Blog

Restructuring debate, good for the nation—CSOs
Debate
By Taiye Agbaje
Abuja, Sept 14, 2018 (NAN) Some civil Society Organisations (CSOs) have added their voices to the ongoing issue of restructuring in the country, describing the debate as healthy for the nation.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar had clashed over the restructuring debate.

While Osinbajo rooted for restructuring that was based on ridding the country of corruption and managing the country’s resources properly for the benefit of overall Nigerians, Atiku argued that geographical restructuring cannot be overemphasised.

Reacting on Friday in separate interviews with NAN in Abuja, a cross-section of members of the CSOs said the debate was a welcome development.

Mr Oyedokun Adejonwo, the Programme Associate, Twenty-First Century Community Empowerment for Women and Youth Initiative, said he did not see the reactions from the incumbent and former vice presidents as controversial.

‘’I don’t want to see it as a controversy; I see it as a debate. It is an ongoing debate which ultimately will be beneficial to the society.

‘’Because naturally, I think there should be no issue that should not be discussed as citizens.

‘’And these are highly-placed citizens bringing the issue in the front burner and as such, it is an opportunity for every other stakeholders in Nigerian project to come forward with their positions.

‘’Let us harmonise these and build a consensus in order to know what we really want as a nation. So the debate is good for the health of the nation,” he said.

Mr George Monye, the Executive Director, Majesty Community Rural Development Foundation said that although Vice President Osinbajo was right on his position, restructuring could also be done simultaneously.

‘’The vice president is correct. But then, that does not mean that restructuring should not be done. As we keep on fighting corruption, restructuring should go on as well. Both should work together.”

For Director of Volunteer, Global Network for Peace and Anti-Corruption Initiative, Mr Samuel Aloaye, restructuring debate “is about interest’’.

‘’Nigerians have expressed different opinions about restructuring. But for me, I believe it is all about interest; it is a clash of interests.

‘’Some Nigerians even say Atiku Abubakar is using that for political gain, to rise to the position he is looking for.

‘’So, the issue of restructuring has been ongoing and I believe that with the differences, everybody will still align. It is just a matter of time,” he said.

The Programme Manager of Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Mr Kolawole Banwo, also corroborated Aloaye’s statement, describing the restructuring debate as ‘’politics of interest”.

‘’Everybody agreed that restructuring is important, everybody somewhere has an idea of what restructuring means and agreed that it is good for the country.

‘’Whatever anyone is pondering about now is purely political and I believe that is not something that should overheat the polity unnecessarily,” he said. (NAN)
TOA/GY
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Edited by Grace Yussuf

Pinnick, Maigari, Ogunjobi battle for NFF Presidency

Elections

By Victor Okoye

Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Electoral Committee on Thursday released the list of candidates seeking to contest for positions in the Executive Committee of the body on Sept. 20.

Among the candidates vying for the president of the NFF includes incumbent, Amaju Pinnick, who is also the 1st Vice President of CAF, and member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions, a statement by Ademola Olajire, NFF’s Director of Communications said.

Also contesting for the position is Aminu Maigari, immediate past President of NFF, who was for several years Chairman of the Bauchi State Football Association.

Maigari also headed the Bauchi sub –seat for the FIFA U17 World Cup that Nigeria hosted nine years ago.

Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi, former Nigeria international defender, also has his hat in the ring.

Ogunjobi captained and managed one of Nigeria’s foremost football clubs, Shooting Stars Sports Club of Ibadan.

He also served as Secretary General of then Nigeria Football Association (2002-2005) and was Member of the NFF Executive Committee 2006-2010.

He is presently Chairman of the Osun State Football Association.

There is also Chinedu Okoye, proprietor of amateur league club, Bimo FC.

For the position of 1st Vice President, there are two candidates; the incumbent, Seyi Akinwunmi, and another contender from the South West, Sunday Dele-Ajayi.

Incumbent Ibrahim Gusau will battle club proprietor, Ifeanyi Ubah for the slot of Chairman of Chairmen on the board.

For other positions on the Executive Committee, Sharif Rabiu Inuwa, a Member of the present Board, is the only candidate from the North West.

The battle in the North Central has been somewhat narrowed with the withdrawal of FCT FA chairman Musa Talle.

However, Ahmed Yusuf and Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, ranking Members of the Board, have to contend with Busari Ishola, Chairman of Kwara State FA.

Similarly, incumbents Babagana Kalli and Musa Duhu from the North East have to contend with Farouk Yarma Adamu.

In the South East, Chidi Ofor Okenwa (presently Chairman of the Nigeria National League), will vie with Enyimba FC chairman, Felix Anyansi-Agwu (ranking Member of Board).

Others include, Jude Obikwelu (Vice Chairman, Anambra State FA); Emmanuel Ochiagha (Vice Chairman, Imo State FA) and Emeka Inyama (former Chairman of the NNL and former Chairman of NFF Marketing and Sponsorship, and also Chairman of NPFL side Abia Warriors).

From the South West, only Ganiyu Majekodunmi, Chairman of Ogun State FA, is seeking an Executive Committee position.

From the South South, Oswald Atuake from Cross River State is up against Emmanuel Ibah, chairman of the Akwa Ibom State FA.

The statement said that Elections into the NFF Executive Committee 2018-2022 would hold as scheduled on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in the city of Katsina.

According to it, FIFA, has concluded plans to send a top ranking official as observer to the elections. (NAN)

VO/AOS/MZA
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Edited by Bayo Sekoni/Maharazu Ahmed

Vote for candidates, parties with deliverable programmes- NAN MD

Vote
By Akeem Abas
Ibadan, Sept. 14, 2018(NAN) Mr Bayo Onanuga, Managing Director, News Agency of Nigeria(NAN), has urged Nigerians to vote only for candidates and parties with laudable and credible programmes.

He made the call during the 6th Parliamentary Lecture of National Association of Oyo Students (NAOS) on Friday at Atiba University in Oyo.

Onanuga, who delivered a lecture entitled “Towards 2019: The issues before Nigerians”, urged Nigerians to always demand politicians’  programmes before voting for them.

He noted that voting should not be based on religion, ethnic or financial inducements.

“Nigerians should stop voting on the basis of religion, ethnic or financial offer.

“Always ask them questions about what they want to do. It does not make any sense for voters to collect money from politicians,” he said.

The NAN boss, who narrated his ordeal in the struggle for democracy, stated that 2019 could not be projected without considering the circumstance of the nation in 2015.

According to him, the current administration led by President Muhammadu Buhari has improved the situation of the country from what he met.

He said that the achievements of every administration should be analysed on sectoral basis, adding that Buhari had done well.

A special guest, Prince Kabir Gbadegesin, who described Buhari as an honest leader, expressed regret that Nigerians were yet to believe that justice had not been done under him.

“Buhari so far remains honest, but corrupt persons are being protected under his watch,” he said.

Earlier, Iyowu Idris, the Speaker of the Parliament, said the topic of the lecture was timely as the 2019 general elections drew nearer.

He said it was targeted at exploring how good government and better participation could be engendered.

Idris added that the lecture was the sixth edition, listing Sen. Shehu Sani, Sen. Adesoji Akanbi and Dr Seun Kolade as some of the past guest lecturers.(NAN)

TAA/NNO/IA

Edited by Nick Nicholas/Idris Abdulrahman

Prolonged pregnancy could lead to neonatal death – Expert warns
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Pregnancy
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Dr Victor Fayomi, a General Medical Practitioner with a private hospital in Abuja, has warned that prolonged pregnancy could increase the risk of stillbirth and neonatal death, if not properly managed.
Fayomi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja that both mother and baby have their share of possible health risks.
According to him, once a woman carries her pregnancy to 42 completed weeks, the pregnancy is termed a prolonged pregnancy.
“Pregnancy is said to be `term’ between the gestational age of 37 to 42 weeks. It is considered early term at 37 weeks, full term at about 39 weeks and late term at 41 weeks.
“Other things being equal, the joy that comes with carrying a pregnancy to term is having a baby who is naturally endowed to live life outside the comfort of the womb without much challenge.
“With five to 10 per cent of pregnancies ending up being prolonged, it suffices to say that the cause is unknown. However, a number of risk factors have been associated with it,” he said.
Fayomi further said that once a pregnancy was prolonged, there could be decrease in blood flow to the placenta causing placental insufficiency.
He said the baby may pass meconium (baby’s first stools, usually greenish or black) in the womb which the baby may aspirate it into the lungs.
Fayomi added that there could also be an increase in the incidence of birth injuries to the baby, prolonged labour, foetal malnutrition and intrauterine growth retardation.
He said that the mother was prone to increased psychological stress and anxiety, obstructed labour, trauma to her genitals, instrumental vaginal delivery, postpartum haemorrhage and infection.
“’Preterm pregnancies births (premature babies) have their array of health challenges.
“Babies delivered following prolonged pregnancies also have a number of health risks to battle with. Women who carry prolonged pregnancies are also faced with some risks to their health too.
“The causes of prolonged pregnancy can be associated with high maternal weight or body mass index, advanced maternal age (pregnant women above 35 years) and mother being a baby born from a prolonged pregnancy herself,” the doctor said.
Fayomi said babies usually have lower than normal amount of subcutaneous fat which often makes the skin wrinkle, adding that skin may be loose, flaky and dry.
He said that a decreased foetal movement could be noticed before delivery and also reduction in uterine size due to reduced amniotic fluid volume.
Fayomi however advised expectant mothers between 40 to 41 weeks of pregnancy to ensure they were properly monitored by a doctor.
“It is usually done through foetal movement monitoring with the use of a `kick chart’ which the woman is also taught how to use,’’ he added.
He listed other methods for monitoring as electronic foetal monitoring, obstetric scan for measurement of amniotic fluid volume, biophysical profile and doppler flow study.
“From 41 completed weeks, the maternal and foetal risks commence, these with other factors like findings from foetal monitoring, past obstetric history, the obstetrician’s clinical judgment will come into play.
“These will counsel and prepare an expectant mother for her baby’s delivery.
“The first approach is for an `induction of labour’, and where and when indicated, a Ceaserean section.
Fayomi also advised women who experience prolonged pregnancy to avoid traditional methods. (NAN)
OEO/ELLA/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Partnership
By Lizzy Okoji
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) on Friday in Abuja entered into partnership with the People’s Republic of Korea to enhance Nigeria’s economy by improving trade, job creation amongst others.

Both countries entered into the partnership during the visit of Maj.-Gen. Lee In Tae, Ambassador, People’s Republic of Korea to Nigeria to the NEPAD National Coordinator, Mrs Gloria Akobundu.

Akobundu said that NEPAD Nigeria was seeking the partnership of the People’s Republic of Korea to improve the life of Nigerians through transfer of technology and capacity building.

She said that this was crucial as Nigerians needed to continually develop skills of the youths for economic development.

She said that NEPAD was building on the existing relationship between both countries to establish a collaborative partnership in promoting indigenous products of local manufacturers and factories to create employment and wealth.

Akobundu explained that this was in line with the agenda of President Muhammadu Buhari to fight corruption through job creation.

“All we discussed today is about trade and indigenous product development.

“NEPAD has many mandates which are economic development, job creation and to partner with the private and public sector including the international organisations operating in our country to foster these developments and economic growth.

“That gives birth to what happened today because we have to work with people, interested countries and organisations.

“Today, we have agreed to work together in the areas of health, ICT Development centers, capacity building, agro- allied industries, processing, packaging and export.

“The Republic of Korea’s development is a model which Nigeria would like to copy because of its rapid growth within a short time.

“We all know that skills acquisition brings about empowerment  and wealth creation through production and wealth can only be created if there are market place for the products,’’ Akobundu said.

Akobundu, who immediately set up a four-man committee tasked them to design the framework, timeframe and mode of implementation for the collaboration.

She said that the document would be the master plan and roadmap for a fruitful collaboration between both countries.

The National Coordinator added that she was optimistic that the collaboration would lead to the success of the forthcoming NEPAD Africa Trade fair of indigenous goods and services which would hold in 2019.

In his response, Tae said that the People’s Republic of Korea was happy to enter into the partnership with Nigeria through NEPAD.

He said that the People’s Republic of Korea would be executing its interventions in the country through NEPAD Nigeria.

“We are ready to collaborate in many areas with NEPAD, especially the economic, health care and vocational schools and capacity building.

“There are so many ways to collaborate with NEPAD and my embassy.

“There are so many things to collaborate in and so, expect many things,’’ Tae said.

Mrs Stella Iwuagwu, the Executive Director, Centre for the Right to Health (CRH) called for the support of the government of the People’s Republic of Korea in developing indigenous  Africa medicine.

She said that Africa was blessed with a lot of herbs which when developed would produce good medicines and cure to several ailments. (NAN)
LIZ/NNO/GY
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Grace Yussuf

Osun governorship election: INEC to deploy 16,000 staff

INEC
By Angela Atabo
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday in Abuja, said it would deploy 16,000 staff for the conduct of Osun governorship election on Sept. 22.

INEC Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, disclosed this on YIAGA Africa Watching The Vote (WTV) Series with the theme “Ending the Scourge of Vote Buying and Selling in Nigerian Elections.’’

Yakubu said the commission would ensure that citizens votes count in the Osun gubernatorial election.

According to him, INEC is only interested in the processes of the election and not in the outcome of the elections because the outcome is in the hands of citizens.

He said that the commission had strengthen the electoral process, adding that the era of ballot snatching and other irregularities often experienced during any election was gradually ending.

“The deployment of ICT has enhanced openness and transparency, we have come this far, votes count and will continue to count and votes will continue to be the determinant of who wins an election.

“So, now we are confronted with another challenge as a commission and that is the menace of vote buying, we have said over and over that it is a challenge and a shame on our electoral system.

“INEC will rise to this challenge just as we have risen to previous challenges in our electoral processes and am very sure that we will overcome.

“The problem is hydra- headed, therefore will require a number of approaches involving all stakeholders, INEC, security agents, political parties, civil society, media and the citizens to come together to address this challenge.’’

The INEC boss said that the commission would move to curb vote buying by first addressing the issue of violations at polling units.

He said that the commission would use the Osun governorship election coming up in the next eight days to actually make a statement against vote buying.

He said the commission would make it in a way that it would not be possible for voters to expose their ballot papers to agents with a view to exchange it for money.

Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Board Member, YIAGA Africa said that vote buying increased because of the credibility of the electoral process by INEC.

According to Nwagwu, politicians now know that they can no longer snatch ballot boxes, so the only option is to induce voters.

He said that there was need for traditional and religious leaders to begin to talk to their people to shun vote buying because they were mortgaging their future.

Mr Samson Itodo, Executive Director, YIAGA Africa said that the group carried out a survey on vote buying because it was concerned with the trend in elections.

He appealed to INEC not to allow voters into the voting cubicle with their phones as a move to forestall snapping their ballot papers to show before collecting money.

He urged citizens to vote for their conscience and vote people with credibility and good character rather than for money, gifts and food items. (NAN)
ATAB/KOLE/MZA

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Edited by Remi Koleoso/Maharazu Ahmed

Child Adoption: Expert advocate special fertility centres
By Chinyere Nwachukwu
Adoption
Lagos, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Mrs Iyanaoluwa Ojo, Lecturer, Department of Nursing, University of Ibadan, has called on the Federal government to establish special fertility centres around the country to curb baby factories and reduce the stress of child adoption.

Ojo made the call in an in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Lagos.

According to her, such fertility centres will improve the chances of couples seeking biological children and therefore spare them the stress of the bureaucracy of adoption.

She noted that aside the stress of adoption, the stigma associated with the practice was equally an issue to contend with in the country.

“Firstly, we must understand the whole concept of adoption, which is simply getting a child as a single parent or as couples, who is not your biological child, to cater for.

“Now, because of our cultural and social background, deep down in our hearts, even after adopting a child, still feel we do not have our real biological child.

“The issue of stigma is another fear of the unknown that tends to stare both the person adopting and even the child being adopted.

“If government should establish these centres and go ahead to subsidise already existing ones by making medical help less expensive, it will go a long way in bringing more relief to couples and reduce issues of stolen babies all over the place,” she said.

Mrs Magaret Ibem, a prospective foster parent, said the bottleneck bureaucracy in adopting babies in the state was part of the reasons behind the booming baby factories scattered all over the city.

According to her, months after official registration at the right place, she is still not having any positive response from those in charge.

“I wanted to assist my own sister who has been married for over 15 years without a child to adopt a child here in Lagos and I did not want to do anything illegal because I know it must have its consequences.

“I went to the ministry in charge of that to register. I presented all that was required and since then, that is over eight months now, nothing has come out of it.

“I must confess to you that the stress involved in the whole of this adoption thing is part of the reasons why some desperate couples resort to the easy way out.

“They rather visit and pay prostitutes to carry babies for them and after giving birth, they take the child away.

“Some others visit illegal baby factories and pay stipends and carry a baby sex of their choice, rather than go through the legal way,” she said.

Ibem added that government must reconsider the adoption process in the country by making it affordable to all as well as reduce the long waiting days.

Dr Francis Falako of Department of Arts and Social Science Education, Faculty of Education, University of Lagos, said that the issue of adoption has been an age long practice, which can also be traced to in the holy Bible.

Falako said culturally nothing was wrong about it but that today’s society unfortunately does not welcome such whole heartedly.

“We in the church, as an Anglican priest too, encourage childless couples to adopt.

“We even have some churches that run orphanages.

“But be that as it may, some culture does not still want to encourage it. There are several roadblocks to contend with in trying to adopt a child into any family.

“Even when a child is adopted, some family members still find it hard to integrate such child fully in their affairs and this is a major challenge.

“Government on its part too should find a way of sensitising the public in both the adoption process and stigma,” he said. (NAN)
CCN/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Politics of hate, bitterness is not what Nigeria needs — Bishop Panti

Politics
By Yakubu Uba
Yola, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) Ahead of 2019 General Elections, the Most Rev. Musa Panti, Archbishop of Lutheran Church of Christ in Nigeria (LCCN), has cautioned politicians against the use of hate speeches and slander in their campaigns.

Panti gave the advice on Friday in his speech titled “A Call to Embrace Politics of Respect, Dignity and Integrity” delivered at the LCCN Cathedral, Jimeta, Yola.

“It is most disturbing to see the increasing level of bitterness and hate expressed in the speeches of many of our politicians, young and old.

“Many politicians find it palatable to use derogatory, disrespectful and undignified language in their speeches against the other. This is not what Nigeria needs.

“It must be avoided. Political speeches should be anchored on ideologies that are aimed at canvassing for votes based on realistic manifestoes.

“The negative political rhetoric we hear each day we listen to news either over the radio or on television is not only lamentable but condemnable.”

According to him, comments being made under the guise of politics give cause for concern about the future of this country and especially about the forthcoming general elections.

“The spate of hate language in the political space leaves us with little optimism that the elections will be peaceful. This is not the way to go,” Panti said.

He said expressed disappointment that even religious leaders and their organisations had joined the bandwagon of politicking with bitterness in solidarity with political parties and politicians of their choice.

According to him, Christianity does not support such position.

“For us Christians, it is not acceptable to slander another person just because of political differences.

“The Apostle Paul, writing in Ephesians 4:31 says “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

“We must not inflame hate and enmity at any level because of political differences,” Panti said.

He urged all religious leaders, Christians and Muslims to rise and reject politics of hate and bitterness and instead, engage in preaching that promote peace and just society.

While encouraging youths to actively participate in the democratic processes, the Bishop urged them to refuse being co-opted by any politician to inflame violence either during or after the elections.

“Whatever that is happening now has consequences for the future, and that future is yours. You must, therefore, shape it differently by pursing peace and justice for all.

“All hands must be on deck to safeguard our democracy by remaining patriotic and proactive in our citizenship responsibilities.

“ Let us continue to pray and act rightly towards the general elections that the entire processes will be rooted in the principles of fairness, equity, integrity, credibility and transparency.

“We should not belittle the power of our collective votes in determining who governs us at any level,” Panti said (NAN)
YMU/GOM/NKO
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Edited by Gregory Mmaduakolam/Nkechi Okoronkwo

08038451730

Aisha Buhari urges advocacy for good governance

Advocacy
By Ahmed Ubandoma
Abuja, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) The wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, has urged supporters of President Muhammadu Buhari to continue the advocacy for transparency, good governance and nation building.

Mrs Buhari made the call on Friday when she received a delegation from a political group called Project 4+4, the Buhari/Osinbajo 2019 Project in Abuja.

She also advised the voting public to engage candidates seeking different political offices on a social contract aimed at providing basic amenities such as water, healthcare services and schools to the electorate.

She urged the group to embark on a massive sensitization campaign to ensure the enthronement of transparency and good governance, especially at the grassroots.

Mrs Buhari commended the group for its continued support and loyalty to the APC-led Federal Government.

She also urged the group to sensitise Nigerians to the various intervention programmes of the Buhari Administration such as the Conditional Cash Transfer, Traders Money as well as the N-Power Programme.

Earlier, Mr. Garba Bello, the National Coordinator of Project 4+4, Buhari/Osinbajo 2019, informed the wife of the President that the group was undertaking massive grassroots mobilization for the re-election of Buhari/Osinbajo in the forthcoming General Elections.

He said that the group, comprising states and zonal coordinators of the 36 states and FCT, was in Abuja to declare its commitment to the success of APC-led Federal Government.

Bello further explained that the first four years of President Muhammadu Buhari`s administration centred on developmental changes while the remaining four years would consolidate on the change.

He said that Buhari`s Administration had made significant success on infrastructure, especially on roads and railways, hence the need to enlighten Nigerians on the success recorded.

“Our target is to engage and sensitise 35 to 40 million Nigerians on the achievement of Buhari’s administration through book compilation and digital platform,’’ he said (NAN).
AMU/NNO/NKO
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Edited by Nick Nicholas/Nkechi Okoronkwo

NAF recruits 7,644 Nigerians in 3 years – CAS

Air Force

By Mohammad Tijjani

Kaduna, Sept. 14, 2018 (NAN) A total of 7,644 Nigerians have been recruited into the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) since assumption of office of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadiq Abubakar, has said.

Abubakar made the disclosure on Friday in Kaduna at the Passing-Out Parade of 1,558 airmen and women that participated in the Basic Military Training Course 39/2018.

He said that those recruited consisted of 7,244 young Nigerians as airmen and airwomen, and 400 young graduates as officers.

“ This occasion is another testimony of the commitment of the NAF to operate a professional Service properly structured, appropriately manned and adequately trained to provide security to Nigeria and the Nigerian people,’’ the air chief said.

Abubakar said that the NAF leadership remained committed to building the capacity of its personnel for effective, efficient and timely deployment in response to Nigeria’s national security imperatives.

“Let me reiterate our resolve to continue to improve professionalism and maintain discipline in the NAF. This was why at the inception of this administration we carved a vision of repositioning the NAF into a highly professional and disciplined force through capacity building initiatives.’’

To the trainees, the air chief warned them to subject themselves to civil authority, be resilient, innovative, patriotic and ready to die for Nigeria.

“You must embrace NAF core values of integrity, excellence and service delivery as essential ingredients of high reputation, which the Service has earned over the years.

“On our part, we will continue to focus on improving facilities while paying adequate attention to your welfare within available resources by creating a conducive working and living environment so as to sustain your morale for optimal performance.’’

He reminded them that they may be deployed immediately to operational theater to contribute to ongoing national security efforts across the country by the military.

“ I urge you to operate within the rules of engagement as enumerated in the code of conduct for armed forces personnel involved in internal security operations.

“You must respect and protect the innocent and law abiding civilians whom you are paid to defend. Treat them with respect and protect their rights.

“It is by so doing that you will be discharging your professional and constitutional duties.’’

Abubakar added: “Also, we must not succumb to any inducement or action that would cause disaffection among fellow members of the Armed Forces.

“We must remain apolitical and absolutely loyal to the President and Commander-in-Chief while abiding by the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria at all times.

“This is imperative as we approach the general elections in 2019.’’ (NAN)
TJ/MOL/MZA