Allegations of Nigerian Government Sponsoring Terrorist Attack in Niger, An Attempt by Nigerien my to Cause Disaffection, Group Alleges

By: Michael Mike 22282222

The Republic of Niger allegation of Nigeria sponsoring terrorism group, Lakurawa td7jo topple the junta led administration in the francophone country has been described as nothing but fake news and a planned move to caused disaffection in Nigeria going by the strong brotherhood that exists between Nigerians and Nigeriens, a group has claimed.

The group, Coalition for t he Advancement of Peace and Democracy in West Africa through their scribe, Rahila Umar
said the actions of the junta was condemnable.

The military junta in Republic of Niger had alleged that Nigeria a longside some foreign countries aided a terrorist group, Lakurawa
in the 13th December 2024 attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, 2 2nknknWest Africa2, Secretary General of the group said findings have shown that the junta’s claims were false.

She said: “The Coalition for the Advancement of Peace and Democracy in West Africa condemns in very strong terms, the hostility directed at the Nigerian government by the Military Government in Niger Republic. The recent allegations by the Nigerien authorities that the Lakurawa terrorism group, that with the help of foreign security forces, including Nigerian security forces, were responsible for the attack on the Niger-Benin oil pipeline on the 13th of December 2024, in Gaya, Dosso Region of Niger Republic, is not only grossly misleading but pathetic, Nigeria has been at the forefront of fighting terrorism for more than a decade, sometimes even in conjunction with Nigerien soldiers.

“The public in Niger and Nigeria should note that the attack on the oil pipeline, inform that the perpetrators were neither backed nor assisted by Nigerian authorities. They should be reminded that the Government and good people of Nigeria are strongly committed to the fight against terrorism and will not condone or support the activities of such groups.

“That the Nigerian Military has a strong history of not accommodating boots on the ground and the allegations are unfounded and should be discarded in their entirety. It is important to state that the relationship between Nigeria and France has always been cordial and Nigeria was never colonized by France and have no colonial allegiance to France.

“The Military government in Niger is advised to desist from using fake news to cause disaffection within the Nigeria populace with their propaganda. “

Allegations of Nigerian Government Sponsoring Terrorist Attack in Niger, An Attempt by Nigerien my to Cause Disaffection, Group Alleges

IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria), the National Association of Persons Affected by Leprosy has raised an alarm that the continued delay in supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy in the country may increase the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination in Nigeria.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the President, Integration Dignity and Economic Advancement (IDEA-Nigeria),
Mr Peter Iorkighir Terver lamented that: “For over ten months, the supply of Multi-Drug Therapy (MDT)—the life-saving treatment for leprosy—has been delayed, leaving over 3,000 diagnosed individuals, including 800 children, without the medication they urgently need. This delay, resulting from bureaucratic bottlenecks and regulatory requirements, poses dire consequences for those living with leprosy and for public health in Nigeria.”

Terver, while stating that the decision by NAFDAC has led to a crisis situation, said: “The supply process for MDT, under WHO Purchase Order Number: 203416835, has been obstructed due to additional requirements from NAFDAC, particularly the Certificate of Pharmaceutical Product (CoPP) for Rifampicin, despite its global acceptance as a donated drug.”

He however decried that: “A critical NAFDAC permit will expire on December 31, 2024, and the CRIA (Clean Report of Inspection and Analysis) results will lapse by February 2025, potentially restarting the lengthy supply process,” adding that: “Without immediate intervention, delays will extend until late 2025, leaving patients untreated, increasing the risk of lifelong disabilities, and reversing progress in leprosy elimination.”

Terver, while stating that: “The right to health is a fundamental human right recognized under Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. By denying timely treatment, we are complicit in perpetuating the marginalization, discrimination, and preventable disabilities faced by persons affected by leprosy in Nigeria,” called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently intervene and use his good office to resolve this crisis.”

He said: We ask for: “A waiver from NAFDAC to expedite the release and delivery of MDT without further delay; A Commitment to Public Health by removing unnecessary barriers to the supply of donated medicines, Nigeria can reaffirm its commitment to leprosy elimination and the health of its citizens.
“And timely access to treatment, ensuring the 3,000 affected individuals, including 800 children, receive their medication by December 2024.”

He noted that the plight of leprosy patients cannot be ignored, insisting that: “These delays are avoidable, and their consequences are preventable. We urge all stakeholders—government officials, regulatory agencies, and the international community—to act swiftly and decisively.

IDEA Raises An Alarm that Non Supply of Therapeutic Drug May Cause Irreversible Progress in Leprosy Elimination in Nigeria

Repair Collapsed Alau Dam or Maiduguri Flood Again, Zulum Begs FG 

By: Our Reporter
 
Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has urged the federal government to speed up the reconstruction of the collapsed dyke at Alau Dam, which resulted in Maiduguri Metropolis and its surrounding LGAs being flooded.
 
The Alau Dam is situated in the Alau community of Konduga, a local government area in Borno State. It was constructed between 1984 and 1986 to provide water for irrigation and domestic use in Maiduguri.

 
Zulum made the appeal on Monday after receiving the report of the assessment committee that investigated the root cause of the dam’s collapse.
 
Zulum decried that with about four months to another rainfall, the Federal Ministry of Water Resources needs to speed up efforts to reconstruct the dam.
 
He said, “By next week, we shall be in January, and rainfall will set in some parts of Borno State by March. We have limited time! The earlier we begin something, the better for us. The federal government assessment team was in Maiduguri, and they had a consultation with the committee we inaugurated.”
 
“On our part as state government, we shall push this matter to the latter; I am of the view that in a few days, if there is no action on the ground, I will go and see Mr. President and beg him to allow the Northeast Development Commission to take over and start the reconstruction immediately. If we decide to wait for the bureaucracy, I am afraid we will run out of time.”
 
“If we can start on time, I am sure with the serious commitment we can rebuild the substantial part of the dyke, which has collapsed.”
 
The governor noted that the committee inaugurated by the state government had taken temporary measures to stop the water from spilling from the dam.
 
Zulum also assured that despite limited resources, his administration would partner with the federal government to ensure that such a devastating flood would not occur again in Borno.
 
He said, “As a responsible government, we will not fold our arms and wait for the federal government until another disaster occurs, despite the flooding having seriously affected our financial capacity.”

Repair Collapsed Alau Dam or Maiduguri Flood Again, Zulum Begs FG