NEWS

Army faults Danjuma’s stance, moves against illegal arms’ bearers

Published

7 years ago

March 26, 2018

The Nigerian Army yesterday warned that any citizen caught in possession of arms and ammunition would be dealt with in accordance with the law.

The army gave the warning in a statement by its spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, in reaction to an accusation against it by Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, a former Chief of Army Staff.

At the convocation of the Taraba State University on Saturday, Danjuma accused the armed forces of colluding with armed bandits to foment violence.

He also alleged that the armed forces were unable to adequately provide security for the citizens of Taraba State and called on the people to defend themselves.
In the reaction, Chukwu said: “The army views this statement as most unfortunate at this critical time that the military has embarked upon the demilitarisation of the North Central region of the country.’’

According to him, certain facts needed to be clearly stated in the interest of the Taraba people and Nigerians in general. Chukwu said the army is constitutionally charged with the responsibility of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria and to aid the civil authority whenever called upon to do so.

According to a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Chukwu said it was in line with this that the army was authorised to conduct “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma’’ in six states, including Taraba.

The army spokesman explained that under the exercise, troops were deployed to curb herdsmen/farmers conflict and other criminal activities in the North central zone, amongst others.

“It is noteworthy to state that at the inception of Exercise Ayem Akpatuma, the Taraba State government did not cooperate due to the army’s stance to remain absolutely neutral in the herdsmen-farmers crisis.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the army advises the people of Taraba State and indeed all other Nigerians to continue in their day-to-day activities and be law-abiding as anyone caught with arms and ammunition will be dealt with in accordance with the laws of the land,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said that the call by Danjuma on Nigerians to defend themselves against killers is yet another evidence of the tragic situation into which the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have plunged the nation.

The party said Gen. Danjuma’s statement justified its stand that the Buhari presidency and the ‘dysfunctional’ APC must be held responsible for the agony of the citizens. “Nigerians are now daily paying the supreme price because of the failure of a grossly incompetent leadership and a deceitful ruling party,” it said.

The PDP, in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan, yesterday said the pronouncement, coming from an army general, a former chief of army staff and former defence minister of Danjuma’s status, was weighty and directly reflected the ugly situation in the country under the APC.

According to PDP, the fact that citizens and communities across the country are now resorting to self-defence is also a clear demonstration that Nigerians, across board, have completely lost confidence in Buhari and the APC.

The opposition party recalled that former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida had earlier raised the issue of un-abating bloodletting and pogrom in country under the APC and the Buhari presidency.

“Painfully, the APC-controlled Federal Government has not only failed in
finding a solution it is also contending with allegations of conspiracy and acts that are believed to have emboldened attacks against innocent Nigerians.

“Nigerians are no longer feeling secure in their land. Our country has, in close to three years, assumed a status of killing field where defenceless citizens are despoiled, raped and mowed down by insurgents and marauders in Benue, Taraba, Yobe, Gombe, Kaduna, Adamawa, Borno, Plateau, Nasarawa, Rivers, Enugu and Kogi, among other states.

“Unfortunately, the Buhari-led APC Federal Government remains aloof and has failed to take decisive steps that will apprehend the masterminds of the carnage.

“Instead, what we are witnessing are complete government insensitivity, allegations of complicity and compromise of security around soft targets and dishing out of false information, as was the case in Benue, Yobe, Taraba and other states where Nigerians have come under heavy attacks from marauders.”
Also yesterday, the PDP rejected as undemocratic and completely unacceptable, President Buhari’s comment that security agencies would deal decisively with any persons or group that dared to criticise the handling of security under his administration.

In a statement, the party said the president himself politicised the Dapchi issue when he boasted that his response time was faster than that of former President Goodluck Jonathan. “Buhari’s pronouncement on alleged politicisation of security issues is targeted at emasculating the opposition and those with contrary opinions to the views of the APC interests,” it said.

According to the opposition party, “the president’s statement completely betrays a dangerous political intolerance and utter disdain for the rule of law and constitutionally guaranteed freedom of speech and opinion of citizens in a democracy.

“We are constrained to remind President Buhari that our nation is no longer under the rule of military decrees and tribunals where security agents ‘deal(t) decisively’ with citizens for holding opinions.”

Guardian

NEWS

Dele Farotimi Breaks Silence After Release From Detention

Published

18 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Reporter

Dele Farotimi breaks silence after release from detention | fab.ng

Activist lawyer and author Dele Farotimi maintained his stance against Senior Advocate of Nigeria Afe Babalola during a press conference in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, following his release from detention.

Farotimi addressed reporters to restate his previous allegations against the prominent legal figure.

“I have never lied against anyone. If I don’t know, I will say I don’t know. The truth is enough—it is the only weapon with which you can slay the monster called Nigeria.”

Welcome back, Comrade @DeleFarotimi. pic.twitter.com/TYV6e7bnwK

— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) December 24, 2024

The Ekiti State Correctional Centre detained Farotimi after defamation allegations emerged against him.

His book “Nigeria and its Criminal Justice System” contains specific allegations of unethical conduct against Babalola, claims which Farotimi continues to defend as accurate.

The author stands by the investigative findings detailed in his publication despite the legal challenges he has faced.

“I understand the challenges that come with fighting entrenched powers, but I remain steadfast in my commitment to the truth,” he added.

An Ado-Ekiti magistrate court released Farotimi on December 20 after he met multiple bail conditions.

These conditions included posting a ₦30 million bond, securing two sureties with one being a property owner, and surrendering his passport. The court also restricted Farotimi, barring him from giving interviews to the media.

The case has ignited widespread discussions within Nigeria’s legal community regarding press freedom and institutional influence in the justice system.

Legal experts and civil rights advocates now await the forthcoming court proceedings, which will examine the merits of both the defamation claims and Farotimi’s defence.

Check out more news updates here.

MOVIES

Funke Akindele’s “Everybody Loves Jenifa” Rakes Box Office With ₦511 Million In Just 12 Days

Published

2 days ago

December 24, 2024

Reporter

Everybody Loves Jenifa rakes box office with ₦511 million | fab.ng

Funke Akindele’s comedy film “Everybody Loves Jenifa” has shattered Nigerian box office records by earning ₦511 million within just 12 days of its release.

FilmOne, the film’s distributor, revealed that this remarkable achievement makes it both the highest-grossing Nollywood film of 2024. It is also the fastest Nigerian movie to reach the ₦500 million milestone.

“History Made! Everybody Loves Jenifa smashes records with ₦511M at the box office, becoming 2024’s highest-grossing Nollywood title and the fastest to hit ₦500M in just 12 days! Don’t stop! Let’s smash the record books. Watch Everybody Loves Jenifa in cinemas near you,” the post said.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by FilmOne Entertainment (@filmoneng)

“Everybody Loves Jenifa” achieved unprecedented success by generating ₦206 million during its opening weekend. It established a new record for the highest-grossing opening weekend in Nollywood history.

The film demonstrated its immediate appeal by earning ₦87.8 million on its first day. This set another record for the highest single-day earnings in Nigerian cinema.

Funke Akindele masterfully reprised her beloved Jenifa character, delivering a performance that perfectly captured the character’s signature humour and charm.

The narrative follows Jenifa through an engaging storyline filled with personal growth, fame-related challenges, and comedic situations that resonated deeply with audiences across Nigerian theatres.

Akindele’s marketing strategy proved exceptionally effective. Moreso, she implemented comprehensive social media campaigns and made strategic appearances at various cinemas to connect with viewers.

Her promotional efforts transformed the film’s release into a cultural phenomenon that extended beyond traditional movie-watching.

The film features an impressive ensemble cast including Falz, Omotunde ‘Lolo’ Adebowale-David, Olayode Juliana, Chimezie Imo, Layi Wasabi, Bisola Aiyeola, Jackie Appiah, and Omowunmi Dada.

These actors collectively bring depth to this comedy-drama that successfully weaves together humorous moments, emotional depth, and surprising plot developments.

Check out more movie updates here.

MUSIC

Tems Debut Album Ranks #2 On Billboard’s R&B List Of 2024

Published

6 days ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Tems debut album hits #2 on Billboard's R&B list of 2024 | fab.ng

Tems’ Global Impact: A Billboard Recognition

Tems, a global music sensation, has solidified her position as one of Africa’s most successful artists, with her album captivating millions of fans worldwide and garnering numerous prestigious awards.

In a recent testament to her talent, her debut album secured the second spot on Billboard’s list of the best R&B albums of 2025.

This remarkable achievement places Tems alongside renowned artists such as Chris Brown, PartyNextDoor, Muni Long, and Bryson Tiller.

Furthermore, Billboard has praised Tems’ music for transcending the boundaries of Afrobeats, resonating with audiences across the globe.

“The Nigerian star finds her footing in the global spotlight and stands firmly in her purpose on her dazzling debut album Born in the Wild.

“She opens up about surviving her mental wilderness and learning to thrive in it on the opening acoustic ballad that shares the album’s title.

“And on the mid-tempo standout “Burning,” Tems confronts the trappings of her newfound stardom but finds comfort in the collective struggle. As someone who’s studied Céline Dion, Destiny’s Child, and Mariah Carey and dreamt of making soul-stirring songs that send people into their feelings, Tems succeeded with aplomb.

“Born in the Wild became her highest-charting project on Top R&B Albums (reaching No. 5) and marked her career-first entry on the Billboard 200, peaking at No. 56.

“And while Born in the Wild and “Love Me JeJe” earned Tems 2025 Grammy nominations for Best Global Music Album and Best African Music Performance, respectively, her best R&B song nod for “Burning” further reinforced the rich diversity of her music– and the notion that African artists like Tems cannot be bound to the catchall “Afrobeats” term, as their music has traveled well past the borders of the continent. – H.M.”

Tems’ debut album, “Born In The Wild,” received critical acclaim in the United States.

Indeed, the album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Global Album.

Additionally, her single “Burning” broke records by securing a nomination for Best R&B Song. Meanwhile, “Love Me Jeje” received a nomination for Best African Music Performance.

Check out more music updates here.