Emeka Ibemere, reports the ugly side of the ended year 2013 that created
panic in the psyche of Nigerians
The year 2013 draws its strand closed on
December 31 with some unfulfilled expectations and projects.
Again, the ending year kept some hopes alive
while leaving much to be desired in the minds of some Nigerians.
As the 2013 strolled into oblivion like other
years before it, many Nigerians would swear never to embark on such year again.
But the truth is that; the year has gone with whirlwinds.
As
2014 is being ushered in today, there are hopes on the minds of Nigerians who
are eager to embrace the New Year with great expectations.
It is on these premises that we bring to you
those issues of actions and inactions that defined 2013 in Nigeria as a year of
fear and moment of trepidation in the nations’ polity as we continue to grope
in dark in search of light.
Obviously, 2013 wouldn’t just stroll away
without doing justice to what it left on the psych of many Nigerians. As we entered
the year 2014, it’s imperative to refresh your minds the memories which
Nigerians did not wish to remember in 2013.
January:
On the 19th of January, the media was awash
with reports of over 40 decomposed bodies which were found at Ezzu River in Amansea,
Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra state. The horror episode and its
attendant controversy defined the bloodletting with which the year opened its
chapter of crises that continued till the end of 2013. The issue raised a lot of suspicion bothering
on ethnic cleansing. Even when some Civil liberty groups cried foul pointing
accusing fingers at the State Anti Robbery Squad in the state, nobody could
explain the bizarre killing.
Though, an outlawed group known as MASSOB claimed
that the decomposed bodies were their slain members and accused the police as
the alleged killers of the victims.
It
would be recalled that the Senate and House of Representatives charged the Police
to fish out the culprits. Governor Peter Obi promised his people that the killers
would be exposed. Even the Police assured Nigerians that it would begin
investigations into the matter. 2013 calendar year ended and there were no
reports on the killers of the victims. The killing added to the litany of
unresolved high profile killings in Nigeria. As that wasn’t enough, the media
served the nation with another news meal in the month of January. The report the
revered Emir of Kano, Ado Bayero escaped assassination attempt. The attack left
three persons dead and some others injured.
On January 28, an FCT High Court in Abuja shook the nation and other comity of nations, when it gave a slice of sentence of two-year jail term to a director of the Police Pensions Office, Mr. John Yusuf, who had previously been found guilty of conniving with some people to defraud pensioners a whooping N27.2bn.
On January 28, an FCT High Court in Abuja shook the nation and other comity of nations, when it gave a slice of sentence of two-year jail term to a director of the Police Pensions Office, Mr. John Yusuf, who had previously been found guilty of conniving with some people to defraud pensioners a whooping N27.2bn.
To further mock the country’s judiciary and
Nigerians, the judge gave the culprit an option of a N750, 000 fine for the
offence which he paid and walked away a free man from the court premises. Yusuf
went to court with his N750, 000 stocked inside his car booth.
Nigerians cried foul at the judgment of the High Court and demanded the removal of the trial judge, Justice Abubakar Talba.
The high point of the month of January was the conviction of Edmund Ebiware, an accomplice of Henry Okah in the October 1, 2010 bombing near Eagle Square. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
February
In the month of February, Nigerians witnessed the affirmation of the death sentence passed by a Lagos High Court on the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo also known as ‘Reverend King’. He was found guilty of murder and also of attempted murder. Within the same month, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, arraigned Hon. Farouk Lawan and Hon. Boniface Emenalo, both members of the Federal House of Representatives at a Federal High Court for allegedly demanding and receiving $620,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedeola. The court ordered them remanded in prison custody.
The shock of the month came when the State Security Service made an announcement that it had uncovered a terror network coordinated by Iranians in Lagos.
March
Even as Nigerians were yet to forgive Justice Abubakar Talba, for partly setting an alleged crook free, their hopes were dashed again when President Jonathan granted a state pardon to the former governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha who had been found guilty of corruption and was convicted. The presidential pardon somewhat; described the fight against corruption in Jonathan’s administration. The singular decision brought fury of Nigerians and even the international community as the US threatened to cut off aids to Nigeria.
Nigerians who had thought that terror attack had fizzled out were struck when a bomb explosion rocked the city of Kano killing over 30 passengers in an inter-state luxury buses. The dreaded Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram soon claimed responsibility for the attack.
On March 26, a South African court sitting in Johannesburg sentenced the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Henry Okah, to 24 years imprisonment for masterminding the October 1, 2010 bombing at Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
April
Among other months, the month of April was really fools’ month when members of a cult, Ombatse, ambushed and killed over 50 policemen in Nassarawa State in what became an embarrassment to the security apparatus of the country. The gruesome killing of police officers by the members of the cult left the nation panicking –that the country was really in the hands of militia men. As that wasn’t enough, the month witnessed the worst bloodshed terrorism. There was a massacre in Borno State between Nigerian Army and Boko Haram which left 185 people dead in a single day battle in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.
Nigerians cried foul at the judgment of the High Court and demanded the removal of the trial judge, Justice Abubakar Talba.
The high point of the month of January was the conviction of Edmund Ebiware, an accomplice of Henry Okah in the October 1, 2010 bombing near Eagle Square. He was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
February
In the month of February, Nigerians witnessed the affirmation of the death sentence passed by a Lagos High Court on the General Overseer of the Christian Praying Assembly, Chukwuemeka Ezeugo also known as ‘Reverend King’. He was found guilty of murder and also of attempted murder. Within the same month, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, arraigned Hon. Farouk Lawan and Hon. Boniface Emenalo, both members of the Federal House of Representatives at a Federal High Court for allegedly demanding and receiving $620,000 from a businessman, Femi Otedeola. The court ordered them remanded in prison custody.
The shock of the month came when the State Security Service made an announcement that it had uncovered a terror network coordinated by Iranians in Lagos.
March
Even as Nigerians were yet to forgive Justice Abubakar Talba, for partly setting an alleged crook free, their hopes were dashed again when President Jonathan granted a state pardon to the former governor of Bayelsa state, Chief Diepreye Alamieyesiegha who had been found guilty of corruption and was convicted. The presidential pardon somewhat; described the fight against corruption in Jonathan’s administration. The singular decision brought fury of Nigerians and even the international community as the US threatened to cut off aids to Nigeria.
Nigerians who had thought that terror attack had fizzled out were struck when a bomb explosion rocked the city of Kano killing over 30 passengers in an inter-state luxury buses. The dreaded Islamic militant sect, Boko Haram soon claimed responsibility for the attack.
On March 26, a South African court sitting in Johannesburg sentenced the former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Henry Okah, to 24 years imprisonment for masterminding the October 1, 2010 bombing at Eagle’s Square, Abuja.
April
Among other months, the month of April was really fools’ month when members of a cult, Ombatse, ambushed and killed over 50 policemen in Nassarawa State in what became an embarrassment to the security apparatus of the country. The gruesome killing of police officers by the members of the cult left the nation panicking –that the country was really in the hands of militia men. As that wasn’t enough, the month witnessed the worst bloodshed terrorism. There was a massacre in Borno State between Nigerian Army and Boko Haram which left 185 people dead in a single day battle in Baga, Kukawa Local Government Area.
May
In the month of May, the onslaught turns against the Boko Haram. The counter terrorism and crack down on terror gangs in Northern Nigeria began which led to the declaration of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by President Jonathan. But the declaration was greeted with diverse opinion. Many Nigerians welcomed the news saying that the action was long overdue. But not for the political opposition parties who flayed the declaration. To this New Year, the declaration still subsists. Also in the same month, two British-Nigerians, 28-year-old Michael Adebolajo and 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, made headlines around the world after they hacked down to death British soldier, Lee Rigby, in broad daylight in Woolwich, London.
Later that month, the Joint Task Force uncovered a Lebanese terror cell in Kano State.
June
with the declaration of state –of- emergency in the axis of evil in some northern states, it seems the devil went to sleep and the senseless killings that had characterised the previous months went down. Meanwhile, it was the month some Nigerians felt bad about our relationship with the British Government in terms of our international relationship. On this month of June 24, the British Government announced a scheme that provoked the minds of Nigerians. According to the reports, every Nigerian traveller to Britain has to deposit £3,000, as bond in case they overstay their visa limits. The Federal Government had, at the time, risen stoutly against the policy and threatened a reprisal. The policy was reversed after some months in November.
July
on July 7, 2013, the sleeping devil woke up and its wicked characteristics, threw in a cold-blooded, heart chilling attacks. Goons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, raided and killed 29 pupils and a teacher in a Yobe state government school.
In the month of May, the onslaught turns against the Boko Haram. The counter terrorism and crack down on terror gangs in Northern Nigeria began which led to the declaration of emergency rule in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states by President Jonathan. But the declaration was greeted with diverse opinion. Many Nigerians welcomed the news saying that the action was long overdue. But not for the political opposition parties who flayed the declaration. To this New Year, the declaration still subsists. Also in the same month, two British-Nigerians, 28-year-old Michael Adebolajo and 22-year-old Michael Adebowale, made headlines around the world after they hacked down to death British soldier, Lee Rigby, in broad daylight in Woolwich, London.
Later that month, the Joint Task Force uncovered a Lebanese terror cell in Kano State.
June
with the declaration of state –of- emergency in the axis of evil in some northern states, it seems the devil went to sleep and the senseless killings that had characterised the previous months went down. Meanwhile, it was the month some Nigerians felt bad about our relationship with the British Government in terms of our international relationship. On this month of June 24, the British Government announced a scheme that provoked the minds of Nigerians. According to the reports, every Nigerian traveller to Britain has to deposit £3,000, as bond in case they overstay their visa limits. The Federal Government had, at the time, risen stoutly against the policy and threatened a reprisal. The policy was reversed after some months in November.
July
on July 7, 2013, the sleeping devil woke up and its wicked characteristics, threw in a cold-blooded, heart chilling attacks. Goons suspected to be members of the Boko Haram sect, raided and killed 29 pupils and a teacher in a Yobe state government school.
This attack was greeting with huge
condemnation from all parts of the world. The sight of the bodies massacred
school children was one gory sight that Nigerians would not forget in a hurry.
Again, the month brought out the alleged lackadaisical judicial system in Nigeria when it witnessed a major twist in the judicial procedure of the country.
Again, the month brought out the alleged lackadaisical judicial system in Nigeria when it witnessed a major twist in the judicial procedure of the country.
The
Appeal Court reversed a Lagos High Court judgment sentencing Major Hamza
Al-Mustapha, a former Chief Security Officer to the late military Head of
State, Gen. Sani Abacha, to death.
Again, the Court verdict drew reactions which revealed opinions that differed along geographical lines. According to some ethnic jingoists, it was a judgement laced with tribal marks.
Again, the Court verdict drew reactions which revealed opinions that differed along geographical lines. According to some ethnic jingoists, it was a judgement laced with tribal marks.
In the South, particularly South-Western
Nigeria, public opinion was critical of the judgment while in the North; Al-Mustapha
was treated like a prodigal son, who returned home after12 years’ incarceration
sojourn. He was given a lavished welcome party.
Al- Mustapha and Lateef Shofolahan had
earlier been convicted for the murder of a pro-democracy activist, Alhaja
Kudirat Abiola.
It would be recalled that Alhaja Kudirat was
the slain wife of the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 annulled
presidential elections, Chief M.K.O Abiola.
The same, what seems like an ethnic bias was reported which draw silent tribal-Facebook and other social media war. The bone of contention was the unjust deportation of 72 Nigerians of Igbo extraction by the government of Lagos state, spearheaded by the Governor of the Lagos State, Raji Babatunde Fashola. The deportation story drew widespread argument with some Nigerians supporting and others opposing the action of Governor Fashola. As the debate ranges, the governor allegedly apologised to the Igbo community in the month of September.
The month of July ended on a bloody note with the multiple bomb blasts that went off in Kano city, killing scores of people and injuring many others. Boko Haram was suspected to be responsible for the attacks, with AFP reporting that at least four explosions occurred in the Sabon-Gari neighbourhood, where most non-indigenes reside.
August
The month of August started with gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram gave a major blow on Islamic worshippers who went to the mosque to pray. The assailants gunned down 44 persons praying in a mosque in Borno on August 12, 2013.
Also, the month of August witnessed the dismissal of a Police officer, Sergeant Chris Omeleze, attached to the Lagos State Motor Traffic Division, MTD who was caught on video demanding bribe from a motorist.
The same, what seems like an ethnic bias was reported which draw silent tribal-Facebook and other social media war. The bone of contention was the unjust deportation of 72 Nigerians of Igbo extraction by the government of Lagos state, spearheaded by the Governor of the Lagos State, Raji Babatunde Fashola. The deportation story drew widespread argument with some Nigerians supporting and others opposing the action of Governor Fashola. As the debate ranges, the governor allegedly apologised to the Igbo community in the month of September.
The month of July ended on a bloody note with the multiple bomb blasts that went off in Kano city, killing scores of people and injuring many others. Boko Haram was suspected to be responsible for the attacks, with AFP reporting that at least four explosions occurred in the Sabon-Gari neighbourhood, where most non-indigenes reside.
August
The month of August started with gunmen suspected to be members of the Boko Haram gave a major blow on Islamic worshippers who went to the mosque to pray. The assailants gunned down 44 persons praying in a mosque in Borno on August 12, 2013.
Also, the month of August witnessed the dismissal of a Police officer, Sergeant Chris Omeleze, attached to the Lagos State Motor Traffic Division, MTD who was caught on video demanding bribe from a motorist.
The Sergeant was reported to have arrested a
motorist who was returning from the airport, for contravening traffic rules. He
was alleged to have entered the vehicle, threatening to take the motorist who
was with a female passenger to the station.
However along the line, he reportedly demanded for the sum of N25, 000 from the motorist to allow him (motorist) go. But the motorist offered the sum of N2000, pleading that he had only N500 on him, an offer the policeman bluntly refused. But unknown to him, the negotiation was being recorded on video. The authorities in a swift move dismissed the erring officer and warned others to desist from such acts.
However along the line, he reportedly demanded for the sum of N25, 000 from the motorist to allow him (motorist) go. But the motorist offered the sum of N2000, pleading that he had only N500 on him, an offer the policeman bluntly refused. But unknown to him, the negotiation was being recorded on video. The authorities in a swift move dismissed the erring officer and warned others to desist from such acts.
The month also saw some elements of heroism
in a 15 year-old boy that acted ‘James Bond’ and kept Nigerians’ mouth
agap. The boy now known as ‘teenage
stowaway boy’ hit the stands and the airwaves with his adventurous feat. Daniel
Ihekina thought that an Arik plane was US-bound and had beaten airline and
airport security at the Benin Airport, to hide in the tyre compartment of the
aircraft.
While some people praised the boy’s daring act, some others asked that he be punished for what they considered to be suicidal. Two state governors who rewarded Daniel’s bravery also received public criticisms for encouraging more youths to attempt similar dangerous acts, in their bid to travel abroad at all cost.
In what seemed to be a major plus in the fight against the Boko Haram in the North, the Joint Task Force in Borno state, Nigeria allegedly reported in a statement on August 19 that Abubakar Shekau presumed to be the leader of the Boko Haram sect could have been killed as a result of multiple gunshot wounds they claimed he sustained during an encounter between military groups and the terrorists in one of their camps at a Sambisa forest around June 30. However, the claims of his death are still being questioned especially after a video was being released by the Boko Haram Sect with him present claiming responsibility for recent attacks in the country.
While some people praised the boy’s daring act, some others asked that he be punished for what they considered to be suicidal. Two state governors who rewarded Daniel’s bravery also received public criticisms for encouraging more youths to attempt similar dangerous acts, in their bid to travel abroad at all cost.
In what seemed to be a major plus in the fight against the Boko Haram in the North, the Joint Task Force in Borno state, Nigeria allegedly reported in a statement on August 19 that Abubakar Shekau presumed to be the leader of the Boko Haram sect could have been killed as a result of multiple gunshot wounds they claimed he sustained during an encounter between military groups and the terrorists in one of their camps at a Sambisa forest around June 30. However, the claims of his death are still being questioned especially after a video was being released by the Boko Haram Sect with him present claiming responsibility for recent attacks in the country.
September
September witnessed a lot of political stage- show all around the country. The political comedy was however silenced in the later days of the month when members of the Boko Haram struck again and this time, it was at a College of Agriculture in Yobe State, where they killed 50 students.
October
The month of October could be said to be a black month for Nigeria. On October 3, 2013, a plane belonging to Associated Airline which was carrying the corpse of the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Agagu, took off at about 9.30am from the domestic terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, with 20 persons on board including the crew. The ill-fated plane never made it out of the airport as its engine failed on take-off and it crash landed on the airport’s premises. Sixteen of the passengers lost their lives in the crash.
September witnessed a lot of political stage- show all around the country. The political comedy was however silenced in the later days of the month when members of the Boko Haram struck again and this time, it was at a College of Agriculture in Yobe State, where they killed 50 students.
October
The month of October could be said to be a black month for Nigeria. On October 3, 2013, a plane belonging to Associated Airline which was carrying the corpse of the former governor of Ondo State, Dr. Segun Agagu, took off at about 9.30am from the domestic terminal of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, with 20 persons on board including the crew. The ill-fated plane never made it out of the airport as its engine failed on take-off and it crash landed on the airport’s premises. Sixteen of the passengers lost their lives in the crash.
In the same month, a report linking Aviation
Minister in the purchase of two armoured BMW vehicles for N255m hit the news
wave. The report generated public protest and calls for Oduah’s sack.
November
One month after the ill-fated plane crash, members of the Boko Haram attacked a wedding convoy in Borno, killing the groom and 29 others. The attacks came after a brief but quiet period of terrorist attack in the country. The actions of the Islamic sect made Nigerians wonder the potency of the state of emergency that had been in place in three north eastern states, including Borno.
November
One month after the ill-fated plane crash, members of the Boko Haram attacked a wedding convoy in Borno, killing the groom and 29 others. The attacks came after a brief but quiet period of terrorist attack in the country. The actions of the Islamic sect made Nigerians wonder the potency of the state of emergency that had been in place in three north eastern states, including Borno.
There was funny side of November, when Nigerians
were treated with the alleged ill treatment of Mrs. Clara Chime by her Husband,
Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu state. The wife of the governor reportedly
complained to human Rights activist, Femi Falana about her tortuous married
life in the hands of the Governor. She petitioned
to Femi Falana (SAN) to take up the matter on her behalf. The rest they say is
now history.
December
The month of December could be described as a month of political drama-show. First, the ‘rebel’ governors, who were formerly of the PDP, the 37 House of Representatives and other sundry members mainly from the north decamped and cross-carpeted into obvious opposition party. Then came the season of; ‘so long a letter’. The letter writing between the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, his daughter, Ms. Iyabo Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan.
Also, it was the month when the Supreme Court in Abuja set aside the conviction of former NPA Chairman, Chief Bode George and five former directors of the NPA. Chief Bode George had been convicted by a Lagos High Court in 2009 for offences bothering on Corruption, inflation of contracts and contract splitting. The Supreme Court Judgment was followed by reactions from Nigerians across the nation.
As that wasn’t enough, suspected members of the Boko Haram sect struck and sacked a military base in Borno, killing scores of people and burning a police station and five aircrafts. With the predictions from self-acclaimed prophets and men of God predicting dooms in the year 2014, it is expectations of every Nigerians that the evil of 2013 didn’t repeat again.
December
The month of December could be described as a month of political drama-show. First, the ‘rebel’ governors, who were formerly of the PDP, the 37 House of Representatives and other sundry members mainly from the north decamped and cross-carpeted into obvious opposition party. Then came the season of; ‘so long a letter’. The letter writing between the former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, his daughter, Ms. Iyabo Obasanjo and President Goodluck Jonathan.
Also, it was the month when the Supreme Court in Abuja set aside the conviction of former NPA Chairman, Chief Bode George and five former directors of the NPA. Chief Bode George had been convicted by a Lagos High Court in 2009 for offences bothering on Corruption, inflation of contracts and contract splitting. The Supreme Court Judgment was followed by reactions from Nigerians across the nation.
As that wasn’t enough, suspected members of the Boko Haram sect struck and sacked a military base in Borno, killing scores of people and burning a police station and five aircrafts. With the predictions from self-acclaimed prophets and men of God predicting dooms in the year 2014, it is expectations of every Nigerians that the evil of 2013 didn’t repeat again.
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