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Arewa Group Lauds Nigerians for Identifying With Country at 76th UN General Assembly
A pressure group, Arewa Youth Federation has lauded Nigerians living in the United States of America (USA) for showing solidarity with the country and it’s President, Muhammadu Buhari in New York as world leaders converge for the 76th United Nations General Assembly.
The group in a statement signed by its President, Muhammad Matazu described the act as patriotic and appealed to the few who have refused to see the good things happening in the country to have a rethink.
Recall that the media was washed yesterday of some Nigerians living abroad under the aegis, “One Nigeria Group” who stormed the streets of New York to show their support for their fatherland as world leaders are assembled for the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly.
The participants waved the Nigerian national flags, sported t-shirts and displayed banners announcing progress made, their commitment to one Nigeria and a yearning for peace and progress.
Reacting to the development, the Arewa group maintained it was impressed that some patriotic Nigerians abroad chose to register their support of President Muhammadu Buhari and the continued existence of Nigeria as one, indivisible country.
“We find this patriotic act by Nigerians in America highly commendable. This so because throwing tantrums on the nation and President Muhammadu Buhari has been made very lucrative business by enemies of the country particularly those living abroad.
“What is common today is that the enemies of Nigeria recruit agents to twists facts about the country and the present administration. The rapid infrastructural development accomplished within the period of the Buhari administration is talked about. Progress made in security is also suppressed. Sadly, the media is been used to push narratives that seeks to disintegrate the country.
“We use this medium to appeal to Nigerians not to allow themselves to be used as tools for division as the strength of the country is in our diversity”.
The statement further urged the President’s media handles not to relent in highlighting the successes of the various flagship programmes undertaken by the Buhari administration since 2015.
September 22, 2021
UAE names Nigerians among sponsors of Terrorism
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has listed six Nigerians as financiers of Boko Haram and terror activities.
State-run WAM news agency reports that the information was released at the country’s federal cabinet meeting in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
The Nigerians are Abdurrahaman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.
They were prosecuted in 2020 for wiring funds to Boko Haram.
The full list of 53 individuals and entities indicted include:
1. Ahmed Abdulla Mohammed Alshaiba Alnuaimi (UAE)
2. Mohamed Saqer Yousif Saqer Al Zaabi (UAE)
3. Hamad Mohammed Rahmah Humaid Alshamsi (UAE)
4. Saeed Naser Saeed Naser Alteneiji (UAE)
5. Hassan Hussain Tabaja (Lebanon)
6. Adham Hussain Tabaja (Lebanon)
7. Mohammed Ahmed Musaed Saeed (Yemen)
8. Hayder Habeeb Ali (Iraq)
9. Basim Yousuf Hussein Alshaghanbi (Iraq)
10. Sharif Ahmed Sharif Ba Alawi (Yemen)
11. Manoj Sabharwal Om Prakash (India)
12. Rashed Saleh Saleh Al Jarmouzi (Yemen)
13. Naif Nasser Saleh Aljarmouzi (Yemen)
14. Zubiullah Abdul Qahir Durani (Afghanistan)
15. Suliman Saleh Salem Aboulan (Yemen)
16. Adel Ahmed Salem Obaid Ali Badrah (Yemen)
17. Ali Nasser Alaseeri (Saudi Arabia)
18. Fadhl Saleh Salem Altayabi (Yemen)
19. Ashur Omar Ashur Obaidoon (Yemen)
20. Hazem Mohsen Al Farhan (Syria)
21. Mehdi Azizollah Kiasati (Iran)
22. Farshad Jafar Hakemzadeh (Iran)
23. Seyyed Reza Mohmmad Ghasemi (Iran)
24. Mohsen Hassan Kargarhodjat Abadi (Iran)
25. Ibrahim Mahmood Ahmed Mohammed (Iran)
26. Osama Housen Dughaem (Syria)
27. Abdurrahaman Ado Musa (Nigeria)
28. Salihu Yusuf Adamu (Nigeria)
29. Bashir Ali Yusuf (Nigeria)
30. Muhammed Ibrahim Isa (Nigeria)
31. Ibrahim Ali Alhassan (Nigeria)
32. Surajo Abubakar Muhammad (Nigeria)
33. Alaa Abdulrazzaq Ali Khanfurah (Syria)
34. Fadi Said Kamar (Great Britain)
35. Walid Kamel Awad (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
36. Khaled Walid Awad (Saint Kitts and Nevis)
37. Imad Khallak Kantakdzhi (Russia)
38. Mouhammad Ayman Tayseer Rashid Marayat (Jordan)
39. Ray Tracing Trading Co LLC
40. H F Z A Arzoo International FZE
41. Hanan Shipping LLC
42. Four Corners Trading Est
43. Sasco Logistic LLC
44. AlJarmouzi General Trading LLC
45. Al Jarmoozi Cargo & Clearing LLC
46. Al Jarmoozi Transport By Heavy & Light Trucks LLC
47. Naser Aljarmouzi General Trading LLC
48. Naser Aljarmouzi Cargo & Clearing LLC
49. Wave Tech Computer LLC
50. NYBI Trading FZE
51. KCL General Trading FZE
52. Alinma Group
53. Al-Omgy & Bros Money Exchange
September 14, 2021
I warned Nigerians in 2015 about this ‘evil’ govt – Bishop Oyedepo
Bishop David Oyedepo, President and founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, has described President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration as evil filled with wilderness.
The world’s second richest pastor made the remark on Sunday during a sermon at the church’s headquarters, Canaanland, Ota in Ogun State.
Oyedepo who was speaking on the power of prophecy, said he warned Nigerians in 2015 prior to President Buhari’s victory, stressing that some fellows were angered by his prophecy until they are now faced with the reality.
In his words, “I am privileged to be among the few God shows things long before they happen.
“Some fellows were upset with me when I was talking against this evil government.
“I told this Nation, you are heading for trouble: 2015. Are they in trouble or in turbulence? Turbulence.
“I saw the wickedness of the wicked being forced on the land. Now no direction, no motion.
“When a Prophet speaks, he speaks the heart of God”.
July 18, 2021
#TwitterBan: Respect The Rights Of Nigerians, US tells Buhari
The US has sent another message to President Muhammadu Buhari over the ban of the microblogging site, Twitter.
In a statement on Thursday, Antony Blinken, US Secretary of State, said restricting social media has no place in a democracy.
He called on Nigeria to reverse the ban and allow freedom of expression.
The statement read, “The United States condemns the ongoing suspension of Twitter by the Nigerian government and subsequent threats to arrest and prosecute Nigerians who use Twitter. The United States is likewise concerned that the Nigerian National Broadcasting Commission ordered all television and radio broadcasters to cease using Twitter.
“Unduly restricting the ability of Nigerians to report, gather, and disseminate opinions and information has no place in a democracy. Freedom of expression and access to information both online and offline are foundational to prosperous and secure democratic societies.
“We support Nigeria as it works towards unity, peace, and prosperity. As its partner, we call on the government to respect its citizens’ right to freedom of expression by reversing this suspension.”
The Federal Government has maintained a hardline stance on Twitter ban despite pressure within and outside the country.
In an interview he granted to ARISE TV earlier on Thursday, the president was asked when he would unban Twitter but he simply said, “I’ll keep that close to my chest.”
Former US President Donald Trump has hailed Buhari over the ban, charging more countries to do the same.
Although Twitter played a crucial role in Trump’s victory and was also instrumental throughout his presidency, the platform suspended him after he incited an insurrection in the last weeks of his stay in the White House.
Friday will make it exactly a week since the Nigerian authorities axed Twitter.
The government has now commenced the process of regulating social media, a move that has been widely rejected.
June 10, 2021
COVID-19: FG issues travel advisory to Governors, Nigerians
The Federal Government has issued a travel advisory to Nigerians who visited Brazil, India and Turkey, citing risks of COVID-19.
It also advised Governors to ensure that all returned international passengers in their respective states adhere strictly to the mandatory seven days isolation period.
Mr Boss Mustapha, Chairman of the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC) on COVID-19, gave the advice during a town hall meeting on COVID-19 vaccination for the North East Zone in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.
The meeting was organised by the PSC in collaboration with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Mustapha, who was represented by Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed, Minister of Environment, said Nigeria has the responsibility to safeguard the health of its people and block any chance to spread COVID-19 in the country.
“Nigerians are strongly advised to avoid non essential international travelling at this time, especially to countries that are showing an increase in the number of COVID-19 deaths.
“Consequently, any person who had visited Brazil, India and Turkey within 14 days preceding travel to Nigeria shall be denied entry into Nigeria.
“Among other travelling guidelines, individuals, transporters and airlines who abuse the guidelines shall be sanctioned,’’ Mustapha said.
He explained that the PSC has been monitoring with keen interest the rise in cases of COVID-19 abroad.
”The Federal Government deeply sympathises with the government and citizens of those countries and assured them of unflinching support and solidarity.
”All Governors are also advised to ensure that all returned international passengers in their respective states adhere strictly to the mandatory seven days isolation period,” he said.
The PSC chairman said that the cardinal objective of the meeting was to provide means for the government, communities and other relevant stakeholders to discuss the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination in the country.
The SGF noted that records available showed that the daily incident of COVID-19 in the country has reduced.
June 9, 2021
Nigerians to submit Phones IMEI to FG in Three months – NCC
The Nigerian Communications Commission has said Nigerians will have to submit the International Mobile Equipment Identity of their phones to it from July.
The regulatory body said this in the commission’s Revised National Identity Policy for SIM Card Registration.
The NCC’s move to start the implementation of the Device Management System (a Centralised Equipment Identity Register) is backed by the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).
A portion of the policy said, “Accordingly, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has directed that the Device Management System should be implemented within three months.”
The NCC said, “With the aim to curtail the counterfeit mobile phone market, discourage mobile phone theft, enhance National Security, protect consumer interest, increase revenue generation for the government, reduce the rate of kidnapping, mitigate the use of stolen phones for crime, and facilitate blocking or tracing of stolen mobile phones and other smart devices, one of the means to achieve this is through the deployment of Device Management System.
“The implementation of a Centralised Equipment Identity Register otherwise known as Device Management System will serve as a repository for keeping records of all registered mobile phones’ International Mobile Equipment Identity and owners of such devices.
“IMEIs that have been reported as either stolen or illegal will be shared through the DMS to all the operators and service providers.”
The IMEI number is the mobile phone’s fingerprint. It is a 15-digit number unique to each phone. With the IMEI number, a phone can be tracked and located irrespective of the cellular number in it.
According to an expert that helps the Nigerian Police track stolen phones, who asked for anonymity, said, “The IMEI of a phone allows us to track the phone.
“It allows us to track the phone’s information, people the phone calls each day and the house address of the people that call on the phone.”
The expert added, “I can’t disclose how the IMEI of a phone works. It is sensitive information. Leaking the secret helps the people stealing the phone bypass the information.
“Some people already try to change the IMEI of stolen phones, but we know what to do to get the original one.”
With this move, the NCC will have the IMEI numbers, NIN, and mobile numbers of every Nigerian.
May 21, 2021
We Are Working Very Hard, I Hope Nigerians Will Understand – Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday pledged said his administration is working hard to tackle insecurity confronting the nation and he hopes Nigerians understand.
Speaking to journalists at the State House shortly after observing the Eid prayer, marking the end of the month-long Ramadan fast, President Buhari said that the menace of bandits and kidnappers will be addressed to ensure that the nation’s food security is not threatened.
“With the resources and manpower available to us, we are working very hard. We are hoping Nigerians will understand the problem. Nigerians know at what stage we came in in 2015, what state we are today both on security and the economy and we are doing our best.
“The law enforcement agencies are working hard to regain confidence against the bandits, so that we can go back to the land. This is very important. This is what the agencies are busy doing right now. We want people to go back to the land so that we can get enough food for the country and even export,” he said.
He also appealed to Nigerians for more understanding of the current situation in the country.
He said his administration will use all available resources and manpower in dealing with bandits to ensure that they did not create havoc against access to farms and food production in the coming growing season.
“I expect Nigerians to be more understanding on the issues involved, looking at the time and available resources. For example, when we came in, in the Northeast, ask people in Adamawa and Borno States and the South-South in terms of security. Without security, you can’t do anything. Our big surprise and disappointment is what is happening in the Northwest and we are dealing with it,” said the President.
Explaining ongoing efforts to tackle the security situation in the country by the administration, President Buhari drew attention to the series of long meetings held in recent weeks, chaired by him, saying that a part of resolutions had been made public by the National Security Adviser and the others kept secret.
He also commended the National Assembly for its support, saying that “the National Assembly is cooperating very well. Within the resources available, they are certainly giving us priority on our (military) requests.”
President Buhari then made an appeal to the nation’s elite to show a better appreciation of the problems facing the country.
“The elite should make the attempt to understand the military. If we order weapons and armored vehicles, it takes time for the manufacturers. It takes time to ship them and when brought here eventually, they are taken to training institutions, train the trainers before sending them to the field. This is a very long process.”
President Buhari and members of his family were joined for the Eid at the forecourt of the Villa by the President of the Senate, Dr. Ahmed Lawan, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, cabinet members, and the heads of security and intelligence agencies.
May 14, 2021
FG Begins Profiling Of Nigerians Linked To Terrorism Financing
The Federal Government has begun profiling towards prosecution, well-placed Nigerians suspected of being financiers of terrorism in the country.
Briefing journalists on Friday in Abuja, the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami said the arrest of the suspects followed the recent convictions of some Nigerians on terrorism financing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
He said that investigations conducted have established reasonable evidence of the involvement of the highly placed individuals, businessmen and institutions across the country in financing the Boko Haram terrorists.
“As you will actually know, sometimes back there were certain convictions of Nigerians allegedly involved in terrorism financing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE),” he said in reaction to the extent of prosecution.
“That gave rise to wider and far-reaching investigations in Nigeria and I’m happy to report that arising from the wider coverage investigation that has been conducted in Nigeria, a number of people, both institutional and otherwise, were found to be culpable.
“I mean a reasonable ground for suspicion of terrorism financing has been established or perhaps has been proven to be in existence in respect of the transactions of certain higher-profile individuals and businessmen across the country.”
Although Malami declined to disclose names of the terrorist financiers nor the number of those found culpable, he simply stated that a large number of persons were involved, adding that he is not at liberty to disclose further, as investigations (which have reached an advanced stage) and profiling continue.
He added, “I’m happy to report that investigation has been ongoing for a long and it has reached an advanced stage.
“Arising from the investigation, there exists, certainly, reasonable grounds for suspicion that a lot of Nigerians, high-profile, institutional and otherwise, are involved in terrorism financing and they are being profiled for prosecution.
“In essence, it is indeed true that the government is prosecuting and it’s indeed initiating processes of prosecuting those high-profile individuals that are found to be financing terrorism. It is indeed true.”
“The message is clear: nobody is going to be spared, no stone will be left unturned. We shall certainly and aggressively pursue those people that are involved in terrorist financing as far as the Nigerian state is concerned,” he declared.
Nigeria has been grappling with series of security challenges ranging from Boko Haram terrorism in the northeast to banditry in the northwest, kidnapping for ransom in several parts of the country, ritual, agitations for secession among several others.
The country has been battling insurgency for over a decade with over 36,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced in the northeast.
As part of measures to rejig the entire security architecture, President Muhammadu Buhari earlier this year replaced his four top military commanders in a bid to better combat the insurgency that has also displaced more than two million people from their homes since 2009.
ISWAP split from mainstream Boko Haram in 2016 and became a dominant group, launching attacks on military bases and ambushing troops while abducting travellers at fake checkpoints.
Since 2019, the army has mostly withdrawn from villages and smaller bases into so-called “super camps”, fortified garrisons meant to give better protection against attacks.
But critics say the strategy has left jihadists with more freedom to roam untouched in rural areas and made highways vulnerable to kidnappings and assaults.
May 7, 2021
Buhari announces expansion of N-Power to 1 million Nigerians
President Muhammadu Buhari says his government will expand the N-Power programme from the present 500,000 beneficiaries to one million.
Buhari made the announcement in a message to commemorate the 2021 Workers’ Day celebration.
He said the expansion would ensure job creation and poverty alleviation through programme such as Safety Net Programmes to cushion the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Nigerian leader listed some socio-economic policies of his administration.
He mentioned the increase of the Conditional Cash Transfer for the vulnerable poor from 2.6 million households (13 million persons) to 7.6 million households (about 32 million persons).
Buhari said the COVID-19 Rapid Response Register (RRR) for urban poor now has 4.8 million households (20 million persons) which include urban poor/working class.
He added that his government set up the Artisan Support Fund, Payroll Support Fund for small scale businesses and Business Formalisation to encourage medium enterprises by offering free registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC).
The President further said that the National Youth Investment Fund (NYIF) for entrepreneurs earmarked N75 billion for three years to support the labour force.
May 2, 2021
Over 51 Million Nigerians Have Enrolled For NIN – Minister
No fewer than 51 million Nigerians have enrolled for the National Identity Number (NIN), the Federal Government has said.
The Minister of Communication and Digital Economy, Dr Isa Pantami, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing State House correspondents.
He spoke at the sixth edition of the ministerial briefing organised by the Presidential Media Team at the Presidential Villa in the nation’s capital.
Pantami warned that while the failure to obtain the NIN could lead to between seven and 14 years imprisonment for Nigerians as stipulated by the Constitution, no one should enjoy government services without the number.
He stressed that although obtaining a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card was optional, it was mandatory for all citizens to enroll for the NIN.
The minister stated that it was important for transactions in the country to be conducted with the NIN.
He believes rather than the population census which can be manipulated, NIN will determine the accurate number of Nigerians because of its uniqueness and tamper-proof.
Pantami equally announced that the aggregate registration for SIM across the country has hit 189 million
He explained that out of the figure, 150 million are completed registration while the remaining have problems of improper registration.
The minister decried that improper registration of SIMs has posed a challenge and the government has begun to address them.
April 1, 2021