Nigerian Forces Invade Sambisa Forest, The Last Known Stronghold Of Boko Haram

BAUCHI, Nigeria, April 22 (Reuters) - Nigerian forces backed by warplanes invaded Islamist group Boko Haram's last known stronghold, the Sambisa forest, on Wednesday, in an effort to finally defeat their six-year-old insurgency, two military sources said.

Armies from Nigeria and neighbors Chad, Niger and Cameroon have in the past two months launched a concerted push to try to crush the insurgents, who have killed thousands and kidnapped hundreds in their battle to establish an Islamic state.

The Sambisa forest in northeast Nigeria is about 100 km (60 miles) from the village of Chibok from where Boko Haram abducted more than 200 secondary school girls a year ago. Intelligence officials had believed that this was where they were being held, although U.S. reconnaissance drones failed to find them.

A spokesman for the military was not immediately available for comment.

An official in the Chadian army said allied Chadian and Cameroonian troops were ready to attack Sambisa, which lies on the Cameroon border, from the other side and would move in soon.

The militants controlled an area the size of Belgium at the start of the year, but have since lost much of that ground.

Yet they remain a deadly threat to civilians, as illustrated on Friday when they slit the throats of 12 people in northeast Nigeria as the army was trying to evacuate the area around the former Boko Haram headquarters of Gwoza.

Failure to crush Boko Haram or protect civilians was one reason President Goodluck Jonathan lost an election on March 28 to Muhammadu Buhari, who has pledged to spare no effort in battling the militants after he is sworn in on May 29.

Buhari also said he would do everything possible to rescue the Chibok girls, but could not promise to find them.

(Reporting by Ardo Abdallah; Additional reporting by Madjiasra Nako in N'Djamena; Writing by Tim Cocks; Editing by Robin Pomeroy)

Source: Worldpost

“LET NO ONE PLAY GOD!” || KASHAMU HAS ANOTHER MESSAGE FOR TINUBU

Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu has reacted to Bola Tinubu’s dressing down over a statement released a few days ago where he praised the achievements of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress over his role in the recently-concluded general elections.

In response to Kashamu’s adulation, Tinubu said he does not need praise-singing from someone who bought his election victory and his wanted in the United States for drug related offences.

An unhappy Kashamu released a statement to Tinubu’s response on Tuesday, April 21.

“My attention has been drawn to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaction to the innocuous congratulatory messages that I sent to him and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“First, I must say that I doubt if the statement was approved by him. However, if it was, I must state that I am taken aback by the unwarranted attacks against me as if we were still campaigning. It is unbecoming of someone of his stature and calibre. It is high time politicians and leaders rose above petty issues and raise the bar in constitutional democracy. We should not just be democrats in words but also in deeds. We should play politics without bitterness.”

“It is on record that no Nigerian politician has taken former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the cleaners even as a sitting President like Asiwaju Tinubu did. Yet, Chief Obasanjo forgave him. As for me and Baba Obasanjo, he remains my father and leader, just as I am his son and follower. At no time did I abuse Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.”

“As a true party man, I campaigned vigorously for my party and its candidates. Now, the elections are over, and as a true sportsman, I thought I should congratulate those who won. Short of any praise-singing, what I said in the congratulatory message that they chose to react to a week after it was published was that there was no way anyone can wish away the achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu in the nation’s political annals, particularly in Yoruba land.”

Part of the message also reads: “Although I now belong to the opposition, your achievements transcend political divides and I am not ashamed to publicly acknowledge them. I salute your courage, commitment, doggedness, forthrightness and tenacity of purpose even in the face of daunting opposition and challenges. By your sheer wit and unwavering commitment to democratic ethos, true federalism and economic prosperity, you led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from a one-party state to a regional party, and now a national party that is about to form the government at the centre.”

Consequently, he asked; “How do these translate to praise-singing? Are they not facts of history that I merely adumbrated? He accused me of purchasing my election with money, the appropriate forum to prove that is the election petitions tribunal and not the pages of newspaper.”

“On the U.S case, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that the United States as the bastion of democracy and the Rule of Law would not lend itself to any form of abuse of the fundamental human rights of an innocent soul, especially one that has been arrested, tried and freed by its most trusted ally – the United Kingdom.”

“I am not running from any trial. All I have asked is for the relevant parties to follow due process – if they believe that I yet have a case to answer. I believe in the supremacy of the almighty Allah who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish. He is the ultimate decider of the fate of all mortals. When He says yes, no man can say no and when He says no, no man can say yes!”

“I stand with the almighty Allah Subhana Wa Tala. He is the protector of all humans. He is my refuge and shield. Let no one play God!”

“LET NO ONE PLAY GOD!” || KASHAMU HAS ANOTHER MESSAGE FOR TINUBU

Senator-elect, Buruji Kashamu has reacted to Bola Tinubu’s dressing down over a statement released a few days ago where he praised the achievements of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress over his role in the recently-concluded general elections.

In response to Kashamu’s adulation, Tinubu said he does not need praise-singing from someone who bought his election victory and his wanted in the United States for drug related offences.

An unhappy Kashamu released a statement to Tinubu’s response on Tuesday, April 21.

“My attention has been drawn to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reaction to the innocuous congratulatory messages that I sent to him and other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“First, I must say that I doubt if the statement was approved by him. However, if it was, I must state that I am taken aback by the unwarranted attacks against me as if we were still campaigning. It is unbecoming of someone of his stature and calibre. It is high time politicians and leaders rose above petty issues and raise the bar in constitutional democracy. We should not just be democrats in words but also in deeds. We should play politics without bitterness.”

“It is on record that no Nigerian politician has taken former President Olusegun Obasanjo to the cleaners even as a sitting President like Asiwaju Tinubu did. Yet, Chief Obasanjo forgave him. As for me and Baba Obasanjo, he remains my father and leader, just as I am his son and follower. At no time did I abuse Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.”

“As a true party man, I campaigned vigorously for my party and its candidates. Now, the elections are over, and as a true sportsman, I thought I should congratulate those who won. Short of any praise-singing, what I said in the congratulatory message that they chose to react to a week after it was published was that there was no way anyone can wish away the achievements of Asiwaju Tinubu in the nation’s political annals, particularly in Yoruba land.”

Part of the message also reads: “Although I now belong to the opposition, your achievements transcend political divides and I am not ashamed to publicly acknowledge them. I salute your courage, commitment, doggedness, forthrightness and tenacity of purpose even in the face of daunting opposition and challenges. By your sheer wit and unwavering commitment to democratic ethos, true federalism and economic prosperity, you led the Alliance for Democracy (AD) from a one-party state to a regional party, and now a national party that is about to form the government at the centre.”

Consequently, he asked; “How do these translate to praise-singing? Are they not facts of history that I merely adumbrated? He accused me of purchasing my election with money, the appropriate forum to prove that is the election petitions tribunal and not the pages of newspaper.”

“On the U.S case, I wish to state for the umpteenth time that the United States as the bastion of democracy and the Rule of Law would not lend itself to any form of abuse of the fundamental human rights of an innocent soul, especially one that has been arrested, tried and freed by its most trusted ally – the United Kingdom.”

“I am not running from any trial. All I have asked is for the relevant parties to follow due process – if they believe that I yet have a case to answer. I believe in the supremacy of the almighty Allah who frustrates the signs of liars and makes fools of diviners, who turns wise men back and makes their knowledge foolish. He is the ultimate decider of the fate of all mortals. When He says yes, no man can say no and when He says no, no man can say yes!”

“I stand with the almighty Allah Subhana Wa Tala. He is the protector of all humans. He is my refuge and shield. Let no one play God!”

I’M AN ARCHITECT OF DEMOCRACY, YOU’RE A FAILED DEMOLISHER || TINUBU IS NOT IMPRESSED, BLASTS KASHAMU

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken to the cleaners, the Peoples Democratic Party senator-elect, Prince Buruji Kashamu.

The former governor of Lagos is not psyched nor is he pleased with the fact that Kashamu recently released a statement where he lauded him on his role in the 2015 general elections.

An unimpressed Tinubu says for Kashamu to call him his role model means that he is lost on the meaning of the word.

In a statement released by Tinubu’s media aide, Sunday Dare, he said the era of superficial praise singers are gone in the politics of Nigeria, while adding that he should direct his praise-singing towards President Jonathan and Bode George.

“Our attention has been drawn to the recently advertised letter by Mr. Buruji Kashamu to Asiwaju Bola Tinubu in which he described Tinubu in superlative terms and as his role model. Kashamu needs to stop this cynical fawning. It will not work.

“The days of false adulation are gone in Nigerian politics. Fake praise singers like Kashamu will find that their particular craft is no longer in vogue. During this election cycle, their practice has dramatically turned from the way things are to how it used to be. Henceforth, there will be consequences for the positions a politician takes and the words they utter.

“Politicians will no longer be able to change direction and loyalties as if they were changing clothes. Those in politics must know that responsibility and accountability shall now follow them. One can no longer walk both sides of the street at the same time. In case Kashamu has not noticed, the politics of principle defeated the politics of posturing.

“That Kashamu undermined the democratic process by buying his victory does not mean he is part of the new Nigeria. He is merely an isolated vestige of a dying past. The man is an extinct species the realization of which will soon dawn on him.

“For him to liken himself to Bola Tinubu is for a small rut to call itself a mountain. For Kashamu to call Tinubu a role model is Kashamu’s admission that he does not know the meaning of the term. There are no grounds for comparison. There is only contrast. Tinubu has sacrificed years trying to bring democracy to Nigeria. He struggled in opposition to the powers that be. Without this, at times, lonesome fight and singular determination, the great change in Nigerian politics would not have happened as it did.

Tinubu is an architect of democracy. Kashamu is a failed demolisher of that which Tinubu has strived to build. Under Kashamu’s designs, our elections would be a wholly mercantile undertaking. Meanwhile, Kashamu has blown wherever the prevailing winds took him. He stood for nothing and sacrificed nothing except the people’s welfare.

“This same Kashamu rained insults on former President Obasanjo in a vicious campaign of calumny. Kashamu’s party, PDP sponsored defamatory documentaries full of lies and innuendos against me, General Muhammadu Buhari and other leaders of APC. Please keep your peace until you make your trip to the USA as a Senator-elect. Upon your return we can then have a conversation. We can then proceed with your repudiation of the PDP with a promise that you will stop corrupting and fouling the political system.

“That Kashamu would deign to compare himself with Tinubu is a distasteful insult to Tinubu and to anyone who knows Nigerian politics. If he has any sense of propriety, Kashamu should retract the corrupt missive and apologize for this latest lie to the public.”

“Kashamu in a factory of incoherent mischief aimed at achieving selfish goals. Before the election, Tinubu was his arch-enemy. Now he seeks to be the prodigal son returned home. This scam will fail.

“Kashamu may be prodigal but he is no political son of Tinubu. Kashamu’s political lineage tracks to people like Bode George and President Jonathan. He should direct his encomiums to these men who are his true role models. They need his contrived affections more than Tinubu does.”

BRIEF PRESS STATEMENT BY GENERAL MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR, PRESIDENT-ELECT ON THE PLATFORM OF THE ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC. MARCH 31ST, 2015

At exactly 5:15pm yesterday evening President Jonathan called to congratulate me on my victory. For this I want all Nigerians to join me in congratulating and appreciating Mr President for his statesmanship.

President Jonathan engaged in a spirited campaign and was a worthy opponent. I extend my hand of fellowship to him. I look forward to meeting him soon as we plan the transition from one administration to another.   He will receive nothing but understanding, cooperation and respect from me and my team. 

The good people of Nigeria, answered the call of history. When the account of this fine moment is written, it will be said that it was the people themselves who led this nation to democracy.

You stood in line patiently for hours in the sun, rain and then in the dark to cast your ballots. Even when the vote was extended to Sunday in some places, you still performed your civic duty. You did so peacefully. You voted  with your heart. Your vote affirms that you believe Nigeria’s future can be better than what it is today.

You voted for change and now change has come.

INEC has released the official results of the Presidential election. INEC has declared that I gained the most votes with the required spread and thus won this election. In a more profound way, it is you, Nigerians that have won.  The people have shown their love for our nation and their belief in democracy.

The declaration of INEC accurately reflects the will of the people.  While there might have been some logistical obstacles and irregularities associated with the exercise, the result shall stand as what the people want.

I thank all Nigerians who have made this day possible. Our country has now joined the community of nations that have used the ballot box to peacefully  change an incumbent President in a free and fair election. To me this is indeed historic.

Most people will welcome the result because it is the one they voted for. Others will naturally be disappointed. I ask that we all be circumspect, respectful and peaceful in these times. 

This was a hard- fought contest. Emotions were high. We must not allow them to get the better of us.  This is not the time for confrontation. This is a moment that we must begin to heal the wounds and work toward a better future. We do this first by extending a hand of friendship and conciliation across the political divide. We hope and pray our friends in other parties reciprocate.

I thank all the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, for their commitment and their hard work through the formation of the party, the campaigns and the Presidential elections. Let me equally extend my appreciation to the MEDIA, Civil Society and the Security agencies for their selfless service.

The International press and our friends abroad deserve special commendation for their support throughout the process. We promise a robust and dynamic engagement with your countries in matters of mutual interest to nations.

In the interim, I call on all Nigerians to be law abiding and peaceful. The eyes of the world were focused on us to see if we could vote in a peaceful way and carry out a representative election in an orderly manner. You have proven to the world that we are a people who have embraced democracy and a people who seek a government by, for and of the people.

We have put one party state behind us. You have voted for a party and president that will serve and govern but never rule over you. Change has come. A new day and a new Nigeria are upon us. The victory is yours and the glory is that of our nation - Nigeria

I will make a more formal address to the nation today after receiving the certificate of return from INEC.

May God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

General Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR,
President-Elect,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Boko Haram Fighters Murdered Captive Women: UN Human Rights Chief

BERLIN (AP) — The U.N.'s human rights chief said Wednesday his office has received reports that Boko Haram fighters retreating from advancing military forces in Nigeria murdered women and girls they had taken as "wives," along with other captives.

The recapture of parts of northeastern Nigeria in recent weeks "has brought to light gruesome scenes of mass graves and further evident signs of slaughter by Boko Haram," Zeid Raad al-Hussein told a special session of the U.N. Human Rights Council in Geneva.

Zeid gave no further details of what he said were multiple reports of fighters killing "their so-called 'wives' — in fact, women and girls held in slavery — and other captives." Boko Haram's reported use of children as "expendable cannon fodder" and human bombs would, if confirmed, constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, he said.

Zeid said there also are "persistent and credible reports" of serious rights violations by Nigerian and other security forces responding to Boko Haram. He called for "thorough and fully transparent investigations" by authorities.

The Islamic extremist militants have terrorized northern Nigeria and also attacked towns in neighboring countries, prompting nations in the region including Chad and Niger to put together a force to combat them.

Zeid said he is "profoundly concerned about the growing ethnic and sectarian dimensions of the conflict."

Boko Haram's original leader was from the Kanuri ethnic group, and the U.N. human rights office has received reports "indicating that Kanuris are now considered suspect by some military personnel," resulting in arbitrary arrests and abuse, Zeid said.

Boko Haram, meanwhile, has begun targeting Nigerians of Shuwa Arab origin "apparently in retaliation for their perceived support to the Nigerian armed forces," he said.

"There is thus a high risk of escalating ethnic and religious violence," Zeid said. "This can only be halted by principled leadership and clear instructions to military personnel, with appropriate accountability."

Source: World Post

Kenyan opposition excited by Nigeria election outcome

Kenyan opposition appeared excited by the events surrounding the Nigerian elections won by opposition candidate General Muhammadu Buhari.

General Buhari defeated incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan.

Cord leader Raila Odinga in a congratulatory message dispatched to both the Nigerian President-elect and outgoing President Jonathan hailed the unprecedented moment in Nigeria where the opposition has for the first time won and the incumbent accepting defeat without pressure.

“After the biggest democratic election exercise in Africa, the citizens of the continent’s most populous nation have spoken in clear terms.

“Nigerians have elected General Muhammad Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to take charge of their affairs,” said Mr Odinga.

Daily Nation (Kenya)

Mr Buhari who has lost elections three times before is 72 years old.

Mr Odinga himself will be of the same age in 2017 by the time Kenya will be holding the sixth Presidential elections.

ELECTION MYTHS

“I take this opportunity to congratulate the APC candidate in this election Major Buhari, the party and the people of Nigeria following this election that turns upside down the so many myths and deeply held perceptions about winning and losing elections in Africa,” said Mr Odinga.

He also hailed the defeated Nigerian President for his magnanimity which he said has sent a clear message to living African despots keen to hang on to power even after losing democratic electoral processes.

Said Mr Odinga: “I congratulate the outgoing President Mr Goodluck Jonathan for his grace in conceding defeat.

“Jointly with President elect Mr Buhari, they have made tremendous contribution to Africa’s journey to democratisation.”

Cord is planning a major retreat for all its MPs where its three principals including Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and Moses Wetangula are expected to engage MPs and Governors from the coalition as they draw a fresh election strategy for 2017.

“We feel inspired by the opposition win in Nigeria. We want to work hard to ensure we do the same in Kenya in 2017 so as to wipe out an absolutely corrupt government from power,” said ODM Director of Elections Junet Mohammed.