Donald Trump and the Muslim World by Reuben Abati

I am not a fan of Donald Trump, the incumbent President of the United States. I didn’t stand with him. I stood with her- Hillary Clinton- in the last US Presidential election. No other election in recent American history has been more international in terms of interest and emotional involvement. Trump’s election even divided the Nigerian middle class.  Majority of Christians in Nigeria stood with Donald Trump. They liked his anti-Muslim rhetoric, and in a country where religion is such a volatile subject and the Christian community feels as if it is under siege from radical Islamic extremism, it was easy for a category of Nigerians to see Trump’s politics being in sync with their own fears and expectations. 

      Pro-secessionist, Biafran and Christian protesters in the South East also supported Trump. On his Inauguration Day, they organized a rally, some of them were killed, in the process, by Nigerian security agents.  It is always so easy to read American politics into every other politics globally because of America’s status as a superior power and the global dominance of its culture.  Many Nigerians who opposed Hillary Clinton of the Democratic Party also did so, for example, for partisan reasons, because they felt the Democratic administration of President Barrack Obama was responsible in many ways for the outcome of the 2015 Presidential election in Nigeria. They wanted a pound of flesh – they wanted the Democrats out of the White House, the same way the PDP exited Aso Villa. The funny thing is that Nigerians who do not hold American citizenship, were not in a position to vote in the US election, but this didn’t deter us from weeping more than the Americans. In my case, I opposed Trump because I consider him a vile, navel-gazing, crude, child-like nativist, whose Presidency could pose a threat to the free world.

"I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word" - President Jonathan

STATEMENT BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN AFTER THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE RESULTS OF PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION 2015

Fellow Nigerians,

I thank you all for turning out en-masse for the March 28 General Elections.

I promised the country free and fair elections. I have kept my word. I have also expanded the space for Nigerians to participate in the democratic process. That is one legacy I will like to see endure.

Although some people have expressed mixed feelings about the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), I urge those who may feel aggrieved to follow due process based on our constitution and our electoral laws, in seeking redress.

As I have always affirmed, nobody’s ambition is worth the blood of any Nigerian. The unity, stability and progress of our dear country is more important than anything else.

I congratulate all Nigerians for successfully going through the process of the March 28th General Elections with the commendable enthusiasm and commitment that was demonstrated nationwide.

I also commend the Security Services for their role in ensuring that the elections were mostly peaceful and violence-free.

To my colleagues in the PDP, I thank you for your support.  Today, the PDP should be celebrating rather than mourning.  We have established a legacy of democratic freedom, transparency, economic growth and free and fair elections.

For the past 16 years, we have steered the country away from ethnic and regional politics. We created a Pan-Nigerian political party and brought home to our people the realities of economic development and social transformation.

Through patriotism and diligence, we have built the biggest and most patriotic party in Nigerian history. We must stand together as a party and look to the future with renewed optimism.

I thank all Nigerians once again for the great opportunity I was given to lead this country and assure you that I will continue to do my best at the helm of national affairs until the end of my tenure.

I have conveyed my personal best wishes to General Muhammadu Buhari.

May God Almighty continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

I thank you all.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
March 31, 2015

Nigeria recaptures Gwoza from Boko Haram: military

Nigeria’s military on Friday announced that troops had retaken the town of Gwoza from Boko Haram, from which the group declared their caliphate last year.
“Troops this morning captured Gwoza destroying the Headquarters of the Terrorists self-styled Caliphate,” Defence Headquarters in Abuja said on Twitter
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2015/03/nigeria-recaptures-gwoza-from-boko-haram-military/#sthash.wDp9l5ex.dpuf

Photos: TY Danjuma visits President Jonathan

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN  WITH THE CHAIRMAN VICTIMS SUPPORT FUND, GEN THEOPHILUS DANJUMA AFTER A MEETING AT THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA ABUJA ON  WEDNESDAY (11/3/15)

Courtesy: State House Photo

THE WORLD MUST ACT URGENTLY TO STOP TERRORISM

THE WORLD MUST ACT URGENTLY TO STOP TROUBLING NEW PHASE OF GLOBAL TERRORISM- PRESIDENT JONATHAN TELLS UN SECURITY COUNCIL
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Wednesday in New York that the world must act immediately to stop the troubling new phenomenon of terrorists and foreign fighters attacking and trying to hold parts of sovereign nations.

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
NIGERIAN DELEGATION AT THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA) IN NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY (24/9/14)

Addressing the United Nations Security Council High-Level Meeting on the Threat of Terrorism to Global Peace and Security, President Jonathan said that the international community must also do more to support countries like Nigeria which are in the frontline of the war against terrorism.
"There is no doubt that foreign fighters have added a troubling dimension to this emerging phase of terrorism. From targeted attacks by Al Qaeda a few years ago, we now have mobile bands of thousands of terrorists sweeping across vast areas, destroying lives, and even attempting to hold territory. This is unacceptable; we must act now.
"We must capitalize on the commitment and evident determination of the Security Council to seek more innovative responses to the threat of terrorism and in particular to the growing menace of foreign fighters.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR FAST-TRACKING OF UNITED NATIONS REFORMS

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN WITH OTHER MEMBERS OF THE
NIGERIAN DELEGATION AT THE 69TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS
GENERAL ASSEMBLY (UNGA) IN NEW YORK ON WEDNESDAY (24/9/14)

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR FAST-TRACKING OF UNITED NATIONS REFORMS
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan declared Wednesday in New York that pressing challenges to global peace and security have made it imperative that urgent action be taken on the reformation of United Nations Security Council.

Delivering Nigeria's annual statement to the United Nations General Assembly, President Jonathan also called for an urgent review of United Nations peacekeeping operations across the world.

$9.3m scandal: S’Africa insists on criminal probe

There are strong indications that efforts of the Federal Government to ensure amicable settlement of issues surrounding the $9.3m seized by South Africa have failed.

South Africa’s National Prosecuting Authority, in an email to our correspondent in Abuja on Thursday, said that the matter was still under criminal investigations.

There were reports on Wednesday that $9.3m, which was seized from two Nigerians and an Israeli in Johannesburg, was meant for procurement of arms for intelligence agencies in Nigeria.

PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES PEOPLE OF KANO OF ENHANCED SECURITY

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES PEOPLE OF KANO OF ENHANCED SECURITY IN THE WAKE OF ATTACK ON COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan commiserates with citizens and residents of Kano State on the loss of lives sustained today during the attack by terrorists on the Federal College of Education, Kano.

President Jonathan's sympathies and best wishes for a speedy recovery are also with all those who suffered injuries in the dastardly attack.

The President commends the officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force who took prompt action to confront the attackers and minimize resultant casualties.

He urges them to be even more alert and proactive in the future to stop terrorist attacks in Kano and other parts of the country.

President Jonathan reassures the people of Kano and all Nigerians that the Federal Government continues to do all within its powers to further enhance the ability of the Police, Armed Forces and other security agencies to prosecute the war against terrorism to a successful conclusion and provide greater security of lives and property across the country.

Reuben Abati
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2014

PRESIDENT JONATHAN WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ACCUSATION AGAINST FORMER GOVERNOR

PRESIDENT JONATHAN DID NOT TAKE ALI MODU SHERIFF TO CHAD, WILL NOT INTERFERE WITH  ONGOING INVESTIGATION OF ACCUSATION AGAINST FORMER GOVERNOR
We have noted with surprise, the unnecessary hue and cry raised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) and other bigoted critics of the Jonathan Administration over the claim that the President is "hobnobbing" with the former governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff who was recently accused by the Australian, Stephen Davis of being one of the chief sponsors of the terrorist group, Boko Haram.
The totally erroneous basis for that charge was the spurious claim that Senator Sheriff accompanied President Jonathan on his recent trip to Ndjamena as a member of his entourage.
Although Senator Sheriff himself has already given the lie to that claim through his Media Adviser, the Presidency wishes to affirm, for the purpose of emphasis, that the former Borno State governor was not on President Jonathan's delegation to Chad.
In keeping with President Jonathan's commitment to transparency and openness in the conduct of government business, names of the key members of his delegation were announced a day before his trip to Ndjamena.

I butcher human beings in 2 minutes, says Boko Haram chief killer

Chief Butcher Zakari Mohammed Ardo

ABUJA — The Chief Butcher of the Boko Haram sect, Zakari Mohammed Ardo, yesterday, gave a chilling description of how the terrorist group used to slaughter people they capture, saying it only takes him two minutes to butcher victims and enemies condemned to death.
Ardo, who had been reported in some media (not Vanguard) as having escaped from Police custody, said the group’s butchering committee was made up of five persons of which he is the chairman, pointing out that the other members will hold down the already tired victim while he cuts off the head.
Speaking through an interpreter in Kanuri, the ‘Chief Butcher’ who claims to be 30 years old and from Darazo Local Government Area of Bauchi State,  said: “I joined the Boko Haaram group two years ago. Before I was arrested, I have slaughtered five people.”

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION

President Paul Kagame Of Rwanda; President Goodluck Jonathan;
President Mahamadou Issoufou Of Niger Republic And President
Hifikepunye Pohamba Of Namibia At The U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
in Washington D.C on Wednesday (6/8/14)

PRESIDENT JONATHAN CALLS FOR MORE U.S. INVESTMENT IN NIGERIA AS BILATERAL TRADE VOLUME HITS $36 BILLION
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said late Wednesday  in Washington DC that the volume of trade between Nigeria and the United States, which has risen to a record level of $36 Billion per annum, will continue to grow with greater cooperation between Nigeria and its allies in the United States Government and private sector.
Speaking at a dinner held in his honour by the United States Chambers of Commerce and the Corporate Council on Africa, President Jonathan said that his administration welcomed the support of the Obama Administration and both organisations for ongoing efforts to positively transform the Nigerian economy and  ensure that it becomes one of the twenty largest economies in the world by the year 2020.

Buhari in narrow escape as Kaduna blasts kill 70

Two explosions ripped through parts of Kaduna in Kaduna State on Wednesday, killing at least 70 people.

The first explosion targeted a popular Islamic cleric, Dahiru Bauchi, while the second targeted a former Head of State, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.).

Pix 1: Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari’s jeep after it was hit by a
lone bomber in Kaduna...on Wednesday.
(Pix 2) Another partially damaged vehicle in Buhari’s convoy.
(Pix 3) Another scene of the blasts.

Both men escaped unhurt in the blasts that forced the state government to impose a 24-hour curfew on the city.

Scores of people were injured and over 50 cars damaged in the incidents. The state police command put the death toll at 40 while the Federal Government, through the National Information Centre, said 14 people were injured.

Two of Buhari’s bodyguards and an aide were among the wounded. His Toyota Prado jeep was also hit by a suspected bomber near the 1 Mechanised Division of the Nigerian Army in the Kawo area of Kaduna.

Nyanya blast: Key suspect, Ogwuche, extradited to Nigeria

The alleged mastermind of the April 14 blast in Nyanya, Abuja, Aminu Ogwuche, has been extradited by Sudan to Nigeria on Tuesday.

Ogwuche, who was handed over to the Interpol Unit of the Nigeria Police Force by the Sudanese authorities was flown into the country in a special flight from Khartoum, Sudan, which touched down at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport at 3pm on Tuesday.

On hand to receive him at the Presidential wing of the airport were the spokespersons of the Police, ACP Frank Mba, Department of State Services, Marilyn Ogar, Army, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade and the Coordinator, National Information Centre, Mike Omeri.

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE SAFE RESCUE OF CHIBOK GIRLS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES MALALA

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO ENSURE SAFE RESCUE OF CHIBOK GIRLS – PRESIDENT JONATHAN ASSURES MALALA
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan said Monday in Abuja that the notion that the Federal Government has not been doing enough to find and rescue the abducted Chibok girls, is very wrong and misplaced.
Speaking at an audience with Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani Girl-Child Education Campaigner, President Jonathan said that the Federal Government was definitely doing everything possible to ensure that the girls were rescued alive and safely returned to their parents.
He however explained to Malala, who was accompanied by her father and other members of her Foundation, that the Federal Government's efforts were constrained by the overriding imperative of ensuring that the girls' lives are not endangered in any rescue attempt.

Malala in Abuja, five escaped Chibok girls join protest

L–R: Director, Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade
girls education campaigner, Malala Yousafzai; spokesperson
of theState Security Service, Marilyn Ogar; and Coordinator,
National Information Centre, Mr. Mike Omeri, during Malala’s
visit to the National Information Centre, in Abuja... on Sunday

Five of the schoolgirls who escaped from Boko Haram captivity joined the members of the BringBackOurGirls Coalition rally in Abuja on Sunday to drum up support for their colleagues who are still being held captive by the Boko Haram Islamic sect.

Over 200 girls were abducted in their hostel at the Government Secondary School. Chibok, Borno State on April 15.

The girls were brought to the BBOG sit-out meeting at Unity Fountain, Maitama, Abuja on Sunday.

The young girls who sat quietly throughout the duration of the sit-out, looked subdued and withdrawn.

ABATI: Nigeria’s offensive against Boko Haram

The concern that has been expressed over the abduction of more than 200 girls from a secondary school in Nigeria since April 14 is legitimate and understandable. What is not fair, and which stands out in many of the criticisms directed at the Nigerian government, is the attempt to ignore the issues and argue that President Goodluck Jonathan is the problem. This attempt to turn the matter of the abducted girls into a referendum on the Jonathan administration has resulted in a complete misreading of the situation and much deliberate mischief fueled by ignorance and sponsored propaganda.
Take for example, Karen Attiah’s morbid satire, “What Nigerian president should have written” (The Washington Post, July 3). The piece merely repeats worn misconceptions about the Chibok incident and the efforts of the Jonathan administration in Nigeria to find and rescue the abducted girls.

We’ve taken over Boko Haram base, says military

Troops have cleared and taken over Balmo Forest in a military operation that lasted throughout the weekend, the Defence Headquarters has said.

Prior to the operation, Balmo Forest, which stretches from Bauchi through Jigawa states with links to the fringes of the Sambisa Forest, was used by terrorists as bases and hideouts for launching attacks.

A statement by the Director, Defence Information, Maj. Gen. Chris Olukolade, in Abuja on Monday, said terrorists and armed gangs operating in the forests were completely rooted out while some were captured during the operation.

It however did not specify the number of those arrested during the operation, but said that two foreigners, suspected to be mercenaries, were among those captured.

Also recovered were several weapons and equipment including generating sets, communication equipment, vehicles, motorcycles, foodstuffs and kitchen utensils.

In another development, the military said over 44 terrorists died in Kerenoa and adjoining communities, following an encounter with troops who repelled their attack on the communities.

The military said that members of the sect armed with Improvised Explosive Devices and other high calibre weapons, had carried out a predawn attack on the communities but were overpowered by the troops.

During the operation, several of them were captured as well as weapons and ammunition of various calibre, according to the Defence headquarters.

“Meanwhile, troops on routine patrol around Banki and Miyanti in Borno State during the weekend fought through an ambush laid by the terrorists resulting in casualties on both sides.

“Altogether, a total of six soldiers were lost in the various encounters with terrorists while those wounded are receiving treatment,” the statement added.

Source: The Punch

Nigerian Troops arrest 3 female undercover operatives of Boko Haram

The Nigerian army have released a statement stating that they have arrested 3 women who worked as undercover operatives for Boko Haram. Find the statement below...

In the aftermath of the failed suicide bombing attempt on a military facility by a female terrorist who blew herself up in Gombe recently, troops have arrested three suspected female terrorists who have been secretly recruiting ladies into the female wing of the terrorists group. The suspects, Hafsat Usman Bako, Zainab Idris and Aisha Abubakar were intercepted while travelling to Madagali from where they were to transit to the forest to reunite with their cohorts. Continue...
 Investigations revealed that the suspects, led by Hafsat Bako, have the mission to recruit members into the female wing as well as conduct espionage for the group. Hafsat’s link with the terrorists group had earlier been a subject of investigation in 2012, when security agents on a manhunt for one Usman Bako, her husband who was identified as a terrorist, stormed their residence in Jimeta.  This resulted in the discovery of an AK 47 rifle and 2 loaded magazines.   Though Usman Bako later died in an encounter with troops in Sokoto where he had relocated to continue his terrorist activities, Hafsat continued with the terror group specializing in surreptitious recruitment of members into their fold.
The arrested trio suspects were luring ladies especially widows and young girls by enticing them with male suitors who are mainly members of their terror group for marriage. Before their arrest, they were on a mission to take additional briefing from the leadership of the terror group.
The trio has been operating together as members of the intelligence team of the group.   Their arrest has yielded information still being verified by security agencies.
Colonel ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
for Director Defence Information

Abuja blast victims recount ordeal

As he(bomber) bent his head towards his Sienna, I told my friend that we should get away from there. Within a few seconds, there was an explosion …. I saw many corpses on the ground. Heads, hands and legs littered   everywhere–Ademola

 On that fateful day, I just crossed over to buy corn …. Within seconds after I left that point, I heard a big bang and found myself on the ground.   My right leg   was affected.   Presently, I can’t stand with it

– Tyokasi
 I thought   my head had been blown off by the blast. I touched my head while on the ground and realised that it was there. I stood up and was looking for help, but help didn’t come immediately
–Olatunji
 Some of the hospitalised victims of the Emab Plaza explosion in Abuja on Thursday recounted their experience and   thanked God for sparing their lives. The explosion had happened on Wednesday.

Adamawa Assembly moves to impeach Nyako, Deputy

Murtala Nyako

• ‘Speaker wants to be governor’

• Associates allege plot to oust Amaechi

AN investigation into the activities of Adamawa top government officials over an alleged massive fraud by them Wednesday reached its climax as the Assembly members directed the Clark of the House to serve an impeachment notice on Governor Murtala Nyako and his deputy Mr. Bala Ngillari.

   Citing several constitutional breaches by the embattled governor, the Deputy Speaker of the House, Laori Kwamoti, moved a motion for the impeachment of the governor, arguing that Nyako had grossly violated his oath of office.