor state like Bauchi”.

The group however charged inhabitants of Bauchi state to shine their eyes and vote a reputable leaders that will champion the affairs of the state for the next four years.

Recall that Air Marshal Sadique, was called out over corruption allegations, human rights abuses and recruitment of thugs and militants by a number of Civil organisations including Corruption Track Network (CTN), demanding that he should respond to these allegations within two weeks or face public action.

Security Alert: Ploy to destabilise Nigeria ahead of 2023 general election – Group

A coalition of non-governmental organisations known as Coalition of Patriotic Non-Governmental Organisations has alleged that security alerts issued by the United States and the United Kingdom and other countries are a ploy to destabilise Nigeria ahead of the general election in 2023.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, national coordinator of Coalition for Peace in Nigeria, COPIN, Pharmacist Emeka Akwuobi, who spoke for the group, urged Nigerians to remain calm and rise above fear.

He said, “Without prejudice to time-honoured social constructs, occasioned by persuasions, we hasten to state that the so-called security advisories by the US and UK governments, are distractive in form, and destabilising in content.

“In what has become a recurring decimal, the US has continued to predict negative outcomes for Nigeria of which the most telling was the collapse – if you like, the failure of the Nigerian-State – ahead of the 2015 general elections. More than seven years later, their prognosis has fallen flat on its feeble feet.

“Similarly, aligned interests in America predicted that Africa, Nigeria inclusive, will be littered with corpses at the outbreak of COVID-19, but history and medical records show that the outcome has been the opposite with dire consequences for America and her allies. For the avoidance of doubt, the US is preparing for elections, and is customary with the so-called ‘world police’, nations considered not to be in tune with her aggressive disposition, are often whipped into line.”

He also recalled that security agencies like the Department of State Services, DSS, and the Nigeria Immigration Service had all issued the same alerts in the past.

“It is heart-warming to note that our security services- the DSS, Nigeria Immigration Service and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps – have all issued security advisories of plans by terrorists targeting soft targets in the country.

“In April, the DSS warned Nigerians of planned attacks but has gone ahead to destabilise terror cells and their networks in Nigeria leading to arrests in Kogi, Kano, Lagos and in the South Eastern part of the country. If our security architecture has issued security alerts and has braced up in confronting our common enemy and winning, why should we now believe more a security advisory by Americans to their people?

“In the face of this reality, we urge our fellow citizens to see this as a time to rise above fear, and anxiety, in defence of our fatherland.”

The coalition of the NGOs includes Coalition for Peace in Nigeria, COPIN, Coalition of Nigerians for National Sovereignty and Unity, CONNSU, Save Nigeria Movement, SNM, Celebrities United for Peace, CUP, and Citizens Watch Advocacy Initiative, CWAI.

Bayelsa Flood: Gov. Diri Appreciates Donors

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has expressed appreciation to those that have supported the state as it grapples with the raging floods.

Governor Diri, who spoke on Wednesday during the weekly state executive council meeting in Government House, Yenagoa, said the support received so far has helped the state in its recovery process.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Daniel Alabrah, quoted the governor as assuring that funds and items received will be published in line with the transparent posture of his administration.

The governor said he was grateful to the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for visiting the state last weekend, during which he made a pledge to support victims of the flood.

He also expressed gratitude to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar for his philanthropy and empathy shown to people of the state.

Abubakar, who is the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, was in Bayelsa on Tuesday to visit victims of the flood and donated the sum of N55 million.

Similarly, the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr. Udom Emmanuel, who visited one of the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp at Igbogene with members of his cabinet on Wednesday, also donated N100 million on behalf his state government.

Governor Diri equally appreciated an illustrious son of the state, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, who he said pledged during his visit to support victims of the flood with food items worth N350 million.

The state’s helmsman commended Dr. Eruani for the support and called on other privileged Bayelsans to emulate him by identifying with the state in its trying time.

The governor also read a letter from his Lagos State counterpart, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commiserating with the state and donating the sum of N50 million to tackle the floods.

His words: “Let me use this opportunity to appreciate those who have showed themselves as our true friends and brothers. We called for help and God has sent helpers. We say thank you to those that have come through for us so far. We will publish all donations received.

“We appreciate our former VP Atiku Abubakar for his philanthropy and empathy towards our people. Today, we also received my brother governor from Akwa Ibom State. He did not just visit but he also donated N100 million. We thank the people of Akwa Ibom for their show of brotherliness.

“I also acknowledge a letter received from the Governor of Lagos State.

“Also, within this period, a son of the soil, Dr. Azibapu Eruani, visited and made a pledge of N350 million worth of food items.

“Let me also appreciate the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Oladayo Amao, for the support of the Nigerian Air Force. We procured some items and because the road into our state has been cut off, we approached the Air Force and they obliged to airlift what we bought from Abuja to PH and to Yenagoa. The Bayelsa State Government bought the items.”

Atiku Donates N55m To Bayelsa Flood Victims


Awards Scholarship To Late Footballer’s Children

Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has donated the sum of N55 million to flood victims in Bayelsa State.

Speaking at the Government House, Yenagoa, during a sympathy visit on Tuesday, Alhaji Abubakar said the donation was his token to support the recovery process of those affected by the flood.

Describing the disaster as disheartening, he lamented its effect on the lives and economy of people of the state and called on the Federal Government and public-spirited individuals and organizations to support Bayelsa in this difficult moment.

The former Vice President advocated the setting up of an independent flood disaster relief fund that will provide succour to victims and a temporary fund for farmers to ameliorate their losses and provide them with capital for next year’s planting season.

He also urged the Federal Government to build the required infrastructure to contain excess waters.

He said if elected president, he would commit to completing the dam in Adamawa State and take other necessary measures to ensure that Nigeria does not suffer this magnitude of damage as a result of flooding.

The PDP candidate offered scholarship up to university level to children of the late footballer, Ernest Peremobowei, who drowned after saving five other victims of the flood in a boat mishap.

His words: “Let me first thank Bayelsa delegates for their support during the last presidential primary election of our party.
My visit to Yenagoa is to have a personal experience of the devastation that victims of flooding have suffered across the country. Climate change is real. The experience in Bayelsa is disheartening. Human lives and public infrastructure have been destroyed.

“People who are likely to survive this flood have lost their livelihood and need every ounce of support they can get. I commiserate with them.

“Permit me to take this sober moment to send my personal commiserations to President Jonathan for the manner the flood affected him.

“On my part and on behalf of my family, I wish to announce the sum of N50 million and call on my friends in the corporate world to also assist the victims of flood.”

Responding, the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, said people of the state were encouraged by the display of love by the former Vice President.

Governor Diri, while confirming receipt of the donation, said he was the first presidential candidate to donate such amount, assuring that the money will be paid into the flood relief account for the benefit of victims.

Diri lamented the slow response of the Federal Government despite several efforts by him to get the attention of the relevant authorities.

He stressed that Bayelsa remains the state that lays the golden egg where oil was first struck in commercial quantity and wondered why the Federal Government was yet to give the state the attention it deserved.

The Bayelsa governor described Abubakar as a caring father who has brought hope to people of the state and expressed optimism that he will win next year’s presidential election and work with the state to find lasting solutions to the issue of flooding.

The state’s helmsman dismissed suggestions that the flooding was caused by rainfall, insisting that waters from the Lagdo dam and issues of climate change were responsible.

He announced that a friend of the state, Alhaji Musa Bello, also awarded scholarship to the late footballer’s children.

His words: “Your coming has given us hope and encouragement. We have a father in you and we believe in you. You have talked to us as a father, like the president of Nigeria. We are happy you are here with us today. For the past three weeks we have been under this siege, cut off from neighbouring states.

“We have heard of your good works and all you have done even before you became VP. Today you have also displayed it by donating the sum of N50million, which is already in our kitty. My prayer is that come February 2023 you would be declared President and you will give a frontal attack to this problem that seems insurmountable.

“Bayelsa State still lays the golden egg. It is the first state that gave Nigeria the status of oil producing country. We have called and written letters but the response has been too slow.”

The governor, his deputy, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, some National Assembly members from the state alongside Abubakar and his high-powered delegation later visited the internally displaced persons (IDPs) camp at the Oxbow Lake Pavilion in Yenagoa where the PDP presidential candidate presented N5million cash to the flood victims.

On Abubakar’s entourage were the PDP National Chairman, Senator Iyorcha Ayu, Acting Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees, Senator Adolphus Wabara, former National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Secondus, his campaign council spokesperson, Senator Dino Melaye as well as members of the National Working Committee of the party amongst others.

 

Suswam and the burden of endless killing of farmers in Benue

SENATOR Gabriel Suswam’s passion for the protection of his people knows no bound. That passion almost drove him to early grave in 2014 at Umenger, Guma Local Government of the state where armed Fulani herdsmen ambushed his convoy and engaged his security details in gun battle when he went visiting communities raided by the herders in the state.

On that fateful day, the former governor also visited Uikpam in Mbabai, Guma LGA where the armed herders had killed 28 farmers and destroyed houses.

Exasperated, Suswam had remarked thus: We are being attacked, our foodstuffs including yam barn and farms burned and destroyed without anyone coming to our aide. Some of our people were killed and taken away while some captured and taken alive.”

Today, as senator representing Benue North East, the former governor is confronted with a worse scenario as more farmers are falling to the herdsman’s dagger in his senatorial constituency.

In Gbeji, Ukum Local Government Area, for instance, where 36 bodies, including two policemen have so far been recovered and many morel missing after an onslaught by pastoralists last Wednesday, October 19, 2022, the ex-governor expressed dismay with the lackadaisical attitude of the federal government in the face of mayhem perpetrated by the herders.

Addressing families of victims and other survivors, Sen Suswam berated the Federal Government for what he described as its irresponsibility and failure to provide security for citizens.

According to him, “the Federal Government has failed woefully in the protection of lives and property,” lamenting that the rising insecurity has exposed the country’s nakedness.

The senator who said he had visited visited Mchia which is the same radius as Gbeji where 22 persons were murdered and several others injured two weeks ago, described the incessant killings as highly unacceptable.

His words: “The Federal Government has gone to sleep and do not care about the security of the people. These are peasant farmers whose property has been destroyed and their lives have been decapitated.

“I commend the bravery and gallantry of our security agencies but they are overstretched under the circumstance. I cannot sleep in Abuja while our mothers who farm food that we eat are killed in this way.”

“So far 36 bodies have been recovered from this dastardly attack by herdsmen. This is totally unacceptable by all standards. It is a clear indication that the Federal government has failed in protection of lives and property of the people that they swore to protect.

“What this means in effect is that power has been transferred to non-state actors. They are totally in charge now and as they come to kill people at will and go freely and no person has ever been arrested,” he lamented.

The Senator went on, “How can such a government say that it is a government? We don’t have a government. Because when you swear to either the bible or the quran that you will protect lives and property of the people and the people have been consistently killed and no decisive action has been taken.

“Nothing has been done, no person has been arrested, it means that we don’t have a government.”

The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Professor Anthony Ijohor, SAN, who representated Governor Samuel Ortom on the trip, expressed sadness over the unfortunate incident.

He reiterated the stand of the Benue State Government that since the Federal Government has failed to provide security for the people, a license should be approved for the State Government to procure sophisticated weapons for the Community Volunteer Guards to protect the people.

The Governor insisted that the limited conventional security agencies were overstretched and were unable to provide adequate protection for people of the state.

“We are standing on our request for the Federal Government to give us a license for our Volunteer Guards to bear AK-47 and other sophisticated weapons. The security agencies have been overstretched, that being the case, our people have to defend themselves,” he said.

The Governor urged young people to stand firm and protect their lands, stating that self help is the only option left, since the present administration at the centre has shown that it is incapable of providing security for the people.

He sympathized with those who lost loved ones in the attack on Gbeji and encouraged them not to lose hope no matter the circumstances, saying the State Government would provide palliatives to offer succour to the affected persons.

In his remarks, Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly and PDP Governorship candidate, Engr Titus Uba, who also was on the senator’s entourage, expressed sadness over the unprovoked killings which he said have gone on for too long without the Federal Government arresting the situation.

The Speaker insisted that since the Federal Government is not ready to provide security to stop the Benue killings, the authorities should grant license to the State Government to procure firearms for Volunteer Guards to complement conventional agencies in tackling insecurity in the state.

Uba also advocated the creation of state police to enable each state of the federation to deal with rising security challenges.

House of Representatives Member for Ukum/Logo/Katsina-Ala Federal Constituency, Dr Richard Gbande, State Assembly Member for Ukum, Thomas Mlanga, Chairman of Ukum Local Government Council, Derick Kaatyoo as well the Acting Ter Ukum, Chief Utambe Nyagba who also spoke during the visit, unanimously said, “What has been done to us as a people is that we have to protect ourselves.”

Recall that Gov Ortom, in order to stem the tide of killings by armed herdsmen promultigated the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017.

In spite of that, the herders have remained adamant and continued with the killings.

Consequently, the state government constituted the Benue State Community Volunteer Guards to complement conventional security agents in the fight against criminality and banditary.

During the inauguration of the second batch Benue State Community Volunteer Guards, BCVGs, Gov Ortom gave one month deadline to the federal government to approve his letter to procure AK-47 license for BCVGs, failure which said he should seek the advice of his people on what to do.

The governor said that he had applied for approval of AK 47 riffles license but regretted that over three months he was yet to get response from federal government.

“If there is no reply in the next one month, I will revert to my people to advise on what to do because the Federal Government is complicit on the issue of herders’ attacks on the state,” he said.

2022 Flood: Prosperity Cup Joint Top Scorer Drowns

. Deceased died after saving five lives from capsized boat

. Prosperity Cup DG sympathises with bereaved families

The corpse of 31 years old footballer Earnest Peremobowei has been recovered two days after drowning at Yenebelebiri community in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa state.

The remains of deceased who died after saving five other occupants of the boat, has since been deposited in the Federal Medical Centre Morgue, Yenagoa.

He was said to be on his way to Yenebelebiri community in company of five other persons when their boat capsized after running into the Yenagoa Jetty Barge and lost control.

Brother to the deceased, Ernest Komboye, who confirmed the incident, said the brother died of exhaustion after saving five occupants of the boat.

He said they were trying to cross over to the Yenebelebiri community to check the level of devastation to their houses abd farmlands when the sad incident occurred .

The late footballer, was the joint top scorer at this year’s Bayelsa Governor Football Tournament, otherwise known as the Prosperity Cup, where he scored nine goals during the competition for Ibebelebiri community.

Meanwhile, organisers of the Prosperity Cup, through it’s Director General, Mr Ono Akpe, has commiserated with the family of the deceased, describing it as a sad tale for the football community in Bayelsa and Nigeria as a whole.

Mr Akpe who recounted the skills and passion of the late footballer who also played for Dreams Academy at the last State FA Cup finals, said the state has lost one of its brightest future stars to the devastating flood.

The Director General commiserated with the family of Ernest, his teammates and officials of Dreams Academy, as well as the entire football community in the state, as he prayed that God should grant the immediate family, the fortitude to bear the loss describing him as a hero.

“This is really sad for me. Ernest was a very good player. We saw his exploits at the last Prosperity Cup where he scored nine goals. Even at the finals of the FA Cup against Bayelsa United, he scored a beautiful goal. He is one player we wished realised his dream of playing for bigger teams.His exploits and bravery is exemplary. The fact that he saved five persons before succumbing to the raging torrents is indeed quite unfortunate.

“On behalf of the organizers, I sympathize with the family, his teammates, the football community, the Sports Ministry, the State Government, and all those who knew him in anyway. He was indeed a hero”

“I pray God to bless his gentle soul, and also give the family the strength to bear the irreplaceable loss.”

Mr Akpe, however, commended the state government led by Senator Douye Diri, for his proactive steps in reaching out to victims affected by the ravaging flood, and doing everything humanly possible to mitigate the effect of the flood on the people.

He called on the Federal Government , International Agencies, organisations and well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of the state saying the effects of the devastating flood is more than any state can handle single handedly.

Ernest Peremobowei is survived by a wife , 3 children and his parents.

Address Corruption Allegations Against You Within Two Weeks, Corruption Track Network Tells Former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique

…or Face Public Action

By Our Correspondent

Corruption Track Network (CTN) has demanded that a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, and his wife, the current minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar to respond to numerous allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, unlawful recruitment and arming of youths in Bauchi State as well as extrajudicial killings that took place under his watch as Chief of Air Staff.

A statement by the Country Director of CTN, Dr. Idris Inusa confirmed that the organisation is in custody of several allegations levelled against the retired military officer which is viewed globally as major components of crime against humanity and a threat to the society.

Some of the allegations CTN has being tracking include: That as a one time Nigerian Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique was enmeshed in a series of corruption allegations including abuse of power and multiple diversion of funds meant for procurement of military hardware and allowances for personnel of the Armed Forces.

That during Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique’s tenure as Chief of Air Staff,
soldiers under his command killed defenceless Nigerians without cause and in violation of every known domestic and international laws and conventions. Airstrikes in war zones across the country frequently resulted in civilian deaths. The casualty figure during his five years tenure were massive.

At least seven recorded instances of the NAF hitting the wrong targets between 2014 and late 2020 exist, including the 2017 bombardment of the Rann Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp in Borno State. The incident claimed the lives of at least 160 victims, many of whom were children.

In Borno in 2020, a fighter jet hit Sakotoku hamlet, killing about 17 people—including children. At least 176 Nigerians have died as a result of these incidents, and hundreds more have been hurt.

Additionally, there have been instances of NAF bombings in the South-West and South-East, especially among those thought to be Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members. These “accidental” bombings also claimed the lives of ground forces.

In addition to the airstrikes, CTN has tracked several misbehavior, sleaze, and corruption charges against Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique. He was alleged to have giving some robbers N20 million in 2021 in exchange for a 12.7 calibre anti-aircraft gun.

Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Babagana Monguno, had revealed that funds running into billions of naira meant for procuring arms and ammunition under the past service chiefs, including Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, were unaccounted for. Sadique was replaced as Chief of Air Staff on January 26, 2021.

Corruption Track Network (CTN) also thinks that Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique’s wife who is the current minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar needs to address corruption charges against her.

Our corruption tracking reveals that
the Federal Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management has been as a cesspool of corruption, lacking transparency and accountability, with hundreds of billions unaccounted for under the leadership of the Hajia Sadiya Umar who incidentally is the pioneer minister in the newly created ministry.

We are in possession of several petitions written to law enforcement agencies including the Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC as well as attempt by some individuals and groups to seek the cooperation of this Air Force Chief and his wife, a cabinet member, all to no avail.

CTN notes that proceeds from these corrupt acts by the duo of Abubakar Sadique and Sadiya Umar have been deployed towards securing electoral victory at the gubernatorial elections in Bauchi State.

As part of the former Air Force Chief who is the APC governorship candidate in Bauchi State, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique and the APC’s electioneering strategies to win the 2023 governorship election in the state, about 1,000 militants and political thugs are believed to have been recruited and armed ahead of the 2023 election in the state.

That a colossal amount of monies have been earmarked for this purpose for vote buying and other acts such as compromising officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission, the Nigerian Police Force and other security agencies that will form part of the electoral process.

CTN is alarmed at such a flagrant display of ill-gotten wealth by the Abubakar Sadique and Sadiya Umar duo, which by all indications is above their remuneration as public officers. The implication is that the duo has amassed public funds through corrupt practices by virtue of the offices they occupied, which is indeed an economic and financial crime.

OUR DEMANDS

The Corruption Track Network is demanding that the duo of former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar Sadique, and his wife, the current minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Hajia Sadiya Umar should present themselves within two week as an ultimatum to respond to these huge allegations levelled against them without which we will approach the courts for criminal prosecution of the retired Air Force officer and his wife.

That the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC to revisit the various corruption allegation levelled against Sadique while he was Chief of Air Staff, running into billions of naira meant for arms purchase in the prosecution of the war against terrorism in the country; various killings of defenceless Nigerians without cause under his command; allegation of giving robbers N20 million in 2021 in exchange for a 12.7 calibre anti-aircraft gun.

That the anti-graft agency must also probe the finances of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs since Umar assumed leadership of the ministry.
Specifically, the National Social Investment Program, NPOWER, the National Home Grown School Feeding Program, and other social interventions under the supervision of her ministry during the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, including how the N2.67bn meant for school feeding during the COVID-19 lockdown ended up in private bank accounts, and payments of N729bn to 24.3 million to poor Nigerians.

The CTN will in expiration of the two weeks ultimatum explore other options to bring the duo to account for their activities as public servants including seeking the audience of the international community.

IYC Decry Nonchalant Attitude Of FG To Floods In Niger Delta

The Human massacre effect of this flood and the nonchalant attitude of the federal government in providing succor for the over 25million Niger Deltans has shown the level of disregard for human lives in the Niger Delta and the deliberate total ignominy of the so-called candidates of various parties seeking for the votes of the Niger Delta people.

The President of the Ijaw Youth Council, IYC worldwide Comrade Peter Igbifa stated this in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital while appreciating President Muhammadu Buhari for discontinuing with the illegality at the NDDC by dissolving the Sole Administrator of the commission.
The IYC heldsman asked the Nation’s President to act fast in solving the humanitarian crisis that has surfaced in cause of the very devastating effect of the flood especially the current situation faced by Bayelsa state which is completely cut off from the road Networks of Nigeria.


Against the unpatriotic statement of Senior Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, Bayelsa needs serious support from the Federal Government and the world over to enable her manage in this devastating flooding situation.

According to Igbifa, he noted that over 1000 communities are severely affected and over 20million people in the Niger Delta are affected directly or indirectly.
We have seen in course of this flood how dead bodies exhume and floats in their numbers in Bayelsa state leaving the populace to face the hazardous health, environmental and phycological challenges on regular basis since the water invasion.

The governors of the Niger Delta states particularly Bayelsa state are helpless and requires urgent intervention to ameliorate the devastating humanitarian crisis situation in the state if not the 2023 election will be a disgrace and shows that the federal government and various political candidates have no value for lives and property order than what God has blessed us with beneath our soil and the votes they require to win their selfish election victory desires.

With this flooding development no candidate has shown solidarity by visiting impacted areas in the region and providing palliative to the helpless and homeless people as a result of national negligence.

Igbifa finally stated that we shall only support the candidate that values the lives of the people of the Niger Delta beyond our resources and winning elections.