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Bwala under attack over comment on Defence Ministers
A former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has come under attack following his recent comment concerning the security apparatus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Bwala in his comment suggested that the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, should be sacked by the President for allegedly allowing avoidable errors that, he said led to the seizure of the military armoured vehicle by bandits in Zamfara State.
On his verified X handle, Bwala said: “If this perceived lack of cooperation between the air force and army continues, where we see schoolboy errors resulting in ragtag bandits taking our armoured vehicles and munitions, then both ministers of Defence may need to be shown the door out. No sentiments.”
Meanwhile, leaders of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), Yerima Shettima and Comrade Eric Oluwole described Bwala’s position as unfounded and diversion from the real challenges that plague the Northern region and Nigeria.
The AYCF and YYC leaders in their separate statements reminded the Vice President’s aide of his positions during the recent electoral cycle, saying that, his open opposition to the Tinubu candidacy and his support for Atiku Abubakar positioned him on the other side of the political divide.
They queried that, where exactly was Mr. Bwala when the electorate strongly endorsed President Tinubu’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria?
“His sudden shift to become a self-styled supporter of this administration raises eyebrows about his motivations and credibility, Shettima and Oluwole stated.
They further stressed: “It is imperative for stakeholders in our political landscape to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to unfounded attacks on individuals who are collectively working towards the primary goal of securing the North. Ministers Badaru and Matawalle have made significant strides in addressing the unique security challenges that our region faces.
“We commend their efforts and encourage their continued service in cracking down on insecurity, which remains a pressing concern for all northerners. Furthermore, we take exception to Mr. Bwala’s thinly veiled ambition as he appears to be attempting to usurp the narrative for his own gain.
“We remember his earlier declaration about aspiring to hold the position of Mr Ngilari, which could have influenced his harsh rhetoric against established leaders who are dedicated to the safety and advancement of our communities”.
The AYCF said, Bwala’s motives come into question when juxtaposed with the realities faced by the North, which requires unity and cooperation rather than divisive political machinations.
“As representatives of the northern youth, we express concern over any attempts to undermine President Tinubu’s administration through baseless criticisms. The ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the region deserve the support of all stakeholders, including critiquing voices.
“It is precisely this spirit of collaboration towards a common goal that we hope Mr. Bwala can embrace rather than spiral into personal grievances. We caution President Tinubu to be wary of allowing such individuals to undermine his reputation and initiatives within the North.
“The youth of Arewa stand firmly behind those in positions of leadership who are genuinely focused on the security and welfare of our people. Our collective will is directed towards recovery and proactive measures that can only be realized through steadfast leadership and dialogue, eschewing the toxicity of political opportunism.
“We urge Mr. Bwala to redirect his energies to addressing his self-created challenges and refrain from disparaging ministers who are striving to create a safer, more secure north. The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum remains committed to holding accountable not only public officials for their responsibilities but also those who would seek to mislead the public or distract from crucial efforts underway,” the statement stressed.
The Board of Directors at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) has announced a leadership shakeup, appointing key executives to strengthen corporate governance and operational efficiency.
This was made known in a press statement issued on Wednesday by the NNPC’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye.
In the series of new appointments, Mr. Adedapo A. Segun has been named as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding his prior role as Executive Vice President of the Downstream sector, where he contributed significantly to NNPC’s downstream operations.
Segun replaced the outgoing CFO, Umar Ajiya.
Joining him in newly appointed roles, Mr. Isiyaku Abdullahi has been promoted to Executive Vice President (EVP), Downstream.
Udobong Ntia has also been appointed as the Executive Vice President (EVP), Upstream, replacing the outgoing EVP Oritsemeyiwa Eyesan.
The statement read, “These appointments align with NNPC Limited’s commitment to building a unified and competent leadership team to drive operational excellence and support the organisation’s strategic objectives.
“The Board and Management also extend their deepest appreciation to Mr. Umar Ajiya and Mrs. Oritsemeyiwa A. Eyesan for their outstanding dedication and service to NNPC Limited.
NNPC Limited remains committed to achieving operational excellence, enhancing global competitiveness, and ensuring financial sustainability, while prioritising the interests of the Nigerian public in the petroleum industry.”
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) says a total of 1,463 people were killed by non-state actors while 1,172 Nigerians were kidnapped between January to September 2024.
According to the data from the commission, the month of May recorded the highest number of persons killed with 298 while March recorded the highest number of abductions with 499 kidnappings.
These figures were presented on Wednesday at a workshop on the state of human rights in Nigeria by the commission and the European Union, in Abuja.
In his remarks, NHRC Senior Human Rights Adviser, Hillary Ogbonna, gave a breakdown of the alarming rise in human rights abuses, including kidnappings, killings and child abandonment.
“By January 2024, we already had 150 kidnappings and 55 killings associated mainly with non-state actors. What has become the norm is the killing of law enforcement officers,” he said.
“We started with seven policemen killed in January. From victims’ perspectives, we had quite a number of victims for human rights violations for January.”
The NHRC attributed the rise in kidnappings, killings and child abandonment to the negligence of the state tom protect its citizens.
“In recent years, we have witnessed alarming trends and threats against those who dare to speak the truth to power.
“It serves as a stark reminder that the protection of human rights is an ongoing struggle that requires continuous vigilance, action and cooperation from all sectors of the society,” Tony Ojukwu, NHRC Executive Secretary said.
The delegation from the EU reiterates its commitment to support Nigeria to overcome these challenges. It also urged the Federal Government to work with the armed forces to end this trend.
“The European Union will continue to work around the world through diplomacy,” the Head of EU Delegation, Zissimos Vergos, said.
Donald Trump on Wednesday named former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard, who has opposed US support for Ukraine and met Syria’s president Bashar al-Assad, as his incoming Director of National Intelligence.
The Republican president-elect said Gabbard, a veteran and one-time Democratic White House contender, would “bring the fearless spirit that has defined her illustrious career to our intelligence community.”
Gabbard thanked Trump “for the opportunity to serve as a member of your cabinet to defend the safety, security and freedom of the American people. I look forward to getting to work.”
The former Hawaii congresswoman switched sides from the Democrats and backed Trump earlier this year, helping him during his debate preparations against Kamala Harris, and had been expecting a reward for lining up behind the former president.
She has long held isolationist foreign policy views and embraced a number of conspiracy theories.
Gabbard made false claims in 2022 about there being US-sponsored biolabs in Ukraine — a key trope of Russian propaganda justifying Moscow’s invasion that year.
She demanded US military withdrawal from Iraq and Syria during her 2020 presidential run.
In 2019, Hillary Clinton said that Russia was grooming a US Democratic candidate for a third-party run, in comments that were apparently directed at Gabbard — and strongly rejected by her.
Gabbard also had a controversial 2017 meeting with Syria’s Assad at the height of the country’s bloody civil war.
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