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Obasanjo Is Divider-In-Chief, Driven By Envy – Buhari

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Buhari Obasanjo

By GWG Staff

President Muhammadu Buhari has sharply rebutted the recent claims of Dr. Olusegun Obasanjo that the present administration is pushing Nigeria towards the catastrophe saying that the former president was like some of his critics driven by envy.

Stating its achievements in supposedly lifting Nigeria from a pariah nation and winning respect in the comity of nations, the presidency said that Obasanjo and his new allies had been wrong footed and were now desperate doing everything to damage the administration’s successes.

The full statement issued by Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity read thus:

In his most recent statement former President Olusegun Obasanjo attempts to divide the nation while President Muhammadu Buhari continues to promote nation building and the unity of Nigeria.

The difference is clear. From the lofty heights of Commander-in-Chief, General Obasanjo has descended to the lowly level of Divider-in-Chief (to adapt the coinage of Time).

Before responding further to the unfair attacks on President Buhari and his administration by the former President, it is important that we categorically state that contrary to the assertions by a few analysts, the recent speech in which President Buhari advised West African Presidents against tenure elongation beyond constitutional limits has been consistent with his long held views on the need to adhere to the rule of law.

Even though he tried it and failed, the recent uptick in the number of such leaders proposing to do, or actually carrying on in office beyond term limits is sufficient to cause concern among democrats in the sub-region given its prospects of destabilizing the states and the region.

President Buhari’s advocacy is consistent with his principles and in line with the current policies of his administration and indeed that of the ECOWAS Charter which is that term limits must be respected and that the change of government is only permissible through the ballot box.

Having cleared this misperception, we hope that Chief Obasanjo would once again sheath the sword and rest the pretentiousness about the Messiah that has (mis)led him to pronounce often wrongly, as he disastrously did in the 2019 elections, about the life and death of Nigerian governments.

As some commentators are already suggesting, Chief Obasanjo should, in accordance with his mantra as a statesman, get involved with problems solving, when and where they exist instead of helping the mushrooming of a poisonous atmosphere of ethnic and religious nationalism.

Surely, he must have disappointed many of his local and foreign admirers by showering commendations on a few extremist groups who have vowed to shun the invitation to the National Assembly to participate in the process of constitutional amendment.

No doubt, he must have left those admirers confused in announcing the support for the boycott of a democratic process of changing the constitution, at the same time calling for dialogue and engagement.

The fact that the process he ushered in under his administration with the dubious intention of amendments that sought tenure elongation failed-as did two other attempts by the successor administrations of the same political party- does not in any way justify his dismissal of the exercise by the 9th Assembly as a another waste of time and resources.

To the credit of the All Progressives Congress-led 8th Assembly, the process of constitutional amendment was kick-started and carried through, paving the way for, among other benefits, the financial independence of local government councils, States Houses of Assembly and the country’s Judiciary. These changes have already been signed into laws by the President as mandated by the constitution.

The recent decisions by the administration as they relate to subsidy withdrawal, helping to plug some of the most horrendous notorious holes and release of scarce resources for the more pressing needs of the people has also not escaped the ire of the former president.

It’s a known fact that the withdrawal of subsidies had been on the wish list of the Obasanjo-led Peoples Democratic Party, PDP. They failed in achieving these measures because, one there was a shared greed. They plundered the treasury as much as anyone could in the name of either subsidy or waiver with reckless impunity.

Two, is to say it takes courage and rare statesmanship on the part of a leader to do as President Buhari to shun populism and seek the best interest of the people and the state, providing the kind of reform and development that Nigeria urgently needs.

This President has run an administration focused on infrastructure and development. He has repaired our damaged relations with neighbours and our traditional allies such as the UK, US, China, Russia, France, Germany, Saudi Arabia and the others with lots of benefits to the country.

It is a pro-business administration that has used diplomacy to unlock bilateral trade and investment.

He leads a government that has liberalized the investment climate and market access by achieving reforms that have placed the country in the list of the world’s top reforming economies.

Nigeria, which other nations had mocked and ridiculed for so many things that were wrong is today progressing at a pace reflecting its size and potential.

With so much to show and many more coming, it is little surprise that President Buhari would be the object of envy and harsh unfair challenges by politicians who failed to deliver, but continue to nurse ambitions of delighting the audience long after their curtain has been drawn.

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Former US Vice Presidential Nominee, Joe Lieberman Is Dead

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Former United States (US) Senator and vice-presidential candidate, Joe Lieberman, has reportedly died.

GWG.ng understands that Lieberman passed away at the age of 82 due to complications from a fall.

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The family of the deceased confirmed the sad development to CBS News, describing Lieberman as a centrist who served Connecticut in the Senate for almost 25 years.

“Senator Lieberman’s love of God, his family, and America endured throughout his life of service in the public interest,” his family noted in a statement.

In 2000, Lieberman made history as the first Jewish politician to be part of a major party US presidential ticket when Al Gore chose him as his running mate. Al Gore expressed deep sorrow upon hearing the news of Lieberman’s death.

“It was an honour to stand side-by-side with him on the campaign trail.

“I’ll remain forever grateful for his tireless efforts to build a better future for America,” Gore said in a statement made available to journalists.

GWG.ng understands that the veteran politician held the position of US senator from Connecticut from 1989 to 2013. He wielded significant influence in the legislative arena and was highly valued in the nation’s capital.

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Throughout his tenure, Lieberman diverged from his party’s stance on various matters, notably the Iraq War. Despite this, he secured his last term in 2006, running as an independent candidate.

More recently, he gained recognition as the inaugural leader of No Labels, a moderate political organization that aims to introduce a third-party option for the presidential race in 2024.

“Senator Lieberman was a singular figure in American political life who always put his country before party,” No Labels said in a statement on Wednesday.

Born in Stamford, Connecticut, in 1942, Lieberman embarked on a successful political career, making his mark in state politics before ascending to the US Senate in 1989.

Throughout his tenure, Lieberman stood out as one of the most prominent Jewish politicians in the United States.

His joint campaign with Mr Gore for the White House was a significant milestone for Jewish Americans, and he openly embraced and practised his faith.

Known as a moderate Democrat, Lieberman gained a reputation in Washington for his willingness to reach across party lines, even if it meant occasionally clashing with members of his own party.

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In 2000, Mr Gore chose Lieberman as his running mate for the Democratic presidential ticket. However, their bid for the presidency ended in a highly contentious and historic election, resulting in their defeat to Republican candidates George W Bush and Dick Cheney.

By 2008, Lieberman surprised many by endorsing his close friend, Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona, for the presidency. Ultimately, McCain would lose to Barack Obama, who became America’s first black president.

During his time as a senator, Lieberman also championed several progressive policies. Notably, he played a crucial role in ending the Pentagon’s discriminatory Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell policy, which prohibited LGBTQ individuals from openly serving in the military.

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FAAN Shuts Down KFC

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The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed a KFC outlet at the Murtala Muhammed Airport in Lagos for violating laws protecting the rights of people with special needs.

The action was confirmed through a statement released on Thursday by FAAN’s Director of Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Obiageli Orah.

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The official statement, titled ‘FAAN shuts down KFC outlet at MMIA,’ highlighted that the closure was in response to the outlet’s breach of the Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, specifically referencing Part C, Section 55 of the General Provisions on Discrimination.

This law prohibits discrimination against individuals based on their physical or mental disabilities.

The shutdown was prompted by a social media report from a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), who recounted experiencing discriminatory treatment at the KFC branch within the airport premises.

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This incident sparked immediate action from FAAN, reflecting the authority’s commitment to enforcing legal standards and protecting the rights of all passengers.

It read, “In line with Lagos State law on People with Special Needs, Part C, section 55 of General Provisions on Discrimination which states that “A person shall not deprive another person of access to any place, vehicle or facility that members of the public are entitled to enter or use on the basis of the disability of that person”, the management of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has closed the KFC facility at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos with effect from March 28, 2024.

“This is as a result of a social media report by a Passenger with Reduced Mobility (PRM), alleging discriminatory treatment he received at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.

“The MD/CE of FAAN, Mrs Olubunmi, Kuku intervened swiftly by deploying a management team comprising the Director, Public Affairs and Consumer Protection, Mrs Obiageli Orah; the Regional Manager South West, Mr. Sunday Ayodele; Ag. General Manager Public Affairs, Mrs Ijeoma Nwosu-Igbo and the International Terminal Manager, Mr. Kerri, to investigate the allegation.”

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FAAN said, “It is based on the findings of the team that FAAN has shut down the KFC facility at the MMA, where the incident occurred.

“The authority has instructed that the KFC Management should tender an unreserved apology, in writing, to the affected PRM and a policy statement of non-discrimination be written and pasted conspicuously at the door post of their facility at MMIA before it resumes operation.

“FAAN uses this medium to express our unreserved apology to the affected Passenger with Reduced Mobility and assures all airport users that we shall continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the rights of every passenger are not infringed upon.”

The victim of the maltreatment, Adebola Daniel, son of former Ogun State Governor, Gbenga Daniel, recounted his experience at the KFC outlet of the airport in a series of tweets posted on Wednesday via his X handle, @DebolaDaniel

Daniel, a wheelchair user, described his ordeal as “the worst sort of public humiliation” he ever had.

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Nwoko Tells Christians What To Do At Easter

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Nwoko Easter

Sen. Ned Nwoko (PDP-Delta), has urged Christians to draw spiritual inspiration from the resurrection story of Jesus Christ as they celebrate Easter.

Nwoko who represents Delta North Senatorial District, made the call in an Easter message made available to newsmen in Abuja on Wednesday.

He said that Christians should allow the symbolism of Jesus Christ’s death on the cross to reflect in them.

The senator said that Easter was a commemoration of the fulfillment of God’s Prophecy that offered the hope of  eternal life to mankind.

”This hope of eternal life is through the sacrificial death of Christ and His subsequent resurrection from the dead.

”With this faith, Christians should significantly contribute towards making the earth a better place for all of us,” he said.

Nwoko further urged Christians to use the Easter celebration to demonstrate Christ-like concern for the poor and powerless in the society.

”Let us speak up against injustice and all activities that tend to impede equal opportunities, fairness and national unity.

”It should be a season of renewal of hope and sober reflection. The season should remind us of the importance of compassion, unity, and resilience,” he said.

Nwoko urged Christians to use the period to renew their commitment to the service of the nation and to pray for peace and sustenance of national unity. (NAN)

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Okuama: Tinubu Honours Slain Heroes, Announces Special Package For Pregnant Widows

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Tinubu Okuama national honours

President Bola Tinubu has announced the award of national honours to all 17 officers and soldiers who were killed during a mission to Okuama, Delta State and packages for thier widows and children.

President Tinubu made the declaration on Friday as he attended the military burial of the slain members of the Armed Forces.

Besides the national honour, President Tinubu also declared scholarship for all children of the slain officers and men of the army. The scholarship which is to run up to the university level according to President Tinubu will also cover the unborn children of the slain men.

To make life easier for the widows and their families, the president also promised the provision of houses to the widows in any part of Nigeria.

While lauding the patriotism of the slain officers and men he declared them as national heroes who died in the defence of the fatherland.

While declaring that every effort should be made to find out the killers, he nevertheless called for restraint on the part of the army in the pursuit of the suspects.

Earlier the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Chief of Defence Staff, Lt Gen. Chris Musa had given their tributes in memory of the slain officers and men.

Nigeria’s national flags were at the ceremony distributed to the next of kin of each of the slain officers and men.

Following that the caskets of the slain officers and men were lowered into the grave.

GWG.ng reports that besides the national honours that the presence of Tinubu at the burial of the Okuama 17 is the first time in the last eight years that a sitting president would attend a military burial.

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Nigerians To Mark Tinubu’s 2024 Birthday With Public Holiday As …

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Tunji-Ojo Off your mic

Despite the well-applauded decision of President Bola Tinubu to mark his 72 birthday coming up on Friday, March 29, on a low key, the Federal Government in an unenvisaged coincidence has declared the same day a Public Holiday.

The birthday of President Tinubu falls on Good Friday which is traditionally a public holiday in Nigeria and in most parts of the world.

GWG.ng reports that Good Friday is marked around the world to celebrate the death of Jesus, The Christ.

The Federal Government has also declared Monday, April 1, 2024 as public holidays to mark Easter Monday, the day following the day of the resurrection of Jesus.

The minister of interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration on behalf of the federal government in a statement by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Aishetu Ndayako, on Wednesday.

Tunji-Ojo urged Christians and all Nigerians in general to emulate the sacrifice and love displayed by Jesus Christ in dying for the redemption of man.

The statement partly read, “Easter, beyond religious significance, promotes values of love, forgiveness, and compassion, which are essential for social cohesion and harmony.

The minister called on Christians to imbibe these virtues as they are capable of impacting positively on the socio-economic development in Nigeria by fostering unity, reducing conflicts and encouraging cooperation among Nigerians.”

He further urged Nigerians to show acts of charity and generosity to help alleviate the material conditions of the less privileged amongst them.

Tunji-Ojo added that this was in tandem with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

“While wishing Christians at home and abroad a happy and blissful Easter celebration, the Minister also called on Nigerians to join hands with President Tinubu-led Administration in its determination to bring sustainable development and usher in prosperity for all, ” the statement added.

GWG.ng reports that it would be a great irony that despite his vow to mark his birthday on a low key that fate has gifted President Tinubu a public holiday for his 72 birthday.

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BREAKING: ‘We Haven’t Had Light For Over 10 Years’ – Port Harcourt Airport Communities 

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Residents of Omagwa and Ipo communities in Ikwerre Local Government Area of Rivers State have blocked the entrance to the Port Harcourt International Airport to protest against the absence of power supply and essential amenities.

GWG.ng understands that flight operations have been disrupted due to the protest, leaving air travelers stranded, and the situation has led to a gridlock stretching from the Airport Road to nearby communities.

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The protesters, gathering as early as 7 am on Wednesday, expressed frustration over the lack of compensation despite hosting the international airport and enduring daily noise pollution, highlighting the absence of adequate schools in the area.

Accusing the airport authorities of neglect, Oki, a protester, voiced his concerns, asserting, “We in Omagwa and Ipo haven’t had light for over 10 years. We want compensation for the noise pollution coming from the airport every day. We are tired. That is why we are here.

Below are some photos from the protest:

JUST IN: 'We Haven’t Had Light For Over 10 Years', Port Harcourt Airport Host Communities' Protest Over Blackout, Neglect Disrupts Flight Services

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Why I Granted Full Autonomy To Local Government Councils – Governor Alia

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Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State said his administration granted full autonomy of the 23 Local Government Areas to boost the economies of the rural areas.

Alia stated that the move would ensure tremendous growth as well as impact positively on the people.

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He also said that the administration had marshalled out adequate plans to open up the rural areas to enable their economies to thrive.

Governor Alia, who stated these while declaring open a two-day workshop organised by the Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs in conjunction with Timarage Nigeria Limited, for chairmen and members of the local government interim Executives in the state, said his administration had equally mapped out strategic projects and programmes for execution and implementation in all the Local Government Areas.

He said that by the time the projects and programmes were completed, the chequered history of the rural areas in the state would be completely reversed,

His words: “I am happy to State that my administration has given its full blessings to the autonomy of our Local Governments. Funds due to the Local Governments will be promptly. We are therefore, committed to the growth and development of the system and have outlined adequate plans to open up the rural areas to enable rural economies to thrive.

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“I have mapped out strategic projects and programmes which we are due to start execution and implementation in all the Local Government Areas. It is hoped that by the time we complete these projects and programmes, the chequered history of our rural areas will be completely reversed.”

While stressing the pivotal role the local government system plays in the development process of the Nation, Governor Alia appealed to the Local Government committees to intensify efforts towards increasing their internally generated revenue, so as to boost their capacity to provide for the welfare of their people.

The governor urged the council chairmen to ensure they remain closer to their people and to also uphold accountability, integrity and transparency in their work, as according to him, those are central to his administration.

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Alia also charged them to embrace synergy and team work to enable them to collectively achieve their goals.

Earlier in his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dennis Akura, said the essence of the workshop is to build the knowledge of the chairmen and members of the Local Government Interim Executive Committees as well as to equip them with a better understanding of their roles for effective service delivery at the third tier of Government.

Akura urged the participants to take full advantage of the workshop so that they will be able to support the efforts of the governor at the grassroots level.

A statement by Sir Tersoo Kula, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Benue State, said the Two Day Workshop with the theme “Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State,” was put together for Caretaker Chairmen, their Deputies, Director General Services and Administration (DGSAs) as well as the Local Government Supervisors.

 

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Kidnappers Must Be Treated Like Terrorists – Tinubu

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Tinubu kidnappers

President Bola Tinubu has said that kidnappers of innocent citizens must be treated as terrorists.

Tinubu, at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal Judiciary, also condemned the reprehensible acts perpetrated by kidnappers across the country

Hosting the judicial officers, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, the President reiterated government’s resolve to defeat banditry.

The dinner was also attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Justice Mahmud Mohammed and Justice Walter Onnoghen.

He said that those who resorted to kidnapping children are cowards, incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

‘’We must treat kidnappers as terrorists,” Tinubu said, adding “They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets. They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection.

“We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you we will get rid of them,’’ the President said.

On the review of salaries of judicial officers, Tinubu pledged that his administration would continue to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

‘’I recognize that the judiciary has one of the most unrewarded responsibilities. They are yet to modernise equipment and recordkeeping, and their progress towards improvement is slow.

‘’When you look at the career path of a judicial officer, they cannot practice the vocation for which they were trained after retirement.

‘’While the framers of the law may have their reasons, I perceive this differently and see this from a fair compensation angle that should benefit all,’’ the President said.

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the judiciary for its dedicated service to the nation, acknowledging its role in upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of government.

“We will continue to support one another and bring Nigeria to that glorious dawn,’’ the President stated.

Responding, the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Ariwoola, commended the President for hosting judicial officers to a Ramadan dinner, his commitment to judicial reforms, and for improving the welfare of judicial officers.

“May the Lord continue to bless you and your administration. Let your ship land and berth beautifully. We shall continue to pray for your administration because there are many good things in the pipeline for Nigerians,” he said.

Ariwoola commended the administration for achieving an unprecedented milestone by appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the Supreme Court.

Lateef Fagbemi, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, expressed gratitude to the President for forwarding the executive bill, titled, “Judicial Office Holders, Salaries and Allowances, etc, Bill 2024” to the National Assembly.

Highlighting the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007, Fagbemi commended the President’s courage, determination, and compassion in taking the decisive action.

‘’It takes a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration to do what the President did. More than 300.3 per cent salary increase has been given to the judges. The President has done his own part, never mind that the bill is still with the National Assembly.

‘’In my short stay as the Attorney-General, I have come to observe that anything that concerns the judiciary, you are very much interested in it, and I thank you for your abiding interest in the judiciary,’’ he said. (NAN)

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Okuama: Clark Fumes Over Army Raid, Nephew Allegedly Brought Out Near Naked

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Clark army

Elder-statesman Edwin Clark has warned the Nigerian Army of unpleasant consequences should he die on account of its vengeful retributions on account of the killing of its officers and men in Okuama, Delta State.

Speaking in a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, Clark revealed how his nephew was brought out almost naked by men of the Nigerian Army who invaded his house in Kiagbodo, Delta State.

He said:

He said, “At about 6pm on Saturday, 23rd March, 2024, I got a telephone call from someone who identified himself as the commanding officer Nigerian Army Division in Port Harcourt. He said that a tracker of the Nigerian Army, had tracked one Mr. Vote, the community chairman of Okuama Community, whom the Army was looking for in respect of the killings of the 17 men of the Nigerian Army, to a house in Ughelli; and that the military men had broken into the house, ransacked it, before they were informed that the house belongs to me, that he was very sorry and apologising to me on behalf of the Army.

“In my usual way and as a leader who is expected to condone as much as possible, I accepted his apology wholeheartedly, but told him that I do not own a house in Ughelli, that the house he is referring to, could be my father’s.

“I went on to sympathise with the Nigerian Army over the gruesome murder of the soldier, an action I had condemned severally the moment I heard of it in the news.

“I assured him that we will all work within our powers to avail the security agencies with any available information that would unravel the whole thing and bring the perpetrators to book. We ended the discussion on a cordial note.

“It was not long after that, I was inundated with calls from my home, Kiagbodo, telling me how the army had invaded my country home by land and by air. That they came in about 5 trucks loaded with armed soldiers numbering between 30 and 40.

“They invaded my house, used their legs to break open all the doors in the compound including the security door to my sitting room which was locked because I reside in Abuja.

“At the same time, flying their drone within the premises. Some of them went to the buildings behind the main house, and also broke all the doors that were locked. They marched out my staff living in those buildings, including lecturers at the university; made them to sit on the bare ground.

“They also broke into my late brother, Ambassador Akporode Blessing Clark’s house; a man who served this country internationally in various capacities, including as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs; as both of us share the same premises.

“They brought out his son almost naked, as the young man was taking a bath, when they stormed the house.

“All their phones were seized. The people had to identify themselves, and told them whose house it was, before they asked for my telephone number, which they said they will pass to their “oga”’, before they all departed.

“One would have expected that at this juncture, a call could have been put to the Governor of Delta State, to inform him of what happened.

“I immediately called back the commanding officer to tell him of the actions of his men. And he said he was aware, and that was why he called to apologise. Before continuing, let me play the devil’s advocate by stating that the army may not know that the house they went to in Kiagbodo is my country home.

“This has gone beyond coincidence and is giving me a source of concern.

“By God’s grace I am one of the oldest men in this country today. On May 25, I will be 97 years, God keeping me alive. In about seven decades of my life, I have served this nation meritoriously in different capacities. I have served in the same cabinet with persons who later became Heads of State and Presidents, both as military and civilian.

“On military side, I had become quite acquainted with many military officers. These include Admiral J. E. A. Wey, General David Ejoor, General Hassan Usman Katsina, General Gibson Jallo, Major-General Shehu Yar’Adua, while he was a Captain; General Abdulsalam Abubakar while he was a Captain; Colonel Mike Okwechime, Colonel Trimnel, Colonel Nzefili, Colonel Conrad Nwawo, Major Emmanuel Ifeajuna, Brigadier Benjamin Adekunle; Major-General IBM Haruna, Major-General Ike Nwachukwu while he was a Captain, General Charles Ndiomu, also a Captain at the time; Brigadier-General Godwin Alabi-Isama; General I. B. Bisalla; Major-General Paul Tarfa; Major-General Emmanuel Abisoye, Major-General James Oluleye.

 “I served with some of these persons in various cabinets, both at the State and Federal levels. As God would have it, many of them have passed on, those of us still alive, have continued to work assiduously to improve the socio-economic well-being of our country men.

“I make this introduction to let the present-day state actors that most of them who are authorizing disrespectful and unlawful conducts against me today, were probably young men or may not even have been born, when I was interacting with officers who are their superiors by far. In politics, I later also became a distinguished senator of the second republic of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I deserve to be respected, left to live in peace, safety and tranquility.

“I have very high regard for the Nigerian Army. I used to attend most of its ceremonies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). Three of my brothers retired as top military officers; Maj. Gen H. U. Clark, Col. Peter Clark and Col Bernard Clark. Two of them, unfortunately, have passed on, namely H. U. Clark and Bernard Clark. Incidentally, Bernard Clark was buried the same week the sad incidence of the gruesome murder of the 17 soldiers happened.

“My last discussion with Lt. Col. Ali, was in respect of according Bernard Clark the usual military ceremonial burial. Lt. Col. Ali told me he was going to call me back later in the day. Unfortunately, that call never came as he was amongst the soldiers gruesomely murdered.

“I want to end this write up to all concerned with what I told President Muhammadu Buhari, when my security details were withdrawn that if I die today as a result of natural occurrence, it will be a joyful celebration.

“But if my death is linked to any dubious means by some overzealous state actors, no one can tell how far the fire will rage. This is not a threat. It is an acknowledgment of God’s mercies on me. Having said that, I want to appreciate the enormous responsibility on the shoulders of the Nigerian Army, who are burdened with so much internal security issues. And it is for that reason I want to use this medium to kindly appeal to all concerned to work assiduously to unravel what happened and bring the perpetrators to book.

“The earlier this matter is concluded the better, as it will also avail the affected communities which are almost locked down today, without adequate food and water, the chance of returning to normal life. I also wish to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his efforts in combatting the ravaging security issues in the land, especially as it concerns the release of some of the abducted children in Kaduna State. I implore all of us to give him the necessary cooperation. This is the only country that we have.

“Again, I call on the various state actors to let me live in peace, and treat me with the kind of respect that I deserve, having served this country, and still serving even at the age of 97 years, until when it will please the Almighty God to call me home.”

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