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FG Condemns Ex-Militants’ War Threat
The Federal Government has condemned the threat by some ex-militants that they would declare war against the nation, if President Goodluck Jonathan did not win the forthcoming election.
Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, described the threat by the warlords as reprehensible, noting that there was no basis for such threats, stressing that Jonathan had said that he would concede defeat if he lost the presidential election.
Addressing journalists in Abuja yesterday, Moro stated that the President had promised free and credible elections and therefore cautioned against inflammatory remarks and actions that may plunge the country into avoidable crisis.
He said, “It is reprehensible for people to threaten this country with mayhem and violence should their candidate lose the elections. The President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has not left anybody in doubt as to his preparedness to conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election.
“Mr. President has said that in the unlikely event of his losing the election, in the course of this exercise, that he was democratic enough to concede defeat.
“And so, if Mr President himself, who is the main contestant in this election, who is the President of this country, who is the leader of the PDP has come out to say that he was going to ensure free and fair elections where the choice of Nigerians would be respected, I do not see where statements from the supporters of either Mr. President or any other political parties for that matter should derail the course of this democratic movement.”
The minister said that the anxiety over the elections was unwarranted, noting that it was in the character of elections to generate hype in the media, adding that the Federal Government was determined to conduct hitch-free elections.
The minister said adequate security would be provided during the polls, noting that all the security agencies have been sufficiently mobilized, stressing that the necessary men and materials would be deployed to ensure a credible electoral process
It would be recalled that Mujahideen Asari Dokubo and Government Ekpudomenowei (akaTompolo) had threatened to declare war against the nation if President Goodluck Jonathan loses the February 14 election.
Dokubo had at a meeting on Friday at the Bayelsa State Government House, Yenagoa, urged an end to what he termed, the intimidation of the Ijaw by other Nigerians.
At the meeting were Bayelsa State Governor, Hon Seriake Dickson, Ekpudomenowei, Dokubo, Victor Ebikabowei (aka Boyloaf), the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs, Kingsley Kuku and the President General, the Ijaw Youth Council, Udengs Eradiri.
President, Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), Engr Emeka Unachukwu (right) with immediate past president of the chamber, Dr Vincent Furo, during the council meeting in Port Harcourt, recently. Photo: Egberi A. Sampson
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has tasked troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD to dominate the battlespace and intensify offensive operations against kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Central region.
Shaibu gave the directive yesterday during his maiden operational visit to the Headquarters, Joint Task Force North Central (JTF-NC), at Sobi Barracks, Ilorin.
This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, in Abuja, yesterday.
Shaibu said the Nigerian Army would remain resolute in its constitutional responsibility of safeguarding lives and property, stressing that troops must sustain pressure to decisively deny criminal elements freedom of action.
He assured personnel of continued deployment of combat enablers and operational resources to enhance clearance operations and dismantle criminal hideouts across Kwara and Niger states.
The COAS reaffirmed his commitment to troop welfare, noting that improved welfare remained critical to sustaining morale, operational effectiveness and combat readiness.
He urged the troops to remain disciplined, professional and loyal to the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
Earlier, the Theatre Commander, JTF-NC Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD, Maj.-Gen. Yakubu Yahaya, commended the COAS for his strategic leadership and support.
Yahaya assured that troops would remain committed and steadfast in restoring peace and stability in the region.
The Nigerian Navy says it is expanding training and infrastructure to address emerging security threats and strengthen operational efficiency across formations and units nationwide.
The Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Idi Abbas, spoke during the inauguration of projects at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS) in Onne, Rivers as part of activities marking the Nigerian Navy’s 70th anniversary.
Abbas, represented by the Flag Officer Commanding, Naval Training Command (NAVTRAC), Rear Adm. Ebiobowei Zipele, said the projects reflected significant progress made by the navy since its establishment in 1956 from the British Royal Navy.
“Training and infrastructure have improved significantly to meet contemporary security challenges and fulfil the navy’s constitutional responsibilities.”
According to him, the anniversary provides the navy an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and contributions over the past seven decades.
Projects inaugurated included a remodelled female trainees’ hostel accommodating more than 500 occupants and an expanded golf course upgraded from one to nine holes.
Others were the NNBTS fuel dump, Chief Boatswain’s Mate House, renovated pharmacy department and a new theatre block at the Naval Medical Centre, Onne.
Abbas described the new theatre as a major milestone for the navy’s medical services.
“Previously, injured personnel requiring surgeries were referred outside the facility.
“With this theatre, surgeries can now be conducted within the base.’’
He added that a 30KVA inverter had also been installed to guarantee uninterrupted electricity supply at the training school.
The naval chief assured officers, ratings and trainees that the navy leadership remained committed to their welfare and wellbeing.
“These infrastructure upgrades show the commitment of the Chief of Naval Staff to addressing operational and welfare challenges promptly,” he said.
In addition, NAVTRAC distributed educational materials to pupils of Community Primary Schools One and Two, Ogale, in Ebubu-Eleme area of Rivers.
Items distributed included exercise books, school bags and other writing materials as part of the navy’s civil-military engagement initiative.
Zipele said the outreach was designed to strengthen relations between the navy and host communities while supporting children’s education.
“Education remains critical to national growth and youth empowerment. Some of these pupils may eventually serve in the Nigerian Navy,” he said.
He noted that the initiative demonstrated the navy’s commitment to educational development, peace, security and sustainable community relations.
Zipele urged the pupils to remain disciplined, focused and committed to their studies while embracing patriotism, integrity and hard work.
He thanked the Ebubu community for its continued support for the naval training command headquarters and the navy.
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