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KACRAN Asks 19 Northern States to Give Livestock Feed Palliatives

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KACRAN Asks 19 Northern States to Give Livestock Feed Palliatives

By: Michael Mike

The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has appealed to the Governments of 19 Northern States to procure and distribute livestock feed to pastoralists as palliative aid.

The call was made on the heels of the Federal Government’s laudable disbursement of N50 billion towards the Pulaaku initiative, a campaign championed by President Bola Tinubu to fortify the livestock sector and enhance the conditions for Nigerian pastoralists.

In a statement on Tuesday, the National President of KACRAN, Hon Khalil Bello
noted that the reappointment of the diligent members of the North East Development Commission (NEEC)’s Management Board is a testament to the ongoing efforts to rehabilitate the region devastated by Boko Haram, ensuring continued support services to impacted communities.

He said: “As the primary beneficiaries of government initiatives aimed at advancing livestock development, KACRAN implores the Northern State Governments to participate actively by acquiring and distributing critical animal feed to pastoralists within their jurisdictions.”

He noted that: “The rationale for this appeal is rooted in several vital points which are: President Tinubu’s administration has demonstrated a clear commitment to supporting the livestock sector, intending to improve security in the Northern regions and alleviate the hardships of our citizens; The strategic reappointment of NEDC members illustrates the Federal Government’s intent to enhance herding practices and benefit the Nigerian populace comprehensively; With the NLC’s primary focus on workers’ rights, KACRAN underscores the necessity to speak up for the silent livestock population, which is integral to our national interest.

“Livestock, lacking the ability to communicate distress, require our stewardship to ensure their needs are met and considered by government policies; The repercussions of oil subsidy removal have been pronounced for livestock, arguably surpassing the impact on human populations; The health and upkeep of livestock are inextricably linked to the welfare of humans, emphasizing the importance of holistic palliative measures.

“The scarcity of animal feed, a byproduct of human food processing, is exacerbated by current culinary practices aimed at minimizing waste; Livestock are entitled to rights and privileges, paralleling those of humans, and should be included in welfare considerations; Drawing parallels with developed nations, where livestock welfare is supported through governmental aid, KACRAN advocates for similar provisions in Nigeria; Preventing a decline in the national livestock population necessitates inclusive palliative actions by all government tiers, particularly in the Northern region, a key livestock stronghold.”

Bello commended the Yobe State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) for their 2022 initiative and encourages Northern Governments to secure and distribute the following feeds: wheat bran/offal, feedlot/compounded feed, cotton seed cake, soya beans cake, palm kernel cake, salt lick and molasses.

He said: “We propose reallocating a portion of funds designated for workers’ palliatives and general food relief to the procurement of animal feed, thereby ensuring equitable support for pastoralists and their livestock.

“We are confident that our plea will be met with understanding and prompt action from the Northern State Governments. Through collective effort and support, we can surmount the dual challenge of feeding our people and our livestock, particularly in the wake of oil subsidy removal impacts.”

In alignment with the recent announcement by the Honorable Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, regarding the distribution of 43 metric tons of storage food, KACRAN remains steadfast in our conviction that true democracy and social justice are achieved when equal consideration is given to the needs of both people and livestock.

We are currently facing a critical juncture where the welfare of pastoral communities and their herds are at stake. Our appeal is grounded not only in the interests of the pastoralists but also in the broader context of national food security and economic stability.

“We urge the Northern State Governments to acknowledge the profound connection between the prosperity of the livestock sector and the overall health of the nation. By providing these much-needed palliatives, we can ensure the resilience and sustainability of the pastoral way of life, which is a cornerstone of our culture and economy.”

Bello said: “KACRAN trusts that the spirit of cooperation and empathy will guide our leaders to support this noble cause. Our collective future depends on the well-being of every member of society, including the animals that contribute so significantly to our livelihoods.

“Together, we can create a more secure and prosperous future for all.”

KACRAN Asks 19 Northern States to Give Livestock Feed Palliatives

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Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

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Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA (OPFY) have neutralised three notorious terrorist kingpins during a successful ambush operation in Sabon Birni Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.

Zagazola Makama report that the operation was conducted on July 25 between Mallamawa and Mazau villages in the Tsamaye/Mai Lalle District of the LGA.

During the operation, the troops neutralised the terrorists identified as Kachalla Nagomma, Gurmu and Ali Yar Daribiyar, and recovered three AK-47 rifles with magazines and a motorcycle.

Sources told Zagazola that the terrorists and their foot soldiers were in the area to collect ransom and illegal levies imposed on residents when they were ambushed by the troops.

The source said the operation has triggered widespread relief and jubilation among residents of Mai Lalle, Tsamaye, Rimaye and nearby communities across Sabon Birni and Goronyo LGAs.

“These terrorists have long tormented the communities with killings, kidnappings and extortion, so this success is a huge morale boost for the people,” the source added.

The troops have continued to intensify kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in synergy with other security agencies and local vigilante groups.

The military has urged members of the public to continue providing credible and timely information to assist the troops in sustaining momentum against criminal elements.

Troops neutralise three terrorist kingpins in Sokoto ambush

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Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

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Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

By: Zagazola Makama

Once again, Amnesty International has taken a predictable but deeply troubling stance, this time, condemning the lawful detention of a social media influencer, Ghali Isma’il, who is facing charges over a false and provocative video announcing the death of Nigeria’s sitting President. In its hasty and one-sided statement, Amnesty labeled the Department of State Services’ (DSS) action as “a clear demonstration of abuse of power.” This knee-jerk condemnation reeks not only of bias but of a dangerous disregard for the responsibility that comes with free speech.

It’s important to remember that the Nigerian authorities are acting within the bounds of the law. Ghali Isma’il appeared before a competent magistrate and is being tried for spreading false information an issue of concern to public safety and stability. The viral video claiming the President’s death by poisoning, however unfounded and provocative, point to the need for responsible speech, especially in a period when misinformation can quickly escalate tensions or cause panic.

Let’s be clear: no one is above the law. Isma’il was not whisked away to a secret cell. He was arraigned before a competent magistrate court in Abuja and is being tried according to the laws of the land. The charges spreading false information with intent to cause public alarm and inciting disaffection against the government are not political fabrications.

They are legitimate concerns, especially when tied to a video falsely claiming that President Bola Tinubu had died after being poisoned, and presented with an air of certainty that could spark panic in a country already battling complex security and economic challenges.

If this is what Amnesty International classifies as “freedom of expression,” then the organization must clarify where it draws the line between speech and sabotage. Are we now to accept that individuals can publish death hoaxes about national leaders and peddle wild, fabricated conspiracy theories under the guise of digital activism? Would Amnesty extend this same compassion if the target were a leader in Europe or America?

Is it truly free speech when falsehoods threaten public order or incite unrest? Would Amnesty International hold the same stance if similar misinformation targeted leaders in other parts of the world? These are complex issues with no easy answers, but it is crucial that we weigh the right to expression against the potential harm caused by reckless or deliberately false content.

Let us also not forget that this is not Ghali Isma’il’s first brush with dangerous disinformation. He has repeatedly posted bizarre claims including that former U.S. President Donald Trump was compelling Nigeria to repatriate terrorists into the country and quoting the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tugger, who never mentioned such in his interview. Yusuf said they are ex- convict from Venezuela but Ismail, said they are “Terrorists” . When does free speech become reckless speech? When does falsehood become a threat to national peace and cohesion? This calls for a measured discussion on when speech crosses into dangerous territory especially when it influences public perception and stability.

Moreover, one must ask: where was Amnesty International when ISWAP terrorists released gruesome videos of mass executions? Where was Amnesty when bandits kidnapped and murdered citizens or when IPOB loyalists torched police stations and killed security personnel? The silence or muted response from Amnesty International in those cases raises questions about consistency and priorities. Their silence in the face of these atrocities is deafening. Yet, whenever the Nigerian state acts to preserve order and prevent chaos, Amnesty rushes in with a press release always siding with the provocateur.

Ultimately, the right to free speech must be exercised responsibly. Supporting lawful limits when speech could threaten national peace isn’t a contradiction to human rights but a recognition of their importance in a complex society.

Amnesty International faces an important question: will it stand as a defender of genuine human rights and democratic stability, or does it risk becoming a platform that inadvertently enables disinformation that jeopardizes it?

This double standard is becoming increasingly apparent to Nigerians. The right to free speech must be protected, yes but it must also be exercised with responsibility. Defending lies that threaten national unity under the cloak of human rights advocacy is not activism; it is sabotage.

Amnesty International must decide: is it here to protect Nigeria’s democracy or to shield those who exploit social media to endanger it?

Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad Region

Amnesty International must stop defending dangerous falsehoods in the name of free speech

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Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

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Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

By: Michael Mike

Managing Director, Abuja Technology Village Free Zone Company Limited, Yohana Dyelkop has raised an alarm over a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) purportedly signed by the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and some property developers.

The businessman, who expressed this concern at a news conference on Saturday in Abuja, said he was worried by media reports about the said land development MoU.

He said media reports recently indicated that the Ministry of the Federal Capital Territory had sealed an agreement with some local and foreign investors to develop 200 hectares of land in the Abuja Technology Village.

According to him, the reports specifically allege that the MoU has purportedly been signed between FCTA and two organisations, Mag International Links Limited and the National Agency for Science and Technology (NASENI).

Dyelkop said that government’s genuine efforts to attract foreign investment, especially property developers, was commendable but it was expedient to clarify that Abuja Technology Village has numerous plots across various districts.

He warned that his properties: Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are located within the area earmarked for the allocation.

“Unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he stressed.

Dyelkop warned that the prospective developers should steer clear of his land as they are subjects of ongoing litigation, adding that cases of land grabbing and encroachment were rampant in the FCT.

According to him, his company has officially written to the parties involved expressing its concern about the MoU, warning them and the prospective investors to steer clear of his properties and avoid possible contempt of court.

“We are concerned about news reports regarding an MoU between the entities and the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) for the purpose of land development.

“Specifically, Plots 22 and 23, C17 Industrial Area 2, Pyakasa Village, Airport Road, are subject to ongoing litigation, with the Hon. Minister as a defendant.

“All parties have been served with a court order, and unless the MoU explicitly excludes these plots, any agreement covering them would be unlawful,” he added.

The real estate mogul, who is also the National Chairman of a political group, “Better Opportunities With Tinubu (BOWT) 2027, called for caution and respect for the rule of law to avoid denting President Bola Tinubu’s image.

Abuja property mogul raises alarm over FCTA’s MoU with developers

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