Buhari did nothing about Benue genocide though he was warned 18 months earlier - Pastor Bakare

Pastor Tunde Bakare, the serving overseer of the Latter Rain Assembly (LRA), says President Muhammadu Buhari and his government did nothing about the genocide in Benue even though they were warned 18 months earlier.

Bakare also added that the government has failed in what seem to be its area of strength — security, and has permitted a genocide in some parts of the country.

“Nothing indicts the current government greater than its failure in one key performance area that ought to be its strength: security,” Bakare said.

“Despite recent setbacks, we acknowledge the gains in the war against Boko Haram, but highly disturbing is the mayhem being continually unleashed by herdsmen on communities in different states across the country, including Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Adamawa, Kaduna, Enugu, Edo and Ogun States, leaving trails of weeping and wailing.

“The recent killings in Benue State are akin to the last straw that is set to break the camel’s back. Not only has the government failed to stop these killings across the country, it has done so against the backdrop of conspiratorial silence, choosing rather to label such attacks ‘an issue of communal misunderstanding’, as the Inspector General of Police recently did in respect of the Benue attacks; it has treated the menace with kid gloves even after the Global Terrorism Index 2015 described ‘militant’ herdsmen as ‘the fourth most deadly group of 2014’.

“Worse still, some of these killings have reportedly been carried out in collusion with the military.

BUHARI WAS WARNED 18 MONTHS EARLIER

Bakare said the federal government has “become complicit for the following reasons:

“By not advancing and vigorously executing policies aimed at pre-empting or preventing these killings even with sufficient warnings: I am reminded of the open letter to President Muhammadu Buhari by a former Nigerian High Commissioner to Canada and Second Republic senator, Prof. Iyorwuese Hagher. Permit me to quote excerpts from that letter:

‘Your Excellency Mr. President…I am pained that you ignored my advice in my private memorandum to you dated 30th July 2016. I had warned you of the possibility of a horrendous genocide in Benue, Plateau, Taraba, Southern Kaduna, and Southern Adamawa States.

‘I asked you to be proactive and stop the genocide that has been ongoing but which would burst out in the open and shock the world within 18 months. Your office replied my letter…thanking me ‘immensely’ and giving me the assurances that the advice would be heeded…I regret to now inform you that it is seventeen months since my warning and prediction and your government did nothing to pre-empt or prevent the genocide.'”

UNEMPLOYED NIGERIANS HAVE INCREASE BY ALMOST 10MILLION

“This administration anchored its policy outlook on three main thrusts, including security, job creation through diversification, and anti-corruption, yet all around us are signs of retrogression,” Bakare said.

“As at June 2015, the unemployment rate was 8.2% of a labour force of 74 million, meaning that about 6 million Nigerians were unemployed.

“By September 2017, despite such efforts as N-Power and a range of policies aimed at improving enterprise development and facilitating job creation, the unemployment rate had risen to 18.8% of a labour force of 85.1 million, indicating that between 2015 and 2017, the number of unemployed Nigerians rose from about 6 million to almost 16 million.”

Gov. Fayose blasts governors for endorsing Buhari for 2nd term

Governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose has condemned some northern governors and all those endorsing President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in office.

In a tweet on Friday, the no-nonsense Ekiti governor castigated those calling on Buhari to continue in office in 2019 as treating Nigerians with contempt in the face of the hardships they experienced daily.

In the midst of fuel scarcity, exorbitant fuel price, unjust killing of innocent Nigerians by Fulani herdsmen, high cost of goods and services, bad roads and dilapidated infrastructure, 7 northern governors of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Friday endorsed Buhari for a second term in office.

Read Fayose’s tweet below:

”No fuel, killings in Benue, Taraba, Adamawa, Rivers, etc. But some people’s response to all these is to endorse President Buhari for second term. What a way to treat Nigerians with contempt…”

Former aviation minister, Mr Femi Fani-Kayode also described the governors who endorsed Buhari for a second term as a bunch of losers, scumbags, sadists, leeches, vampires who have fed fat on the blood of innocent Nigerians.

Read Fani-Kayode’s tweet on the endorsement:

”The 7 northern APC governors that have endorsed Buhari for a 2nd term are a bunch of losers and scumbags.They are sadists, leeches,parasites and vampires who have fed fat off the blood of the innocent Nigerians that Buhari and his Fulani terrorists have shed over the last 3 yrs.”

In his own opinion, celebrated publisher Dele Momodu argued that President Muhammadu Buhari would be 76 in 2019 and would be too “tired” to run a “complex” nation like Nigeria.

Momodu called on Buhari not to seek re-election in 2019 because “Nigeria needs a man with full stamina” to govern the country. - Pm News 

Lagos : 38-year-old Serial paedophile who lures teenagers with milk arrested

One Rotimi Abomini, fond of enticing young girls with foodstuffs in order to rape them has been arrested.

The suspect ran out of luck on Saturday after he was caught carrying 11-year-old child, whose name was not disclosed, out the window of his room.

Narrating the incident, the minor told police that Abomini convinced her nobody would know, and revealed that he has been having sex with another 11-year-old girl in the neighbourhood simply called Elizabeth, who is Esther’s friend.

The primary six pupil, disclosed that the suspect used to give her and her friend gifts like N50 sachet custard and milk on many occasions.

“That Monday, Uncle Rotimi called me to come to his room. I wanted to go with my friend Elizabeth but I couldn’t find her so I went alone.

“He gave me custard and milk and told me he wants me to have sex with him. He said that no one would know. He also told me that he has had sex with other little girls before me.

“He then started to put his finger in my private part and then brought out his penis before someone now saw us from the window and raised alarm.”

Residents of Coconut Street in Ebute-Ilaje, Bariga area of Lagos metropolis handed him over to Bariga police station.

The case was reported to Comrade Toyin Okanlawon, coordinator of the Child Protection Network (CPN), in Shomolu and Bariga axis. Together with few other civilians, he led the arrest of the suspect, who was handed over to policemen at Bariga Police Station.

Okanlawon decried the spate of rape cases of young girls in the area.

“The JWC officer has moved to transfer the case to the state police headquarters.

“Mr. Abomini is another case of a serial paedophile that took advantage of the innocence and the vulnerability of the under aged girls to sexually abuse them.

“Both Esther and Elizabeth are only 11-year-old girls and the suspect lures them with other girls in the neighborhood with mere custard and milk. He has been begging the girl’s mother to forgive him. But only God knows how long he has been doing this.''

Gani Adams pledges Yoruba unity as he becomes 15th Aare Ona Kakanfo

Before a large gathering of people from all walks of life, OtunbaGani Adams, yesterday mounted the saddle as the Aare Ona Kakanfo (Generalissimo) of Yoruba, vowing  to use his position to  foster the unity and peace of the Yoruba race.

But he solicited the support of all Yoruba worldwide, particularly the governors of the Yoruba states,who he said should see him as a partner in progress.

Adams,speaking moments after the conferment of the title on him by the Alaafin of Oyo,Oba LamidiAdeyemi, said challenging as the title is,he is ready to work with all traditional rulers and leaders to project the Yoruba culture to the rest of the world.

Considering himself lucky not to have come at a time of many wars like his predecessors, Adams said the challenge makes it dawn on it that more needs be done as a bridge builder.

He promised to give scholarships to promising students to promote the academic virtues of the Yoruba.

He also plans to launch an Aare Ona KakanfoFoundation to document and preserve all the traditional artefacts and virtues of all the previous holders of the title.

Adams  also promised to work with all the security operatives to ensure the security of lives and property of the Yoruba states.

Hundreds of eminent Yoruba sons and daughters came from different parts of the country to witness the historic installation of the Aare Ona Kakanfo.

As early as 7.20am, most of the major roads in the town had become difficult to access due to heavy traffic.

Some guests experienced exhaustion at the narrow entrance gate to the stadium as they struggled to gain entry, while others were stampeded

As a mark of honour and respect, shops, and markets in the ancient town were shut, while residents trooped out in large numbers to witness the installation ceremony.

Venue of the coronation was filled to brim shortly before the programme started at about 10.40 am.

The Alaafin of Oyo and the Aare Ona Kakanfo arrived the venue of the event in a horse-driven carriage  at  exactly 12.55pm to the heavy sound of  drumming.

Their arrival threw the crowd into ecstasy, as many left their seats to have a glimpse of the chariot.

Decked in a white, flowing agbada and a traditional white cap to match, Chief Adams sat in front while the Alaafin took the back seat of the chariot.

Governor AbiolaAjimobi of Oyo State arrived the venue at about 1.50pm .

Some of the dignitaries present at the ceremony were  former governors Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao -Akala, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan , and Dr. Olusegun Mimiko of Oyo, Delta and Ondo states respectively,  a legal luminary, Chief NiyiAkintola (SAN), Afenifere spokesman, Mr.YinkaOdumakin , Afenifere chieftain, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, and an Oyo Chief , BisiIllaka.

Others were   traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of OhanezeNdigbo,  security chiefs, led by the state Commissioner of Police, Mr.AbiodunOdude , socio cultural groups, captains of industries, traditionalists, and politicians amongst others. - The Nation  

Arsene Wenger worried about 'lacklustre' Arsenal

Arsenal's lack of attacking threat is a bigger concern than team spirit for manager Wenger.

The Gunners, missing Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil, gave up a lead to lose 2-1 away to struggling Bournemouth in the Premier League on Sunday.

Record signing Alexandre Lacazette and fellow attacker Danny Welbeck struggled to make an impact at the Vitality Stadium, leaving Wenger searching for solutions in the final third, as he braces himself for the likely departure of Sanchez to Manchester City or Manchester United.

"I'm not concerned about the [team] spirit," the Frenchman told a news conference.

"I'm concerned when it matters we are not dangerous enough. We looked a bit lacklustre in the final third. Not sharp enough to create chances. 

"Overall it was a tough game for us. We were 1-0 up and then we made two very surprising mistakes. They weren't forced errors, just lack of decision making.

"We come out of the game and think, 'How did we lose?' [It was] very frustrating, [a] very disappointing outcome."

"Overall we have to look at it in a very objective and harsh way, we made mistakes we should not have made," he told BBC Sport.

"The team that fights against relegation will fight and you cannot afford any concentration mistake.

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"We had to win the game. I think if you look again at the second goal we made many mistakes and that is what we paid for." 

A detailed analysis of Callum Wilson's equaliser and Jordon Ibe's winner may not reflect well on the Arsenal defence, with Wenger issuing a strident criticism of his side's efforts at the back. 

PL news :Jurgen Klopp revels in Liverpool's stunning success

Klopp described Liverpool's 4-3 win over Manchester City as "historical" and lauded both sides for producing an all-time Premier League classic.

The German was typically animated during Sunday's seven-goal thriller at Anfield, where City's 22-game unbeaten league run this season was ended by the hosts.

In their first game since Philippe Coutinho's departure for Barcelona, Liverpool were indebted to goals from Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Roberto Firmino, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah.

Pep Guardiola's men fell 4-1 behind with Leroy Sane's first-half goal all they had to show for their efforts until a late flurry that saw Bernardo Silva and Ilkay Gundogan cut the deficit.

Having held on to secure a dramatic success that leaves them third and level on points with Manchester United and Chelsea either side of them, Klopp was enthused by the whole spectacle. 

"You can watch it as a manager or as a football fan and I prefer to do that – wow! What a game! Two teams, full throttle," he told BBC Sport. 

"This was a historical game you will talk about in 20 years because it looks like City will not lose another one this year.

"People watched this game all over the world and this is why – take your heart, throw it on the pitch and play like this, both teams.

"We played, I don't know which level, caused them problems like hell. I was not scared at the end, not that I didn't think we could concede a fourth, I have known my boys long enough now, it was so intense.

"If you combine quality with attitude you see a game like this. I really loved it.

"You will find someone who wants to talk about defending, no clean sheet, but he can blow up my boots."

City's leveller, which came just before the interval, saw Loris Karius beaten at his near post by Sane, but Klopp did not enjoy having that fact pointed out to him.

Asked if the goalkeeper was to blame, the Reds boss told Sky Sports: "Yes of course it's the corner where he was. You showed it to me. People always find the hair in the soup. Loris knows it.

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"The Man City goalkeeper [Ederson] probably caused Salah's goal but nobody will talk about that." - Goal

Nigerian Drug Law Agency Arrests Nine Drug Traffickers Including A South African At Lagos Airport

Officials of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested nine drug traffickers within one week at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos. The arrests were made between December 24 and 31, 2017 at the airport. Among the suspects was a South African male.

At least, 120kg of several illicit narcotic substances were seized from the suspects within the one week period. An investigation by SaharaReporters indicated that many of the suspects fights originated from Brazil, connected Lagos to Johannesburg, South Africa.

Seven of the suspects were males, including a South African while the two others were females.

Most of the suspects were arrested during the inward screening of passengers on South Africa Airways flights.

 An NDLEA source told SaharaReporters that many of the suspects thought they had perfected their plans by changing flights in Brazil to South Africa Airways, but they were still arrested at the airport by NDLEA operatives.

The source said: “These NDLEA operatives are very proactive in their operations. They made a lot of arrests of suspected drug traffickers and seizures between December 24 till 31, 2017. While some of the suspects were arrested on the flights of other airlines, the majority of the arrests were made of South Africa Airways’ flights.

“We learnt that the NDLEA operatives have discovered that the suspects have changed their choice of airline from their Brazil base to Nigeria. But, unfortunately for them they were arrested on arrival in Lagos. I can tell you that one of them is a South African who feigned an ailment believing that the agency would allow him to go back to his country because of his health condition, but he was wrong as NDLEA officials hold on to him, took him to a well-equipped hospital for treatment.

“It was however discovered at the hospital that the suspect was seeking a cunning way to get off the NDLEA’s hook. He has since been returned to his cell after treatment.”

However, attempts to get the Commander,  NDLEA Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Mr. Garba to comment on the arrests and seizures were not successful.

Also another attempt to get the agency’s spokesperson Jonah Achema comment on the development proved abortive. - Sahara Reporters