Connect with us

CampusLife

Igbo group in Canada blasts Umahi for naming varsity building after Buratai

Published

on

  • Buratai has blood on his hands
  • You are showing a disconnect with the people – Group

BY: Ikenna Oluka

The Igbo Canadian Community Association (ICCA/Umunna) has described the approval given by the Ebonyi State Government to name the newly established Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies of the Ebonyi State University after the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen Tukur Yusuf Buratai as a disgraceful ill-advised decision that spits on the graves of Nigerians who have been killed by the army under Buratai’s orders.

The President of the socio-cultural and political group, Chief Ugochukwu Okoro, in a statement issued in Toronto, Canada by the Public Relations Officer (PRO), Mr. Ahaoma Kanu, said “ It is incomprehensible and unconscionable that a serving governor will take the very inhumane decision to name a building after a man whose hands are dripping with the blood of innocent Nigerians killed in broad daylight by Nigeria Army soldiers under the command of a despicable officer like Buratai who not only has blood on his hands but pungently oozes of corruption and has failed in his duties as the Chief of Army Staff as his tenure can only be described as a total failure.”

“Governor Dave Umahi has shown, by his decision to solely select Buratai, his short-sightedness in selecting honourable Nigerians dead or alive that would have been more befitting to wear the honour of selfless service to humanity more appropriately.”

This is in reaction to the statement by Col. Sagir Musa, the Nigeria Army spokesman, that the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Chigozie Egbu, announced the university was naming its newly established Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies after the Chief of Army Staff, for his selfless service to the nation and humanity when he led a team from the university on a courtesy visit to Buratai in Abuja recently.

The VC during the visit disclosed that the state governor and the State Executive Council had approved that the Institute be named “Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies”.

The ICCA/Umunna said that from the vague reasons given by the Ebonyi government why Buratai was selected to be honoured, it showed the governor and the Executive Council failed to take into consideration the actions of the Nigeria Army under Buratai against human rights in the country.

“We find it unbelievable that the Ebonyi State government wants to reward failure; cloth onoured with honour; encourage indiscriminate killing of the innocent citizens by the Nigeria Army or tell the world that Ebonyi rewards bloodshed.

“Does it mean that during the selection discussion that the Executive Council failed to look into the human rights records of the Nigeria Army under the leadership of Buratai? Have they forgotten so soon that juts some six months ago the Army under the command of Burata killed 42 Shiite Muslims in Abuja; gruesome lethal attack on protesting Nigerian citizens some of which was captured on video.”

“Has Governor Umahi and the Executive Council of Ebonyi forgotten that on December 12, 2015 the Nigeria Army killed 348 members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria with 347 bodies buried in secret. Are they not aware that the Judicial Commission for Inquiry set up by the Kaduna State Government in January 2016 under the chairmanship of Justice Mohammed Garba, a presiding justice of Court of Appeal, found the army gunned down 348 Shiites and urged for prosecution.”

“How can Governor Umahi and his Executive Council forget that about 150 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were killed in a chilling campaign of extrajudicial executions by the Nigeria Army under the command of Buratai between August 2015 and August 2016? 

“Does it mean that Gov. Umahi and his Executive Council have forgotten Operation Python Dance; the infamous military exercise that left over 100 Igbo youths dead?  What inspiration did the Ebonyi Governor see in a man that has questionable properties obviously acquired through proceeds from corrupt acts in the United Arab Emirates, and who, under his leadership, horrendous calamity is constantly befalling officers and men of the Nigeria Army under his command?

“Is Gov. Umahi aware that the International Criminal Court (ICC) in December 2018 indicted the Nigeria Army under Buratai for committing war crime varying from murder, torture, and intentionally attacking the civilian population?

“We beg to ask Gov. Umahi which face of Buratai that has a resemblance of humanity for which he is been honoured.

“There are several families across the South East that are still mourning; there are families that have lost bread winners in Kaduna; there are many youths whose life have been cut short by the orders of Gen. Buratai and yet Gov. Umahi chose name a building after him in Ebonyi State to be a constant reminder to the families that lost loved once in the South East of the pain they feel and are still feeling.

“If Gov. Umahi had truly wanted to name a building after a deserving Nigerian, dead or alive, perhaps Late Gani Fawehinmi would have been more befitting to have his name on that building; or maybe coming home to the Ndigbo, Late Dr. Dozie Ikedife name would have stood tall on that building; or if he needed to give that honour to a soldier who have given great service to the nation, then no other would have been more appropriate than late Lieutenant Colonel Muhammad Abu Ali who paid the supreme sacrifice in defense of this nation. Late Col. Ali represents everything Burutai isn’t.

“Maybe, having that building named after Mrs. Josephine Agwu, who returned a large sum of money at a national airport would have gone a long way to show our children that integrity has many rewards.

“Naming such a building after Buratai is shameful, immoral and condemnable. 

“We are therefore calling on Governor Dave Umahi to immediately strip Gen Buratai of that honour and look for a more worthy Nigerian to bestow it on. Having the name of a man who ordered for the death of our brothers, sisters, fathers and children is shows a direct disconnect the government has with the pains and anguish of the people”.

The Igbo Canadian Community Association (ICCA/Umunna) is socio-cultural and political organization committed to the rediscovering and reestablishment of the rich Igbo cultural identity, enhancing and strengthening the cords of unity and bonding among Igbo speaking people in Nigeria and the diaspora, advocating and agitating in a peaceful manner in all causes pertaining to Igbo people.

Founded in 1970 at the end of the civil war, the association   has firmly resolved that the Igbo Canadian Community Association, otherwise known as ICCA (Umunna), a Non-Profit Ontario Corporation, will be the umbrella body that will re-instill a sense of identity and pride within the Igbo nation by promoting her language, culture, history, traditions and philosophy of Igbo nation;  create awareness of political and social condition of Igbo peoples in Nigeria  and diaspora and help proffer and articulate solutions to Igbo problems with a view to reawakening the original and quintessential Igbo spirit and psyche as well as pursue cultural and historical education our people with the view to promoting the glorious heritage of the Igbo nation and its people.

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

Continue Reading

CampusLife

How To Identify Someone’s True Personality

Published

on

There are times when you begin to observe somebody in your neighborhood, office, church or place of business. It might be someone you are beginning to like or someone you have interest in. 

If it is any those reasons then you are likely to observe and decipher the person’s personality. However, here are some of the clues or things you need to look out for: 

Observe the way they treat common people out there, e.g. Beggars, homeless people, waitress, cleaners etc. You can use this to measure their level of sympathy and empathy.

How do they talk about other people, do they mock, belittle and gossip about them? Such people cannot be trusted.

During difficulties and challenges in life, observe their behaviour. Are they calm or do they let their emotion overwhelm them? It’s either the person has the confidence or lacks confidence.

Anytime you are having a conversation with them: can they maintain eye contact or do they avoid eye contact?

Do you have a friend that remembers you only anytime he or she needs your assistance? It is a sign that the person doesn’t value a deep relationship and he or she is just using you.


Continue Reading

CampusLife

Meet 19-year old Ebube Rebecca Okeke UniLokoja Best Graduating Student – Economics

Published

on

  • In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give?  – Ebube

BY: Sandra Ani

Nineteen year-old (19) Ebube Rebecca Okeke has emerged the Best Graduating Students (Department of Economic) and Best Graduating Student from the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences with a CGPA of 4:71, at the Federal University Lokoja, Kogi State.

She attributed the feat to the mentorship by her mother, hard-work and prayers, stressing that she learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment.

GrassRoots.ng has a chat with Ebube…enjoy the dialogue

Ebube Rebecca Okeke on her graduation day

Can we meet you

My name is Ebube Rebecca Okeke, a graduate of Economics from Federal University Lokoja. I am 19 years old and I hail from Enugu State; Isi-Uzo Local Government Area to be precise.

Tell us about this big win of yours

To the glory of God; I emerged the Best graduating student from the Department of Economics and the Best graduating student from the Faculty of Arts and Social sciences with a CGPA of 4:71.

I particularly want to thank God for the grace, wisdom and strength. I also want to specially appreciate my mom; my best friend, mentor, role model and teacher. She thought me the value of hard-work, goal setting and goal getting. I’m grateful mom. To all of my lecturers, the entire staff of federal university Lokoja, my friends and family, Thank you for the support

I started this journey in the year 2015 and made straight A’s with a GP of 5.00 during my first semester in the university. That semester was tough and amazing. I learnt a lot, not just academically but also about the environment I found myself and how to make proper and beneficial decisions. I learnt the importance of relationships and diligence too.  I made some pretty amazing friends, not just with students alone but with lecturers too and I’m grateful.

Every success story has bumps, but with the help of God, my family and friends I overcame. To everyone reading this, in which ever field you might be in you’ll definitely encounter challenges but don’t let it stop you, keep pushing.

Ebube Rebecca Okeke – brain + beauty

To every student, read like it all depends on you, pray like it all depends on God and get a skill or develop your passion. Improve yourself mentally and other wise.  The world’s changing, you should too.

How was it like growing up

I had an amazing child hood; went to the best primary and secondary schools; Spring Nursery and Primary school and Harmony Secondary school. Mom was very strict about the kind of movies and TV shows I watched; my social media activities and all that. It was annoying then, but now I’m grateful

Was there a time when teachers or mom had to force you to read?

Teachers; No.  Mom; No. She basically just encouraged me, advised me and helped me through it. She was my lesson teacher. We did all my assignments together. During my undergraduate days, there were courses I didn’t really understand like Philosophy, Mom would read them and make notes/summaries for me.

In this era, some students believe it’s all about sorting, how can one stand out?

In this era, sorting isn’t a way out. If you run out of money, you’ll give your body and if they get tired what then do you give? Be diligent, don’t give the lecturers to put a negative tab on you. Attend classes, write all of your tests and assignments and submit on due dates

Reward for working hard

What’s your next plan?

To begin the real journey towards greatness. To start living and working towards my dreams and make impacts.

Congratulation, Ebube.

Thank you so much for this great opportunity and the feature.

Continue Reading

CampusLife

Reps member donates 200-seater e-library to UNN

Published

on

BY: Ikenna Oluka

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State has inaugurated a 200-seater e-library furnished and donated to the University of Nigeria Nsukka (UNN) by the member, representing Nsukka/Igbo-Eze South Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Pat Asadu.

Inaugurating the e-library, Gov. Ugwuanyi commended Hon. Asadu for the bold initiative aimed at improving the standard of education in the university.

The e-library, which is located at Professor Paul Akubue Building, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, comprises 200 computers fully installed with internet facilities and office furniture.

Speaking at the event, the Dean, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Prof. A.A Attamah described the donation as “marvelous” and “unexpected”, adding the gesture has uplifted the university’s quest for educational excellence.

Governor Ugwuanyi commissioned the e-library

In his remark, the university’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Charles Igwe, who was represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, Prof. Patrick Uchenna Okpoko, thanked the parliamentarian for “the wonderful gesture”, commending Gov. Ugwuanyi for his good works in the state.

Shortly after the event, Hon. Asadu was honoured with a grand reception by his community, Ovoko in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area alongside the member representing Igbo-Eze South Constituency, Hon. Emeka Madu.

The reception, which was attended by Gov. Ugwuanyi and other dignitaries, according to the people of Ovoko, was in recognition of the numerous contributions of their two illustrious sons towards the development of their community, the state and the country.

The community also honoured Gov. Ugwuanyi for his support and participations of their sons in active politics and further to confer on him a chieftaincy title of “Ebubedike of Ovoko”.

Speaking, Dr. Pat Asadu, described Gov. Ugwuanyi as a worthy leader and great achiever with human-milk of kindness, whose positive disposition cuts across all segments of humanity.

A section of the e-libary

He said the governor has “done so well in office and has positively transformed politics in this state”, uniting people and communities that have had issues in the past, such as Ovoko and Ibagwa-Aka after many years of enmity, “courtesy of your humility and forthrightness”.

He assured Ugwuanyi of the continued loyalty and support of his people even after he leaves office as the governor and prayed for God’s unflinching protection for him and his family.

Also speaking, Hon. Madu who extolled Gov. Ugwuanyi’s leadership qualities and the fatherly role he has played in his life stated that the governor has brought smiles to the people of the area through his infrastructural development and human empowerment programme, stressing that “today’s ceremony is a clear manifestation of His Excellency’s noble achievements.

“You have brought smiles to the people of Ovoko in particular and Igbo-Eze South in general. Without you we wouldn’t have been here. Your humility, Godly devotion, peace and infrastructural development are unprecedented and worthy of commendation”, Hon. Madu said.

In his speech, Bishop of Enugu North Diocese (Anglican Communion) Rt. Rev. Sosthenes Eze, applauded the governor for entrenching peace and good governance in the state, maintaining that his peace initiative and paradigm shift in developing the rural areas are commendable and unprecedented.

“Your Excellency, your approach to peace and security and your massive infrastructural developments especially in the rural areas, speak volume. We pray God to continue to bless you and your unrelenting efforts to take Enugu State to greater heights.

Earlier, the council chairman, Hon. Dr. Fidelis Odo, disclosed that the governor’s recruitment of forest guards and members of the neighbourhood watch groups has given succor to many families and provided security to the people of the state.

He thanked the governor for making it possible for two of their illustrious sons to represent them at both National and State Assemblies, pointing out that many of their people have been appointed into government by the present administration in the state.

Responding, Governor Ugwuanyi thanked them for the reception and reiterated his unalloyed commitment towards serving the people of the state irrespective of political, religious or social affiliation.

He solicited their continued prayers and thanked them for honouring him with a chieftaincy title.

Continue Reading

Trending