Author Archives: BNCC NEWS

Yahaya Bello And The Tangled Web Of Detractors

The times are excitingly splendid for thinking, and the moment instructive. In my previous Press Statements I captured like a clairvoyant the times and the moment. And the drama is playing out speedily.

Before us is the Political fervency and currency of 2023, and without equivocation there are two clear divides already, the one is the group that seek political power for good and are engaging with the people, in this group Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi comes top. And the second is the group that seek power by all means and for selfish end, and to this group falsehood, deceit, debauchery and blackmail is king. Failing to push through with narrowing down the political space through zoning and rotation of the Presidency, they have deployed their goons armed with falsehood and deceit, but yet again, their lies won’t stick.

Sir Walter Scott captured the moment succinctly in that great quote of his from which I strictured the caption of this piece. “O what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”.

I shall place before you a few direct shots of those who have refused to build structures for what they consider their 2023 ambition, but have chosen to lie and trade deceit against the manifest front runner Governor Yahaya Bello GYB whose structures are presently effective, efficient and effectual across the nation. Youths and Elders alike are united in the call for the New Deal that GYB epitomizes.

They have told many lies against GYB, and we have consistently and clearly rebutted them, but for the umpteenth time let me place the records straight. And if you cannot research the facts, do not at least give vent and life to their lies and falsehood, because they won’t stick.

  1. They have lied that GYB does not pay workers. And the Truth is that GYB is not owing salaries. It is also an undeniable fact that Kogi State tops the Chart in the payment of Teachers and Medical/Health Workers in Nigeria.
  2. They say that GYB is not a performer. The truth is that Kogi State under GYB Kogi State has the most functional Rice Mill in Nigeria today. That today the Kogi State capital Lokoja is one of the fastest growing cities in Africa. That Kogi State under GYB leads the pack in the roll call of States that are servicing their local debts. That Kogi State with 9 borders including the FCT is the safest State in the North, and the second safest State in Nigeria. That Kogi State is the most gender sensitive and women friendly government in Nigeria. That Kogi State is the most Youth inclusive state in Nigeria, and the record continues.
  3. They lied that Kogi State put a whooping 20billion naira loan meant for the payment of Salaries into an interest yielding account in Sterling Bank. Unfortunately for the liars who have continued to push that false narrative, the Bank has denied the existence of any such funds. And the State of Kogi has not only refuted that daybreak falsehood but have taken legal steps against the purveyors of that falsehood.
  4. They have lied alleging improper disbursement of the COVID-19 funds by Kogi State. Forgetting that it is on record that Kogi State is the only state in Nigeria that has deployed some of the funds in building and upgrading her medical facilities. Remarkably the construction of one of the best ultra modern Hospitals in the whole of Africa is ongoing in Okene, Kogi State. Today that hospital is more than 65% ready. And clearly Resident Doctors and Health Workers have said severally that Kogi State is one of the few States that has religiously kept with their obligation to Medical Workers.
  5. They have lied about the prudence of the GYB administration. Unfortunately for them, every index of financial decency, credibility, prudence, accountability and decorum have shown the administration of the Accountant and Auditor called Governor Yahaya Bello GYB as topnotch and above board.
  6. They have lied against his strides in human capital development. Alas Kogi State is one of the States with the least prevalence of communicable diseases including the COVID-19 scourge. And Kogi State does not only feature in the chart of the States with the best compliance with the Mellenium Development Goals requirements, but has built many skill acquisition centres and have also trained so many in modern farming skills.
  7. The lie that GYB has dumped his aspiration for the high office of President and started lobbying for the position of Vice President is the cheapest and the most kindergarten of the many lies of the detractors. However we do not grudge the cowardice of those who have sleepless nights because of GYB. Take this to the Bank, Governor Yahaya Bello GYB is in the race for good, and come 2023 it will be a promise kept and a new walk as PYB. The fact we hold dear is that it is Youth O’Clock and GYB is the baton holder and the grail bearer of that trust, and we are committed to the path to a New Nigeria.

We shall therefore continue to ceaselessly debunk the perfidy of those who have made deceit and debauchery their manifesto for 2023. And we shall persistently present the GYB magic as the visible and viable choice for a better Nigeria come 2023. God Bless Nigeria.

Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr.
National Coordinator
GOT YOUR BACK NIGERIA
GYB NIGERIA.

OPERATION HADIN KAI: TROOPS FOIL  ISWAP DESPERATE MOVE TO ATTACK SURRENDERED BHT MEMBERS IN DAMBOA

The Islamic State of West African Province(ISWAP), confronted with the obvious reality of defeat embarked on a  desperate move to undermine the unprecedented depletion in its fighting force, have resorted to attacks on surrendered Boko Haram members and their families. This was contained in a statement signed by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu and made available to the press on 3rd October 2021
This antic of terror within terror is being employed by ISWAP to discourage intending surrendering terrorists in their ranks. The latest strategy is not unconnected with the frustration of the group as top ranking commanders and members denounce violent agaitation to embrace peace in recent times.
This palpable apprehension might have led ISWAP on Saturday, 2 October 2021 to embark on a mission to annihilate or capture BHTs, who surrendered in Damboa. The gallant troops of 25 Task Force Brigade Operation HADIN KAI whose superior firepower forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray, ensured Damboa did not fall to their antics. The terrorists made futile attempt to access the facility housing the surrendered BHT members, but retreated when confronted with the superior firepower of own troops. 
The Nigerian Army(NA) wishes to reassure the good people of Damboa and environs to go about their normal businesses as vigilant troops would proactively continue to  provide security of lives and property. The general public are also enjoined to provide actionable and timely information on the activities of these criminal elements and their collaborators. 
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, while commending troops for their doggedness, charged them to take the fight to the terrorists’ enclaves to deny them freedom of action. He also reassured them of requisite support as they record  more operational gains in Operation HADIN KAI. 

Insurgency: Force Commander of MNJTF says Nigeria will Continue to Cooperate With Neighbours Countries

Nigeria would continue to cooperate with her neighbours to defeat insurgency and restore normalcy in Lake Chad region.

This assertion was made by the Force Commander, MNJTF, Major General Abdul Khalifah in statement on 2nd October 2021 during Nigeria’s 61th Independence Anniversary celebration organized by the Defence section of Nigerian Embassy in N’Djamena Chad.

The statement which was Signed by Chief of Military Public Information Colonel Muhammad Dole, the Force Commander said good neighbourliness is a prerequisite for peace and stability.
Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion Ibrahim said Nigeria is a friendly nation, who advocate collective efforts in mitigating regional security challenges.

While appreciating the enormous support of the neighbours in the fight against terrorism, he used the occasion to assured the strategic partners and donors to remain steadfast and increase the offensive tempo against insurgents and return the region to its glorious prosperous past.

Citing example with Liberia and Sierra Leon as case studies, he disclosed that Nigeria mobilized resources and member states of West African region to combat rebellions and ultimately facilitated the installation of democratic governments in those countries.

Earlier, in his welcome, address, the Nigerian Defence Adviser to Chad, Colonel Hassan Bukar expressed appreciation to the friends and supporters of Nigeria for identifying and cooperating with her in this surmountable trial times.

The occasion witnessed high attendance of members of Nigerian community in Chad, diplomats, representatives of regional organizations and Non Governmental organizations as well as the citizens of the host country (Chad).

Highlights of the event were cutting of Anniversary Cake, 3 hearty cheers and toast for Nigeria and exchange of souvenirs to deserving attendees.

Lead in Combat Home or Abroad, Akale to 68 Regular Course officer.

Former NDA Commandant Lt Gen Abel Akale has tasked the commissioned Cadets of 68 Regular Course Cadets to lead men in combat either at home or abroad.

In his remarks as the Special Guest of Honour at the luncheon organized in honour of the Passing Out Cadets of 68 Regular Course 2 in Saturday 2 October 2021 held in kaduna he said, “ From my experience over the past decades, the Nation can bestow no higher honour to you than trusting you to lead men in combat either at home or abroad”.

While congratulating them for their enduring the exhaustive training that spanned for a period of 5 years, he added, this is the kind of positive recognition you should seek to achieve and be fondly proud of for the rest of your life.

“The purpose of this luncheon is not only to wine and dine but to interact and guide your Service aspirations drawing from our wealth of experiences’ he added.

His words:” I have no doubt that you have been adequately trained and prepared for the challenge ahead by some of the very best officers the Armed Forces of Nigeria can present at this moment”.

He continued, the baton of responsibility for leading and inspiring troops which is the very essence of being a commissioned officer is just about to be handed over to you, adding it is both an immense privilege and a daunting challenge.

“ Indeed, it is no accident that you have made it this far and each of you has demonstrated the very special values that are essential for leadership, saying that if you did not possess such values, you would not be for this luncheon.”

He urged them to get as much as you can from your interactions with them to chart a better future for yourself in the military, pointing out we are rightly gathered here to recognize and celebrate your success.

According to him, the reward for the discipline, hard work and resilience that you have exhibited is the Presidential Commission into the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His words:” As commissioned officers, you are leaders of men, pointing out that good leadership is often difficult to define, it is in a way easy to recognize, emphasing that be the good leaders that troops can risk their lives to follow even in the most dangerous circumstances.

He stressing that if you cannot attain this virtue at any leadership role; you are nothing but an individual taking an aimless walk in the park.

While appreciating the Commandant and the officers and soldiers who he noted that have worked tirelessly to groom you to this level, he disclosed that the Commandant and I share a very unique historical relationship that the time permitted by this event may not give me the space to highlight, pointing out that being in this compound gives me fond memories of the period I was the Commandant of this noble institution.
He disclosed that it would interest you to know that during the period I piloted the affairs of the Academy, your Commandant was my Military Assistant and once acted as the Academy Adjutant.
He noted that need not to tell you the close relationship between the Commandant and his Military Assistant or the Academy Adjutant as the case may be, adding it was indeed my pleasure to have worked with the gentleman senior officer in the capacities.

He then noted that other senior serving officers including the retired ones have endured the path you have just undertaken as cadets and the Service life you are yet to experience.

MNJTF Force Commander Visits  Frontline Troups At Mallam Fatori And Damasak

Troops must remain on high alert and cautious to enable them swiftly end Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP terrorists madness and return safely home, Commander, Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Maj. Gen. Abdul Khalifa Ibrahim has charged.

Gen. Ibrahim stated this  on Thursday while speaking during his familiarization and operational tour to troops’ locations at the Forward Operating Base in Mallam Fatori and Headquarters, 5 Brigade at Damasak in Sector 3.

Khalifa also commended the troops for their operational successes by dislodging insurgents’ camps and for denying  terrorists the freedom to operate within their areas.

Ibrahim reminded the troops that operations remains the best test of their fighting spirit, as such, good training and physical skills are essential elements in the life of a soldier. 

The Force Commander reassured the troops that MNJTF HQ will reinforce their operational capacities with equipment and other essential materials towards  improving surveillance and tactical manoeuvre in the fields.

He also cautioned on the misuse of social media which he observed, does more harm than good and can also be a source of intelligence on the activities and movements of the troops to terrorists. 

Khalifa also expressed satisfaction with the conduct, discipline and display of determination by the troops to fight Boko Haram terrorists. 

In a statement by the MNJTF’s Chief of Military Public Information, Col. Muhammed Dole,  the visit was aimed at getting first hand information and current reality in the field.

The Force Commander was accompanied on the he visit by some officers and Commander Commander  Sector 3, Brig. Gen. GM Mutkut.

The FC was impressed by the warm reception accorded to him and his entourage. Likewise, he commended the conduct and content of the briefings which covered operational activities, achievements and challenges of both FOB Mallam Fatori and HQ 5 Brigade Damasak.

”It is noteworthy that these formation and unit have significantly and progressively won several tactical victories against the BHT/ISWAP insurgents in their previous encounters, thus paved the way for the resettlement and relocation of Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) and refugees to their ancestral homes.” He added.

Nigeria @61: It is Time for the Youth to Rise and Change the Emblem of Leadership – Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr

The Convener Country First Movt, Prof Chris Mustapha Nwaokobia Jnr,  has called on the youth to rise and take the country back come 2023.
Prof Nwaokobia started this in a broadcast to mark the nation Independence day celebration.
He stressed that at sixty one Nigeria is still facing many challenges raging from Insecurity, poverty , joblessness , hungerAnd under development.
he said Hope is low , courage is down but people should not despire but have faith .
He advised that as Nigeria approach the next election in few months , the youth must realise that now is their time.
He called on all youth especially those who will be clocking 18 years come 2023 to register and get ready to vote.
He stressed that the only work for the youth is to walk towards the Youth O’clock.
He said it is time when Nigerian youths will begin to think what is proper and do what is proper .
He said the time has come for the youth to take control of the leadership of the country Nigeria in all realm and change the narrative of the country

Ihejirika charges NDA cadets on subordination to civil authority

A former Chief of Army Staff retired Lt-Gen. Azubike Ihejirika, has charged cadets of 68 Regular Course of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) to be submissive to civil authority after their commissioning.

Ihejirika made the charge at the NDA award ceremony and beating of the retreat for the cadets, on Tuesday in Kaduna.

The dual ceremony is an old tradition of the NDA, as part of activities to mark the end of successful training for cadets.

Ihejirika noted that the nation has been investing a lot in shaping the cadets’ character, providing them quality military training and a sound academic foundation.

“In discharging your duties after commissioning into the tri-services, always place the country first above all other interests, always uphold your constitutional roles and subordination to civil authority”, he said.

The ex-Army chief further urged the cadets to be good leaders after commissioning and uphold the standards in the management of both human and material resources that would be entrusted in their care.

He congratulated the graduating cadets for the journey so far and wished them a successful career in the defence of their fatherland upon their commission as officers.

He commended the Commandant of the academy, staff, and instructors for their combined efforts in training the cadets, urging them not to relent.

Earlier, Commandant of the NDA, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf reiterated that the reward of hard work through the presentation of awards encouraged excellence and optimized performance by individuals and units in the armed forces.

SECTOR 3 OPHDIN KAI/ MNJTF EXTENDS ITS MEDICAL OUTREACH TO CROSS KAUWA COMMUNITY

Over five hundred members of Cross Kauwa, ranging from children, aged women and men, pregnant women and physically challenged persons benefited as Sector 3 OPHDIN KAI and Multinational Joint Task Force extends its Medical Outreach to Cross Kauwa Community in Borno State today, Sunday 26 September 2021.

The Outreach witnessed a massive crowd of members of the community, where over three thousand members of the Community were recently relocated from the Internally Displaced Persons Camp in Monguno, addressing the gathering the Commander 401 Special Forces Brigade, Brigadier General Samalia M Uba, who represented the Commander Sector 3 OP HADIN KAI and Multinational Joint Task Force Brigadier General GM Mutkut, said the Medical Outreach is evidence of the excellent synergy and mutual understanding between the Sector and the Community.

Brigadier General Samalia M Uba urged community members to continue their cooperation with the Sector as one of the better ways to encourage the Civil-Military Relation and fight against the terrorists within the Sector Area of Responsibility.

During the medical Outreach, free medical services were rendered, including eye, blood count, height, weight and blood pressure checks. Mosquito nets were shared, and Wheel Chairs were also presented to physically challenged persons by Brigadier General Samalia Uba on behalf of the Sector.

Army sanctions female officer dehumanizing Corps member in Calabar

condemns the action,says its highly unprofessional and unacceptable
..it’s highly regrettable, causes monumental embarrassment
 From Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
The Nigerian Army (NA) says,it will not condoned any act of indiscipline, unprofessional, dehumanising and human rights abuses of any sort from its personnel.
Director, Army Public Relations, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu disclosed this in a statement relayed to Enugu Reporters on Thursday.
He said the NA remained undoubtedly the pride of the nation,a symbol of national unity and would reman a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.
The Director was reacting to a trending video of a female officer dehumanising a female corps member in Calabar, Cross River State.
He said, the action has caused a monumental embarrassment to the service and it was highly regrettable and condemnable in its entirety.
The statement noted that the said officer was arrested and would ‘undergo regimental orders’.
The statement read in part…
“The NA has taken cognizance of a video clip currently making the rounds on the social media, where a female officer was seen dehumanising a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State.
“This act is not only condemnable, but unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the NA.
“The NA has remained undoubtedly the pride of the nation, a symbol of national unity that has consistently being in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
“It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by a personnel in its ranks. The NA therefore, condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct.
“Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions has caused the NA monumental embarrassment and is highly regrettable.
“The unfortunate act of indiscipline did not in anyway represent the NA and would not be condoned in its entirety.For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar.
“The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.”
The statement refuted the claims that the Brigade attempted to cover up the action, assuring that the NA remained a professional force that has zero tolerance for indiscipline amongst its personnel.
He reiterated that any act infractions from the ranks and files of the NA would not be tolerated and reassured that the rights of the citizenry is sacrosanct and must be respected by its personnel, as any form of infraction would be severely dealt with.
The statement further apologized to the victim, her family members, friends, NYSC and all Nigerians for the unwholesome treatment meted out to the Corps member and called on the public to report any infractions, as Human Rights Desks in all formations of the NA are emplaced to deal decisively with such erring personnel

Security: Kogi Responds As 11 Bandits Fell To Superior Firepower

● 3 Kidnap Victims
Rescued
● Security Agents On The Heels of Kabba Kidnap Suspects

A group of bandits terrorizing some parts of Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi State have met their waterloo as officers of the State Vigilante Group killed 11 of them and arrested others while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued successfully

According to information at the disposal of our reporters, Security operatives acting on intelligence, nabbed an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps, Inspector Abdullahi Saidu who alongside a friend supplies the criminals with weapons and information to undertake their heinous crimes

The successful operation by the security operatives was carried out in series working with credible intelligence.

A source within the Kogi State Vigilante Service had this to say: ”Alaidi is their ring leader. He was killed during the first camp attack. Rabo and seven others were crushed. Madei and one other were killed in the second kidnappers’ camp while Umar escaped with gunshot injuries but was recaptured”.

They also confirmed that five of the kidnappers arrestsd, including the civil defense operative were in the custody of the Department of State Security for further investigations.

Reacting the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Muhammed Onogwu noted that such security success by the operatives was a welcome development and a proof that the security architecture of Kogi State was strong and solid enough to quash all forms of criminal vices

He opined that the Local Vigilantes across the state have continued to record good results because of the morale boost and support the Governor has continued to give as well as the cooperation from the citizens and synergy between the security operatives

Onogwu noted that the continued efforts of the Kogi State Government to keep the momentum as the safest state in the country were so far yielding remarkable results noting that the Governor has severally made a commitment to securing the lives and property of the citizens and make the state a no go zone for criminal elements

He reiterated that Government at all levels would continue to make efforts towards sustaining the drive for a peaceful Kogi state by making every nooks and cranny of the state unsafe for criminal elements and their sponsors.
In the same vein, security agencies are on the trail of kidnappers who were reported to have carried out attack on certain individuals in Kabba.
The State Government said it is in touch with security agencies and that the Governor already gave a marching order that those kidnapped must be rescued and the perpetrators apprehended.
A source within the Kogi State Security circles who doesn’t want his name in print said they are getting “encouraging headway” in their operations against the kidnappers.