Tag: Ultimatum

  • Afenifere backs Akeredolu, blasts presidency for faulting ultimatum to herders

    Afenifere backs Akeredolu, blasts presidency for faulting ultimatum to herders

    The Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Wednesday, lampooned the Presidency for faulting the seven days ultimatum given to Fulani herders to vacate all forest reserves in Ondo State.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, Afenifere, said though it was not surprised by the Presidency’s intervention in the matter, it will stand by Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s ultimatum.

    The statement, titled: ‘ONDO FORESTS: Fulani Presidency Again, reads: “The intervention by what we mistakenly call the Federal Government of Nigeria on behalf of marauding Fulani in Ondo state against the lawful government in that state did not come to Afenifere as a surprise as it is in line with non – pretence by this regime that it represents only Fulani interests against those of Yoruba, Igbo, Junkun, Ijaw and other tribes in Nigeria.

    “That the Federal Government and its minion, Garba Shehu, could only hear Ondo state when Governor Akeredolu was very loud and clear about herders to vacate forest reserves in the state is symptomatic that this Government has a serous problem with heating the rest of us when the issue involves its anointed Fulani.

    “The Fulani criminals have caused untold hardships in Ondo State and other Yoruba towns and cities in recent time and only an irresponsible government that wants to behave like our Federal Government that cares will continue to fold its arms.

    “Are Ondo Forest Reserves under Ondo state Government or the Federal Government and Miyetti Allah? We agree with the Ondo state Government that the insensibility of Garba Shehu violates the corporate existence of Nigeria. “What has this government done to assure our people that it can protect our lives with the open murders of Mrs Funke Olakunrin,

    The Olufon of Ifon and the Deputy Registrar of FUTA among many others? The lives of our people and other non-Fulani communities are daily being taken by local and foreign Fulani bandits without any sign that these lives matter to the government with its desire to shield the Fulani from the laws.

    “Nobody would ever have believed that it would get to this irresponsible stage that the Federal Government will one come to this barbaric level Garba shehu has taken it and the peak of their direct salvos against Amotekun since it started. All true- born Yoruba should stand behind Governor Akeredolu in these trying times. He must do all within the law to flush Ondo forests of all criminals.

    Other governors should emulate their chair and free our land from the Fulani who have surrounded us with the shield of the Federal Government. “Let them declare open war on behalf of the Fulani and our ancestors will all wake up in their graves.”

  • Jailbreak: Edo extends ultimatum to fleeing inmates

    Jailbreak: Edo extends ultimatum to fleeing inmates

    The ultimatum to fleeing inmates of two correctional centres in Benin, the Edo State capital to return has been extended by one week.

    They now have up till October 30 to return as against Friday when the initial ultimatum expired.

    Special Adviser to Edo Governor on Media and Communication Strategy, Crusoe Osagie, stated the extension was outcome of a meeting between Governor Godwin Obaseki and heads of security agencies in the state.

    He noted extension of the ultimatum was as a result of the positive response from the prisoners.

    He claimed a good number of the fleeing 1,993 inmates had returned to the two correctional centres.

    He pointed out the new window was to allow more prisoners to willingly return to the facilities.

    Osagie also revealed with the improving security situation in Edo, Governor Godwin Obaseki had reviewed the curfew from 6 pm to 6 am daily from Saturday instead of the 4 pm to 6 am belt.

    The media aide stated his boss appreciated Edo residents for strictly adhering to the directives on the curfew.

    Osagie also assured Obaseki was committed to security of lives and property of Edo residents.

  • Electricity workers issue ultimatum, threaten strike over failed agreement with FG

    Electricity workers have threatened to go on strike if the Federal Government fails to implement the December 11, 2019 agreement it reached with them.

    They gave the government 14 days to do the needful or face an industrial action.

    Seven weeks ago, the Federal Government reached an agreement with workers in the electricity sector, who are claiming that the government had reneged in its promise.

    They have threated to resume the suspended strike.

    The workers, under the aegis of National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE), threatened to ground power supply nationwide, if government fails to implement last year’s agreement with them.

    The union’s grievances include unpaid benefits to over 2,000 disengaged workers of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) since 2013; underpayment of over 50,000 ex-PHCN staff; payment of half salaries to workers by the power distribution companies (DisCos), among other perceived unfair labour practices.

    Addressing reporters yesterday in Lagos at the NUEE headquarters in Yaba, NUEE General Secretary Joe Ajaero accused the Minister of State for Power, Goddy Agba, of harassment and intimidation during the union’s negotiation on challenges affecting workers in the sector.

    The union leader said if issues were not addressed at the end of the ultimatum, the country should hold the minister responsible for the result of such action.

  • Presidency counters SERAP: no law compels Buhari to declare assets publicly

    Presidency counters SERAP: no law compels Buhari to declare assets publicly

    Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, has come out, forcefully to declare that President Muhammadu Buhari is not compelled by any law, to declare his asset openly.

    Adesina made the statement while reacting to the Freedom of Information requests sent by Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) to the Presidency, asking that President Buhari, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and 36 state governors and their deputies should put in the public domain their declared assets within seven days.

    Mr Adesina, however, confirmed that President Buhari has already declared his assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau.

    “I can say for a fact that he has done so because I am privy to it; and SERAP asking the president to declare publicly, on the basis of what law? The president will do what the law requires of him and what the law requires is that he should declare his asset which he has done. Declaring publicly is not in our laws; it can only be a voluntary thing.”

    “If the FoI act is invoked, it will be left with the Code of Conduct Bureau to release because the FoI act will not be for the president, the president has declared and it’s already deposited with the code of conduct, so it’s for them to respond if it is invoked,” Adeshina added.

    “In 2015, they elected to make it public, if they want to make it public this time, they will do. Has the asset been declared? Yes, it has. If the president says they should release, it will be released, but there is no law that compels him to do it and we should obey the law,” he told Channels TV.

    In SERAP’s request, dated 3 January 2020 and signed by its Deputy Director, Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation stated that “The Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), the FoI Act, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which is part of our laws, read together, impose transparency obligations on all public officials to publicly disclose information concerning their asset declarations submitted to the CCB, and to clarify any updated review of such assets.”

    The organisation added that the non-public disclosure by public officials of their summary of assets seriously undermines the effectiveness and integrity of the constitutional and statutory obligations to submit asset declarations.

  • RUGA: Igbos won’t succumb to Arewa’s 30-day ultimatum – IPOB

    RUGA: Igbos won’t succumb to Arewa’s 30-day ultimatum – IPOB

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Wednesday said South eastern states would not succumb to the demand for land for implementation of Ruga settlement programme.
    The group said it was ready for face the youth wing of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) after the expiration of its 30- day ultimatum.
    In a statement by the Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, IPOB insisted on supporting ranching business but in their private lands, not through forcing people to release their ancestral land to anybody.
    The group advised the federal government and those behind the plan to retrace their steps before it turned uncontrollable and claim more innocent lives.
    The statement partly reads: “IPOB is a peaceful movement and must remain so but cannot allow anybody to trample on us by forcing our people to release their ancestral land to them.
    “We are aware that cattle business remains personal business in Nigeria and cannot change today.
    “The community’s ancestral lands are gifts from the God, handed over to us to dwell, on which must not be taken over under any guise by the government or Fulani.
    “We challenge Fulani Islamists terrorists including their Arewa youths to do their worst after the expiration of the so-called 30 days ultimatum as was widely reported in every national and international media.
    “We are anxiously and eagerly waiting for them in whatever shape they may want it.”

  • Northern coalition gives governors 30-day ultimatum to adopt RUGA

    Northern coalition gives governors 30-day ultimatum to adopt RUGA

    A coalition of northern groups has issued a 30-day ultimatum to the Nigeria government and governors who opposed to the RUGA settlement program to reverse their decisions.
    Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, the group’s spokesman in a press conference, said the debate to accept or not to accept the program is already causing disaffection for herders who are of Fulani extraction.
    “While we warn all state governments that stand against the implementation of the Ruga Initiative to desist and give peace a chance, we place President Buhari and the Federal Government on notice that they must completely stop this raging madness within 30-days beginning from today, Wednesday,” Suleiman said.
    The group, however, did not state what its next line of action would be should the government fail to comply with the ultimatum.
    It also believes that a referendum is the only right way to go for groups who are opposed to the idea of one Nigeria.
    The Ruga initiative drew the ire and condemnation of some state governors who insisted there is no land for ranches and cattle colonies in their state.
    Nigerian Government before the Ruga suspension planned the settlements in order to curb open grazing of animals that continue to pose security threats to farmers and herders.
    Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State revealed this at the presidential villa in Abuja on Wednesday after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.
    The governor said the reason the planned Ruga was suspended because it was not consistent with the National Livestock Transformation Plan.
    He noted that the NLTP approved by the National Economic Council and the Federal Government is a voluntary programme to all the 36 states who like to participate.
    “It is not compulsory, it is for any state that is willing, will key into the programme. Any state that is interested in this programme is required to bring up a development plan that is keyed towards the implementation in line with our own programme here that is unique to his state based on the challenges that he has in respect of the crisis. That’s the decision of this committee,” Umahi said.
    The Presidency on Sunday clarified that the Ruga settlements seek to settle animal farmers, not just cattle herders, in an “organised place with provision of necessary and adequate basic amenities such as schools, hospitals, road networks, vet clinics, markets and manufacturing entities that will process and add value to meats and animal products”.

  • Force commander issues 24-hour ultimatum to bandits in Zamfara

    The Force Commander, Operation Hadarin Daji, Maj.-Gen. Jide Ogunlade on Tuesday issued a 24-hour ultimatum to bandits in Zamfara state to either surrender or face “unprecedented fire-fight”.

    Ogunlade issued the warning at a news conference at the command headquarters of the force in Gusau.

    He noted with disappointment how the bandits refused to surrender and denounce their unacceptable ways in May when the state’s governor, Alh. Bello Matawalle offered to give amnesty to those, who surrendered.

    “It is disheartening that when the state governor offered them amnesty, within few hours we recorded 20 separate attacks on communities.

    “This showed that the criminals were not ready to surrender; that is why I am now giving them the next 24 hours.

    “The only option left for them is to immediately cease fire, drop their arms, and surrender or have themselves to blame,” he said.

    The force commander said that the bandits had always taken advantage of the cover offered by the terrain of the community whenever the operatives, who he said conducted themselves professionally chased them, but warned that “this time around we will go to their enclaves and hideouts where there will be collateral damage and neutralise them.

    “l want to assure the people of the state that banditry will very soon be history in Zamfara after this operation that will come up in the next 24 hours.

    “We will ensure that farmers carry out their farming activities and displaced villagers return home under conducive atmosphere.”

    He expressed appreciation to the Federal Government for establishing the operation and praised President Muhammadu Buhari for his support.

    News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Operation Hadarin Daji, which is now focused on Zamfara alone was inaugurated on May 10, thus replacing the expanded Operation Sharan Daji.

  • APC Primaries: Reps issue 12 hour ultimatum to IGP to release detained member

    APC Primaries: Reps issue 12 hour ultimatum to IGP to release detained member

    …May summon IGP if detainment persists
    The House of Representatives on Wednesday issued the Inspector-General of Police IGP Ibrahim Idris a 12 hours ultimatum to release a detained member of the House Hon. Abubakar Lado who was detained by the Police for alleged vandalism of properties of his political opponent during the just concluded primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
    Lado who represents Gurara/Suleja/Tafa Federal Constituency of Niger State was alleged to have vandalized and destroyed cars and and belongings of his political opponent during the just concluded APC primaries of the ruling party in his home state and was arrested and detained by the Special Anti Robbery Squad SARS of the Nigeria Police in Abuja
    But the lawmakers in a motion raised by Hon. Toby Okechukwu (Enugu, PDP) decried the detention of the lawmaker on the order of the Governor of Niger State Abubakar Sani Bello saying that the IGP should release him in less than 12 hours as his detention is unlawful.
    Okechukwu while debating the motion noted that the lawmaker participated in the party primary of the APC in his federal constituency and was later arrested and detained on the order of the Niger State Governor for alleged vandalism and other charges
    He informed the House that the lawmaker adequately communicated the Police and other security agents in the state of his intention to participate in the party primary adding that he was detained on the orders of the state governor
    According to him, if the people of Niger State and his constituency cannot give the lawmaker a second term ticket, they should not detain him unlawfully.
    Speaking in support, Hon. Nnenna Ukeje (Abia, PDP) said that she listened with rapt attention as the matter was being raised. She added that the Nigeria Police is an institution that was created by law and regretted that they flout the law with impunity.
    She added that if an honourable member of a legislative institution can be treated the way she was treated during the party primaries by the Police, then the question arises whether we ‘ve a republic.
    Also in their contributions, Hon Osai N. Osai (Delta, PDP) and Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila the House Leader said that the lawmaker’s detention by members of the SARS an outfit of the Nigeria Police in charge of robbery and kidnapping is unlawful.
    The duo informed that the House that the APC lawmaker’s fundamental rights are being infringed upon by the Police and added that if steps are not taken, the lawmaker would be in detention up to next week.
    Moreover, the Deputy Speaker of the House Hon Suleiman Lasun said that a sitting member of the House cannot be arrested unlawfully by the Police.
    Lasun said that legislators are the most endangered species and regretted that the way the lawmaker was arrested was the reason why the nation is not developed.
    Consequently, the House presided by the Speaker Hon.Yakubu Dogara unanimously adopted the motion with a voice vote urging the IGP to release the lawmaker within 12 hours
    The House also asked its Ethics and Privileges Committee to investigate the matter and determine if the lawmaker by his conducts during the party primaries had brought the House to disrepute.
    It equally resolved to file a suit against the IGP and the Police outfit should they fails to abide by the House resolution on the matter.

  • Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Govt. gives warring communities one month ultimatum

    Edo Deputy Gov. Philip Shaibu has given communities in four local governments across the state one month ultimatum to amicably resolve all disputes.

    Shaibu, also the Chairman, Edo state Boundary Committee, said this during a meeting with the representatives of affected communities at Government House, Benin on Wednesday.

    He explained that Gov. Godwin Obaseki gave his committee a clear mandate to ensure that all land disputes between communities and local governments within the state were resolved by the end of next year.

    “The best way to achieve peace is when both parties in a dispute amicably agree on a compromise, rather than allowing judgment which always favours one person and breeds hatred in the other.

    “Edo government is committed to ensuring that peace reigns in all communities in the state.

    “It is the consensus of the clan heads that government should do a demarcation of disputed areas for clear understanding of boarder areas.

    “Let me warn that failure to resolve the problem within the stipulated time will amount to risking forfeiture of such land,’’ he said.

    The affected local governments are Oredo, Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Etsako Central.

     

  • Ebonyi lawmakers’ ultimatum to Anambra government, By Carl Umegboro

    By Carl Umegboro

    The up-to-the-minute squabbles between Anambra state government and Ebonyi House of Assembly is to say the least uncalled for and trivial. The state governor, Chief Willie Obiano renamed the old ‘Abakaliki Street’ in Awka to “Club Street’ purportedly to synchronize the master-plan. Consequently, he designated another street the government considered suitable and more strategic for its swap. Unfortunately, the development was probably misunderstood, hence offensively rebuffed by the Ebonyi lawmakers leading to a seven-day ultimatum slammed on Obiano to revert to status quo ante or face their sanctions. Since then, it has become a supremacy battle, funnily through press wars with threats of sanctions if unheeded. But the question is, is a trifling issue as this amongst the reasons why lawmakers are elected into offices by the people?

    The sanctions reportedly included having all the institutions, streets and monuments named after Anambra indigenous people scrapped or renamed in Ebonyi state. However, the state government through its spokesman, C. Don Adinuba debunked malice but elucidated that the contentious area is over the years notorious as a dungeon; a slum with shanties and illegal structures where prostitution and other illicit activities triumph, and added that the government merely did sensitive restructuring exercise which didn’t erase the state’s name in the state capital as purported but a strategic swap noting that the two states are brothers and sisters that have maintained harmonious relationship over the years.

    Obviously, issues of this nature are best resolved through channel of mild communication and dialogue especially for two states under a geopolitical zone, and not by ultimatum as issued by the protesting lawmakers let alone through the media. The simple truth is that Anambra or any other state doesn’t require permission or consultation with another state to embark on restructuring exercise within its landscape especially to restructure its facilities. The appropriate action on discovery of the renaming exercise would have been to send delegation to the state government for firsthand fact-finding, explanations and motives for such action rather than dangling on assumptions.

    In structured system, to pass a resolution directing another state government to comply is alien, aberration and amounts to legislative rascality. The reason is that resolutions at plenary can only be implemented when reasonable, realistic and within jurisdiction. The worst part is the press war adopted to deal with a matter that should soundlessly be handled by the two state governors without third-parties’ knowledge. Nonetheless, as long as a new place was designated for its swap, apparently, no harm was done except a mischief could be substantiated or it could be established that the area has exceptional interests that characterize Ebonyi and its people which may be jeopardized if altered. Above all, change is always constant.

    Thus, it calls for maturity, understanding, mutual respect and cooperation. It is never an issue that should be subjected to open show of muscles or ultimatum but reverence and dialogue. To forcefully demand the governor to revert is completely out of it but a tete-a-tete with the state government. For all intents and purposes, the fight is grossly trivial as it cannot add any value to the lives of indigenous people of either state. Had the fight been tied to a dispute over control of infrastructural developments or mineral resources in the area that can impact positively in the lives of the people, it would then worth the time and energy more especially sitting allowance of the lawmakers as the people deserve value for their money. Unfortunately, it is naively a fight over mere alteration of designation. Hence, there’s urgent need for restraint and to sheathe the swords in the interest of peace, unity and stability. The two states are joined at the hip and should not be seen fighting each other sadly without clearly defined purpose. Some communal disputes had in the past originated in comparable manners and degenerated to something terrible and unfathomable. Sadly, the grass-root in all the cases ended up bearing the repercussions.

    To sum, a legislative house cannot go outside its territory to give orders and ultimatum to another government, instead should espouse diplomacy and internal dispute resolution mechanism. In addition, embrace protocol; by mandating its state governor who is the chief executive officer to liaise with his counterpart when there are external sketchy matters to deal with. The ultimatum should have been aptly directed to their governor to find out the reasons for such action by a sister state. Then, on the choice of ‘Club Street’ over a place that is already tainted, the state government may have to reconsider its position as the idea may not be a positive verdict in the long run vis-à-vis values and mores. It is akin to endorsing anomalies, oddities and deformities. Be that as it may, live and let live!

    Umegboro is a public affairs analyst and an associate of The Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (United Kingdom). [07057101974 SMS-only]