Good morning Nigeria, welcome to Naija News roundup of top newspaper headlines in Nigeria for today Monday, 15th March 2021
1. Chief Of Army Staff Speaks On When Boko Haram Will Be Defeated In Nigeria
Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru has given fresh assurances that the Boko Haram Terrorist group will soon be defeated in Nigeria.
The Army Chief made the promise on Sunday when he visited the troops of Sector 2 Operation Lafiya Dole of the Nigerian Army in Damaturu, Yobe State.
He assured the troops that they will get all the backing and support needed to push back the terrorists and end their oppressive reign.
Attahiru added that the President and Commander-In-Chief, Muhammadu Buhari is fully aware of all the troops are doing to keep the country safe and will continue to provide all the necessary support to boost the morale of the troops.
He urged them not to relent in their efforts and commitment to tackling all forms of insecurity in the country.
2. Asari Dokubo Declares Biafra, Names Govt Leaders, Boasts That “Nobody Can Stop Us”
Former militant leader, Asari Dokubo on Sunday, declared a new Biafra government and named himself the leader of the government.
Dokubo who noted in the statement he released through Uche Mefor to journalists in Warri on the declaration of a “Biafra de facto customary government” said the time has come for them to take their destinies in their hands, adding that the Igbo people have long suffered injustice and marginalization in Nigeria.
Apart from declaring himself the leader of the customary government, Dokubo also named Uche Mefor as the Head of Information and Communication of the customary government, George Onyibe as Secretary of the group, and Emeka Esiri as the officer in charge of its legal matters.
He promised to address all issues concerning the welfare of the Igbo people and focus on science and technology to make life easier for the people.
The ex-militant added that he and the group won’t go into physical war with Nigeria as it happened during the 1967 civil war.
3. Insecurity: Federal Govt Responsible For Banditry, Kidnapping, Others – Arewa Youths
The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, AYCF, has blamed the Federal Government for banditry and security issues in the country.
The National President of the forum, Yerima Shettima, noted that it is the responsibility of the federal government to provide security for Nigerians, but it has failed to do so.
Shettima during an interview with Dailypost called on the All Progressives Congress-led government to ensure security agencies are adequately equipped with manpower.
4. Uzodinma Counters Umahi, Says Southeast Governors To Set Up Security Outfit
Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has revealed that governors of the region are set to meet to consider the modalities of setting up a security outfit.
Naija News recalls that the Chairman of the Southeast governors forum and Ebonyi State governor, David Umahi, had stated that the region cannot establish a regional security outfit.
Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television on Thursday, Umahi said the reason is that security challenges in the states are different and that every state is peculiar.
He asserted that the governors in the region are comfortable with the different security architectures at various states.
The governor said the issue of insecurity is not peculiar to the region alone, but a national problem that must be tackled accordingly.
But Speaking to newsmen, Uzodinma accused members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) of hijacking the Eastern Security Network (ESN) name and using the outfit to commit a lot of mayhem.
He added that the governors from the region will soon meet to discuss modalities for a regional security outfit.
5. Boko Haram Leader, Shekau Blasts Sheikh Gumi For Negotiating With Bandits In New Audio
Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been called out by the leader of Boko Haram terrorists, Abubakar Shekau for negotiating with bandits in the country.
Gumi had been in the news recently for negotiating with bandits who are involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in the North.
Some Nigerians have condemned the cleric for negotiating with criminals, while others see it as a means of striking peace in the country.
The Boko Haram leader in an audio that is 1 hour and 55 minutes long, obtained by Daily Nigerian, said Gumi was among those who deliberately transgress.
6. 307 Students Rescued As Bandits Invade Another School In Kaduna
Gunmen suspected to be bandits on Sunday morning stormed Government Science Secondary School, Ikara in Kaduna State.
It was gathered that the gunmen stormed the school in the early hours of Sunday but their plan to abduct the students was hindered by the military.
The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in the state, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this on Sunday.
Aruwan in the statement noted that all 307 students of the school are safe.
7. We Are Mightier Than Our Challenges – Osinbajo Tells Nigerians
The Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has assured the citizens of the country that the nation is capable of overcoming all its current challenges.
Osinbajo added that Nigeria has a great future and he believes all the challenges facing the nation are surmountable.
The Vice President made the submission on Sunday in Owerri, the Imo State capital during a special interdenominational thanksgiving service to mark the first anniversary of the administration of Governor Hope Uzodinma.
Osinbajo who delivered President Muhammadu Buhari’s message to the Governor and people of Imo State noted that: “Let me say that despite the challenges our Nation faces, by the grace of God, we, the Nigerian people, are more than able to surmount them.
8. Benue Will Not Negotiate, Grant Amnesty To Criminals Again – Ortom Vows
Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue State has promised that his administration will no longer negotiate or grant amnesty to criminals again.
Naija News recall that Terkura, the elder brother to Gabriel Suswam, former Benue governor, was killed alongside his aide on March 2.
They were both attacked at Terkura’s hometown in Anyiin LGA of the state.
Speaking at his funeral on Saturday, Ortom said the state will no longer offer amnesty to criminals, except they repent and beg for forgiveness.
9. Ndume: It Started Like A Joke… Nigeria On The Brink Of Collapse
Senator Ali Ndume (APC-Borno South) has expressed worry over the increase in criminal activities, adding that security and welfare are threatened in Nigeria.
Speaking at a press briefing on Saturday, Ndume said Nigerians and the government are still not taking the security situation seriously.
He called on citizens and government to match faith with action on ensuring an urgent improvement in the security situation.
Ndume, who said the country is on a dangerous “brink”, stressed that citizens still trivialize, tribalize or give the situation religious colouration.
10. Universities Will Go On Strike If… – ASUU
The Academic Staff Union of Universities, on Sunday, threatened to embark on another strike following the non-payment of salaries and alleged victimization of members.
The Chairman of ASUU in the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ayo Akinwole, in a statement called on Nigerians to blame the Federal Government if universities are shut down again.
Akinwole noted that the federal government has not fulfilled its promises despite the lecturers suspending the strike on December 24, 2020.
He added that many lecturers are still being owed salaries of between two and 10 months.
It was learnt that as of December 31, 2020, the Federal Government had failed to fulfil three agreements reached with the union.