It can be excusable when actions are taken out of ignorance but not so when persons seen to be enlightened deliberately ignore truths and hold onto falsehood out of flippancy and unbridled sentiments. Such individuals are really dangerous to the society as their goal is to cause social disharmony against their targets for reasons best known to them.
 
Recently, I got wind of the commencement of payment of #35,000 monthly wage award to personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS) as approved by the Federal Government, being part of the palliatives to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal. Not long after the information got to me, I saw on X a text posted by Jackson Ude, a self-acclaimed journalist, claiming his earlier 'criticism' of the leadership of the secret Service prompted the payment of the wage award. After the criticism he alluded to in which he alleged that the Director General State Services (DGSS), Yusuf Magaji Bichi, CFR, had embezzled the palliative funds, it came out from a credible source that the Management of the DSS had not even received the funds at the time he was crying foul. There was a statement to that effect which Jackson ignored and still went ahead with his misinformation, just to carry out the bid of his sponsors.
 
From what I have established with regards to the welfare of the DSS personnel since the appointment of Mr Bichi as the helmsman, operatives of the organization have never had it so good. Aside prompt payment of salaries and other allowances, members of staff are said to enjoy seamless career progression as they are promoted as and when due, devoid of undue mental stress associated with administrations before Bichi. What Jackson described as 'indiscriminate promotions' by the DGSS clearly betrayed the handiwork of some high ranking officers who are embittered by the prerogative of any sitting DGSS to promote personnel found to have exhibited high level of professionalism in the line of duty. This has been the practice, even with the past DGSSes, for the purpose of motivating the beneficiaries and to encourage others to be more dedicated to their duties.

Read More:
https://vigil360.com.ng/exclusive-report/58-special-reports/23952-the-morbid-illusion-of-jackson-ude-and-his-sponsors-against-the-department-of-state-services-dss.html

Let the Nigerian government liaise with interpol and arrest this man already

Jackson Ude exile go looooooooooooong... his nonsense dey too much. He needs to get another career different from striving on blackmail

This Jackson character will just be spewing trash, feeding gullible Nigerians with lies just to get engagement, it is not all heads of organizations that are corrupt, the DSS have never complained of its leadership especially the present one.

This is expected, he who God bless is blessed, Nigerians should allow Bichi focus and do his work.

Security agencies across the globe bear common responsibilities, which is to protect the survival of their home countries, shield it from security threats, be it domestic or foreign, as well as prevent these threats without breaching the principles of democracy.

The very recent cheap vituperations and display of insensitivity especially on the media space, by some underserving Nigerians through misunderstanding and thwarting of perception, can best be described as mischievous and hurtful. These persons who instead of recognizing sacrifice decided to tow the line of those ignorant of the workings of the DSS, to join the slanderous mass and throw aspersion against the pristine security agency.

The DSS like other security agencies under the present administration deserves all the accolades for their sleepless nights and sweats especially in ensuring the achievement of a hitch-free elections. As always, in exercise of its duties the DSS echoe and re-echoe plans by enemies of the State and disgruntled politicians especially when such threatens the internal security of the country, therefore, there is nothing off key about the recent publication and warning it gave out concerning plot to install an interim government.

Enemies of Nigeria and democracy just want to distract us, by using divisive tactics to distract us from moving forward particularly with Presidential transition.

Nigerians using the social media needs to understand that objectivity is crucial during the discharge of media responsibility.

It is unfortunate that those who should be in the forefront of promoting unity and democratic survival of the country are busy online bad-mouthing the DSS apparently because their preferred candidate did not cling the presidential seat. Nigerians have noted their desperation and penchant to insight divisibility.

I have heard it being said that some dissatisfied politicians are among those threatening Nigeria's unity by either calling for a forceful change of government or mass action against the government. We should tell them that the ballot box is the vehicle of change in a democracy therefore, a forceful change of government is unacceptable.

The DSS has stated times without number that it is totally in support of indivisibility, united Nigeria, and is against unsavory, inciting utterances.

Permit me to quote the Public Relations Officer of the DSS, Dr. Peter Afunanya, who during a one-day seminar on the Media, National Security, and Fake News and National Security, said and I quote “The media must be responsible user of the pen and agenda setting such that the agenda we set must be one that can promote unity, cohesion and peaceful co-existence.

The thing is it’s always easier to point accusing fingers and condemnation rather than uphold the truth and do what is needful by consistently praising or expressing confidence in our nation’s security apparatus. This is what we need to encourage our security agencies to enable them effectively perform their duties of protecting us.

This I am confident of and will always preach that our security agencies are committed to upholding their mandate and with the necessary support from good Nigerians they will succeed.

It’s obvious that it is now personal attacks and witch hunt perpetrated on our democracy, some people want to divide the country by all means but they will fail.

Sadly, we have been robbed of our senses in this country, instead of pursuing and supporting the right thing (survival of democracy and sovereignty of our dear country) we resort to criticism and negativity. Why would some Nigerians come after a pristine organisation that is busy carrying out its legal and justified duty with pessimistic and invective words.

OBJ has used up his political relevance. He should emulate Babangida and rest in peace in his house.

Finland’s president and Prime Minister Sauli Niinisto and Sanna Mirella Marin respectively, have called for the country to apply for NATO membership without delay. By so doing the top leaders have set the stage for an expansion of the U.S.-led alliance amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In a joint statement on Thursday, the duo expects a decision in the next few days. “NATO membership would strengthen Finland’s security. As a member of NATO, Finland would strengthen the entire defence alliance,” the statement said.

A special committee will formally announce its decision on Sunday after it has been considered by parliament and other senior political figures.

read more: https://www.vigil360.com.ng/global-news/13-europe-news/20982-finland-to-join-nato-%E2%80%98without-delay%E2%80%99-%E2%80%93-president-niinisto.html

A soldier with the Nigerian Army attached to the Forward Operations Base (FOB) in Galadi, Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State has been arrested for selling ammunition and military uniforms to armed bandits in the state.

He was also caught with 1,000 rounds of the same ammunition which he promised to sell the gunmen for N1 million.

SaharaReporters gathered that the soldier identified as Bala Nura (19NA/78/3870) was arrested by the military police on Wednesday.

http://saharareporters.com/2022/05/12/breaking-nigerian-army-arrests-soldier-selling-multi-million-naira-ammunition-bandits

Unfortunately it is the women folk that have greatly contributed to this ugly trend. A whole lot of Girls these days announce that they don’t date broke guys, so ofcourse the desperate among the guys that desire to impress ladies will go to any length to make the money and get laid. Girls learn to live with contentment.

Simon Ekpa has been sued by Igbos in Germany for what was termed as leading, participating in, supporting, funding, and encouraging a terrorist organization currently engaged in several acts of killings and intimidation of law abiding Nigerians.

Please who Nose this man, I want to meet him. ���

This country would have gone in flames if not for DSS unflinching commitment to their job of securing this Country. Many don’t know how relevant, up and doing they are except if u go close to them. Because they don’t make noise about their achievements on media doesn’t mean they are less relevant than the most revered defense organization in the country. ….. the OP is right.

Police and lies na 5&6, they will always frame anyone to cover up or defend their illegal actions.

Her breast her cat

What will one possibly hope to gain by setting up his colleague, exposing him to danger like this, this is beyond wickedness. I hope the evil colleague gets what he deserve (sacked and thrown in jail).

It is totally wrong for a public figure like himself to align or identify with a proscribed group whose recent violent activities have been condemned even by their own people. Its just wrong

By Ademola Lawrence

The parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the parables in the Bible, found in Luke 15:11-32. The story tells of a son who asked his father for his inheritance. The father obliged him and the Prodigal Son went on a spending spree in foreign lands and squandered his inheritance. With nothing left of his fortune, he was forced to work as a hired hand for a pig farmer before he returned to his father asking for forgiveness.

The above parable is most analogous to the manner in which the Rivers State coffer is being managed by Governor Wike. The difference is that the Prodigal Son in the Bible had ownership status of what he squandered while Governor Wike is only entrusted with the State purse through the mandate given to him by the Rivers State people. This pre-supposes the fact that he can be reined in from his profligacies if the people of Rivers State are quick to wake up from their slumber. Failure to do this will not only send Wike to the "pig farmer" when the State becomes bankrupt, the people of Rivers State might also be forced to lend hands in the looming state of servitude. This is possible as the technogically-driven world powers are frantically looking towards much more environmentally-friendly alternative to oil, the pride of Rivers State.

One of the African proverbs has it that one cannot place on his head heavy loads belonging to others and barely hold those belonging to him. I have actually watched with keen interest how the Rivers State Governor jumps at providing solutions to problems in other states at the expense of the people the State.

The financial role the Governor played in the Edo gubernatorial election held on 19th September, 2020 cannot be wished away. He was the PDP's National Campaign Chairman for the election that saw the re-election of the incumbent Governor, Godwin Obaseki. Wike was also in Ondo State for the gubernatorial election held on 10th October, 2020. Expectedly, this did not go without coughing out funds belonging to Rivers State.

In the middle of this year, Governor Wike spearheaded a visit with others to the Zamfara State Governor, Bello Matawalle in a bid to dissuade the latter from defecting to the APC. The Governor did not succeeded in this as Matawalle eventually defected to the APC on 11th June, 2021.This was after all the entreaties from Governor Wike.

On 19th January, 2021, Sokoto State Central Market popularly called "New Market" was gutted by fire. Barely 24 hours after the incident, Wike, in his characteristic manner, jetted to the State. During the solidarity visit, the Governor donated #500m to the victims of the fire incident, while also promising to be part of rebuilding the market. The action generated wide condemnation among the State Civil Society Organizations and the pensioners who had been complaining about non-payment of their pensions and gratuity by the Governor.

Beyond the negative impacts of the Governor's activities on the people of Rivers State, the PDP is largely being scandalised, making the Party to be heading for the rocks. This is evident in the recent defections to the APC by some of the Party's stalwarts. Governor Wike is certainly blinded to all these by his political agenda for 2023.

The question that begs for an answer is that: Whose interest is Governor Wike serving? The interest of the people of Rivers State, those of the states he extends largesse to or his personal interest. Isn't the recent dust he raised on the collection of VAT by the states a way of making more money available for him to throw weight across states, ostensibly for self-aggrandizement. The people of Rivers State really have to stem this prodigality to avert the looming journey to the "pig farm".

This is an opinion article

The recent unprecedented happenings in Afghanistan and the devastating taking over of government by the Taliban has unfortunately put many Nigerians on the edge, prompting questions and leading some to falsely prophecy doom, speculating that the nation’s domestic terrorists comprising Boko Haram, ISWAP and their variants could be emboldened by the good fortune and audacity of the Taliban to launch a renewed offensive against our troops and the entire country.

Accepted that the manner with which the Taliban captured Kabul with ease is most worrisome, especially with the way the President Ashraf Ghani and his family fled the country without even informing his ministers, the way Americans themselves scampered, there are however many lessons for Nigerians to learn and live by.

Before I get to the lessons I will like to mention that Femi Fani-Kayode, former Aviation Minister like other Nigerians falsely prophesied that what is happening in Afghanistan will eventually happen in Nigeria. He said terrorism will take over if Nigerians fail to stop fighting themselves and unite against insurgency. He added that Afghanistan tops the list on the World Terror Index, with Nigeria coming third, rather than condemn I believe we should be preaching that all Nigerians, must stand with our military and support our troops with useful information and intelligence. We cannot afford to surrender our country to terrorists, marauders, kidnappers, rapists and the likes of them.

Lauretta Onochie, President Muhammadu Buhari’s aide, while reacting to a social media post on 17th August, 2021post showing dangerous scenes at Kabul Airport where Afghans swarmed a U.S plane in desperation to leave the country, she warned that we must stand by our country, jealously. She said Afghanistan has a population of only about 38 million and Nigeria has close to 200 million people. Let’s guard our utterances.

Some Nigerians in reaction to the report that Uganda said it has agreed to a request from the US to temporarily take in about 2,000 fleeing Afghanistan refugees, have called on President Buhari not to consider such a move arguing that the country cannot add to the number of IDPs to the ones in Benue, Borno.

This is not about President Buhari or APC or PDP. This is about our homeland. Some Nigerians believe just like the Americans go to other countries, create a mess and scamper away, that our rich politicians who apparently have Plan B for themselves will do the same and flee. What about the ordinary folks where do we escape to if, God forbid, this country goes up in flames? Who will accept us? Who will accommodate us? Who will feed us? The devastation and peril in Kabul in the past few days show just how horrible and unimaginable war can be. The above is among the reasons why I hate the idea of secession, why am vehemently against IPOB and all every other group calling for breaking up of this country.

This country has survived perilous times. The military is on top of its game. This is evidenced by the increasing numbers of Boko Haram and ISWAP members surrendering to troops in their numbers almost every day. In just the past 8 days over 1,000 of the terrorists laid down their arms owing to intense pressure from troops’ sustained offensive actions. Key leaders of the groups renounced their membership.

I am not oblivious of the security problems Nigeria is facing. The government has spent billions of Naira and lost thousands of civilians and military men and women in the last 12 years while fighting against terrorism, but then never for once have our troops surrendered, shown cowardice or any form of fatigue like the one in Afghanistan. This is despite being underfunded. There have been cases of mutiny, internal sabotage and betrayals by some unscrupulous soldiers, but overall, Nigerian troops have been professional in their operations, patriotic, heroic and loyal to the Constitution and civilian authorities of the nation.

We must applaud them for their bravery and a sense of patriotism, this will encouraged them to defend us with their lives even more.

We survived the Nigerian civil war fought between July 6, 1967 and January 15, 1970, we survived the ENDSARS protests in October 2020, we can survive anything.

Accepted that terrorists may appear resilient, and because there usually is an ideological war, they typically fight to their death. This still doesn’t mean our security challenges cannot be surmounted. Our military is strong and capable, our intelligence agency is always working round the clock to prevent total breakdown of law and order, our police is not the best in the world but they are tirelessly fighting crime daily, there are challenges sure but our security agencies have continued to defend the country for years with limited foreign help. Our hope continues to rise especially with the recent procurement of Super Tucano Fighter Jets.

Among other issues of concern this period is the spreading of false and misleading reports. A viral picture surfaced online alleging that a Taliban's flag was hoisted at the office of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in solidarity with the Islamist group. The trending image posted on August 16, around 9:53 pm by Twitter user, @OlufemiSP, with the caption “Nigeria has a terror-loving Pantamias minister, pampers Boko Haram terrorists, and pays murderous herdsmen. As if that’s not enough, look at the office of the NEMA DG.” “Taliban Would be proud,” attracted massive condemnation from many social media users who lampooned the agency and the Federal Government, alleging that it was encouraging 'terrorism'.

Fact check however proved that the picture was a misrepresentation and a false post. It was proven that the flag with Arabic inscriptions is not that of Taliban or any religious organisation but Saudi Arabian Flag. Because of a bilateral meeting with representatives of the Saudi Arabian Government it was used for only few minutes during the occasion to show appreciation to the government of Saudi Arabia because of the high profile representation of the government.

Such deceptive publications can only hurt the country. We must desist from fake news spreading.

This is the time to give government more support to strengthen its effort towards safeguarding Nigerians and not distract it with unnecessary pressure.

WHAT WE NEED TO DO

In view of the numerous lessons which could be learnt from the Afghanistan saga it has become necessary for Nigeria to prosecute the war against terrorists in Northern Nigeria with a single-minded fervor.

Nigeria should develop its strategic national interest and pursue it vigorously in the context of its foreign policy.

It is also vital conduct the business of security with limited expectation of foreign assistance.

The government should recognize and encourage local research and development of weapons, there are a lot of talented Nigerians whose potential can be harvested to develop defence weapons to boost our military’s capacity.

Nigerians, Corporate organizations must show support to our troops materially and psychologically.

“When life gets blurry adjust you focus” focus more on positive
Nigerians need to keep a positive mind set.


By Amos Dalyop

It is unfortunate how people are so blinded by hate for this country that it is beclouding their judgement and reasoning. Such fake news can only mislead and breed trouble.

Agents of discord

Really felt the shame when almighty amnesty international played deaf.

The world watched in shock on January 6, 2021, when pro-Donald Trump supporters stormed the Capitol Hill, Washington DC, the seat of the United States Congress. The US Congress was in a joint session as constitutionally required to confirm Joseph Biden the winner of the recently concluded US Presidential Election.

Peaceful protests are a part of the constitutional right of citizens to embark on in a democratic nation such as the USA. But the protest at Capitol Hill was far from peaceful with scenes of protesters smashing doors and windows, it was also reported that at least 5 people were killed including a policeman.

One of the most amazing aspects of the protest witnessed at Capitol Hill and its aftermath was the portrayal of the protests by major US media agencies like CNN and the absolute silence of international human rights groups like Amnesty International.

CNN and other US media groups claimed the protests were an “insurrection” because it is a more favorable narrative, meanwhile, protests in countries such as Nigeria, China, Iran, Venezuela, etc are portrayed differently.

CNN’s double standard is more apparent when the US-based news agency released an in-depth exclusive report of the Lekki Toll Gate Incident where #EndSARS protesters were allegedly shot at by members of the Nigerian Army. The news agency was quite vocal about why armed men would be deployed on the streets during the #EndSARS protests. During the Capitol Hill protests, policemen, soldiers, personnel of FBI, and other security agencies were deployed to disperse the rioters; CNN was surprisingly silent about the deployment and depicted it as a necessity to restore law and order.

There are currently 18,000 American troops protecting the Capitol from a potential security threat to the inauguration ceremony of the newly elected president, Joseph Biden; the highest amount of troops ever situated in the Capitol throughout the nation’s history. America and its European allies will not condemn this massive deployment of troops but are justifying it is for a worthy security reason, on the other hand, the Nigerian government was highly criticized by the USA and its allies for deploying security agencies to disperse #EndSARS protesters.

Also complacent in this high level of double standards areCNN, Amnesty International, and other similar groups who apparently understand differently when it involves developed countries like the United States but refuse to apply the same standards to other countries such as Nigeria.

Blackmail is now a career i see....

FULL REPORT : https://www.vigil360.com.ng/nationwide/61-security/17970-endsars-ohanaeze-ndigbo-dissociates-self-from-nnamdi-kanu-s-outburst.html

The highest socio-cultural body of the Igbo tribe, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Yesterday Thursday, October 22, denounced the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, saying that his recent frenzy was merely targeted at exacerbating discord in the nation and also to soil the age-long cordial relationship that has been existing between the Igbo and the Yoruba.

Kanu had on Tuesday called on his supporters who are at the moment disguising as #EndSARS protesters to among other things ambush and kill any policemen, soldiers, governors, their children and destroy properties of the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, as well as government infrastructures.

The acclaimed IPOB leader claimed responsibility for burning down Oriental Hotel in Lagos and other government infrastructure in the state, even as he suggested that the ongoing crisis in Lagos which has consumed properties worth billions of Naira was because of the state governor’s decision to impose a 24-hour curfew.

Link:- https://www.vigil360.com.ng/nationwide/61-security/17970-endsars-ohanaeze-ndigbo-dissociates-self-from-nnamdi-kanu-s-outburst.html

Abeg ooooo, I understand us as citizens’ have the constitutional right to protest, I have participated myself, but I don’t think it’s necessary to completely block access and major roads and leave them inaccessible in case of emergencies.... If you or your friend’s house is on fire and the road is blocked by us the protesters How will Fire service help out? What about emergencies of women in labor who need to get to hospital fast. This blocking of roads can lead to more deaths sef. So I think there is no need for us to protest and block major roads Abegggggg, na beg I Dey beg ooooooo.

Nigerians everything is fake news even when they are told the truth. God please liberate Goddy from the hands of evil men.

The tired old man is supposed to be holding the wheelbarrow, while his successors clean up his mess. He is bereaved of any meaningful contribution to the countries problems. He should go and sit down jooor.