Following the confirmation of the presence of Boko Haram in Niger State by the Niger State Governor Abubakar Bello, it has been gathered that about 65 communities in Niger State have resorted to negotiating and signing a peace deal with the insurgent to avoid future raids.
This development came few days after the terror group displaced more than 5,000 villagers from their homes in some local government areas in the state.
Though the Nigerian Army said it was unaware of Boko Haram’s incursion into Niger State, Wasiu Abiodun, the police spokesperson in the state, said he could not dispute Bello’s claim about the influx of the terrorist group into the state.
He said, “The executive governor is the chief security officer of the state. Are you expecting the police to dispute or go against the pronouncement of the executive governor?”
Our correspondent gathered that communities in Gurmana, Manta, Bassa and Kukoki distrists in the Shiroro area of the state had negotiated with the terrorists for a peace deal after reaching an agreement to pay certain amount of money.
The communities were said to have also purchased at least six motorcycles worth N500,000 for the terrorists.
Yusuf Sani, the co-convener of Concerned Shiroro Youth, said, “This is what most of the communities are resorting to. By my records now, communities that have signed the peace deal with the terrorists are more than 40.
“While some communities have already sealed up deals for ceasefire with the terrorists and are currently reaping the benefits, others are on the verge of finalising theirs.”
Sani also said the communities had paid “not less than N20 million to sign the peace deal with the terrorists.”
President Muhammadu Buhari says he is disappointed he is receiving the blame for the recent attacks in Benue state.
Following a series of killings in the state by gunmen, Samuel Ortom, governor of Benue, had call for the urgent intervention of the federal government.
About 11 soldiers, who were on peace keeping task, were recently killed in the state.
Ortom had also asked the president to rise up and address the nation since he took an oath of office to secure and protect lives and property.
Garba Shehu, presidential spokerson, in a statement on Thursday, said Buhari is pained by the killings, but sad that the governor will blame the attacks on the president.
“He also states his disappointment and sadness to hear Samuel Ortom, the Governor of Benue State, make a litany of accusations against his person and his government following the recent unfortunate incidents in the state,” the statement reads.
“No responsible government takes pleasure in such events as the killing of the military and that of innocent citizens taking refuge in an Internally Displaced People’s camp.
“President Buhari is deeply pained by the terrible acts of violence happening not only in Benue State but also in other parts of the country and expects that the law enforcement agencies will go to every possible extent to catch the perpetrators of these heinous acts and bring them to justice.
“The lives of fellow citizens should not be desecrated by deploying them in political diatribe which unfortunately appeared to be the intent of the string of emotional attacks and blame laid at the doors of the President for those killings by Governor Ortom.
“President Buhari took an oath to defend the life and property of every citizen, a duty he takes seriously and is committed to ensuring.
“Those citizens, regardless of their affiliations, who either incite, sponsor or are proven to be abettors of these atrocities will face the law squarely and be answerable for their crimes against our fellow citizens and nation.”
He said while the president will continue to keep security agencies on their toes, there is a need for cooperation to promote peace.
He said Benue, under the Ortom administration, ought to cooperate with the federal government in the implementation of a number of national programmes to address the underlying issues affecting peace, progress and development.
Buhari, therefore, urged the governor to place the welfare of the people above all other interests.
Members of Boko Haram have taken over farmlands and farming activities in Geidam town, in the Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The insurgents, who displaced majority residents of the town, were also said to have taken to preaching jihadist sermons to the few remaining people, mostly aged men and women, while also giving cash to them.
Gambo Abdullahi, an indigene of Geidam residing in Damaturu, said the town was still being occupied by the insurgents, while the Nigerian army troops were restricted to the western area.
He said, “The Boko Haram fighters are still in Geidam, they are in charge of the town.
“Since they sent everyone out of the community, they have been preaching radical sermons to the old men and women that stayed behind. After the preaching, they give N20,000 to convince them to join them in the Jihad movement.
“They have also taken over the farms of locals. They are harvesting the villagers’ produce and also weeding out grasses as if they will be in the town or a long time.”
Another local source in Damaturu, Mohammed Saleh, said some of the few people that stayed back in the displaced community had fled by foot to a nearby Kalgeri community.
He said, “Their is no vehicular movement to Geidam town as every vehicle stops at Kalgeri, my parents left Geidam for Damaturu yesterday. They trekked several kilometers to Kalgeri where they boarded a car to Damaturu.”
Meanwhile the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru, during a visit to the operational theatre of the Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduguri on Thursday, said a cache of arms was stolen from the Nigerian Army base in Mainok by Boko Haram insurgents who attacked the base last Sunday.
He said the war would be won by the Nigerian Army because more arms would be supplied to end the counter insurgency fight.
“We have defeated the Boko Haram insurgents several times. If for one time they came and we lose some equipment, I can assure you we will overcome. The COAS assured.
The Ministry of Finance told the Senate Committee on Army on Thursday that the Federal Government spent N198.84bn to fight terrorism from 2019 till date.
The Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, in the finance ministry, Aliyu Shinkafi, said all the funds appropriated for the war against insurgency had been released to the military authorities.
The Permanent Secretary told the committee that N75bn was appropriated and released in 2019, adding that 7bn was released in 2019.
Shinkafi said N2.5bn was released in 2019 and tagged as ‘administration.’
The Permanent Secretary also told the senators that N75bn was appropriated in 2020 but that N74.99bn was released.
He said, “In the current year, N100bn was appropriated and we have released N19.4bn for the first quarter.
“Just yesterday (Wednesday), we released N19.95bn for the second quarter,” he added.
Ndume however, brought out a letter from the Chief of Defence Staff where he said the military authorities complained that they had shortfall of N50bn as far as releases from the Finance Ministry was concerned.
Ndume expressed dissatisfaction with the non appearance of the Minister at the meeting.
He therefore asked the committee’s secretariat to summon her, alongside the Director General of the Budget Office, Ben Akabueze; and the Chief of Army Staff, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru for Tuesday.
Ndume said, “Honestly, we are not happy that the Minister of Finance is not here today despite the fact that she was duly invited and she knew the importance of the issue we invited her to discuss with us.
“We were blaming the military but the soldiers are claiming that they have no equipment, arms and ammunition to work with because there was no money to buy them.
“We have invited the minister now to explain why her ministry was not funding the operations of the Army and she is not here. This is not acceptable.”
The committee also asked the ministry officials to come back next Tuesday with details of the releases made from 2019.
Popular Nigerian prophet, Primate Elijah Ayodele has paid a condolence visit to his friend in the ministry, Prophet Joshua Iginla, the General Overseer of Champions Royals Assembly, who lost his mother, Deaconess Moraimo Lasisi Iginla two weeks ago.
Primate Ayodele during this historic visit described the death of Dcns Moraimo Lasisi Iginla as a huge loss to the body of Christ as she was also a servant of God before she died. He defined her as a great woman of faith, a woman of valour, and a woman whom God has singled out among others to be called Blessed.
He urged his friend in the ministry, Prophet Joshua Iginla to continue with the Legacy his mother left behind as He has always done while encouraging him not to mourn like those without hope because she is definitely resting in the Bosom of Christ.
Also, Primate Ayodele expressed his Love for Prophet Joshua Iginla and his ministry, describing him as a friend and Brother in the ministry. Continuing, He mentioned that they share a border of the same local government from their state in Ekiti.
‘’When I heard about the death of Mama, I was pained because it is a huge loss to the body of Christ. It’s obvious she labored for the Kingdom of God before resting in the Lord’’
‘’I would describe her as a woman of faith, woman of substance, and a blessed woman among others. The bible made us to understand that ‘‘By their Fruit, we shall know them’’ and I can tell that You, My Brother (Prophet Joshua Iginla) as her son tells it all.’’
‘’I want to urge you to continue in the legacy she left behind as you have always done because that is the only way to keep her blessed memory alive’’
‘’As painful as it is, the word of God has made us understand that as Christians, we shouldn’t mourn like those without Hope concerning those who sleep in the Lord because certainly, they are resting in the bosom of the Lord’’
‘‘I am Glad she was a staunch follower of Christ till She rested, May her gentle soul rest in Peace, Amen’’
In his response, Prophet Joshua Iginla appreciated Primate Elijah Ayodele for taking time out to visit him on the death of his mother, describing it as a meeting he will always live to be grateful for.
Furthermore, The two spiritual giants spoke about the insecurity that has befallen Nigeria for many months without any hope of light at the tunnel. It is worthy of note that Primate Elijah Ayodele has always said the solution to Nigeria’s insecurity problem is God only. Therefore, they both agreed to embark on powerful prayers for Nigeria solely against insecurity as soon as possible.
Also, after the meeting, Prophet Joshua Iginla took Primate Elijah Ayodele around his massive church building of 80,000 capacity, including the Pool Of Bethesda in his church.
He also mentioned that the 80,000 capacity building will be dedicated in May while asking for the Presence of Primate Ayodele for the church dedication
The leader of INRI evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has released a strong message for the governor of Imo state, Hope Uzodinma regarding the unfortunate events that has been happening in Imo state for some time.
We recall that yesterday, the country home of the governor was attacked and razed by fire, with properties and vehicles getting burnt to ashes.
Primate Ayodele in a live session revealed that Governor Hope Uzodinma is being fought by forces of Imo land and that they want to ensure the state is ungovernable for him.
The man of God made it known that this is happening because Hope Uzodinma became governor in a wrong way, and that he is not meant to be governor of the state, hence, the coming together of forces to fight him.
He however stated that the solution for peace to return to Imo state is returning Emeka Ihedioha as governor of the state, if not, the forces will continue to attack.
‘’ It’s unfortunate that this happened to Hope Uzodinma who has been working well to see that everything goes well in his state.
The fact is the forces are fighting the governor and that is why the state is being ungovernable for him. There is a conspiracy in his government and the forces of the land are fighting him. This happens when something that doesn’t belong to you is given to you; forces will come together to fight you, forces are fighting him, let them do what is right by restoring Emeka Iheadioha back as governor of the state for peace to reign’’
Also, the man of God blasted the SSA On media to President Buhari, Garba Shehu for his comments on Isa Pantami’s travails.
Garba Shehu had said that Isa Pantami, a minister of communications was young when he made some statements that encouraged terrorism, and that he has changed his orientation now.
Also, he compared the situation of Isa Pantami to that of Kemi Adeosun who resigned due to some discrepancies in her NYSC ceritificate. The presidential aide noted that Kemi Adeosun’s case is higher than Isa Pantami’s.
Primate Ayodele in his reaction maintained that Garba Shehu is one of the people misleading this government, and that he needs to think deeply before saying anything.
‘Garba shehu is one of the people misleading Buhari’s government, I am not sure he thinks very deeply before commenting on issues, Kemi Adeosun’s case doesn’t even warrant resignation because it was not totally her fault, but she willingly resigned because she is a woman of integrity, honour and note when she discovered that her certificates are not in order
But what Pantami has done is related to terrorism, it involved terrorist groups, its shameful, he doesn’t even need to say anything, the first thing is to resign before anything if he is an honorable person, this position they are dragging is just for the main time, why stain yourself forever for a post that won’t exceed eight years? Garba shehu also needs to be investigated for supporting Isa Pantami in such way, With Isa Pantami in this cabinet, it’s a disgrace to Nigeria, this will cause chaos, conspiracy in his government, why must he still be there, on what account? Are they serving the nation or their pocket? Someone who is serving the nation will leave with honour and not wait till anyone to molest him because as it is now, he has been molested by this act. This also berates out DSS, Senators who did screening for him’’
Furthermore, He adviced the government to beef up the security in nigerian universities because the terrorists are everywhere in the country.
Four astronauts from three countries bound for the International Space Station launched from the Florida coast early Friday morning as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-2 mission.
The Falcon 9 rocket blazed across a black sky just before sunrise and NASA confirmed shortly after liftoff Friday that the astronauts had safely reached orbit.
After about a 23-hour ride, the Crew Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock at the ISS around 5:10 a.m. ET on Saturday.
“Watching a launch from Kennedy Space Center never gets old for me. I’ve watched many launches and watching a pre-dawn launch is especially exciting and just visually stunning,” NASA’s acting administrator, Steve Jurczyk, said at a post-launch news conference Friday morning. “I could not be more proud of the team.”
The crew is composed of NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur as well as Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Akihiko Hoshide and European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Thomas Pesquet.
3.. 2.. 1.. and liftoff! Endeavour launches once again. Four astronauts from three countries on Crew-2, now making their way to the one and only @Space_Station: pic.twitter.com/WDAl8g7bUK
“What an incredible launch, hopefully you guys got to watch it this morning, right as the sun was rising we took off,” Kimbrough said from the Crew Dragon “Endeavor” capsule shortly after the astronauts reached orbit.
“We chased the sun pretty quickly and caught up just a few minutes after we took off. That was really special to see the sunlight coming in shortly after liftoff,” the mission’s commander added.
McArther said, “The ascent was incredible, the ride was really smooth. We couldn’t have asked for anything better.”
Friday’s launch marked only the third time that Elon Musk’s private space-faring firm has flown astronauts.
It also ushered in a new era of reusability in human space exploration, as the mission uses the same Falcon 9 rocket that sent four astronauts to the ISS last November and the same Crew Dragon spacecraft that sent and returned two astronauts during the first crewed SpaceX flight last May.
“I met with the crew last night, they are ready to go,” Jurczyk said at a pre-launch news conference from the Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. “I asked them what they look forward to most in the mission, and they said launching and getting up on station and getting to work.”
This marks the “third launch in less than a year” for NASA’s Commercial Crew program, he said.
The launch was originally scheduled for early Thursday morning but was moved to Friday due to downrange inclement weather. Liftoff occurred at 5:49 a.m. ET on Friday from the historic Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Prior to liftoff, the U.S. Space Force 45th Weather Squadron had forecast a 95% chance of favorable weather conditions in the area for a launch.
NASA’s live coverage of the launch kicked off at 1:30 a.m. ET on its website and social media accounts.
Four astronauts are set to launch aboard their Crew Dragon Endeavour spacecraft tomorrow morning at 5:49 a.m. ET! 🚀🐉
— NASA's Kennedy Space Center (@NASAKennedy) April 22, 2021
Jurczyk said Wednesday that NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory team received a call earlier this week from U.S. President Joe Biden, who congratulated the researchers on their success in conducting the first controlled flight on another planet.
“He told the team that his grandson asked him when was he going to travel to Mars,” Jurczyk said. “So that’s something really important that we do.”
“We enable commercial activities in space, we demonstrate leadership, and we inspire the next generation,” he said.
The family of the late activist and Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, on Monday, announced the order of his funeral rites.
A terse statement by his widow, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, on Monday said the rites would span three days – starting from Thursday, April 22 through Friday 23 and Saturday 24, 2021.
She said, “Thursday, April 22: Day of Tributes and Service of Songs at the Police College, Ikeja Lagos between 11 am and 4 pm while his body lies in state.
“Friday, April 23: Body departs Lagos for Moro, his country home, in Ife North LGA of Osun State.
“There will be a Christian wake keep by 5 pm at the Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro, to be followed by a candlelight procession on Friday.
“Saturday, April 24: Lying in State at Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro by 8 am, followed by a Funeral Service by 10 am, after which his remains will be committed to Mother Earth at a private interment.”
The leader of INRI Evangelical spiritual church, Primate Elijah Ayodele has sent congratulatory message to the newly appointed acting Inspector general of police, Usman Baba Alkali.
The man of God, who just returned to Nigeria from his prayer mountain explained that the appointment of the new IGP is divine because he was chosen out of so many better options.
Primate Ayodele advised Usman Baba Alkali to always put God first in all his endeavors because without Him, whatever he plans to do will be futile.
He made it known that the state of insecurity in Nigeria is getting worsened as the day goes by, and there is no way He will be successful without calling on God for help.
He also warned him against tribalism, and partiality in his operations.
‘ I want to congratulate the new IGP, Usman Baba Alkali on his appointment, His mission is divine. Despite the fact that He has the policing strategy, He should put God first because none of this happened without His Endorsement.
There are better hands before He was selected, God has a good plan for him and that is why he is where he is today.
I urge him not to employ tribalism in his operations, he should also balance his actions towards religion so that He will be able to get results, God truly loves him.
God is ready to help him conquer banditry in the country during his tenure as IGP because there is a big task ahead of him. I wish him well.’’
It is no longer news that the world’s most powerful and richest individuals in finance are dominated by men that include Ray Dalio (net worth of $17 billion), the founder of Bridgewater Associates, the world’s biggest hedge fund; and Stephen Schwarzman (net worth of $24 billion), the man that leads Blackstone, the world’s most influential private equity firm.
However, Abigail Johnson, an American born billionaire is presently the world’s richest person in finance with a net valuation of $26.2 billion.
She leads Fidelity Investments, the world’s leading investment firm which was founded by her grandfather Edward C. Johnson II.
Fidelity Investments was established in 1946 and is one of the biggest and most influential asset managers in the world with $4.9 trillion in assets under management as of June 2020, and a combined total customer asset value of about $8.3 trillion.
Abigail Johnson, the Harvard and Cambridge-trained business executive at the time of writing this report presently owns about 24.5% of FMR, which handles about $5 trillion in assets under management.
Her father, brother Ned IV and sister Elizabeth own almost 50% of Fidelity’s parent company, FMR LLC, and have served as leaders of Fidelity Investment since 2014, pushing the company’s influence in key financial markets that include crypto.
Her family’s investments include Impresa Management, a top-notch hedge fund according to a March 2020 Form ADV filing. It holds about $9 billion in assets.
Recall that some days ago, Fidelity Investments revealed plans to launch its own Bitcoin exchange-traded fund as the $5 trillion asset management company strengthens its position in the world’s leading financial asset class.
FD Funds Management, a subsidiary of Fidelity, some days ago revealed it had come up with a strategy in creating an exchange-traded fund called the Wise Origin Bitcoin Trust.
Abigail Johnson’s current net valuation of $26.2 billion would be about 15.2 million troy ounces of gold or 406 million barrels of crude oil.
That being said, Abigail Johnson is known for being intensely private, despite ranking among the world’s wealthiest.
