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Why Nigeria Urgently Needs Judicial Commission of Inquiry-CSO
A Civil Society Organisation, Save Nigeria Movement has urged President Muhammad Buhari to immediately set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry to investigate the many tragedies that have befallen the nation over the years.
According to the group, it has become pertinent to administered justice to the past unresolved tragic event so that true unity, cohesion and peace of Nigeria will be attained.
In a press conference jointly addressed by Mr Solomon Semaka, the convener of the movement, Richard Oduma of Coalition of Minority Tribes in Nigeria and Dr. Ndubisi Okon, Center for Advanced History and Civil Right, it maintained that the sad events have continually widened the gap of Nigeria’s unity based on suspicion among other diverse ethnic groups.
The group further seeks for an open national conservation that will ultimately lead to a lasting and sustainable reconciliation that will heal every ethnic group of the past and create a sense of oneness.
Read full text below:
STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
BY SAVE NIGERIA MOVEMENT
THEME: TRUTH, RECONCILIATION, AND FORGIVENESS; PANECEA TO NIGERIA’S NATIONAL UNITY AND COHESION
THE URGENT NEED FOR A JUDICIAL COMMISSION OF INQUIRY INTO NIGERIA’S PAST
FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2020.
Gentlemen of the press
Good afternoon.
The Save Nigeria Movement as you all know has been in the forefront of championing the country’s course to national unity.
Our activities since inception have been tailored toward the realisation of this noble objective; returning the nation to the part of peace,unity and progress inspite of our apparent diversity.
So today, we have called you here as critical stakeholders to help us stress and spread the message of unity, cohesion and peace upon which, this country was built.
Only through peace and unity can our national heritage be revived and sustained as a people.
But we can not truly achieve the desired unity we seek as a nation, if certain issues that interrupted and dampened our history as a nation in the past are unresolved.
Verily and truly, that unity can only be achieved on the heels of our collective will and determination as a people to come together and unravel certain historical and circumstantial occurrences that seem to entrench distrust and divide us as a nation.
Our history gives us a disheartening insight into certain national tragic events that happened in the past in our nation’s developmental trajectory that hampered and continues to stunt our desire for true unity and cohesion.
Most of the events are of course negative, and our inability or unwillingness to unravel the mystery behind their occurrence has widened and continue to widen the gap of distrust in the minds of generations before and after us.
Fellow compatriots, until this sad events are reviewed and reconciliation sought, on the basis of truth and sincerity, peace and unity will continue to evade us a nation.
The Save Nigeria Movement in furtherance to the ideals of the Organisation; which is primarily; to enhance, promote and entrench national unity and cohesion has identified a number of unresolved events that have remained a barrier towards the attainment of our collective unity as a nation.
This state of the union address seeks to provide a platform to advance a clarion call on all leaders of thought, statesmen, religious leaders, civil society groups and all stakeholders to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari and the federal government to set up a ‘Judicial Commission of Inquiry’ to look into the circumstances of the very many sad events that occurred in our nation’s history; especially those events that widened the gap of our unity based on suspicion among our diverse ethnic nationalities.
This address further seeks to open a national conversation that will ultimately lead to a lasting and sustainable reconciliation that will heal every ethnic nationality of the past and bring us together into one consciousness.
Until the call for this imminent inquiry becomes a national discourse, peace and unity will continue to evade us a nation and at a higher cost.
Consequent on the above background, and in line with the wishes and mood of the wider spectrum of the citizens of this great country, the Save Nigeria Movement has upon due consultations identified a wide but limited number of events in our nations history to be reopened for national discourse.
Let me say here that , limited as the issues outlined here may appear, there scope will be expanded to cover other similar events which our secretariat is unable to highlight in this particular address.
This goes to say, we will continue to expand the scope of the issues and unravel more events in the future as the conversation takes proper course.
To this end, and in the interim, the Save Nigeria Movement has identified and resolved to call on President Buhari to immediately set up a ‘Judicial Commission of Inquiry’ to investigate the following events;
(i). The tragic 1992 Airforce military aircraft C-130 Crash in Lagos state in which over 160 senior and middle level military officers and the entire crew died.
(ii). The 2006 tragic occurrence of an air force donier 228 aircraft crash in Benue state that killed about (15) senior military officers and the entire crew.
(iii).The sad incident of Boeing 737 plane crash that occurred in October 2006 in Abuja which claimed the lives the late Sultan of Sokoko ,Alh Maccido , his Son, Senator Maccido, grand son as well the then deputy governor, Alh Garba Muhammad as well as 98 others.
(iv).To : Investigate and unravel the circumstances of the tragic crash of a naval helicopter in 2012 in Nembe Bayelsa state which claimed the lives of Gov Patrick Yakowa, Gen Andrew Azazi and many others.
(v) To: reopen, investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding the bombing and subsequent murder of Nigeria’s famous journalist Dele Giwa using a parcel Bomb.
(Vi) To: Reopen, review and unravel the circumstances surrounding the arrest of Gloria Okon and her subsequent mysterious death.
(Vii)To reopen, investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding the murder of Chief Bola Ige in 2001.
(Viii)To: Reopen, review and unravel the circumstances surrounding the burning and killing of the Resident INEC Commissioner and his family in Kano in 2015.
(ix) To: Reopen, review and unravel the circumstances surrounding the 2011 bombings of the INEC office in Suleja which killed over (25) people.
(x).To: Reopen, review and unravel the circumstances surrounding the ceding of Bakkasi to the republic of Cameroon and the attendant issues that followed.
(Xi) To: Reopen, review and appraise the circumstances that led to the annulment of June 12 election which was acclaimed as free and fair by both local and International communities.
(xii) To: Investigate and unravel the circumstances that led to Moshood Abiolas death.
(xiii) To : Reopen, investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding the persistent and recurring crisis between herdsmen and farmers across the country over the decades.
(xiv) To: Investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Stella Obasanjo, the former first lady.
(xv)To: reopen investigate and unravel the circumstances surrounding the death of Ms Arotile , the first female combat pilot the country has ever produced.
(xvi)To : Reopen, review and unravel the circumstances that led to the military invasion of Odi community in Bayelsa state and Zakibiam in Benue state.
(xvii) To : Reopen and unravel the circumstances surrounding the genesis of terrorism in the northern part of Nigeria.
Amongst many others.
Ladies and gentlemen, the events outlined above and many more that are not recorded here today need to be critically and honestly censored for the truth to be laid bare if we must achieve the unity and reconciliation that we seek as a people.
Every issue itemized in this address has contributed to widen the gap of unity in this country. Each of these events has reinforced doubts in the minds of our people. Each of these events have fostered distrust amongst our people.
Our diversity has been reinforced time and again on the heels of this recurring and unresolved issues in our history.
Our collective national direction and trajectory as a people seeking unity has since been lost on account of this unresolved events.
All these have further entrenched hatred, division and promoted distrust amongst citizens and between ethnic groups in the country.
Sadly; but as expected, the tendencies are being transferred from generation to generation thus pushing us farther apart from the realisation of the goals upon which this country was built; unity!
Fellow compatriots, on account of this widening distrust due to unresolved issues, typical of note just for an example, we have in this country; airlines, transport companies, schools, hospitals, banks etc that their patronage/management is determined largely by ethnic inclinations depending on the origin of ownership.
This sad reality, if remains unchecked, poses the greatest impediment to our unity and maximizes the threat to our internal and national security, as well as our national economy.
Our political value system is on the verge of collapse based on the widening gaps of distrust amongst ourselves.
Our bureaucracy is endangered on the basis distrust. We have situations in the country at various workplaces were colleagues working for same government pursue different agenda all on account of distrust amongst ourselves. All of this boils down to lack of healing from past events. Many of which we have outlined above.
Going forward, my fellow countrymen and women, we must begin the task of rebuilding our nation from scratch on the foundation laid by our founding fathers.
We can only achieve this by following the only tested template; which is TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION.
Once again as I round up this state of the union address, we call on president Muhammadu Buhari to constitute a JUDICIAL COMMISSION of INQUIRY to critically reexamine the above issues with a view to unveiling the TRUTH, upon which lasting RECONCILIATION AND FORGIVENESS will be achieved for a more United and prosperous Nigeria of our dreams.
My fellow compatriots.
Thank you all.
Mr Solomon Semaka.
Convener
SAVE NIGERIA MOVEMENT
Richard ODUMA
Convener
Coalition of Minority Tribes in Nigeria.
Dr Ndubisi Okon
Center For Advanced History and Civil Rights.
Former Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government and ex-governorship candidate, Uche Nwosu, along with Sir Richard Odibo, a former Federal Commissioner on the Board of the Nigeria Population Commission, Barr. Freedom Friday Ibritam, a Senior Legislative Aide to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and three others have been awarded Master’s degrees (MSc) in Public Governance and Leadership, as well as in Policy and Strategic Studies. These degrees were conferred by the Abuja Leadership Centre (ALC) at Yakubu Gowon University, previously known as the University of Abuja.
Professor Philip Dahida, the Director of the Centre, disclosed that these achievements were awarded after the recipients completed all requirements, including the successful external defense of their dissertations on Monday, March 16, 2026.
Nwosu, who previously served as Deputy Chief of Staff to the Imo State Government, Ibritam—a former senior police officer—and Odibo received their MSc degrees alongside real estate developer Egbe Oloche Daniel and Gila Ibiere Dikko. Additionally, Dr. Success Tosin Ademeso, a lecturer at the University of Abuja, earned an MSc in Policy and Strategic Studies.
After the event, Professor Dahida praised the external examiner, Professor Charles Nwekeaku from Nasarawa State University, for his thorough and professional evaluation of the MSc candidates. He urged the graduates to strictly adhere to the examiner’s counsel and ensure all suggested corrections are implemented. Dahida also encouraged them to apply the knowledge they gained for the betterment of society.
Reacting to this academic achievement, Sir Richard Odibo explained that he chose the programme (public governance and leadership) because of his interest in the subject. He noted that his research on the census in Nigeria could help the country plan more effectively and take its rightful place among nations. Odibo emphasized that the findings from his academic work could motivate scholars and citizens to advocate for the depoliticization of the census process.
He advised the Federal Government to conduct a new national census, recalling that the last one occurred in 2006. Odibo stated, “For Nigeria to have a good development plan, reliable census data is essential. Without accurate figures, planning becomes impossible. You can’t develop evenly.”
He further explained, “The need for a census is critical for us; it’s like oxygen. Without it, we’ll continue to make misguided plans, and if you fail to plan, you plan to fail.”
Odibo expressed that one major challenge Nigeria faces is obtaining reliable and acceptable census data, a problem that has persisted since before independence. As a former Federal Commissioner, he felt a personal responsibility to investigate these challenges, stating, “This became a challenge that drove me to look deeper into the reasons behind our difficulties with censuses. I believe my research will help persuade citizens and scholars alike that we must remove politics from the census process. If we can achieve that, Nigeria will benefit greatly.”
The Abuja Leadership Centre at the University of Abuja is recognized as a TETFUND Centre of Excellence for Public Governance and Leadership, dedicated to enhancing public governance and leadership in Nigeria and beyond.
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☆☆As Reports inficate Possible Insurgent Threats.
By: Special Correspondent.
In apparent response to recent security developments relating to insurgent movements and emerging operational concerns within the Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital and surrounding areas, security operatives have been placed on red alert.
Our correspondent gathered over the past few days indicate that insurgent elements have been attempting to regroup and reorganise their activities in across the state, especially around Maiduguri metropolitan axis.
This is even as the Borno State Government have assured of adequate security arrangements to ward off any possible security threat.
According to findings, these developments have generated growing concern among local communities and security observers, who in turn called the attention of the Borno state government..
Although intelligence monitoring over the last three days,indicates reduction in their vissible activities, owing to patrols by security personnel and frontline defence groups, the city remains under intense watch..l
Further reports available to us indicate that some of the insurgent elements were sighted operating around Duwari village under Konduga Local Government Area, where they appear to be attempting to regroup and reposition themselves, for possible mischief during the upcoming Eid prayer gatherings, which they may perceive as opportunities to exploit large public gatherings.
Highly placed security source told our correspondent that, the current surveillance and intelligence monitoring across the state by soldiers, members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and other frontline defenders remains a capable check against any mischief.
“Our level of preparedness against any mischief remains on high and we are prepared to confront any insurgent threat should the situation call for it”.
“Only a few days ago, insurgent elements made an attempt to regroup in some areas around Maiduguri Metropolitan and Konduga, and upon receiving credible intelligence regarding their presence and movements, we immediately moved in with our swift operational response team”, the source added.
While reassuring that available security assets, including soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), are capable of confronting any insurgent group, our source, said, any attempt by any group to come into Maiduguri, will amount to “a suicide mission”, on their part.
Our correspondent further reports that, the Borno state Government has in the last few weeks provided enormous logistics and equipment to security operatives in what looks like a renewed fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, who have been attempting a resurgence in activities.
Reports across Borno state indicate that, Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, who have been fleeing their enclaves following intense attacks on them by troops, have in the process been attacking vulnerable communities in search of food and other logistics.
Reports say most of their camps have been destroyed, and they are desperately making attempts at re-entering Maiduguri.
Camps around the notorious Sambisa forest are said to have been vacated ahead of oncomming onslaughts and the terrorists have retreated and fled into the Mandara mountains close to Nigeria’s border with Cameroun.
Subsequent surveillance checks conducted through intelligence monitoring channels confirmed that the fleeing elements were attempting to regroup in nearby locations, suggesting a continued attempt to maintain an operational presence within some areas.
Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, who recently concluded a statewide tour has expressed concerns about the operational coordination among community-based security groups, with a promuse to ginger them up for more action.
As a result, several community defence formations operate simultaneously, including, the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Hunters,Vigilante groups
and other local frontline defenders.
He has vowed to flush out, what inteligence observers, described as certain individuals within these formations, who may have indirect alignments or may be responsible for information leakages that could potentially compromise ongoing security operations.
The inteligence circle in Borno has often complained that, insurgent elements appear to have prior knowledge of local security movements and response patterns, even as it raised concerns about possible infiltration or operational compromise within these community security structures.
Governor Zulum, during his recent tour promised to remedy the situation, after a careful institutional review and restructuring in order to strengthen operational discipline and reduce vulnerabilities within the community defence architecture.
Information available to us indicate that, certain
security measures are being contemplateded for Maiduguri during the Eid celeberations, which may include strict monitoring of vehicular and human movements to minimize potential vulnerabilities that hostile elements could exploit to infiltrate the city.
While physical security alert remains in place, this medium gathered that, intelligence gathering is being strengthened and early warning mechanismsactivated across Maiduguri.
In the face of these, uneasy calm still pervade the citizenry as they prepare for the oncoming celeberations.
Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chairman, Board of Trustees of the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited (NCGC), Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has joined Nigerians in celebrating Former Governor Jonah Jang, fondly called Baba Jang, as he clocks 82 years.
In a glowing tribute, Dogara described Baba Jang as a visionary leader whose life and service remain a beacon of hope for generations. He noted that Jang’s tenure as Governor of Plateau State was marked by courage, foresight, and an unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and development.
“Baba Jang’s life is a testimony of service and sacrifice. He invested in infrastructure, strengthened institutions, and worked tirelessly to foster unity in Plateau State. His leadership was never about personal gain but about building lasting foundations for progress,” Dogara said.
He further emphasized that Jang’s integrity, resilience, and mentorship have shaped leaders across Nigeria, adding that his legacy continues to inspire beyond the boundaries of Plateau State.
“As he celebrates 82 years, we honor him not just for the offices he has held, but for the enduring impact he has made on countless lives. Baba Jang remains a statesman, a father figure, and a model of quality leadership,” Dogara added.
The tribute underscores Baba Jang’s enduring influence in Nigerian politics and governance, highlighting his role as a leader whose footprints on the sands of time cannot be erased.
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