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Day Of Rage And Fire Over Rice

Published

9 years ago

June 27, 2016

By James BWALA

The drama over this year’s Ramadan rice started, when two suspected Boko Haram members send to spy on the strength of security operatives supervising the distribution of the wanted commodity was busted by the vigilance eye of the Civilian JTF, who are keenly watching every move in the crowd of over 30,000 people said to have come around the deputy governor’s office at the Maiduguri Government House for the yearly event. Earlier, the Ramadan rice went missing and fingers pointed at government officials for diverting the rice, but suddenly the rice reappeared for distribution. National Trail reports that, two suspected, Boko Haram spy were on Wednesday intercepted by the Civilian JTF at the Borno state deputy governor’s office, and handed over to security operative at the government house for onward delivery to the Nigerian military. It was said that, the two Boko Haram spy were at the ground to monitor as people were busy scrambling for rice with the intention of attacking them through suicide bombing. Although nothing incriminating was said to have been found on them, Civilian JTF controlling the crowd said, the suspects confessed to have come to spy for possible security lapses in other to send suicide bombers on the crowd for maximum casualty. A member of the Civilian JTF, Goni Abdullahi told National Trail that, “We saw them looking tensed and they are not trying to collect the rice but were being conscious of the security situation and we asked them to identify themselves. They could not give proper identification and they were trying to fight us, so we arrested them and took them to the security. “When they were beating they confess to have come on mission to spy the security situation for a possible attack on innocent residents who came out to seek food at the rice distribution centre at the deputy governor’s office.” On Thursday, a Policeman was reported killed by soldier over Ramadan rice, a situation which described how bad hunger has struck the northeastern state of Borno. It was reported that, as a result of the shooting, Governor Kashim Shettima was trapped in his office, as other civilians flee for their lives. Eye witness reports have it that, trouble started when soldiers who had gone to the Government House to take delivery of their share of rice, were denied entry by the police, following which they attempted to force themselves resulting into physical combat even as efforts by both the GOC7 Div and the Police Commissioner to gain entrance into the Government House for possible rescue of the Governor and other Government officials were repelled by the rampaging police and soldiers. However, while clarifying on the issue over a contain fracas between a Policeman and a Soldier at the deputy governor’s office, a joint statement by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Police described the clash as unfortunate a disagreement which led to the unfortunate shooting of a policeman on his foot. According to the statement, the Policeman is responding to treatment and has been visited by the theatre commander, operation Lafiya Dole, Major General LEO Irabor and the Commissioner of Police, Borno State Command, Aminchi Baraya, both of whom went together to sympathize with the policeman. Giving background to the clash, the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Security, Mr Ahmed Sanda, had on Sunday, June 19, 2019 began the distribution of rice to internally displaced persons living in the host communities of Maiduguri and Jere metropolis. The distribution was meant to take place at 28 wards of the two local government areas unfortunately, when the exercise was launched in old Maiduguri ward for Jere local government area and at Shehuri north ward for Maiduguri on Sunday, hoodlums overpowered the
committee in both instances and made away with many bags of the rice meant for the displaced persons. “As a result, officials tasked with the distribution shifted the exercise to two premises around the office of the Deputy Governor outside the Government House in order to ensure security of the food items while beneficiaries were identified and issued with allocation notes to give them access to the distribution centers. The exercise had gone smoothly since Sunday with some wards covered, until the unfortunate development on Thursday.” The statement said. It further that, while the Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force in Maiduguri jointly condemn this unfortunate incident which was quickly brought under full control; The Army and the Police are jointly investigating the cause of the fracas with a view to ensuring that anyone found culpable amongst the security men are made to face disciplinary measures in line with laid down rules of the Nigerian Armed Forces. “Findings and measures taken will be brought to public knowledge as soon as possible.” The statement read. It continued that, the Army and the police operating in Borno state is assuring the general public that they will continue to collaborate and work together towards their ongoing counter insurgency and civil security efforts that have led to the emerging peace in the State. “The Army and the Police commands in Borno State call on all personnel to exercise restraint in the cause of their duties and should strive to respect one another and work together to secure innocent citizens and maintain peace.” The statement said.

Featured

El-Rufai Prays for Late Audu Ogbeh, Says He Deserves Al-Jannah Firdaus Despite Being Catholic

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Our Reporter

By: Fabian Apechihin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has described the late Chief Audu Ogbeh as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to the service of others, praying that God grants him eternal rest in paradise.

Speaking in a video shared by Symfoni TV, El-Rufai acknowledged that Ogbeh was a Catholic, not a Muslim, but said he would continue to pray that Allah admits him into Al-Jannah Firdaus because “he is deserving of it.”

Holding back tears, the former governor praised Ogbeh as “a good man” who touched many lives and left behind a legacy of service. He also recalled Ogbeh’s achievements as Minister of Agriculture, noting that under his leadership Nigeria ended its heavy reliance on rice imports.

“Before his reforms, Nigeria was spending five million dollars monthly on rice imports, but that figure dropped to zero during his tenure,” El-Rufai said.

He prayed for comfort for Ogbeh’s family and loved ones, adding: “I will keep praying for Audu Ogbeh, a Catholic and not a Muslim, so that Allah would grant him entrance to Al-Jannah Firdaus. What a great man he was.”

Do you want me to make this more emotional and tribute-like (focusing on Ogbeh’s character and legacy), or keep it strictly factual and political?

Featured

Facilitation

Published

2 weeks ago

September 24, 2025

Our Reporter

I join millions of Nigerians in celebrating a man whose life continues to illuminate the path of honour, courage, and patriotism: Colonel Abubakar Dangiwa Umar (Rtd.), on the occasion of his 76th birthday. It is not only a moment of personal reflection but a national milestone, as we honour a soldier, statesman, pro-democracy icon, and moral conscience of our nation.

Colonel Umar stands tall among Nigeria’s most principled voices; his name evoking an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and democratic ideals. In the tumultuous days following the annulment of the historic June 12, 1993 presidential election, when many chose silence or self-preservation, he chose the difficult path of truth. He risked his career, comfort, and personal safety by speaking out in defence of Chief MKO Abiola’s stolen mandate, despite being a senior member of the ruling military council. It was a singular act of bravery that not only inspired a generation but redefined the meaning of loyalty to country over convenience.

As a young civil rights activist in those difficult days, I found in Colonel Umar not just a role model, but a moral compass. He demonstrated to us that true leadership is not merely about wielding power, but standing firm in defence of what is right, even at great personal cost. His resignation from the Nigerian Army at a time when he stood poised for further elevation is perhaps one of the most courageous acts in our political history.

As Governor of Kaduna State today, I draw deep inspiration from his sterling example of inclusive leadership. His tenure as military governor of this great state remains a reference point for fairness, balance, and peacebuilding. In a deeply diverse and, at times, fractured society, he governed with wisdom, compassion, and an unshakeable belief in our shared humanity.

Colonel Umar’s transcendence of ethnic and religious divides has never required a denial of his own identity. Rather, he has drawn strength from it: his noble Fulani lineage, his deep Islamic faith, and his enduring belief that justice is the foundation of peace.

I am proud to stand among those who celebrate him, not only for his past heroism, but for his continued voice of conscience in our national life. I also warmly commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for honouring him with the Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), a richly deserved recognition.

Happy 76th birthday, our highly revered Colonel Dangiwa Umar. May your legacy continue to inspire generations to come.

Senator Uba Sani, CON
Governor, Kaduna State

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Natasha; Defamations Charges On Akpabio, Yahaya Bello Suffers Adjournment

Published

2 weeks ago

September 23, 2025

Our Reporter

By Hassan Taiye

For the second time in 24 hours, the trial of the suspended Kogi Central Senator, Natasha Apoti-Uduaghan for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello suffered an adjournment.

The trial scheduled to kick-start on Tuesday was put off by the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja following objections raised by the suspended senator against the competence of the charges.

Natasha predicated her objections on the alleged abuse of prosecutorial powers by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation AGF by filing charges against her at the Federal High Court and the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory on the same subject matter and same complaints.

When the matter was called, David Kaswe, a lawyer from the Ministry of Justice informed the court of his readiness to open the case against the defendant.

He claimed to have his first witness, a Superintendent of Police, Abdulhafeez Garba in court to testify against the senator.

He requested for permission of the court to call the witness into the witness box.

The request was however opposed by lead counsel to the defendant Mr Ehighioge West-Idahosa SAN on the ground that his client has filed a motion on notice, challenging the competence of the charges and the jurisdiction of the court.

West-Idahosa said that the motion has been served on the Attorney General of the Federation AGF as required by law but that the AGF had not responded.

In the drama that ensued, the federal government lawyer who announced appearance for the AGF Office argued that he ought to have been served personally or be informed on phone on the filing of the motion and requested that Natasha’s claim be rejected.

However, the trial Judge, Justice Chizoba Orji found in the case file that the AGF office was served with the motion but had not responded as required by law.

At this point, the federal government lawyer admitted that the AGF had been out of the country and as such, has not made the motion available to him.

After taking arguments for and against adjournment, Justice Chizoba Orji held that the proper thing was to shift trial to enable AGF respond to the motion in the interest of fair hearing.

The Judge subsequently fixed October 27 for Natasha’s motion to be heard along with the response of the AGF.

About two thousand sympathizers escorted the senator to court thereby giving security agents hectic job to control crowd and ward off security breaches.

Natasha’ was on Thursday, June 19, 2025 docked at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja for allegedly defaming the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio and former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Adosa Bello.

She was put on trial by the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF) on three-count criminal charges bordering on harmful imputations during a television interview.

When the charges were read, she pleaded not guilty to all of them.

Justice Chizoba admitted her to bail in the sum of N50 million and one surety in the like sum in the charge marked CR/297/25 filed on May 15, 2025.

The judge had held that the surety must be an owner of landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.

Natasha was, in count one, accused of making harmful imputation which she knew would harm the reputation of the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, by claiming he plotted, with former Kogi governor, Yahaya Bello, to kill her.

In count two, she was accused of making a similar harmful imputation knowing that it will harm the reputation of ex-governor Yahaya Bello.

In count three, she was accused of making another imputation, which she knew would harm the reputation of Akpabio by associating him with the death of one Miss Imoren Iniobong.

Meanwhile, the National Assembly has unsealed the office of Senator Natasha, granting her access to the the National Assembly six months after her suspension.