BIAFRA NEWS : What my father taught me about Biafra and my heritage

 

Biafra is a dream that haunts me – it was a dream that was on the cusp of being realised and yet failed so painfully,’ recalls Ije Ajibade, telling the story of injustice that has shaped her life

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M y  earliest memories of Biafra are the same as my earliest memories of my father. I can remember sitting next to him on a bed and I touched his arm. He turned to me and he said: “Can’t you see your father is crying.” It was many years later that I realised he was crying because of Biafra. That was 50 years ago today. I didn’t see my father cry again. He was mourning the loss of the Biafra dream.

For me and for many of the diaspora, Biafra is a presence that haunts us. It is a part of our history that is not spoken about and yet we try to make sense of it by reading, watching plays and attending lectures. All of this in an attempt to understand this dream that was on the cusp of being realised and yet failed so painfully.

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I was two when the war began and four when it ended. This was a civil war in Nigeria fought between the Nigerian government and the eastern region of Nigeria. Predominantly the home of the Igbo people, the eastern region – in response to violence and massacres, as well as political, economic, cultural and religious tensions – declared itself the State of Biafra on 30 May 1967 and seceded from Nigeria. 

 Nigeria was a creation of the British in 1914. It was established for colonial administrative convenience. It merged three separate cultures into one. To the north were the Fulani and Hausa-speaking people, often nomadic, principally of the Muslim faith. To the west of the River Niger were the Yoruba, largely farmers living under a rigid monarchical system and Christian. To the east were the predominantly Igbo-speaking people, also Christian, but with a strain of Judaism and more republican in their outlook. Nigeria is not (and never has been) a cohesive whole. However, in 1960, Nigeria was granted independence. Violence and coups ensued. 

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 In response to Biafra’s secession, the Nigerian government, backed by the former colonial master, countered with a brutal war. Millions of Biafrans died, most as a result of the deliberate government policy of starvation. From July 1967 to January 1970, Biafrans fought to free themselves from Nigerian oppression and from the lingering vestiges of poisonous colonialism. Biafra was starved into submission. Biafra was, and still is, a powerful vision of freedom and self-determination.

I have a deep and abiding rootedness in Biafra and the UK. My father studied at the LSE in the early 1960s and his first job as an academic was in England. I was born in the UK and brought up in two different cultures. To me, Biafra is a dream and a shadow. It is a dream of my father. I remember bouncing into the kitchen aged nine or 10 (we were living in Norwich at the time) and informing my mother that I was Biafran because Dad said so, and she told me (quite rightly) that Biafra does not exist. I ignored her. This was 1975, five years after the war had ended but my father still dreamed. He was Biafran and so were we. At least once a week we had to eat fufu, a traditional Biafran meal. As far as my father was concerned, fufu, like our Biafran identity, was both compulsory and necessary and he made sure that we knew this. My sisters and me would hanker after fish and chips! 

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My father died 17 years ago. We flew his body home to be buried. It went without saying that he needed to be laid to rest in the place that was truly home for him. My father’s tie to the home country was a tie to the dream of Biafra. He never stopped believing in Biafra. It was a passion and a dream that consumed him. His passion for Biafra shaped the way my two sisters and I were brought up. His passion for Biafra lingers in my life and has influenced the way I interact with the world and the way in which I struggle and thirst for justice.

 But Biafra is also a shadow. Not just for me, but for many people. It is the shadow of our past in Nigeria as a nation, whether we acknowledge it or not. The shadow of Biafra exists in the memories of the war and the many stories that are told about it behind closed doors. The shadows and dreams of Biafra are invisible but still very profound. 

Dad brought us up to believe in Biafra. He was always deeply passionate about Biafra and our home town of Mbaise. When I was 12, we moved to Nigeria from the UK. Dad wanted us to attend school in Nigeria. We lived in a small town called Idah on the eastern bank of the River Niger in the middle belt region of Nigeria. 

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My father had unwritten rules. We were not allowed to study in the north. We were not allowed to marry anybody from the north and he gave us strict instructions to marry from Mbaise in the southeast of Nigeria. Needless to say, that was the one time I disobeyed him because I eventually married a Yoruban man from the west of Nigeria.

 The furthest we ever got to the north was a town called Jos and I think we drove through Abuja once. As far as my father was concerned, northern Nigeria was a no-go area. He was living in the shadow of Biafra and when we think about the way so many Biafrans were killed in the north before the war and what is happening today with Boko Haram, I can understand why he felt so strongly about this. 

Some years after his death I remember rebuking a cousin of mine when I heard that she had moved to northern Nigeria. That fear and the shadow were very much alive for me even though I was living in London. These shadows became part of our day-to-day lives, affecting our choices and decisions.

As an adult I can see more deeply how the dream of Biafra has shaped who I am. I am a priest, but I am also a community activist. My thirst for justice and the need for a better world was nurtured by my father and his dream of Biafra. 

 During the war, my father was away campaigning and trying to raise money for an organisation called The Friends of Biafra. His dream was so powerful and the needs of Biafra so urgent that he simply had to leave his family at this crucial time and respond. My youngest sister was born then, but Biafra had to come first.

 His thirst for justice and his activism shaped my own thirst for these things. At eight, I was raising money to buy presents for elderly people in a nearby home. At 10 I was joining sponsored sleep outs for Amnesty International. At 12 I was writing about Steve Biko. The dream of my father continues to shape and influence me in my contemporary social justice activities. 

Biafra is part of who I am. It is part of my family heritage. I remember the stories about the war where my relatives fled from town to town to avoid the approaching Nigerian soldiers. I remember the stories of what they did to survive.

I had a cousin who went by the name of Surpriser. His real name was Goddy and he fought in the Biafran army. During the war he hid the family’s valuables and property by digging a deep hole somewhere on family land. After the war he recovered everything and from that time onwards he was known as “Surpriser”.

As a teenager, I always thought he was rather odd and often under the influence of something but I think the fighting affected him in more ways than we ever fully understood. I wish he was still alive so that I could speak to him and ask him what happened. As an adult as I look back over my life I can see how Biafra has shaped my life in both dreams and shadows. And I know that many of us in the Biafran diaspora have similar stories and experiences.

It is now 50 years after the end of the war and I think it is right for us to remember, because in doing so we honour our ancestors. We honour those who died during the war often from starvation, and we honour those who fought for Biafra.

I think that there is still the need for answers and dialogue about the war. I think it is a shame that Nigeria has never seen the need to have such dialogue or some kind of public acknowledgement or remembrance of the war. These dreams and shadows will never disappear. They need to be embraced and they need to be acknowledged because these dreams and shadows abound today.

The people waving the Biafran flag today in protest are mostly people who were young children during the war and some were not even born at that time. They wave the Biafran flag because the dreams and shadows of Biafra are as strong today as they were when my father had them. These dreams and shadows affect Nigeria today; the shadows will never disappear and the dreams will never die. The Nigerian government needs to realise that silence is not an answer to the truth. 

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There is a passage in the Bible where God asks Cain “Where is your brother Abel?” Cain tries to rebuff God, but God says: “Your brother’s blood cries out to me from the ground.” The blood that was shed for Biafra is perhaps part of the reason why these dreams and shadows still exist. It is important for us to remember Biafra but it is also important for Nigeria to remember Biafra and for the United Kingdom to remember the part it played in the cruel devastation of the Biafran people.

As for me and people like me, we will continue to remember, especially through stories and plays, films and drama, dialogue and reflection and through the activism for Biafra that still continues today. Let us continue to remember. Let us continue to dream. Igbo Kwenu! Biafra Kwenu!

The Reverend Ijeoma Ajibade is a Church of England priest, ministering at Southwark Cathedral and St Philip’s, Earl’s Court

Read about the inhumane tactics of the Biafran war, which ended 50 years ago today, here

weight loss diet, 12 tips to help you lose weight

 

12 tips to help you lose weight

 

Get off to the best possible start on the NHS weight loss plan with these 12 diet and exercise tips.

1. Do not skip breakfast

Skipping breakfast will not help you lose weight. You could miss out on essential nutrients and you may end up snacking more throughout the day because you feel hungry.

2. Eat regular meals

Eating at regular times during the day helps burn calories at a faster rate. It also reduces the temptation to snack on foods high in fat and sugar.

3. Eat plenty of fruit and veg

Fruit and veg are low in calories and fat, and high in fibre – 3 essential ingredients for successful weight loss. They also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals.

4. Get more active

Being active is key to losing weight and keeping it off. As well as providing lots of  exercise can help burn off the excess calories you cannot lose through diet alone. you enjoy and are able to fit into your routine.

5. Drink plenty of water

People sometimes confuse thirst with hunger. You can end up consuming extra calories when a glass of water is really what you need.

6. Eat high fibre foods

Foods containing lots of fibre can help keep you feeling full, which is perfect for losing weight. Fibre is only found in food from plants, such as fruit and veg, oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice and pasta, and beans, peas and lentils.

7. Read food labels

Knowing how to read food labels can help you choose healthier options. Use the calorie information to work out how a particular food fits into your daily calorie allowance on the weight loss plan.

8. Use a smaller plate

Using smaller plates can help you eat smaller portions. By using smaller plates and bowls, you may be able to gradually get used to eating smaller portions without going hungry. It takes about 20 minutes for the stomach to tell the brain it's full, so eat slowly and stop eating before you feel full.

9. Do not ban foods

Do not ban any foods from your weight loss plan, especially the ones you like. Banning foods will only make you crave them more. There's no reason you cannot enjoy the occasional treat as long as you stay within your daily calorie allowance.

10. Do not stock junk food

To avoid temptation, do not stock junk food – such as chocolate, biscuits, crisps and sweet fizzy drinks – at home. Instead, opt for healthy snacks, such as fruit, unsalted rice cakes, oat cakes, unsalted or unsweetened popcorn, and fruit juice.

11. Cut down on alcohol

A standard glass of wine can contain as many calories as a piece of chocolate. Over time, drinking too much can easily contribute to weight gain.

12. Plan your meals

Try to plan your breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks for the week, making sure you stick to your calorie allowance. You may find it helpful to make a weekly shopping list.

June 12: MKO Abiola funded 1985 coup that removed Buhari – Fani-Kayode alleges

 

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister has alleged that Moshood Kashimawo Olawale, MKO, Abiola was behind the 1985 coup.

Fani-Kayode alleged that Abiola funded the coup that removed President Muhammadu Buhari from power in 1985.

He claimed that the same people Abiola used to remove Buhari from power annulled the 1993 presidential election he won.

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, chieftain disclosed this in a series of tweets.

June 12: Abiola cannot be happy with Nigeria, democracy now autocracy – Gani Adams

Fani-Kayode, however, commended Buhari for immortalizing Abiola with June 12 democracy day, 35 years later.

According to Fani-Kayode: “MKO Abiola funded the coup that removed Buhari from power in 1985 yet it was the same people he put in power that year that annulled his election as President 8 years later in 1993. What an irony! Again the same Buhari he removed from power in 1985 was the one that, 35 years later.

“Once back in power, apologised for the annulment of his 1993 presidential election and mandate even though he had no hand in it and immortalised his name by declaring June 12th Democracy Day. This is instructive! No matter what u say or think about Buhari, he did well on this one.”

Buhari recently changed Democracy Day from May 29 to June 12 in commemoration of Abiola, following the annulment of the 1993 presidential election he won.

June 12: FG has not fulfilled its promises to us – Abiola’s family

Biafra Agitators Storm UK Parliament, London To Protest Against Alleged Genocide In South-East

 

Nigerians of Igbo extraction residing in the United Kingdom have barricaded the Parliament House in London to protest against the alleged genocide in the South East region.

In a video shared on Friday morning, the Biafra protesters demanded an end to the killing of Igbo youths in Nigeria. speech of President Buhari’s Democracy Day address

Recall that Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari, last week, said those trying to destroy the country would receive the shock of their life.  Buhari Must Go’ protesters shut down Abuja [PHOTOS]

He also added on his Twitter handle that, “Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand".

Following public critism in the country and condemnations of the ban by Nigerians and the international community, Twitter deleted part of part Buhari's tweets. 

There have been a series of attacks on police stations and police personnel in the state which the government and security forces have blamed on Indigenous People of (IPOB), and its militant arm, Eastern Security Network (ESN).  June 12: ‘Buhari must go’ – Ondo youths insist as protest rocks Akure [Photos]

And many people have allegedly cried out that soldiers and other security agents are clandestinely killing youths in their numbers in that region.  June 12: Teargas, gunshots as Lagos protesters storm Ojota

This definitely has attracted Nigerians in the country and in the Diaspora to organise protests against the unfortunate incidents and other negativities of the Buhari-led government.  EndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

In the protest in London, protesters are seen with Biafra flags, polo shirts and wrist bands shouting ‘stop killing our children, stop the genocide.’

Buhari Must Go’ protesters shut down Abuja [PHOTOS]

 

Palpable fear has gripped residents of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja over the activities of protesters who have stormed many parts of the city to decry bad governance.

 

Earlier, Some of the protesters who stormed the Gudu Junction in the FCT, clashed with security operatives.

 recalls that several groups and activists have vowed to stage protests in all parts of the country as Nigeria celebrates Democracy Day.

June 12: ‘Buhari must go’ – Ondo youths insist as protest rocks Akure [Photos]

 

Socio-economic activities were grounded to a halt on Saturday in Akure, the Ondo State capital, following the June 12 protest embarked upon by the youths.

The youths in their numbers took to the streets to join their counterparts across the country to demand good governance as well as end the challenges confronting the country.

As early as 7:30 am, the youths converged on the Post Office Junction axis in the state capital chanting “Buhari must go”.

When  monitored the situation, shops were not open as residents were of the belief that the protest might be of the same dimension experienced during the #EndSARS protest.

Imo insecurity: Uzodinma briefs Buhari, says leaders not speaking out

Also, most of the streets were deserted as vehicles did not ply the major roads of the state capital.

Armed with placards of various inscriptions, the youths emphasized that the security situation of the country is now at an alarming rate as nobody is safe anymore.

Some of the placards read “Buhari must go”, “No to grandpa’s regime” among others.

Moving from junction to junction before terminating the protest at NEPA round about, the protesters lashed at the All Progressives Congress-led government for dashing the hopes of Nigerians.

According to one of the protesters, Shuab Nasir, “What we are saying is that Buhari should readdress the situation of this country. We are saying we don’t want killings, kidnappings, and banditry anymore. We just want to be safe.”

 

Shuiab added that the protest was about Nigerians’ frustration with the Buhari administration, stressing that the government cannot secure the people.

“Buhari is not ready to listen. All we want is that Buhari must go now,” he added.

Also one of the leaders of the protest, Barr. Tope Temiokun, said that the country has never had it so bad since independence.

He urged Nigerians to get set ahead of the 2023 general elections in order to do the needful.

Meanwhile security operatives were on ground during the protest to forestall any breakdown of law and order.

June 12 Police assure Lagos residents of safety, warn troublemakers

 

The Lagos State Police Command has assured residents of adequate security of lives and property on Saturday June 12.

There are fears that Lagos will be shut down for the June 12 Democracy Day Celebration.

Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said that commercial and social activities will go on as normal.

A statement he signed noted that the command is not aware of any planned protest nor curfew.

The spokesman warned those might want to foment troubles to steer clear.

Eid el Fitr: Zamfara police beefs up security, deploys over 2000 police men

“Anyone caught engaging in any act capable of causing breakdown of order will face the full wrath of the law.”

Adejobi advised members of the public to disregard any rumoured sit-at-home order, lock down of markets and total paralysis of economic and social activities.

“It is a mere mischievous rumour and calculated attempt to create fears in the minds of Lagosians and disrupt the peaceful atmosphere in Lagos State”, he noted.

The Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, charged the people to go about their lawful businesses.

EndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

 

President Muhammadu Buhari has claimed that last year’s EndSARS protests against police brutality, were aimed at removing him from office.

Buhari stated this while appearing on Arise TV on Thursday morning.

He also blamed the protests on the dwindling inflow of foreign direct investment to the country.

The president insisted that those who participated in the protests, have made Nigeria unattractive to investors.

Buhari was asked how he can improve foreign direct investment (FDI) to Nigeria.

In response he said: “This question was answered last year when there was the #EndSARS protest last year. You remember the young people that wanted to march here and remove me?”

The president added: “Tell the young people to behave themselves and make the country safe, then we can attract real investors to the country”.

Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, others meet South-East stakeholders in Enugu

 

A Federal Government delegation, on Friday, met with Southeast stakeholders over the prevailing security situation in the zone.

The delegation, led by the country’s Defence Minister, Retired Maj. Gen. Bashir Magashi, had his Interior Ministry counterpart, H.E. Raul Adesoji Aregbesola, the Service Chiefs, Governors of the South-East geo-political zone and other leaders of political, religious and traditional institutions in the zone, at the Enugu Government House.

After the closed-door session, Magashi said that the issues raised at the meeting comprised the instability and criminality affecting the country in general.

According to him, “We are happy to have discussed the ones that are peculiar to this part of the country.

“We agreed that there are fundamental issues that need to be addressed.

“The herders conflict should be seen from the perspective of national interest to find solution that will stop the menace all over the country.”

The Minister noted that they also discussed community policing.

Bandits, kidnappers must be punished – Details of Obasanjo, Gumi meeting
“We have the opinion that the governors should be encouraged and we appreciate all our discussions,” Magashi said.

Speaking, the chairman, South-East Governors’ Forum, Chief David Umahi thanked the Federation Government the delegation for their concern towards addressing the insecurity in the zone.

According to him, “Our people are excited with this commitment and sacrifices and we thank you so much.”

He noted that that stakeholders discussed issues on open grazing and that the delegates were in support of it.

“We informed the delegates that each state of the region has laws in respect to the ban,” he said.

Umahi told the delegation that “Ebubeagu is the only recognised security outfit in the South East.”

He said that the South-East leaders condemned the killing of the security men, innocent citizens and the burning of government facilities.

“We are doing our best to ensure that normalcy returns to the region,” Umahi said.

Earlier, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State, in his welcome address, described the Town Hall meeting as timely and apt, expressing optimism that the outcome of the meeting will engender the watershed to the security challenges in the South-East zone.

Suspected gunmen, security operatives allegedly kill PDP youth leader, businessman in Imo

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who stressed the need for all government structures to uphold the security and welfare of the people as the primary purpose of government (enshrined in the 1999 Constitution), said that the consultation with the Service Chiefs and critical stakeholders of the South-East zone, on the current security challenges, “underscores the centrality of this security responsibility in our consideration”, thanking President Muhammadu Buhari for this desirable and laudable development.

Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

 

Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

Members of the Jemgbagh Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Unity Forum, comprising Gboko, Buruku and Tarka Local Government Areas of Benue State, have lauded the courage exhibited by Governor Samuel Ortom in defending the people of the state against Fulani herdsmen.

The members, made up of prominent party stalwarts, government appointees, women and youths conveyed their feelings when they paid Governor Ortom a courtesy visit at the Benue Peoples House, Makurdi, the state capital.June 12: No cause for alarm – FCTA assures Abuja residents of safety

Interim President of the Forum, Prince Yandev Amaabai, said just like God brought the late Aper Aku to provide infrastructure based on the needs at his time, God brought Governor Samuel Ortom at this time to deal with the security situation.

Prince Amaabai stated that the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law which the Governor had promulgated and is being embraced by Nigerians had exposed an evil agenda against Benue people and Nigeria at large, stressing that the multiplier effect of the law would forever be remembered.

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He expressed delight that aside from securing the state from being occupied by herdsmen, Governor Ortom has recorded other tangible achievements such as the construction of roads and township streets as well as massive renovation of primary schools across the state among others.

Speaking for Gboko Local Government, Chief Terngu Tsegba, Laha Dzever for Buruku and Mr Adicks Alu for Tarka noted that the Governor has performed well in security and other areas and assured of supporting him to do more for the state.

Others including, Mr Mike Mku, Mrs Lydia Nyor for women and Mr Tivzua Zuana, thanked Governor Ortom for contributing to the development of PDP in the state and North Central and promised to stand with him in his future political ambition.

Responding, Governor Samuel Ortom said the Federal Government led by the All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed the people in terms of security and enjoined the people to key into the Community Volunteer Guards to end herdsmen attacks and root out cultism.

Governor Ortom expressed joy that every Nigerian has come to acknowledge the prohibition of open grazing as the solution to the herdsmen menace except the presidency which is insisting on opening grazing routes, saying he would continue to speak out against criminality being perpetrated by herdsmen.

The Governor commended the Jemgbagh PDP Unity Forum for the initiative of coming together to speak with one voice and enjoined them to sustain the love among them to foster development in their communities.

 

 

June 12: No cause for alarm – FCTA assures Abuja residents of safety

 

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has assured residents of the city of protection of lives and properties during the Democracy Day celebration ON Saturday.Buhari’s comments validate creation of Eastern Security Network – Nnamdi Kanu

 reports that tension has heightened across the city over looming attacks and violence as groups plan to protest bad governance on Democracy Day following the hardship and insecurity bedevilling many parts of the country.God told me TB Joshua in hellfire, Nnamdi Kanu may die soon – Pastor Peters

However, the Permanent Secretary, FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola, on Thursday assured that the security agencies in the FCT are committed to ensuring that lives and properties of residents are protected during the celebration and beyond.‘I’ll keep that to myself’ – Buhari parries question on Twitter ban

FCTA apologises to Nigerians for blackout at Airport RoadTwitter ban in Nigeria, five Governors remain active, tweet

He gave the assurance shortly after the routine FCT Security Committee meeting on Thursday.Nnamdi Kanu orders IPOB to destabilize Nigeria using Twitter – Lai Mohammed

In the words of Mr Olusade who presided over the meeting, “Residents of FCT are very peace-loving. So, collectively, we are committed to a peaceful June 12 celebration. In this regard, our security How I turned back two South West Governors who came to me complaining about herdsmen killings – Buhari agencies are catching on to this commitment and they have assured us that no stone will be left unturned in protecting the lives and properties of residents”.Nigeria vs Twitter: Only Biden can face Buhari – US Intel expert, Matthew Page

“Security agencies have marshalled various strategies that will be deployed during this period. So, one thing I can tell the residents is to be assured of their safety in the city during the period and beyond” He added.Nigerians use Twitter, reverse ban now – US to Buhari govt

He urged residents to go about their normal and lawful activities stressing that the celebration would be concluded peacefully.FG, keep using Twitter – National Assembly minority caucus tells Nigerians

Speaking on the issue of kidnapping in the Territory, the Permanent Secretary said that there was a consensus that the joint operations of the various security agencies will pay off and revealed that the FCT Administration is supporting the various security agencies through the provision of more operational vehicles and restoring those that had broken down to boost their operations and improve their response time.Donald Trump hails Buhari for suspending Twitter

He also revealed that the National Security and Civil Defence Corps reported on the establishment of a Special Task Force to tackle the menace of kidnapping in the Territory.

Buhari’s comments validate creation of Eastern Security Network – Nnamdi Kanu

 

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has said that President Muhammadu Buhari has by his comment on Thursday, validated the creation of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, by the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Nnamdi Kanu and his group had set up the security network to help counter the criminal activities of suspected Fulani herdsmen in the South East and Southsouth regions of the country.

However, the government is against the illegally established outfit and fighting to end its activities in the regions but Kanu noted that Buhari, who appeared on Arise TV, Lagos State on Thursday validated the ESN.

Any army sent to Biafraland will die there – Nnamdi Kanu replies Buhari

During the exclusive interview, President Muhammadu Buhari had said that it was wrong for Governors to sit idle expecting him to stop the activities of killer Fulani herdsmen in their states.

And reacting to this, Kanu tweeted, “…Buhari shifts the responsibility of stopping terrorist herdsmen to Governors, it confirms our assertions that Nigeria has become a failed state. It also validates #ESN as a self-defence force to protect our people.”

Meanwhile, Buhari has vowed that his government would organize the military and police to treat IPOB in the language they understand.

Speaking on Arise Television, Buhari said security agents would go after them.

“These people are spread everywhere with businesses and everything. They know what they are talking about, anyway, we said we will treat them in a way they understand.

“We will organise the military and police to pursue them,” he said.

God told me TB Joshua in hellfire, Nnamdi Kanu may die soon – Pastor Peters

 

The Senior pastor of Divine Mercy Church, Olatobiloba Peters has unveiled some revelations which he claimed God gave him about the late Nigerian televangelist, Temitope Balogun, also known as TB Joshua and Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.WEndSARS protesters wanted to remove me as president – Buhari

Pastor Peters disclosed that God revealed to him that TB Joshua was not in heaven.

Speaking with , the clergyman stated that the powers of the founder of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, SCOAN, was not from God.IPOB, ESN Buhari govt sponsoring terrorism in South East, governors are complicit – HURIWA

TB Joshua had died a few days ago after conducting a service in his church.

He was found unconscious in his private apartment while the service was ongoing in Lagos.

This is coming at a time the Senior Pastor of Christian Life Church, Jackson Senyonga had described TB Joshua as the “biggest witch in Africa.”Defence Minister, Service Chiefs, others meet South-East stakeholders in Enugu

On his part, Pastor Peters said: “God showed me in a revelation of the night that Temitope Joshua did not make it to heaven. In that revelation, I saw that he could not make it because the powers he was using was not from God, this is what was revealed to me.Withdraw troops from South-East, dialogue with Igbos – Onyeka Onwenu

“TB Joshua was, however, a good man and one of the greatest philanthropists of our time but the things of the spirit are different from how many see things.

“It’s not about being a philanthropist, but is God really involved? Is God happy with what he was doing? God is not his source of power and this should be a lesson to humanity.”Insecurity God brought you to defend Benue people – Group lauds Gov Ortom

The pastor also disclosed that Nnamdi Kanu may not see the end of the year.

“I see Nnamdi Kanu vacating this earth and another taking his place as a result of his demise.

“Mark my word, Kanu will not be the one to actualise Biafra; we will not live long to see it happen.

“Tell Kanu to amend and make his ways right with God because I see him exiting this earth soon,” he said.

‘I’ll keep that to myself’ – Buhari parries question on Twitter ban

 

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday turned down a question on the suspension of the microblogging and social networking service, Twitter, in Nigeria.

Recall that the Minister of information and Tourism, Lai Mohammed, had last Friday announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operations in the country.

Mohammed said the government was forced to act because of “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The suspension of Twitter has continued to spark widespread outrage, with many Nigerians condemning the move.

However, when asked on Arise TV when the Twitter ban would be lifted, Buhari declined to comment, saying he would “keep” the answer to himself.

“I will keep that to myself,” the president said.

Nigerians use Twitter, reverse ban now – US to Buhari govt

 

The United States is increasing the pressure on the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration after the suspension of Twitter in Nigeria.

On Wednesday, the US Mission in Nigeria conveyed the message of top American official, Samantha Power.

The senior diplomat is the current Administrator of the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

Power said: “There are nearly 40 M Twitter users in #Nigeria, and the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub.

“This suspension is nothing more than state-sanctioned denial of free speech and should be reversed immediately. #KeepitOn.”

Power was the 28th US Ambassador to the United Nations from 2013 to 2017.

Twitter: Think of how ban will affect economy, young people – Makinde tells Buhari

Last Friday, federal authorities sanctioned Twitter indefinitely after Buhari’s tweet was deleted.

The President had stated that many of those misbehaving in the South-East region were young and did not witness the destruction and loss of lives that occurred during the civil war.

“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”, the former General warned.

After the deletion, Information Minister, Lai Mohammed, condemned “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence”.

The government directed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to start the process of licensing all OTT and social media operations.

The NBC was also ordered to force broadcast stations – Television and Radio – to stop using Twitter or face the consequences.

The actions are being criticized by Nigerians, countries, local and international organizations.

On Tuesday, the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and concerned citizens filed a lawsuit against Buhari administration over “the unlawful suspension of Twitter”.

The plaintiffs, in the suit filed by legal luminary, Femi Falana (SAN), want an end to the criminalization of Nigerians using the microblogging site, the repression of: human rights, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom.

FG, keep using Twitter – National Assembly minority caucus tells Nigerians

 

The joint minority caucus of the National Assembly on Wednesday urged users of suspended microblogging platform, Twitter to ignore the decision of the Federal Government and continue using the medium.

Recall that the FG had last Friday suspended the operation of Twitter in Nigeria for allegedly allowing contents that are capable of threatening the corporate existence of Nigerians.

Despite the ban, most users have continued to access the platform via the use of Virtual Private Network (VPN).

Some top politicians including religious leaders have defied the ban by tweeting via their handles.

Security challenges: Minority caucus slams Buhari, vows to take measures if insecurity persists

The decision of the joint caucus was contained in a statement issued by Minority Leader House of Representatives, Ndudi Elumelu, and the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe.

The statement reads in part, “The Joint Minority Caucus recognizes the provisions of Articles 19 and 20 of the United Nations Charter on Fundamental Human Rights, which Nigeria is a signatory to, as well as provisions of Sections 39 and 36 (12) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), and notes that by these provisions no one will be violating any law for using twitter in Nigeria.

“As lawmakers, the Joint Caucus is pained by the anguish Nigerians, especially the youths, who find the use of twitter as a means of livelihood and genuine social interaction, are passing through just because the APC-led Federal Government feels slighted that an individual’s post, was deleted by Twitter for ethical violation.”

Nnamdi Kanu orders IPOB to destabilize Nigeria using Twitter – Lai Mohammed

 

The Federal Government has lamented that Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is using Twitter to destabilize Nigeria.

Lai Mohammed, the Minister of Information and Culture, disclosed this at an interview with BBC News Africa.

Mohammed noted that Kanu uses Twitter to direct members of IPOB to attack policemen, soldiers, correctional centres and offices of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

The minister lamented that Twitter has failed to sanction the IPOB leader for using the platform to destabilize Nigeria.

Nigerians mock Buhari govt for announcing suspension of Twitter via Twitter

Lai Mohammed said, “IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu in particular, his platform of choice to destabilise the country is Twitter.

“Twitter is actually the platform of choice for the separatist leader who resides outside Nigeria but issues directives for his members to attack the symbols of authority such as policemen, soldiers, correctional centres, electoral offices.

“This has been done willfully and consistently without consequences using always the Twitter platform.”

The Minister had last week disclosed the ban on Twitter in Nigeria.

Nigeria vs Twitter: Only Biden can face Buhari – US Intel expert, Matthew Page

 

Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari may not reverse the ban on Twitter unless United States President Joe Biden intervenes in the standoff which entered day 6 today.

Former US intelligence community’s top Nigeria specialist, Matthew Page, said this in an interview with in reaction to the latest demand by the world power.

Samantha Power, currently the US Agency for International Development (USAID) Administrator, illustrated Nigeria’s action against the company as ‘an aggression against free speech’.

The ex-US Ambassador to the United Nations (UN) affirmed that nearly 40 million Nigerians use Twitter, and that “the country is home to Africa’s largest tech hub”.

“This suspension is nothing more than state-sanctioned denial of free speech and should be reversed immediately”, Power requested.

Twitter is an American microblogging and social networking service.

The 44-year-old CEO, Jack Dorsey, visited Nigeria in November 2019.

Asked if the US government may decide to retaliate, Page said that going by the current attitude of the Biden administration, there may be no reprisal.

The associate fellow of the Chatham House Africa Programme in London said he was seeing “a very muted response”.

“I’ve witnessed the internal hand-wringing and reluctance to levy visa bans in much clearer situations, e.g. specific senior officials engaging in corruption or human rights abuses.

“Since this is government policy, any policy move by the US would have to target the state itself, and I don’t see the Embassy officials (at least) having the wherewithal to do that.

“The only way that would change is if someone very senior, President Biden or the Secretary of State, insisted that steps be taken and thereby clarified what the US response to Buhari’s decision should be”, the expert said.

Nigerian authorities sanctioned Twitter for deleting the President’s tweet after several citizens reported it for violating the rules of the social media platform.

Angered by incessant attacks on government facilities and the murder of dozens of security operatives in the South-East, Buhari said the perpetrators did not witness the carnage that occurred during the 1967 -1970 Civil War.

“Those of us in the fields for 30 months, who went through the war, will treat them in the language they understand”, he fumed.

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has been directed to license all social media operations.

The NBC will also ensure that broadcast stations – Television and Radio – do not use Twitter until further notice. There will be penalties for the defaulters.

The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has gone to court in protest of the alleged “repression of human rights, freedom of expression, access to information and media freedom”.

The ECOWAS Court of Justice is an organ of the 15-member Economic Community of West African States.

Donald Trump hails Buhari for suspending Twitter

 

Donald Trump, a former US President has commended President Muhammadu Buhari for suspending microblogging platform, Twitter.

Trump in a statement he signed on Tuesday urged more countries to ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech.

The Republican who was banned on Twitter and Facebook said, he wished he suspended Twitter when he was President, adding that the platform is evil.

Twitter suspension: Learn from Trump – Dino Melaye tells Buhari

“Congratulations to the people of Nigeria who just banned Twitter because they banned their President.

“More countries should ban Twitter and Facebook for not allowing free and open speech – all voices should be heard.
“In the meantime, competitors will emerge and take hold.

“Who are they to dictate good and evil if they themselves are evil?

“Perhaps, I should have done it when I was President But Zuckerberg kept calling me and coming to the White House for dinner, telling me how great I was. 2024?.”

Twitter ban in Nigeria, five Governors remain active, tweet

 

Many prominent Nigerians have continued to defy the ban on micro-blogging and social media platform, Twitter, despite the threat by the Nigerian government to prosecute Nigerians still posting or using the microblogging site.

Last Friday, President Muhammadu Buhari-led government announced the indefinite suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria over what it termed, “the persistent use of the platform for activities that are capable of undermining Nigeria’s corporate existence.”

The suspension came days after Twitter deleted a controversial tweet by Buhari where he made reference to the 1967 civil war.

Amid the public outcry and criticism that greeted the government’s Twitter suspension, the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF, Abubakar Malami, on Saturday ordered the prosecution of violators of the ban.

Nigerians had immediately opted for Virtual Private Networks (VPN) in a bid to access the platform, daring the police to arrest them and prosecute them.

VPN, a key path for digital anonymity, has enabled Nigeria to trend in different parts of the world.

 gathered that issues relating to Twitter ban in Nigeria have become popular in free VPN locations, especially in the United States, Netherlands, Canada and Ireland.

Just two days ago, ‘Nigeria, ‘TB Joshua, ‘June 12 protest, ‘Buhari, ‘werey, ‘Oyo, ‘Igbo trended in Netherlands, America, Canada and some other countries.

Interestingly, some Governors have been using VPN to access Twitter. Among those yet to comply with Buhari’s order are the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Twitter: Ortom dares FG, tweets, says ban illegal

Although some Governors who were active before the suspension have complied with the directive, the accounts of others who rarely use the platform have remained dormant as usual.

Governor Makinde had, while calling on the Government to rescind the decision, said many would be rendered jobless.

He counselled Buhari not to hamper the operations of thousands of businesses and services, maintaining that the ban is capable of affecting investors’ confidence in the country.

He, however, called for due consideration of the Government due to the implications of its action.

Lending his voice to condemn the ban, Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State tweeting via his official handle, said the ban was illegal.

According to him, it is also an ill-advised move to divert the attention of Nigerians from the FG’s failure to tackle insecurity in parts of the country.

He noted that the ban amounts to suppression of fundamental human rights and gagging of social media.

Similarly, El-Rufai, a leading member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, tweeted despite the existing order by the Federal Government.

El-Rufai used the banned social media platform to tweet what seems like support for the Federal Government, saying, “Based Nigeria: African country teaches US lesson in how to handle Big Tech tyranny — RT Op-ed.”

Twitter ban: El-Rufai tweets, defy Malami, Buhari govt’s order

However, when reached Ortom’s Chief Press Secretary, Terver Akase, to comment on why his principal didn’t obey the FG’s Twitter ban directive and why he described it as illegal, the CPS said the answer was in the governor’s tweet.

Akase said, “The answer was in the question you asked.

“Even the governor’s tweet and statement we issued, the answer is there.

“So read our statement and the governor’s tweet, you will have the answer there,” he added.

Meanwhile, all efforts made by to get a reaction from the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Oyo State, Taiwo Adisa, proved abortive as he could not take his calls.

Also, efforts by  to get a reaction from the Special Adviser to Governor Nasir El-Rufai (Media and Communication), Mr. Muyiwa Adeleke, were not successful as several calls put through to his mobile phone were showing ‘line busy’ as at time of filing this report.