Legislature
Use diplomacy to free 30 Nigerians Abducted by Camerounians, lawmaker begs Tinubu
Member representing, Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, Hon. (Chief) Peter Akpanke has urged President Bola Tinubu to employ diplomatic means to secure the release of 30 Nigerians abducted by some Camerounian militants recently
A border town between Nigeria and Cameroon, Belegete community, was on the 5th of December, 2023, subjected to a horrific attack by suspected Ambazonian militants from the Republic of Cameroon.
These separatists held the people in the community hostage for over 24 hours, inflicting pain and suffering through gun violence, physical assault, and the destruction of properties worth millions of naira.
Addressing journalists on Friday on behalf of the Cross River federal lawmakers in the National Assembly, honorable Peter Akpanke
pleaded with Tinubu to wade into the matter to seek the release of the Nigerian hostages.
He said, “As some of you may be aware, my parents, siblings and children of the Belegete extraction witnessed the saddest day of our existence recently when armed separatists from the Republic of The Cameroons whom have been named Ambazonians attacked the sleepy and peaceful community of Belegete on the 5th day of December 2023.
“Belegete community is a Nigerian border village between Nigeria and Cameroon within the edges of the Obanliku plateau in the hinterland of the Obudu Mountain Resort.
“It is located about 400 kilometres north of the Nigerian port city of Calabar. The community has been under siege by Ambazonian bandits since Tuesday 5th December 2023.
“The bandits have continued to shoot sporadically, beating and carting away people and valuable property to their camp across the border River between Nigeria and Cameron.
“Among the over 30 people abducted is Chief Ogweshi Francis, the Clan Head of Belegete Clan. Apart from those taken captive, several other men, women and children have been abused, injured and emotionally traumatized.
“The area where this barbaric and dastard attack is being unleashed is the ancestral home of the Belegete people. They have inhabited the place for several centuries as law-abiding citizens of Nigeria.
“They have lived peacefully and harmoniously with their far and near neighbours. There is therefore no justification whatsoever for this external invasion on Nigeria’s territory and the disruption of the life of her citizens.
“Beyond the plights brought upon the Belegete people, this unprovoked aggression is a frontal attack on the territorial integrity of Nigeria.
“The Nigerian government needs to take urgent and drastic action to forestall a repeat of what happened in the southern border where Nigeria lost part of its rich territory to Cameroon.
“Furthermore, I urge the Nigerian government to engage in urgent diplomatic dialogue with the Cameroonian government to address the root causes of this conflict. We must work together to ensure that such acts of aggression never occur again.
“The international community must also take notice of this incident and extend their support to Nigeria in its efforts to maintain peace and security on its borders. We call for strict intervention from international organizations to prevent further violence and displacement.”
The federal lawmakers assured the people of the state that the National Assembly would not rest until justice is served and the safety of our people is guaranteed. I will continue to raise my voice in condemnation of this attack and demand accountability from those responsible.
Peter Akpanke said, “We, the people of Obanliku/Bekwarra/Obudu Federal Constituency, are resilient and will not be broken by this tragedy.
“We stand united in our resolve for peace and justice. Together, we will overcome this challenge and rebuild our dear community stronger than ever before.
“It should be treated as a case of once bitten, twice shy. The relevant security operatives have to rise to the occasion to ensure that the sovereignty of Nigeria is not tempered with.
“Security operatives must take drastic actions to secure the security of life and people in the area.
“These barbaric acts have continued since then until date with our brothers and sisters subjected to pain and sufferings as well as destruction of properties.
“These, alongside the abduction of our people and the life threatening injuries inflicted on them with no support yet from the Federal Government leaves one wondering whether George Orwell’s Animal Farm is at play – all animals are equal but some are more equal than others. Is that the case with Nigeria right now?
“As I speak, the Clan Head of that Community, Chief Ogweshi Francis is held hostage by armed separatists of another country and we as a Nation are not angered?
“It must be noted that the Belegete community is very rich in natural resources like Uranium and Lithium and this is one of the major reasons that the Amazonian separatists from Cameroon attacked the community.
“This act of aggression is not only a blatant disregard for human life and safety of fellow Nigerians but also a direct assault on the sovereignty of Nigeria.
“We, as a nation, cannot tolerate such acts of impunity and must respond with the utmost seriousness and resolve to forestall its ever happening again.
“It is not the first time such has happened as we have seen from years past in some North Central and North Eastern States like Taraba and Adamawa (which is why I am with my colleagues today to address you all).
“The response to the crisis in Belegete, as it was in those areas has unfortunately been hampered by the lack of readily available access roads and communication infrastructure in this community.
“This has undoubtedly left the community unfortunately feeling vulnerable and exposed.
” While the government works to improve these crucial infrastructures and resources necessary for human existence and security of lives and properties, it’s important to remember the human cost of this delay and the fundamental rights of all citizens to feel safe and protected in our dear Country Nigeria.
“Therefore, we demand immediate deployment of adequate security personnel to Belegete and surrounding areas to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.
“Provision of immediate medical assistance to the injured and displaced and initiation of a thorough investigation to bring the perpetrators of this heinous crimes to justice
“We also demand the Construction of access roads and communication infrastructure to improve the security and well-being of our border communities especially in Cross River State.
“The recent tragedy in Belegete has highlighted the urgent need to bolster security along our borders. We call upon the Nigerian Border Patrol to take immediate action by establishing permanent security outposts across strategic locations.
“The outposts, equipped with necessary resources and staffed with trained and fully armed personnel, will play a crucial role in deterring future incursions into Nigeria and ensuring the safety of our Citizens in their various communities.
“This proactive approach is essential to protecting our citizens and preventing further suffering among the people and wanton destruction of property.”
The federal lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to swiftly provide vital assistance to those affected by this tragedy.
The assistance he said, “includes the immediate provision of emergency medical care, food, shelter, and other essential supplies to alleviate their suffering. NEMA must act quickly and decisively to ensure that the people of Belegete are not left to face this hardship alone.
“We also call on the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation to include areas affected by these acts that threaten our nation as well as places where Cameroonian Persons of Concern reside as high priority areas.”
Legislature
Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices
By Isah Bala
Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.
The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.
This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”
Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.
Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.
Legislature
Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process
Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.
During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.
“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.
The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”
Legislature
NASS Joint Committee moves to address security, energy concerns in tertiary institutions
In a significant move to tackle pressing issues within Nigeria’s tertiary education system, the Joint Committee of the Senate and House of Representatives on Tertiary Institutions has pledged to collaborate closely with stakeholders to combat critical challenges related to security and energy. This commitment was made during a two-day retreat dedicated to these urgent matters.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin (Kano North) highlighted the importance of establishing secure environments for educational institutions. He affirmed the National Assembly’s resolve to address criminal activities on campuses and mitigate ongoing energy crises that threaten the educational landscape.
The retreat, organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions in partnership with TETFund, convened key stakeholders from the education sector to brainstorm potential solutions.
Chairman of the Senate Committee, Senator Muntari Mohammed Dandutse (Katsina South), opened the proceedings by stressing the critical nature of the security and energy challenges faced by institutions. “These issues endanger not only the safety of our students and faculty but also jeopardize the fundamental mission of education,” he stated.
Dandutse pointed to the rising incidents of violence targeting educational establishments, which have instilled fear among parents, resulting in decreased student enrollment and declining academic performance. “When parents are anxious about their children’s safety, our quest for academic excellence falters, threatening the future of our nation,” he declared.
Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, Chairman of the Governing Board of TETFund and former Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasized the retreat’s role in identifying sustainable solutions. He expressed confidence that the diverse expertise of the participants would yield meaningful recommendations to address these issues.
Hon. Miriam Odinaka Onuoha, Chair of the House of Representatives Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reassured participants of the National Assembly’s dedication to fostering a supportive environment for higher education in Nigeria.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole, a former governor of Edo State and a member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions, reiterated the essential role of tertiary education in national development. He called for a collaborative effort among all stakeholders to implement effective solutions to the challenges at hand.
As discussions unfold, there is a shared optimism that the retreat will produce actionable strategies aimed at improving security and energy supply within Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, ultimately ensuring a safer and more conducive learning environment for students across the country.
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