NEWS

Buhari fiddles while herdsmen slaughter, say Nigerians

Published

7 years ago

January 8, 2018

While historians have disputed the account that Rome’s emperor, Nero, played away on a fiddle as the city burned, the phrase nevertheless has become synonymous with doing too little or nothing in a time of great crisis.Nigerians had repeatedly accused the Buhari government of poor handling of attacks by herdsmen across the country. But with the recent Benue State massacre, it appears the criticisms are rising to a disturbing climax.

Last week, herdsmen in Benue staged coordinated attacks in three local government areas, killing about 50 persons and wounding hundreds. The incident followed an orgy of killings in Rivers and Kaduna states where dozens lost their lives.

Chief Edward Ujege, president of Tiv socio-cultural organisation, Mzough-u-Tiv, dismissed a statement credited to Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris suggesting the Benue tragedy was a result of communal clashes.

The IGP mocked the souls of children, pregnant women, old men and youths murdered in cold blood by armed Fulani herdsmen, Ujege said.

He insisted that facts on the ground did not indicate clashes between groups but rather a well-planned, foretold and unprovoked invasion by cattlemen who had vowed to resist the state’s anti-open grazing law.

“When the Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom, signed the law on May 22, 2017, officials of the Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore came out publicly to state that they would mobilise and invade the state, to resist the law,” Ujege said in a statement.

“They equally said the crisis in Benue was a struggle for natural resources, since their coming to the Benue valley predated the present inhabitants. Their position was widely published by media across the globe.”

Ujege called on President Buhari to direct security agencies to arrest and prosecute the National President and Secretary of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Abdullahi Bello Bodejo and Saleh Alhassan.

Also, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Felix Omobude, yesterday, expressed concern at the lacklustre approach of security agencies in bringing persons behind the crises to book.

“PFN believes it’s time our security forces performed their primary duty of protecting the lives and property of Nigerians. Government at various levels should stop paying lip service to tackling atrocities committed by these herdsmen, suspected to be of Fulani extraction, nationwide. This decimation of communities with destruction of lives and properties must stop,” he said in a statement.

He, however, called on “all well-meaning Nigerians to continue to exercise restraint even in the face of provocative and unwholesome activities of armed herdsmen and keep praying for peace and unity of Nigeria.”

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), also condemned the killings.

Represented by his aide, Pastor Johnson Odesola, during a church service at RCCG headquarters, Ebute-Metta, Lagos, the cleric said he was puzzled by “the silence of the government as regards various attacks by Fulani herdsmen.”

He said: “The government should do something as it appears that the will to take positive action on this unnecessary protracted problem is conspicuously lacking.

“My worry is that since the mayhem by these Fulani herdsmen is being treated with levity, with no single person brought to book, it translates to the assumption that the evil work is approved. It is not enough for the government to say something; it has to act decisively.”

But Vice President Yemi Osinbajo warned Nigerians against politicising the killings.

“We must recognise that as dangerous and as deadly and heartless as these killings are, there is also the danger of allowing politics to play a part. This could lead to what we sometimes describe as ‘pouring petrol into an already burning fire’.

“We must not permit the politicisation of this tragedy. One of the reasons why, for years, Boko Haram thrived, was because of the politicisation of the insurgency. There were those who were planning to benefit politically from the tragedy and they painted the opposition, then, as the perpetrator,” Osibanjo said during an inter-denominational service commemorating the 2018 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Meanwhile, a farmer in Ojah, Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State reportedly lost his wrist in an attack by five herdsmen at the weekend.

It came as a group, Ochie Igbo, yesterday held a meeting with the leader of the Hausa community in Ebonyi, warning: “We don’t want herdsmen invasion in the South East. We won’t tolerate any attack by herdsmen on our people.”

A traditional ruler in Demsa Local Government Area of Adamawa State, Gladstone Teneke, also expressed concern over a meeting Buhari held with some northern emirs leaving out Christian leaders from areas affected by herdsmen attack.

“Last year, my territory recorded more than four attacks with the killing of over 100 people. As president of Nigeria, if there is any issue, you should listen to both parties,” he said.

On the Benue incident, rights group, Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), appealed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, urging him to hold a special session to address the issue.

On his part, the Managing Director of Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, (NEPZA), Emmanuel Jime, in Abuja yesterday, called on security agencies to match words with action and bring the culprits to justice.

Guardian

NEWS

Dele Farotimi Breaks Silence After Release From Detention

Published

3 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

1 day 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.

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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

5 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.