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Once Upon A Lake

By Abdulkareem Haruna

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful lake that was a haven for fishermen.

The locals would cast their nets and spend their days on the water, catching fish for their families and community.

The lake was a source of joy and sustenance for all who lived nearby and those who journeyed from afar.

But over time, things began to change. The fish in the lake began to disappear, and the fishermen struggled to make ends meet—no thanks to human interference and altering climate.

Desperation set in, and some turned to more extreme measures to survive.

Suddenly, the lake became a breeding ground for terrorism. Where fishermen would cast their nets and drag out fish now become up a dragnet for violent extremism.

Extremist groups set up shops, using the area as a base to plan and carry out acts of violence. The peaceful hinterlands of Baga, Krenoa, Kauwa, Monguno, Malamfatori, Mobbar, Ajigin, Dikwa, Bama, Kondu’a, Gwoza, Mafa, Ka’a, and a host of others were suddenly plunged into chaos and fear, as no one felt safe anymore. Everyone fled.

The government and security forces stepped in to try and restore order, but it proved to be a difficult task. It is 14 years now. The terrorists are unyielding and have already gained a foothold and wielded significant power.

It seemed like the lake would forever be associated with fear and violence. Many Generals have come and gone, yet, the war still rages on. Sometimes hot, sometimes cold. But for each undulating temperature, lives are lost.

And so, the once-beautiful lake remained abandoned, no longer a significant source of fish but a grim reminder of how desperation and violence can take hold in even the most idyllic of surroundings.

Haruna, a seasoned journalist working in the Lake Chad region, is our guest writer.
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News

Northeast Youth Rally for Extension of NEDC Pioneer MD’s Tenure

By Abu Faisal

Mohammed Goni Alkali, the Managing Director of the Northeast Development Commission (NEDC), who is the pioneer MD of the commission, is being urged by youth groups to have his tenure extended as it draws to a close.

The youth, under the aegis of  North East Youths Discussion Cycle, said Alkali’s continuity in office would strengthen the commission’s stability since it is still in the test-run phase of most of its focal agenda blueprint for the Northeast.

One of the numerous modern schools built by NEDC

Under Alkali’s leadership, the NEDC has implemented numerous infrastructure projects in the region, launched initiatives to promote peace and reconciliation among different ethnic and religious groups, and created programs to provide skills training and employment opportunities for young people in the region.

The youth in the Northeast region are calling for an extension of Alkali’s tenure, citing his track record of success in implementing the NEDC’s mandate.

“We, the North East Youths Discussion Cycle, are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to, based on track records and achievements of the MD/CEO, please extend his tenure for another four years on behalf of the North East Youths,” Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, the Chairman of the Cycle said.

Thousands of resentment houses built by NEDC in displaced communities

The youth believe that since Alkali’s tenure began, the commission has been making significant progress in addressing the region’s challenges. However, the area still has a long way to go in development.

They argue that his continued leadership will consolidate gains made so far and pave the way for sustained development.

As the pioneer MD of the NEDC, Alkali needs continuity in office to ensure that the commission’s focal agenda blueprint for the Northeast is fully implemented. The youth believe that continuity in leadership will ensure stability and consistency in the commission’s operations, which is vital for the region’s development.

Palliatives as the major intervention of the NEDC across the six states of northeast

Analysts said though the decision to extend Alkali’s tenure “ultimately lies with the federal government, which established the NEDC, the government must weigh the youth’s call for the extension against other factors such as the need for fresh leadership and equity.”

The youth in the Northeast region believe that Alkali’s tenure should be extended, given his track record of success, his commitment to promoting peace and reconciliation, and his efforts to empower young people in the region.

This news medium believes that Alkali’s continuity in office would strengthen the commission’s stability, which is critical for the region’s development.

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News Politics

Nigeria’s VP Osinbajo to Speak at Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend in Kenya

By Harun Abu-Faisal

Nigeria’s Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya to participate in the 2023 Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend (IGW) event.

The theme of this year’s forum is “Global Africa,” and it will bring together prominent figures from across Africa and beyond to discuss the progress and potential of the African continent.

Osinbajo is scheduled to attend the IGW Africa Leadership opening ceremony on Friday and speak at the first session today, Saturday April 29. He will join other leaders to discuss the topic, “Africa’s Weight in the World, Highlighting the Continent’s Assets and Potentials.”

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation, which has been organizing the annual forum since 2006, places critical importance on good governance and leadership for Africa.

The event will feature other notable speakers, including Kenyan President William Ruto, former President of the African Development Bank Mr. Donald Kaberuka, and Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the WTO.

Apart from the forum, Osinbajo is expected to hold bilateral meetings with Kenyan President William Ruto and the British Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell.

The forum will be attended by leaders from Africa and across the world, and it presents an opportunity for African leaders to discuss issues affecting the continent and identify ways to improve governance and leadership.

In conclusion, the Mo Ibrahim Governance Weekend is a crucial event that provides a platform for African leaders to exchange ideas and come up with strategies to improve governance and leadership on the continent. Osinbajo’s participation in the event is a testament to Nigeria’s commitment to good governance and leadership in Africa.

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News Politics

President Buhari Meets Behind Closed Doors with President-elect Tinubu

President Muhammadu Buhari and President-elect Sen. Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors on Friday to mark the end of the 30-day Ramadan fast and offer Sallah prayers at the State House Mosque in Abuja.

In a statement released by Malam Garba Shehu, the two leaders discussed several issues of common concern during the day and I their private meetings.

President-elect Tinubu was accompanied to the State House by several prominent politicians, including Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila and two Governors, Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano and Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara.

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Armed Violence Foreign News Politics

#Sudan: Warring Generals agree to 72-hour ceasefire

By Harun Abu-Faisal

Sudan’s warring generals have agreed to a 72-hour ceasefire following 10 days of intense urban combat in which hundreds have died, thousands have been injured, and foreigners have fled.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces have agreed to implement a nationwide ceasefire starting at midnight on April 24th after two days of intense negotiations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Sudan was on “the edge of the abyss” and that the violence “could engulf the whole region and beyond.”

The fighting had involved forces loyal to army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and those of his former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, who commands the RSF.

At least 427 people have been killed and more than 3,700 wounded, according to UN agencies.

Categories
Features

Picky Media Invitations By Military Authorities At Op-Hadin Kai And 7 Div’ NA Injurious To Civil-Military Cooperation  

Original

The recent decision by the military authority at Operation Hadin Kai to selectively invite journalists to cover their operations is a concerning development in the fight against insurgency in Northeast Nigeria. 

This decision, which has recently become a disturbing trend, goes against the spirit of civil-military cooperation and collaboration needed to succeed in ending the 14-year war on the shores of Lake Chad.

It is important to note that the media, regardless of their size, reach and capacity, have played critical roles in de-escalating the challenges faced by the military in the region. The media has helped to bring to light the atrocities committed by the insurgents, as well as the efforts of the military to combat them. This has helped to raise public awareness of the need to support the military in its efforts to end the insurgency. 

Some critical events for reference in this piece are the recent inauguration of a military court martial,  the recent visit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Farouq Yahaya to the Theater during the Eid-elKabir celebration and the hand over and take over of the GOC at the 7-Division Nigerian army that took place on Sunday, 23 April. 

By denying a section of journalists access to cover their operations, the military is effectively keeping critical information from the public. This is a dangerous development, as it could lead to misinformation and rumors which could undermine the efforts of the military. It is important for the public to have accurate and timely information on the progress of the military operations, and the media plays a crucial role in providing this information to the public. 

Furthermore, the decision to selectively invite journalists to cover military operations could lead to mistrust between the military and the media. This could have far-reaching consequences, as a breakdown in civil-military cooperation could hinder efforts to end the insurgency. 

I am particularly worried that this is happening at a time we felt we have long past this level. Until now, there had been a robust relationship built on national interest between the journalists and the military both at the Theater and the Divisional level. 

It is imperative to note that since the days of General SK Usman, Col. Dole, Col.Sagir Musa, General Nwachukwu, and General Ado who were spokesmen of the Theater or the 7 Division at different times, issues like selective invitation were never recorded, until now. 

The visit of a COAS to any part of Nigeria should, by default, be a newsworthy event to every journalist in that location. In such events policy and operational strategy pronouncements are made which must be reported. And this is even more important for journalists in northeast Nigeria. 

The military should recognize the important role that the media plays in the fight against insurgency and should work to ensure that journalists are not excluded from covering their operations, especially now that we are edging towards the post insurgency era. 

Keeping information from the media could have far-reaching consequences and could hinder efforts to end the insurgency. 

I hope authorities at both Operation Hadin Kai and 7 Division NA take heed of this friendly call to attention and immediately shove a wedge on the wheels of this dangerous drift, before it gets out of hand. 

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Faith Press Release

Borno Christian Community Congratulates Muslims on Eid-el-Fitri Celebration

MAIDUGURI (BNB) – The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Borno State has congratulated the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of the Eid-el-Fitri celebration.

The CAN Chairman, Most Reverend Dr. John Bogna Bakeni, Auxiliary Bishop of Maiduguri, expressed his joy and prayed that Allah would accept their acts of Ibadah and supplications.

The message conveyed the Christian community’s unity in celebrating with their Muslim counterparts, with hopes that the blessings of God would be upon the Muslim Ummah in Borno State and beyond.

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Armed Violence Politics

#Sudan Update: Generals’ Battle Enters 4th Day with 185 Dead, Millions Trapped

By Harun Abu-Faisal

Fighting between Sudan’s two top generals and their heavily armed supporters has entered its fourth day, causing explosions and gunfire to be heard throughout the capital city of Khartoum.

The sudden outbreak of violence has left millions of people trapped in their homes or wherever they could find shelter, with supplies running low and several hospitals forced to shut down.

As of now, the death toll has risen to at least 185 people, and there are over 1,800 wounded. Both sides are using heavy weapons in densely populated areas, causing concern for the safety of civilians.

While the doctors’ syndicate reported 97 civilian deaths, there is no official word on the total number of casualties.

The ongoing clashes have left many bodies in the streets around central Khartoum that cannot be reached.

Categories
Armed Violence Politics Security

Should Neighboring African Countries Brace For Impact As Sudan Crisis Unfolds?

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

The recent coup in Sudan and the resulting political instability are expected to have significant impacts on neighboring African countries, particularly those in the Horn of Africa and the Sahel regions.

Sudan is immediately bordered at the northern flank by Egypt and slightly by Libya; Chad by its West, Central Africa and South Sudan on the Southern flank, while coastal state of Eritrea and Ethiopia by the West

Sudan is an essential economic player in the region, particularly in agriculture and energy production.

The country’s agricultural sector is a major source of food for many countries in the Horn of Africa, and its oil exports are an important source of revenue for many countries in the region.

The current political crisis in Sudan is likely to have a negative impact on both the agricultural and energy sectors.

The political instability could lead to a decline in oil production and exports, which would have a significant impact on the economies of neighboring countries that rely on Sudanese oil.

The political crisis in Sudan could also have significant political and security impacts on neighboring countries, potentially leading to a withdrawal of Sudanese troops from peacekeeping missions and exacerbating security challenges in the region.

As such, it is important for the international community to support efforts to resolve the crisis and promote stability in Sudan and the wider region.

Buildup To The Coup

Sudan’s military has warned of potential clashes with the country’s powerful paramilitary force, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).

Photo Credit: AFP

The RSF has deployed troops in Khartoum and other cities without approval or coordination with the armed forces’ leadership. This has heightened tensions between the two groups, causing a delay in the signing of an internationally-backed deal with political parties to restore the country’s democratic transition.

The RSF’s actions have caused panic and fear among the people, increased security risks, and exacerbated tensions between the regular forces.

The RSF, led by powerful Gen. Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo, grew out of former militias that executed a brutal crackdown in Sudan’s Darfur region over the past two decades.

In response to the situation, the National Umma Party has urged all political forces to exercise restraint and avoid escalating the situation.

Sudan’s recent political upheavals began with a popular uprising in April 2019 that forced the military’s overthrow of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government. However, a military coup in 2021 removed the western-backed, power-sharing administration and plunged the country into chaos once again.

The ongoing democratic transition in Sudan remains uncertain as the country continues to face significant challenges.

Categories
News Politics

Protesters Demand Fairness in Adamawa State Governorship Election

By Haruna Abu-Faisal

JIMETA, Nigeria (BNB) — Thousands of women, youth, and government officials took to the streets of Jimeta, Adamawa state on Saturday to protest the recent declaration of Aisha Dahiru Binani as the winner of the state’s governorship election under the All Progressives Congress (APC) party.

Led by the assistant Campaign Director of the PDP’s presidential and governorship elections in the state, Felix Tangwami, and a commissioner of the Fintiri-led administration, the protesters chanted slogans such as “Give us our mandate” and “Fintiri won”, demanding that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) overturn the decision and give the mandate to the rightful winner, Governor Umaru Fintiri of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Yunusa Hudu Ari, had declared Binani as the winner midway into the collation of results on Sunday, but the declaration has caused confusion and sparked a heated debate among the public.

Many have questioned the legality of the REC’s decision to declare Binani the winner while the results were still being collated, arguing that he did not have the constitutional mandate to do so.

The protesters have vowed to continue their protest until justice is served, and the rightful winner is declared. However, the situation remains tense, with calls for calm and peaceful resolution of the dispute.

The declaration of Binani as the winner of the Adamawa state governorship election has also raised allegations of bias and vote manipulation in favor of the APC. Some have called for an investigation into the conduct of the REC during the election, while others have commended the PDP for their peaceful protest and commitment to justice.

The INEC has, in response to the Sunday declaration, questioned the declaration of Binani as the winner of the election and summoned the REC to its headquarters in Abuja.

The electoral body has directed the Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari, to stay away from the state office until further notice. The Administrative Secretary has been directed to take full charge of INEC, Adamawa State, after Ari served as the REC for the governorship election in the state.

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