IBB may merge the hole between Jonathan and Lamido

By Soni Daniel, Regional Editor, North

A few days after venting his anger on President Goodluck Jonathan, Jigawa State governor, Dr. Sule Lamido, yesterday, travelled to Minna, Niger State, where he held a closed door meeting with former military head of state, General Ibrahim Babangida.

IBB and Jonathan

Details of the meeting were still sketchy at press time, but a source close to the parley, said the two men discussed the way forward for Nigeria.

Lamido, who during a political rally transmitted live from Dutse, the state capital, openly voiced his opposition to Jonathan and Buhari’s candidature for allowing their supporters to cause tension in the country, arrived Minna to see IBB, barely three days after Jonathan visited the former leader.

But Lamido explained to journalists after his meeting that it was not coincidental for him and Jonathan to visit IBB almost the same time.

The governor, said that he had planned to go to welcome IBB from his overseas medical trip ahead of Jonathan but for poor weather, which disrupted his flight plan.

Emerging from the meeting, which lasted over an hour, Lamido explained that his visit to ‘my leader’ was to welcome him back from medical trip abroad and to get acquainted with events around the man, who created the state on Tuesday August 27, 1991, which he has been governing over since May 29, 2007.

Although the former President did not talk to the media on the meeting, Governor Lamido explained that they discussed the imperative of working together to ensure that Nigeria remained a safe, stable and united country.

“We generally talked about the general well-being of Nigeria and Jigawa State. It is of interest to all of us that Nigeria remains a stable and united country where Muslims and Christians can live.”

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IBB may merge the hole between Jonathan and Lamido

I am satisfy with Jonathan’s efforts to rescue Chibok girls— IBB

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, is 73 years old today. In this interview to mark the occasion, Babangida, fondly called IBB, speaks on some critical issues in the country, including the continuous detention of the Chibok girls by the Islamist group, Boko Haram, the power situation in the country, the 2015 general elections, among others.

It has been over 100 days since the kidnapping of the Chibok school girls. Despite the assurances by the international community, the girls have not been found. What is the way forward? When do you think we can get these girls back home to their parents?

Perhaps the way forward is what government is doing now. I know there are complications. It is no longer an issue that you could ask the military to move into Sambisa forest and rescue the girls. I think Nigerians want the girls rescued and brought back home alive not dead; that is a very daring thing to do. From my experience as a professional soldier, a lot of planning, a lot of cooperation, a lot of study has to be done to achieve this objective. 217 or whatever the number is, is a lot of population to lose just like that. So I think government is trying from what we got during our last briefing; I am quite satisfied that efforts are really being made to get the girls out. You see, the objective is to get them out of that place alive, the operative word is alive, you can order a full scale military operation and you could get them all killed which would defeat the objective.

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I am satisfy with Jonathan’s efforts to rescue Chibok girls— IBB

Babangida flays attack on Buhari, says this bloodletting must stop

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Babangida, has condemned the attempt to kill his predecessor, General Muhammadu Buhari, describing the attack as portraying Nigeria as a terrorist nation.

IBB in a statement he personally signed and made available to Vanguard last night also sympathised with the families of those killed by the twin blasts that rocked Kaduna State on Wednesday, saying they have thrown up new dimensions in the political life of Nigeria.

But the former leader made a strong case for the bloodletting to be halted without further delay.

IBB said: To state the least, this bloodletting must stop. This bloodletting has to stop.

“I have sat back in my quiet retirement home in Minna to ponder over what could be the motivation for these several attacks, but I am yet to find any explanation why Nigerians would be killing fellow Nigerians.

“For those of us who fought the civil war, our painful sense of nostalgia still remains deep, as much as our patriotic attitude towards this great Country, Nigeria. These wanton killings and needless bloodletting have continued to retard our growth and democratic journey, forcing the system to improvise all manners of mechanisms to arrest this descent to anarchy.

“It is callous and inhuman for anyone to goad this country on the path of perfidy, a path that is laid with landmines and bombs. This is totally unacceptable.

“Even as I sympathise with my colleague former President, General Mohammadu Buhari for escaping the bomber’s scalpel, I also wish to condole with the families of those who lost their lives in this attack.

“It is frightening and calls for condemnation by all well meaning people of Nigeria. We all must rise above partisanship in our condemnation of this state of insecurity, as we all must be united in our clear-cut resolve to finding solutions to this hydra-headed situation we find ourselves.

“We must see this state of insecurity as a Nigeria problem and not one that is pigeon-holed in any particular region, religion or tribe. Nigerians, by virtue of their nationality, should be free to live anywhere in the country without molestation, harassment and intimidation.

“Let me also condole with Mr. President on this unfortunate incident and the recurring decimal of insecurity and crime against humanity that is fast polluting public morality.

“We all must join hands with Mr. President at this critical time of our national history and democratic journey to proffer solutions to this anti-development scenario that is fast enveloping us.

“The President and our Governors need our prayers at various stages of their leadership to arrest this ugly trend. Nigeria of our dream is one that provides opportunity for all irrespective of our cultural and political differences; a nation that comprises several nation-states with abundant resources and opportunities for our flourishing population.

“We must therefore be resolute in our collective reasoning and determination to trudge on despite these obvious setbacks in order to safely paddle the ship of state to a safe harbor.

“May our prayers in this Holy month of Ramadan be answered. May the Almighty Allah continue to give our leaders at the various tiers of government the uncommon courage, wisdom, determination and resilience to handle the challenges that confront us as a people encircled by common destiny. Amen,” the former president prayed.

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Babangida flays attack on Buhari, says this bloodletting must stop

Security agencies restrict Buhari, Sultan of Sokoto, Babangida, others movement over Boko Haram

By Ehi Ekhator

For security reasons, the security agencies have restricted the movement of some dignitaries. The affected personalities are former-President, Shehu Shagari, former Head of state Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, former military President, Ibrahim Babangida and others.

Others included in the restriction are former governors, ministers, prominent emirs, former-ministers and some highly-placed Nigerians.

The listed dignitaries are to take advise from the security agencies and travel advisory before attempting to visit any part of the North where the insurgency has taken thousands of innocent lives.

Securities will be tightened where visits are inevitable to make sure such dignitaries are fully protected during visit.

The travel advisory has revealed plan by Boko Haram to attack Gen. Babangida and a former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari.

Others on the Boko Haram targeted list are Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, and Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima, a former Governor of Kano State, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau, Shehu of Borno and Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero.

Buhari

Though it’s almost impossible considering the security lists guarding some of the people on the wanted list, but the security agencies have decided to take a proactive and pre-emptive measure to avoid any unexpected attack

The action of the securities is to avoid the politically exposed persons to be victims of the terrorists or be caught in a crossfire.

A source in the security who spoke in anonymity confidently said: “The restriction is in form of travel advisory. It is part of our new proactive steps to check these insurgents who can hit any target.

“The killing of Gen. Muhammadu Shuwa, the attacks on the Emir of Kano and Shehu of Borno and others have made this restriction necessary.

If they want to travel to any part of the Northeast, intelligence report will determine clearance by security agencies.

“And as for those whose visits are unavoidable, like governors, adequate security measures will be put in place for easier passage.”

As reported by The Nation, the motive is not to restrict or step on the fundamental human right on their freedom of movement, but the security agencies and travel advisory will be informed of their travel schedule in order to advise where the security challenges are high or where necessary advise should be given.

Another anonymous source in the security disclosed that the security agencies are trying to avoid the VIP being caught in the crossfire between insurgents and troop during their visit to the affected places.

He mentioned Senator Ali Ndume whose convoy was sighed by Air force jet fighters during air patrol, he was asked to stop for search until later confirmed he was the Senator before allowing him to continue. The soldiers almost mistook the convoy for that of the insurgents.

Another source revealed that security agencies had been protecting some of the listed dignitaries.

He said “In fact, some of these leaders apply for escorts whenever it is necessary to visit their states and they are usually given by security agencies”,

“Many former-governors, senators and members of the House of Representatives enjoy such services. Among them is a former governor in the Northeast who was once quizzed on alleged link with Boko Haram.

“This is to show you that both the military and security agencies are unbiased against any individual or person,” the source said, pleading not to be named because the matter is “sensitivity”.

Another source said: “I think your enquiries border on what I may call routine process but we are paying attention to the situation in the Northeast and movement of these VIPs.

“At least, we have increased exchange of movement between security detail of some of these personalities, including ex-Heads of State, with relevant agencies.” (0)

Security agencies restrict Buhari, Sultan of Sokoto, Babangida, others movement over Boko Haram

Photos: Jonathan decorates Obasanjo, Buhari, IBB, others with centenary awards

Abuja – President Goodluck Jonathan on Friday decorated seven living former Nigerian Heads of State and Presidents with the centenary awards.

The centenary anniversary awards night and dinner, during which 100 recipients were decorated, was held at the banquet hall of the Presidential Villa.

From Left: Former President, Alhaji Shehu Shagari; former Head of State, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari; President Goodluck Jonathan and former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, at the Centenary Dinner and Awards in Abuja on Friday (28/2/14). NAN

The decorated leaders are Yakubu Gowon, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Alhaji Shehu Shagari and  Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

Others are Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan and Gen. Abdusalami Abubakar.

Six late Nigerian Heads of State were honoured post-humously.

The recipients of the post-humous award are Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Gen. Sani Abacha and Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua.

From left: Former Presidents, Alhaji Shehu Shagari; Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, at the Centenary Dinner and Awards in Abuja on Friday (28/2/14).

Also in the category is  the presumed winner of the June 1993 general election, late Chief Moshood Abiola.

The President decorated the representatives of the late leaders among whom is Mrs Maryam Abacha.

Also  the centenary awards are in 13 categories with winners both living and dead.

The first are those who have contributed  to the making of Nigeria and they include Queen Elizabeth II of England, Lord Fredrick Lugard and his wife,  Lady Lugard,

The second category is the Heroes of the Struggle for independence/Pioneer political leaders which include Azikiwe,  Balewa, Macaulay and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Others in the category are Sir Ahmadu Bello, Prof Eyo Ita, Jaja Nwachukwu, Pa Michael Imoudu, Chief Anthony Enahoro and Chief Joseph Tarka.

The rest are Malam Aminu Kano, Mrs Margaret Ekpo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and Hajia Gambo Sawaba.

The third category is the Pioneers in professional Callings/careers which include the first indigenous lawyer, Chief Sapara Williams, and the first indigenous Solicitor, Chief Rotimi Williams.

The categories also include the first indigenous Chartered Accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, and the first indigenous Inspector General of Police, Louis Edet, and the first indigenous medical doctor, Prof. Eyitayo Lambo,

Also in the categories are the first female Vice Chancelor of Nigerian universities, Prof. Grace Alele-Williams, and the first indigenous female pilot,.Capt. Chinyere Kalu.

Others include Akinwale Wey, Gen. George, Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi, Tamunoiyowunam, Gen. Abdullahi Mohammed,  Prof. Kenneth Dike,  and Gen. Oviemo Ovadje.

The fourth category is Pioneer in Commerce and Industry, which has Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu,  Alh. Alhassan Dantata and Chief Adeola Odutola.

Awardees under Pioneer of Democratic Transition in Nigeria are Shagari, late Abiola, late Gen. Shehu Yar’Adua and Abdusalami Abubakar.

From left: Former Heads of State, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar; Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and President Goodluck Jonathan, at the Centenary Dinner and Awards in Abuja on Friday (28/2/14).

The sixth category is the Heroes in Global Sports Competitions which are Chioma Ajunwa, Nwankwo Kanu, Richard Ihetu, Chief Michael Okpala (Power Mike) and Monday Emoghavwe.

The seventh category is Accomplished Pioneer Public Servants and the awardees  include Chief Olabode Wey, Justice Udo Udoma, Chief Emeka Anyaoku and Sir Adetokubo Ademola.

Others are Dr Olawale Elias, Dr Rilwan Lukman, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki and Alh. Aliyu Mai-Borno.

The awardess under category eight, which are the Accomplished Temporary Entrepreneurs, are Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chief Mike Adenuga and Dr innocent Chukwuma.

The ninth category is Distinguished Academics and the recipients include Profs. Benjamin Osuntokun, . Kelsey Harrison, Chike Obi, Dagogo Fubara, Ade Ajayi, Claude Ake, Babatunde Fafunwa, Godwin Abasi and Umaru Shehu.

The 10th category is International Acclaimed Artists, Literary Icons and Journalists and the recipients include Chief Michael Akinwumi, Profs. Wole Soyinka, Chinua Achebe and John Pepper Clark.

The recipients also include Mr Cyprian Ekwensi, Alhaji Abubakar Imam, Mr Daniel Fagunwa, Ernest Ikoli, Alhaji Babatunde Jose and Kenneth Nnebue.

The category also has Olu Jacobs, Patience Ozokwor, Shata Katsina, Herbert Ogunde, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti, Osita Osadebe and Dr Ladi Kwali.

Others are Benedict Enwonwu, Alhaji Maitama Sule, Prof. Akin Mabogunje, Dr Barnabas Oloruntoba and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Maryam Mukhtar.

The 11th category is Outstanding Bravery and Public Spiritedness and the beneficiaries are Chief Gani Fawehinmi and Michael Ihuka,.

The 12th category is Outstanding Promoters of Unity, Patriotism and National development and in the category are former Heads of State and Presidents.

The recipients are Gowon, late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, Obasanjo, Buhari, Babangida,  Shonekan, Gen. Sani Abacha, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua, and Gen. Theophilus Danjuma.

The last category is Exemplary Service in the Promotion of Peace and Moral Excellence and the recipients are Sir Abubakar Sadiq, Sheikh Abubakar Gumi, Michael Tansi, Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Sheikh Usman Bauchi.

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Photos: Jonathan decorates Obasanjo, Buhari, IBB, others with centenary awards