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Makarfi PDP faction as the real terror group

Published

9 years ago

May 9, 2017

By: Richard Murphy

It takes morbid callousness or an unrivalled level of ignorance or a combination of both to attempt the stunt by a faction of the troubled People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in its reaction to the release of 82 of the abducted Chibok girls.

A statement credited to the spokesperson for the Ahmed Makarfi PDP faction, Dayo Adeyeye, apparently has issues with the swapping of the some Boko Haram prisoners for the girls.

Assessed on the template of beer parlour debate, the PDP faction has some points going for it. It contended that it is against the international principle of never negotiating with terrorists, would embolden Boko Haram to extract more concessions from the Federal Government and would encourage the terrorists to carry out more abductions. It is also worried that the released prisoners would be back in terrorists camps to possibly stage more attacks or worse still they would be free to roam the streets and recruit more fighters. Added to these, the faction of PDP somehow developed the empathy to articulate how the release of these 82 girls would affect the families whose members are still in captivity.

These arguments however fall flat once taken away from the realm of drinking joints where the average right thinking person is able to humanly and humanely look at issues without the benefit of confounding fumes. The situation at hand requires the clearest of thinking to appreciate what has happened with the benefit of foresight and hindsight and not just responding out of reflex.

That is what is expected of all rational Nigerians at this moment as only such appreciation would have made the greatest critics of the Nigerian Federal Government to commend the release of the girls without bothering about the cost at which their freedom was secured.

The Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) Group, which has been at the forefront of demanding action from the government on the girls’ release was ecstatic at the news that 82 girls have been freed. The group was elated six months ago when the first batch of 21 girls were released and judging from its reaction its appreciation was four-folds for the second batch of 82 girls.

Even the usually antagonistic Amnesty International (AI) which saw nothing good about the monumental efforts of our gallant troops to redeem the country from terrorists, had positive things to say about the release of the girls. Where the safety and freedom of the abducted girls is concerned, swapping ten terrorists in detention for one girl is justifiable as the country would have saved one person from a harsh fate by so doing. That said, the claim of this factional PDP must be addressed so that it does not continue to have the misplaced impression that it can ride on a wave of populism to worm its way back into public acceptance on the wrong premise.

Unfortunately, the PDP was trying to create unnecessary fear over the tendency for terrorists’ to re-offend upon being freed, recidivism. The faction however failed to point out that terrorists that re-offend are most likely to get killed when they return to a life of crime. This is not counting the fact that those likely to succumb to recidivism constitute a fraction of those that regain freedom. Re-offending is also not limited to terrorists, other criminals re-offend too. And now that the PDP has drawn our attention to it, another chance to this gang of politicians will see them re-offend by again looting the country and providing inept leadership.

Suddenly the PDP, which committed its years in power to creating the hydra-headed Boko Haram is now aware of international principles. It is now enlightened to the point of knowing that it is not globally acceptable to negotiate with terrorists.

The claim in this regard is ridiculous because it was the PDP, in the era of Alex Badeh as Chief of Defence Staff, that was busy declaring ceasefires each time it was supposed to strike a final blow against the terrorists. It was the PDP that employed the tired cliché of order from above to free the earliest Boko Haram suspects at a time when there were no civilian hostages to be freed. It was the PDP that paid huge amounts to terrorists for failed ceasefires only for Boko Haram to use the funds to procure sophisticated weapons. Someone must therefore tell the PDP that this swap is not the same as the charade that went on in their own time.

It is exceedingly naïve to tout the concept of not negotiating with terrorists without recognizing the trade-offs. Countries that do not negotiate with terrorists tend to exterminate the captives with their captors. The PDP wants the government to pulverize the abducted girls with the Boko Haram captors! The girls were taken under PDP’s watch and they never thought to murder them at that time but they now want another government to have the blood of the innocent on its hands.

These desperadoes must ask themselves probing questions and answer sincerely. They should ask if the APC government has not demonstrated that governance is about the people no matter how mad they chose to be in a democracy? How many Nigerians initially held hostage by the terrorists from the PDP era have been freed today? The latter question has to do with deliberate omission by the PDP in its statement to recognize that there are other hostages that do not have the Chibok Girls’ celebrity status, who have been freed through government intervention.

As for the families that will be traumatized seeing other girls returned when theirs are still in captivity, the PDP faction should have seen this as another opportunity at great reflection at the damage they inflicted, not just on the grieving families but on the entire nation. Their years of misrule and kleptocracy was the catalyst for the poverty that became the precursor for the growth of extremism and subsequently terrorism. The faction should visit these families and apologize for everything it failed to do while in power and the one it did wrong.

The factional PDP disagreement with negotiating to secure the release of the abducted girl is noted but should be taken with a pinch of salt. One must however wonder if this stance would be the case had the girls languishing in Boko Haram captivity were the children of those in that faction. It is one thing to reject an option; in this case negotiating the girls’ freedom, it is another thing to come up with viable alternatives to what is being rejected.

Since negotiating or swapping Boko Haram prisoners is not acceptable, what other options is the PDP giving us? It has none. This is sad. Could the be so bereft of ideas to this extent?

By trying to blackmail the government to leave the Chibok Girls in Boko Haram’s camps the Makarfi PDP faction has proven it is desirous of continuing to terrorize Nigerians. It is the only incentive it could have for trying to keep the girls imprisoned. In the last part of its 16 years of misrule, the then President Goodluck Jonathan admitted that Boko Haram were part of his cabinet, which also means they are in his political party, the PDP. Now that the end game for the terror group is near, its political face is manifesting in the form of the Markafi PDP faction. It is the real terror group.

Murphy is a security expert and contributed this piece from

Cotbus, Germany.

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SANKARA NIGERIA LIMITED PARTNERS LOVOL TO EMPOWER AFRICAN YOUTHS THROUGH MECHANIZATION TRAINING IN KADUNA

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Becky Hassan

In a bold step toward tackling youth unemployment and advancing agricultural mechanization in Nigeria and across Africa, Sankara Nigeria Limited, in partnership with LOVOL, has successfully launched an intensive training programme aimed at equipping young people with modern mechanical and technical skills.
The initiative, which focuses on contemporary mechanized systems and agricultural equipment maintenance, is designed to build a new generation of skilled technicians capable of driving Africa’s agricultural transformation. The programme provides hands-on training in modern mechanical practices, particularly in the operation, servicing, and maintenance of advanced farming machinery.
Speaking on the development, Dr. Nafiu Danladi Sankara described the opportunity as both impactful and timely, noting that the programme represents a strategic investment in human capital development. According to him, the collaboration between Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL underscores a shared commitment to empowering African youths with practical knowledge that fosters self-reliance and reduces dependence on white-collar employment.
He emphasized that the training is not limited to Nigeria alone but extends across Africa, reflecting a broader vision to create a continent-wide network of competent technicians who can support the growing demand for mechanized farming solutions.
“This initiative is about more than training; it is about creating opportunities, restoring dignity to labour, and building a future where young people can stand on their own through acquired skills,” he stated.
The technical workshop, which drew participants from different parts of the region, was held in Kaduna State, specifically in Zaria, at Unguwa Kaya Junction, New Jos Road, KM 2.
Participants in the programme expressed appreciation for the quality of training and the exposure to modern equipment, noting that such initiatives are critical in bridging the skills gap in the agricultural and mechanical sectors.
The programme also received warm support from the host community in Zaria, located in the historic Zazzau Emirate, where participants were welcomed with remarkable hospitality. Organizers and trainees alike commended the people of Zaria for their generosity and encouraging reception, which contributed to the overall success of the exercise.
As Nigeria continues to seek sustainable solutions to unemployment and food security challenges, initiatives like this stand as a testament to the role of private sector collaboration in national development. By equipping young people with relevant, market-driven skills, Sankara Nigeria Limited and LOVOL are not only transforming lives but also laying a solid foundation for economic growth and agricultural modernization across the continent.

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NNPCL Must Account for N210trn by April 29 – Senate

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

…Orders Ojulari-led management to produce Kyari, others before committee

From Taiye Hassan
The Senate, on Wednesday, through its Committee on Public Accounts, fixed April 29, 2026, as the deadline for the management of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to appear before it and account for the alleged N210 trillion flagged in audit reports covering 2017 to 2023.
The committee directed the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of NNPCL, Engineer Bayo Ojulari, to appear alongside the immediate past GCEO, Mele Kyari; former Chief Financial Officer, Umar Ajia; Dr. Bala Wunti; and the company’s external auditors on the scheduled date without fail.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West) and seconded by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North).
Chairman of the committee, Senator Aliyu Wadada (Nasarawa West), stressed that the N210 trillion in question, as contained in the audit reports, must be fully accounted for by the company’s management, particularly the immediate past leadership led by Kyari.
According to him, the responses so far provided by NNPCL to the 19 audit queries were unsatisfactory, noting that Nigerians deserve clear, detailed, and transparent explanations.
“This committee, and by extension the Senate, is not satisfied with the blanket explanation given by NNPCL on the N103 trillion it claimed represents liabilities. Liabilities comprise components such as retention fees, legal fees, and audit fees, and the specific amounts spent on each must be clearly stated and justified,” he said.
Wadada also demanded a detailed breakdown of the N107 trillion which the company claimed was expended on Joint Venture (JV) cash calls, as well as funds allegedly owed by some defunct banks whose identities were not disclosed.
“Consequently, it is hereby resolved that NNPCL is given an additional two weeks to appear before this committee unfailingly. The deadline for compliance is Wednesday, April 29, 2026,” he added.
Earlier, a member of the committee, Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), called for the invocation of the National Assembly’s powers to compel the appearance of NNPCL management, citing repeated failures to honour invitations.
“We must treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The essence of democracy rests significantly on the strength and authority of the legislature. Unfortunately, in recent times, there appears to be a growing reluctance by individuals to honour invitations from the National Assembly, leaving members feeling helpless in compelling appearances before committees,” he said.

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APC Group To Kwara Political Actors: Shun Violence, Hate Speech

Published

1 day ago

April 17, 2026

Our Reporter

Stephen Olufemi Oni, Ilorin

A frontline political group in the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State have charged political actors across the 16 local government areas of the State to shun violence, rancour and hate speech before, during and after the 2027 general elections.

The APC group, under the aegis of the Asa Progressive Movement (APM), has, therefore, sued for peaceful, issue-based campaigns, devoid of acrimony and name-calling, ahead of the elections.

The Movement made this call in Afon, headquarters of the Asa local government at the endorsement programme of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for second term, as well as the governorship ambition of former Kwara State APC Chairman, Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa.

In a communique signed by the APM Coordinator and the Secretary, Engineer Daud Oladipupo Babatunde and Comrade Yusuf Mutiu Akorede respectively, the Movement said: “We are committed to a peaceful, issue-based campaign and we, therefore, urge all political actors to shun violence, hate speech, and any conduct capable of heating up the polity.

“We call on all well-meaning sons and daughters of Kwara State, regardless of party affiliation, to join this movement for the restoration and advancement of our dear State.

“The 2027 election is about the future of our children and we must rise above petty sentiments.

“We pass a vote of confidence in Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa and in the leadership of our great party, the APC, for presenting to the people a competent, credible, and compassionate candidate.

“All structures of the Movement, from the State to the polling unit levels, are hereby directed to commence immediate and intensive mobilisation for the reelection of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the candidature of Hon. Bashir Omolaja Bolarinwa. Every member is now an ambassador of these two projects.”

The communique reads further: “Our decision is predicated on Hon. Bolarinwa’s proven track record of service as former Councillor, former Council Chairman, former member of the Federal House of Representatives, former State Chairman of the party, who led the party to 100 percent victory in the 2019 elections, and former Board Chairman of the NBC; his desire to tackle the lingering problems of insecurity, youth unemployment, and agricultural revival; and his integrity, accessibility, and capacity to unite the diverse peoples of the State.

“The APM unanimously endorses Tinubu for second term and Bolarinwa as our preferred candidate for the office of Governor in the 2027 general elections under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).”