The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has issued an update on the ongoing fraud case against music star, Naira Marley.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the second prosecution witness, PW2, Augustine Anosike, a forensic expert with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the case of the musician whose real names are Afeez Adeshina Fashola, also , on Tuesday, October 26, 2021, told Justice Nicholas Oweibo of the Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, how several credit card numbers were extracted while analyzing the contents of a total of 2,410 messages found in the defendant’s mobile phone.
Naira Marley was arraigned by the EFCC on May 20, 2019 on an 11-count charge bordering on conspiracy, possession of counterfeit credit cards and fraud, to which he pleaded not guilty.
At the resumed sitting today, Anosike, who continued his examination in chief, told the court that Exhibit F was a conclusion of his analysis of the defendant’s iPhone X version 10.6, model A 1901, with number 07427343432 and an email, [email protected].
He also gave the IMEL number of the iPhone as: 35304509527532 as well as the SIM ICCID number as 8923420035948359826. Led in evidence by the prosecution counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo, he also told the court that “The apple iPhone is a sophisticated device capable of storing a large volume of information.
"It is the SIM card that basically identifies s of applications like WhatsApp.It, therefore, means that as long as a number has already been ed with a particular WhatsApp , it matters less if such a leaves the country."
In his further testimony, the PW2 said: "There are cases where a WhatsApp application can still be used even though the ed SIM card is not inserted in the phone. The chatting app used in the analysed device was WhatsApp."
When asked to talk about his findings while analyzing the phone, he told the court that a “ total of 977 Short Message Service (SMS) and 1433 chat messages were discovered.
"We also discovered seven pending status update messages."
“On November 26, 2018, there was an outgoing message ed about 3.32 p.m., with a credit card number 5264711020433662.
“This message was sent to one Yadd. On December 11, 2018, there was an incoming message to the defendant's device which read: " Your One Time code (OTP) to your mobile number is 248716; wasn't you, please call us on 63450808500."
According to him, another message was sent at 5.06pm by one Hiya Bayi to a recipient with the name Raze on the same say.
The content of the message, he told the court, was another credit card number 42658840359132.
“The number of the sender is +447426343432, while that of the receiver is +447365280441.
“The incoming message reflected at 6.18p.m. showed " Not recognized".
“Other messages received on the same date include:” due to try in 20 minutes," he added.
The prosecution witness, while giving further evidence, told the court that there was an incoming message which read: "Tried and it was unsuccessful; sure you are not rinsing it out then giving it to me to try.” On December 12, 2018 at 10.16p.m.
During the proceedings, the PW2 also revealed several credit card numbers sent on different dates and time as well as OTP codes sent found in the defendant’s phone. The prosecution counsel, thereafter, told the court that all the analysed texts were fully contained in a Compact Disc (CD).
He, however, told the court that the prosecution had only printed out those portions it considered material to its case.
Consequently, he asked both the court and the defence counsel, Olalekan Ojo, SAN, if the prosecution could bring a projector to play the CD in the open court or not. Justice Oweibo granted his prayer.
The United Nations has demanded an explanation on the alleged abduction, torture and detention of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from the Kenyan and Nigerian Governments.
POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that the UN received information on allegations of enforced disappearance, arbitrary detention, torture, and ill-treatment of Kanu by Kenyan Security Officials, as well as his illegal rendition to Nigeria to face trial for terrorism-related charges.
Nnamdi Kanu was arraigned in court in July by the Department of State Security Services, DSS after bringing him back to the country from Kenya. He was remanded in the custody of the secret police. His case will be coming up in court again in November.
The embattled pro-secessionist is facing several charges ranging from Terrorism to Treasonable Felony. The latter carries the death penalty.
UN demands information on Kanu's arrest, Trial
A statement by the UN read: “While we do not prejudge the accuracy of these allegations, we would like to express our concern in relation to the enforced disappearance of Nnamdi Kanu from June 19, 2021, until his reappearance at Nigerian Federal High Court in Abuja on June 29, 2021, and his reported illegal rendition from Nairobi to Abuja without judicial process.”, a statement from the UN read.
The UN also pointed out that the alleged torture and ill-treatment of Kanu as alarming, saying these constitute a violation of fundamental human rights.
"We are further alarmed by the alleged torture and ill-treatment Mr Kanu has been subjected to during his detention by the DSS in Nigeria. If confirmed, these allegations would constitute prima facie violations of fundamental human rights, including the right not to be arbitrarily deprived of liberty and the absolute and non-derogable prohibition of torture and other ill-treatment under the International Covenant on Political and Civil Rights."
"The Committee against Torture and the UN Human Rights Committee has repeatedly concluded that enforced disappearances may amount to torture and other forms of ill-treatment both with regard to the disappeared and with regard to their family , due to the anguish and uncertainty concerning the date and whereabouts of loved ones."
"As it is our responsibility under the mandates provided to us by the Human Rights Council to seek to clarify all cases brought to our attention, we would be grateful for your observations on the following matters: any additional information and any comment you may have on the above-mentioned allegations."
"Please provide detailed information on the current state of health of Mr Kanu and the measures undertaken, or foreseen, to prevent any irreparable damage to his life and personal integrity and to ensure that he has access to the medications and medical treatment required by his health conditions."
"Please provide detailed information on the circumstances in which Mr Kanu was arrested, forcibly disappeared before being handed over to Nigerian authorities and transferred from Nairobi to Abuja. Also provide any international arrest warrant that may have been issued against him, prior to his arrest."
The National Security Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Babagana Monguno has issued a stern warning to the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and other who plan to disrupt the elections in Anambra state.
Monguno, during an inter-agency consultative committee on Election Security(ICCES) meeting organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, on Monday disclosed that security agencies will do everything within their power to ensure that the exercise goes smoothly.
POLITICS NIGERIA earlier reported that IPOB and its leader, Nnamdi Kanu has held a strong stance against participating in the elections threatening to order 'sit-at-home' on the day of the election. Furthermore, of the group have been issuing threats to state indigenes not to participate in the exercise.
However, speaking at the meeting, Monguno said; "I want to reassure the general public that the security agencies are going to do everything within their power to ensure that the people of Anambra State undergo this exercise without any incident."
"In the same vein, I want to offer a word of brotherly advice to our brothers and sisters in Anambra State who may want to use means, methods that are unorthodox and that are unusual to destabilise an already delicate situation, to please, think again."
"We are all eager to achieve results in this election that will be acceptable to everybody. I don’t think it will be helpful for anyone to go out and ignite something that might cause pain for the good people of Anambra State, under whatever disguise. Please think again."
"The law enforcement agencies, in as much as they have agreed to operate in accordance with the requirements of their profession, will not sit by idle."
Popular Islamic Cleric, Shiekh Gumi has criticised the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and Yoruba activist, Sunday Igboho over what they have done to Southern Nigeria.
Gumi, a controversial figure, in a statement on Monday disclosed that IPOB was gradually destroying the South-East and Igboho has introduced confusion to the South-West.
He claims that both figures need to be engaged and encouraged to quit their agitations.
“NE is already and is still devastated by this madness for over 12 years. If we allow, terror, to set in into these raw naïve unexposed bandits, NW will be in ruins sooner than later. Already IPOB is destroying SE, and Igboho has set the ball of confusion rolling in SW. For those who want to destroy the NW, it’s a good recipe. Turn bandits into religious zealots. Tell me, what then remains of Nigeria?”
“I have started to get these raw bandits out of their misadventure but unfortunately, I have few helpers and a mountain of antagonists. The psychology in fighting natives is to induce a motive for their struggle if they don’t have one already, a motive that is manageable, and it is so managed. Unfortunately, reactions to threat in our nation are always slow and incoherent.”
“I hope another Igbo clergy goes into the IPOB militants likewise and talk sense into them, and another Pastor of Oduduwa land talks against the Igboho secessionist tribal movement by way of sensitising people to the values of a cohesive nationalism that will guaranty freedom, equality, and justice for all. Religious forces can permeate hardened hearts where secular forces cannot.”
Nigeria’s music sensations, Iheanacho Onuoha aka Acho, a Kora award nominee and brand ambassador to Vegahs real estate company in Lagos Nigeria , Timi Dakolo and Grammy nominee, Cameroonian international producer, Salatiel have been selected among other 21musicians whose countries qualified for the forthcoming African Football Cup Of Nations (AFCON) in a music project called: Sing For Africa.
The idea of ‘Sing For Africa’ according to the organisers is to take advantage of the platform offered by the African Cup of Nations of Football (AFCON 2021) under the African Football Confederation billed for Cameroon between January 9 and February 6 2022 to bring together under the humanitarian banner, the voices and the expertise of the African music, through the contribution of artistes from the 24 countries qualified for this event, in order to communicate to Africa and the world, a message of hope in a thematic song spreading peace, unity, concord, love and solidarity. The project site is www.sing4africa.org.
Acho
AFCON attracts among others, more than a billion viewers, two billion listeners, three million spectators, more than five thousand journalists and two hundred and fifty media. The 52 matches that make up its framework are broadcast on five continents and in more than 150 countries. The African Nations Cup of Football therefore offers unique moments of exchange, conviviality, meetings, solidarity and fulfillment through Sport and Culture.
This special production is about showing a joyful and more optimistic Africa. Expected countries are: Senegal, Ivory Coast, Algeria, Nigeria, Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso, Tunisia, Guinea, Gambia, Morocco, Egypt, Zimbabwe, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Comores, Malawi, Ethiopia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, South
Sudan, Cape verde and Ghana.
Timi Dakolo
Artistes invited to the ‘Sing For Africa’ project are from Central Africa to North Africa, West Africa and Southern Africa.
They are: Tukkiman – Sénégal; Cremilda Medina – Cabo Verde; Mylmo – Mali; Teddy – yo Ethiopia; Imilo lechanceux- Burkina Faso; Lord Ekomi – Gabon; Jaylann – Morocco; Timi Dakolo – Nigeria; Jah Prayzah – Zimbabwe; Dadiposlim- Comores; Hakim – Egypt; Samini – Ghana; Assia – Algeria; Emmerson Bockarie – Sierra Leone; Georges Kalukusha – Malawi; Peque Jazz – Equatorial Guinea; WJ De King – South Sudan; Rayen Youssef -Tunisia; Lesme Minteiro – Guinea; BissauRinyu – Cameroon; Texvor – Ivory Coast; Fame Sane – Cameroon; Salatiel –Cameroon and Acho – Nigeria.
As gathered, release date for the song is for October 30th 2021 as the production location is Douala and Yaounde.
This exceptional blend of 24 different cultures is led by internationally renowned Cameroonian producer Salatiel, a multi- faceted artist, under the direction of the international artistic representation and communication agency ARUSA Music and Entertainment which commissioned BIFTY, an acronym for Be Involved For The Youth to coordinate the project.
An Uber Driver, Adedotun Clement, has dragged the Lagos state government to Court for N500 million in Damages after he was gruesomely assaulted and beaten by Police officers and officials of the Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch(LSNC).
Clement was seen in already viral footage, wailing and crying as police officers pepper sprayed and beat him up before forcefully hauling him into a waiting van. Below is a full statement from Clement’s lawyer, Inibehe Effiong;
“UBER DRIVER ASSAULTED DURING ENDSARS MEMORIAL PROTEST DEMANDS N500M COMPENSATION FOR VIOLATION OF HIS RIGHTS, SEIZURE AND DESTRUCTION OF HIS VEHICLE AND PROSECUTION OF CULPRITS”
“We have written to the Lagos State Government through the Attorney General of Lagos State to demand payment of the sum of N500,000,000 (Five Hundred Million Naira) as compensation to Mr. Adedotun Clement for the gross violation of his fundamental rights to dignity of the human person, personal liberty and property and for the deprivation of his source of livelihood and the destruction of his vehicle.”
“Adedotun Clement is the innocent Uber driver that was assaulted by some officers of the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Corps (LNSC) and Nigeria Police Force during the first anniversary of the #EndSARS protest at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos.”
“In addition to payment of monetary compensation, we also demanded that disciplinary measures be taken against the culprits who assaulted Adedotun, and that they should be prosecuted in court in line with the Anti-Torture Act and the Criminal Law of Lagos State.”
“Also, we are equally demanding a written apology from the state government.”
“It should be noted that the vehicle of Mr. Adedotun has been returned but in a bad condition. The agents of the state government broke and damaged the front windscreen of his Toyota Corolla. The vehicle was in good condition before it was towed away on Wednesday, 20th October, 2021. But upon reaching where the vehicle was taken to on Friday, 22nd October, 2021, Adedotun saw the destruction done to his vehicle by agents of the state government.”
“The implication is that he cannot use the vehicle to earn a living until it is repaired.”
“My attention has been drawn to the public statement by the Lagos State Neighborhood Safety Agency (LNSA) wherein it is stated that two officers of the agency were subjected to orderly room trial, found guilty of assault and general unruly behaviour and suspended for two months.”
“While we commend the Lagos State Government for itting that the conduct of its agents was criminal and unprofessional, we find the two months suspension meted on the two officers grossly insufficient and unacceptable. It is not a deterrence. The officers should be dismissed and diligently prosecuted in a court of law to serve as a deterrence to others.”
“Finally, we are expecting the Lagos State Government to respond to our modest demands within 48 hours or we will have no other option but to commence legal proceedings to seek redress for Adedotun.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has accused that leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu of ordering the burning of a house belonging to Imo state governor, Hope Uzodinma and instigating the looting of the Oba of Lagos Palace during the #EndSARS protests.
This was contained in a statement on Friday by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. The government claims that Kanu hijacked the #EndSARS protests and used inciting statements to compel of his group, IPOB to attack security agents and destroy public property.
The statement, sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, read in part; "The destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose serious threat to Nigeria's National Security and its corporate existence, which resulted into re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and of his group."
"The eventual re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in June 2021, and some of his group led to the inauguration of a Presidential Ad-hoc Committee, comprising twenty-four (24) drawn from:
1. Federal Ministry of Justice (MoJ),
2. Federal Ministry of Information (MoI),
3. Nigeria Police Force (NPF),
4. Department of State Services (DSS),
5. National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and
6. Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA),
"The Committee, inaugurated by the President, and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), was headed by the Honorable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice."
"The Committee finds as a fact, that consequent upon the instigating directives of Nnamdi Kanu, of IPOB/ESN carried out massive attacks on democratic institutions especially INEC Facilities with a view to hampering democratic process in Nigeria. These attacks that were carried out between October 2020 and June 2021 include the following:
"That the Headquarters of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), Umuahia, Abia State was also attacked by IPOB/ESN leading to the death of one (1) officer;"
"That there were several IPOB/ESN attacks and destruction (arson) of public and private properties during the EndSARS and Biafra agitations across the country, especially in the South-East and South-South regions, notably the Palace of the Oba of Lagos where twelve (12) flats were completely looted and vandalized, the country home of the Governor of Imo State, Senator Hope Uzodinma, was burnt, over one hundred and fifty (150) buses burnt at the Lagos Bus Terminal, Sen. Ndoma Egba's home in Calabar Municipal, Cross River State, was completely looted and vandalized, Lagos State DNA and Forensic Centre, City Hall Race Course, First Bank Branch Lagos, Lagos State Public Works Commission, Nigeria Port Authority (NPA), Marina, Lagos, High Court Igbosere, Lagos, were all burnt, amongst other heinous crimes committed."
Popular Activist and Convener of the Concerned Nigerians group, Deji Adeyanju has carpeted Nigeria's Attorney-General, Abubakar Malami over a recent statement linking activist, Sunday Igboho to terrorism.
On Friday, the AGF in a statement titled, "Investigation Reports On Acts Of Terrorism And Allied Offences Perpetrated By Nnamdi Kanu And Report On the Sponsors And Financiers Of Sunday Igboho And Associates", Igboho was linked to a Boko Haram financier, Abubakar Muhammad Surajo.
"Investigation reveals that Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) transferred the sum of twelve million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N12, 750,000) to Abbal Bako & Sons."
"It might be recalled that Abbal Bako & Sons and its promoter Abdullahi Umar Usman are suspects in the on-going t Terrorist Financing Investigation. Abdullahi Umar Usman is by way of financial transaction connected to SURAJO ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism [Boko Haram])."
"This report shows the nexus between separatists’ agitation, terrorism financing and disruptions of peace in the country. The report found connections of financial transaction between Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) and some construction companies and businesses among others."
Reacting to the report, Adeyanju wrote; "AGF Malami says Sunday Igboho may be linked to terrorism financing because he did a N12m transfer to a Bureau De Change."
"This man should be selling recharge card in Kebbi."
The federal government has said that its investigation has established a link between Sunday Adeyemo ‘Igboho’ and a suspected financier of terrorism, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.
The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, said this in a statement on Friday.
Igboho is a lead separatist in Nigeria, seeking for the sovereignty of the Southwest region.
According to Malami, the Muhammadu Buhari istration’s findings show that a company controlled by Igboho transferred N12.75 million to another owned by Abdullahi Usman, who is suspected of financing terrorism in Nigeria.
The statement also revealed that Igboho was being funded by a Serving Nigerian Lawmaker and has received over N127 million.
The Nigerian Government through the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, AGF Abubakar Malami has revealed that Yoruba Nation Activist, Sunday Igboho is being funded by a serving Nigerian Lawmaker.
In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, Malami pointed out that Igboho has also been linked to a Boko Haram terror financier by the name, Surajo Abubakar Mohammed.
"The Federal Government has received the report on financers of Adeniyi Sunday Adeyemo a.k.a Sunday Igboho. The report revealed that Sunday Igboho is a Director and signatory to Adesun International Concept Limited ed on 23rd April, 2010. Adesun International Concept Limited also has Oladele Oyetunji and Aderopo Adeyemo as Directors. Sunday Igboho is linked to 43 bank s in 9 banks."
"The major financier of the fugitive and separatists was found to be a Federal Law Maker in the National Assembly. A total sum of ONE HUNDRED AND TWENTY-SEVEN MILLION, ONE AND FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND NAIRA ONLY (N127, 145,000.00) was received by Igboho from his financiers between 22nd October, 2013 and 28th September, 2020 through Adesun International Concept Ltd s."
"A total sum of TWO HUNDRED AND SEVENTY-THREE MILLION, ONE HUNDRED AND NINETY-EIGHT THOUSAND, TWO HUNDRED NAIRA ONLY (N273,198,200.00) transaction outflows was recorded from Sunday Igboho's between 15th March, 2013 and 11 the March, 2021."
"Investigation reveals that Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) transferred the sum of twelve million seven hundred and fifty thousand naira (N12, 750,000) to Abbal Bako & Sons."
"It might be recalled that Abbal Bako & Sons and its promoter Abdullahi Umar Usman are suspects in the on-going t Terrorist Financing Investigation. Abdullahi Umar Usman is by way of financial transaction connected to SURAJO ABUBAKAR MUHAMMAD (who was sentenced to life imprisonment in UAE on charges of financing terrorism [Boko Haram])."
"This report shows the nexus between separatists’ agitation, terrorism financing and disruptions of peace in the country."
"The report found connections of financial transaction between Adesun International Concept Ltd (belonging to Igboho) and some construction companies and businesses among others."
"Having received the reports, the Federal Government remains solute in its determination to have a peaceful Nigeria. The Federal Government will do the needful, within the context of the legal provisions, in ensuring that the matter is giving the deserved attention and those found guilty will be made to face the wrath of the law."
The Nigerian Army has handed over Nollywood Veteran actor, Chinwetalu Agu to the Department of State Security Services, DSS for further investigation.
Agu was arrested in Upper-Iweka, Onitsha, Anambra state on Thursday after he was seen soliciting for the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB. He was also wearing an outfit made from the Biafran Flag.
Military Spokesman, Onyema Nwachukwu, In a statement on Thursday night revealed that Agu resisted arrest and was not brutalised as widely reported.
"Chinwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting of the public to the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization."
"While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security."
However, on Friday afternoon, reports filtered in that the Army had released Chinwetalu Agu but findings by this newspaper reveal otherwise.
The comic actor was instead handed over to the Department of State Security Service, DSS.
When ed, the spokesperson of the Secret police, Dr. Peter Afunanya(PhD.), confirmed that the Army handed Agu over to the service.
Five kidnapped students of the Baptist High school, Maraban Damishi, in Chikun Local Government Area in Kaduna have been released by Bandits.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the the students alongside a matron were released on Friday evening.
A statement signed by the Rev. Dr. Israel Adelani Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention confirmed the development.
"Five of our Bethel Baptist High School students and the Matron (Making 6) have just been released to us this evening, October 8. We thank God and trust that the remaining four students will also be released."
Former Deputy CBN governor, Kingsley Moghalu has pitched his tent with the Action Democratic Congress, ADC ahead of the 2023 Presidential Elections.
Moghalu announced on Friday that he is now a member of the ADC after leaving his former Party, the YPP in 2019. He aims to clinch the party's ticket as its Presidential candidate.
POLITICS NIGERIA recalls that in June 2021, Moghalu announced his intentions to content for the Nation's top seat in the 2023 Elections. Moghalu contested as the presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP) in 2019 and lost to incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. He finished 14th on the election log with just 26,039 to Buhari’s 15.1 million votes.
How much money, property does a man need? I am compelled to believe that the faculty for primitive accumulation is a pre-historic flaw of the African species. From Mobutu Sese Seko, former president of the Democratic Republic of Congo; General Sani Abacha of Nigeria, to Teodorin Obiang, vice-president of Equatorial Guinea; Jacob Zuma of South Africa, and many others in the corruption phylum, African leaders and public officers appear to be the most afflicted by the midge of acquisitiveness.
Why would any normal human entrusted with public funds, stash away millions of dollars in tax havens and buy sprawling estates in foreign countries? And most times, they do not live in these houses. I think there is a design flaw with the African public officer; I mean, with the Nigerian public officer.
Diezani Alison-Madueke, former minister of petroleum resources, is reported to have pilfered over $153 million, bought N14 billion worth of jewellery and acquired over 90 properties in Nigeria – according to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). This clearly shows a psychological kink. It is mindboggling. The longest anyone can live on earth is 120 years, but why the rapacity and predilection for irrational accumulation?
Another former minister is reported to have bought £6.7m London properties while she was in office. When we colligate over 100 million Nigerians stratified as poorest of the poor, decayed health infrastructure and parlous roads with the ghastly and ravenous pursuits of Nigerian public officers, it is even more exasperating. Nigerians slip below the threshold of poverty every minute and Nigeria keeps borrowing religiously to fund its budget, but the country’s wealth is squandered and scattered abroad. It is very vexing.
I think, if possible, there should be some evaluation to check the ‘’greed quotient’’ of people taking up public office in Nigeria. The average Nigerian public officer has shown himself to be a parasitic organism that keeps sucking the national treasury with a proboscis.
Not surprising, Nigerians are ‘’well-represented’’ in the Pandora Papers. The Pandora Papers Project is led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) – which Nigeria’s Times is a part of. The project sieved through and analysed as much as 12 million leaked files retrieved from offshore service firms from around the world. And Nigerian public officers featured prominently in this investigation.
Nigerians, both current and former public officers, have been named ignominiously in reports revealing how the Nigerian elite evade tax, perjure, loot, and shore up questionable wealth in tax havens.
For instance, a certain former governor who had cut for himself an ascetic image in the public eye was reported not to have declared a bulk of his wealth when he assumed office – and he even avoided tax. This politician seeks to lead Nigeria some day. Also, a serving governor is said to have amassed dirty billions stashed away in tax havens.
This governor is said to have been ‘’involved with all the offshore front companies and bank s – from the British Virgin Islands to Ireland, Switzerland, England, Guernsey, and Jersey – used to steal and launder billions of dollars belonging to Nigeria under the Abacha regime as a director, signatory on s or prime beneficiary, according to US court documents and incorporation filings from the Pandora Papers leaks’’.
A public servant who was recently appointed as the head of a critical government agency was reported to have purchased a piece of property worth 475,000 pounds in London, UK, after he was appointed as an executive director at the agency in 2017. The asset is said to be his largest single investment in the UK property market.
The uncanny thing about the Pandora Papers is that Nigeria’s geographical character is well-captured on the corruption lamina. The federal character of corruption. Public officers from the north, south, east and west have been named on that inglorious list.
Nigeria’s corruption respects diversity and federal character. Resources and public goods may not be equitably distributed among all Nigerians, and even political offices could be sectionalised, but on corruption, there is always a geographical balance. Yes, there is always a perfect ethnic representation at the table of loot.
Where true democracy is at play among the Nigerian elite is on corruption. On corruption, there is common ground. Corruption is the centrifugal force pulling all together in the council of interest.
Really, Nigeria’s problem is an elite problem -- conscienceless people who stack up wealth in foreign countries while the country they represent is cannibalised. To this class, Nigeria is only fit for milking, but for healthcare they go abroad; for education for their children, they go abroad, and for other basics, they jet out.
As I said in ‘The colonialists never left – they are Nigerian politicians’ of October 1, 2020,’ impunity and corruption, which reigned under British colonialism, are ensconced solidly in Nigeria’s cosmology today, and are even considered as start-up packages for elitism under Nigeria’s ‘’elite colonialism’’.
Femi Adesina, Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity has lashed out at Enyinnaya Abaribe, the Senator representing Abia-South Senatorial District of Abia State for ‘exacerbating the security challenges’ Nigeria is currently faced with.
In a post titled: WEIGHTY MATTERS ABOUT OUR COUNTRY, published on his known Facebook page on Thursday night, Adesina berated Abaribe, saying the senate minority leader should be cooling off in jail.
“Some people incite violence through words or actions, thus exacerbating the security challenges we have. You wonder where they are from, and why they would further stoke a burning fire with incendiary materials,” Adesina wrote.
“There is one funny Senator who talks about the mismanagement of our diversity as a country, yet he daily uses foul language against those in leadership. He stood surety for someone bent on dismemberment of the country, and when that one vanished, and he should have been cooling his feet in prison, the Senator still spews rubbish. Chief ‘mismanager’ of our diversity. And the President had words for him and his ilk, who exist round the country: ‘We are ready to arrest and prosecute all persons inciting violence through words or action. Our resolve for a peaceful, united and one Nigeria remains resolute and unwavering. The seeds of violence are planted in people’s heads through words. Reckless utterances of a few have led to losses of many innocent lives and destruction of properties.’”
POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Abaribe stood as surety for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who who jumped bail some few years back.
Kanu was granted bail in April 2017 after 18 months in detention, but he fled Nigeria later that year after soldiers invaded his residence in Abia state during a military clampdown on IPOB .
He was, however, re-arrested in June and extradited to Nigeria to face trial for treasonable felony.
The IPOB leader has since been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) pending the continuation of his trial.
The Nigerian Army has released a statement on the arrest of popular Nollywood actor, Chinwetalu Agu by soldiers in Upper Iweka area of Onitsha, Anambra State on Thursday.
Agu was manhandled and forcefully arrested by fierce-looking soldiers. Below is a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by army media chief, Onyema Nwachukwu;
"Troops of Nigerian Army(NA) have arrested one Chiwetalu Agu while inciting of the public and soliciting for for the proscribed Indegenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Dressed in a very well known attire of the proscribed group, Chiwetalu Agu was picked up for questioning while inciting of the public to the proscribed group. Though he attempted puting up some resistance when troops made effort to take him into custody, he was not assaulted or subjected to brutalization."
"While the NA recognizes the inalienable rights of the citizenry to freedom of movement and expression as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, it is apparently a violation for any individual or group to incite the public to cause mayhem or break down of law and order. It is therefore pertinent to state that while exercising such freedoms, it must be done within the confines of the law, bearing in mind the imperative for peace, and national security."
"For the avoidance of doubt and emphasis, the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) remains proscribed . Therefore, any individual or group seen to be projecting and advancing the cause or activities of the group is viewed as brazenly challenging the constitutionality of Federal Republic of Nigeria. More worrisome, was the fact that considering the prevailing security situation of the region, coupled with the ongoing Exercise GOLDEN DAWN , his action could be a tacit endorsement and for the proscribed group. We have all witnessed the activities of the group take a violent dimension in recent times."
"Chinwetalu Agu has clearly demonstrated uncharitable disposition to negate peace and security in the region, hence, he is taken into custody for preliminary investigation. It is important to once again place on record that the allegation that he was brutalized is false and should be disregarded accordingly."
"While the NA would not allow IPOB and its sponsors to hold the region captive and allow the security situation to degenerate, it is instructive to restate that national interest supercedes any parochial consideration. Individuals or groups who fan the embers of violence are warned to desist or face the consequences of their actions. The ongoing Exercises are on course and will rid the region of all forms of criminality."
"The peace loving and law abiding people of the South East are ened to please go about their normal activities, as efforts are ongoing to bring perpetrators of violence to book. They are equally urged to continue to the security agencies to restore normalcy to the region in furtherance of peace."
Nigerian Soldiers have reportedly arrested popular Nollywood Actor, Chinwetalu Agu in Upper Iweka area of Anambra state for putting on an outfit with colours of the Biafran Flag.
Agu's vehicle was stopped by soldiers who wasted no time to bring him out of his bus.
In footage seen by POLITICS NIGERIA, Agu was dragged and manhandled by the Soldiers. It can be recalled that the Nigerian Government has banned the display of the Biafran Flag in any part of the country.
Last Month, Agu went viral on social media after wearing an outfit made of the Biafran Flag with many Nigerians stating on social media that 'nothing must happen' to the popular thespian.
The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC has stated that a section of Nigerians are disqualified from owning Subscriber Identity Module, SIM.
This is contrary to a report by Punch on Wednesday. The commission made this clarification in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Thursday morning signed by its Public Affairs Director, Ikechukwu Adinde.
"The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) would like to draw the attention of the public to a publication in a section of the media, purporting that the Commission is developing a regulation to disqualify Nigerians below 18 years of age from getting Subscriber Identity Module (SIM)."
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Commission wishes to categorically state that the said report is not only misleading and inaccurate; but a misinformation and mischaracterisation of the proceedings of the Public Inquiry on the Reviewed/Draft Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, which took place on Tuesday, October 6, 2021."
"The Commission considers it necessary to set the record straight for the purpose of serving existing and potential telecom subscribers , investors and other stakeholders in the industry accurate information for making informed decisions."
"In accordance with sections 70 and 71 of the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA), 2003 and the Commission’s consultative engagement process, which define its rule-making process, the public inquiry was held for all relevant stakeholders to provide input on the draft regulatory instrument."
"The age of 18 years for SIM acquisition proposed in the draft regulation is contingent on the constitutional provision, which makes 18 years the age of consent in Nigeria. Also, SIM acquisition is a contract between service providers and their subscribers, which requires the subscriber to have proper legal status, be of matured mind and rational enough to bear certain responsibilities, obligations and liabilities imposed by a contract."
"The proposal is, therefore, to protect minors. Parents and guardians can acquire SIMs in their names on behalf of their children and wards in which case they assume whatever responsibilities or liabilities that arise from the usage of such SIMs, a measure expected to also strengthen national security."
"While the Commission is progressively pursuing digital inclusion for all, the draft proposal is intended to guarantee increased monitoring of children and shield the minors from undue liabilities in line with NCC’s Child Online Protection drive."
"However, the consultative engagement process is still ongoing, as the Commission is reviewing all input from relevant stakeholders in this regard and will consider and deliberate on all comments before issuing a final regulatory instrument."
"We appeal to our media stakeholders to always fact-check their stories pertaining to telecoms regulatory issues and seek necessary clarifications for informed and accurate reporting as the Commission runs an open-house system."
It is settled that the former Governor of Nassarawa State and senator representing Nassarawa State in the senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the indefatigable Senator Umaru Tanko Almakura, has declared his intention to contest for the position of national chairman of the All Progressive Congress, APC in its forthcoming national convention scheduled to hold December 2021.
His Excellency, Sen. Tanko Al Makura, the former governor of Nasarawa State and incumbent Senator representing Nasarawa South Senatorial District of Nasarawa State in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is an accomplished statesman, astute grassroots politician, bridge builder, and a proven man of peace.
On the 29th of May 2011, I attended his swearing-in and inauguration as governor of Nasarawa State in my then capacity as the Deputy National Secretary of the Congress for Progressive Change( C). He had won a bitter and utterly acrimonious election, in which the ruling Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) had employed all its might, including state apparatuses, the law enforcement agencies, and underhand tactics in its bid to upturn the results in their favor. But his massive followership's determination, doggedness, and steadfastness gave him victory by a slim margin. Underlining his popularity and the love his people had for him.
The people of Nasarawa State came out in overflowing numbers to witness the inauguration ceremony held in the Lafia Township Stadium. Indeed, the mammoth crowd went ecstatic and agog when Alhaji Al-Makura arrived with the National Leader of the C, the then Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (Rtd), in a motorcade.
I was pleasantly surprised when I saw the former Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Clement David Ebri, as the dignitaries attending the ceremony. Mr. Ebri later told me that he and Alhaji Al-Makura were delegates to the Constituent Assembly convened by General Ibrahim Babangida to discuss the 1989 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I saw another dignitary, a woman from Cross River State.
When I asked her how she came to know Alhaji Al-Makura, she told me that Alhaji Al-Makura and her classmates were in the defunct Advanced Teachers Training College, Uyo, in the then South Eastern State in the 1970s. During that period, the Federal Military Government had encouraged States to embark on exchange programs of students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions to promote national integration. Alhaji Al-Makura was from the then Benue Plateau State and was sent on an exchange program in the South Eastern State.
Little wonder Alhaji Al-Makura is such a broad-minded Nigerian who has friends and associates across the country. He was a two-term Governor of Nassarawa State, a mini Nigeria state because of the diversity of her population, and he managed it very well.
Alhaji Al-Makura was appointed a Member of the defunct C Merger Committee in January 2013. The of reference of the Committee discussed a merger with the then Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and any other progressive political party in the country to form a broad-based political party to fight the PDP that was bestriding the political landscape of the country like a colossus. As the Secretary of the Committee, I can attest that Alhaji Al-Makura was Central to the merger of the ACN, C, ANPP, and factions of AGPA, New PDP, Andy DPP towards the formation of the All Progressives Congress, APC. Indeed, Alhaji Al-Makura was also central to running and managing the defunct C affairs from 2011 to 2013. His contribution was undisputably unquantifiable!
A very humble, coolheaded man who is also an embodiment of integrity and progressivism, and intellectualism. He is a principled politician and has the power of oratory. He does not succumb to the desperate pursuit of wealth. He was already a successful businessman before he went into politics.
Undoubtedly, in these very trying times in our national polity, the APC needs a peacemaker and a proven selfless unifying leader, Alhaji Al-Makura, to manage its affairs and rebuild the party to greater heights as the National Chairman of the Party in the forthcoming transition.
Senator Almakura is a Gwandara, one of the ethnic nationalities that dot Nassarawa State, one of the melting pots of Nigeria in of ethnic composition. You find groups in Cross River, Enugu, Edo, Kogi, Benue, Bornu States in Nassarawa State. To manage such a Hodgepodge of ethnicities requires someone who is broad-minded, coolheaded, enlightened, and imbued with exposure.
However, as Governor, Senator Almakura managed Nassarawa State with such talent and skill, bringing to bear the sterling qualities I have mentioned earlier, which somebody who wants to manage a mosaic complexity should have. Senator almakura is imbued with such qualities and would be an asset to the APC as it shuffles to a testy transition programme come 2022. He will be a bridge between northern and southern Nigeria.
The Nigerian Communications Commission has announced the disqualification of anyone below the age of 18 from ing and owning a SIM in Nigeria, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.
This is according to the draft copy of the modified registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations published on the commission’s website.
The commission in modified regulations only allowed subscribers above the age of 18 to haves SIMs. The regulation was made in line with the powers conferred upon the commission by section 70 of the Nigerian Communications Act,2003.
In accordance with Section 57 of the Act, the NCC conducted a Public Inquiry on the Registration of Telephone Subscribers Regulations, alongside the draft SIM Replacement Guidelines and the draft Spectrum Trading Guidelines at its head office in Abuja on Tuesday.
At the Public Inquiry, Telecoms giant, MTN voiced opposition to the directive adding that the age limit should be 14 years. The NCC maintained its stance adding that the age limit remains 18 years.
Nigeria's independence clocked 61 years on October 1, 2021. Sadly, the country has been battling with the Boko Haram insurgency for one-quarter of six decades. Three weeks before the latest anniversary, something phenomenal that got everybody talking happened: an early gift from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC).
The Emirates won the hearts of millions of Nigerians with the revelation of Boko Haram sponsors. Many are disappointed that the United States of America (USA) remains indecisive on this important matter. I salute the UAE for stepping up and showing leadership while others dilly-dally. Their action was not only unprecedented, it will remain indelible. The UAE deserves more accolades.
The Emirates could have deflected but took the path of courage and honour. They are pained by what is going on in Nigeria and fulfilled what their conscience dictated. It should ring loud in our ears and stick to our heads that the UAE cried more than the bereaved, exposing some of the evildoers in Nigeria while the leaders who begged for votes remain silent.
Is it not amazing that security, anti-corruption and anti-narcotics agencies arrest, parade and prosecute sex workers, rapists, drug peddlers, petty thieves, rogues in public and private sectors, armed robbers, kidnappers, internet fraudsters a.k.a. 'Yahoo boys', but find it somewhat difficult to mete out the same treatment to terrorists' godfathers? What is going on might actually be deeper than what we thought.
In case America does not perfectly decipher, we are pressurizing them to unseal the identities of Boko Haram funders due to the insistence of the Buhari istration that there is no need for unmasking. The presidency made its position known through spokespersons, Femi Adesina and Garba Shehu. Likewise the Attorney General and Justice Minister, Abubakar Malami. Let it be on record that Nigeria is concealing the names of terror financiers.
Messrs Adesina and Garba strongly defended the non-disclosure, just like in the case of Twitter ban. He who pays the piper truly dictates the tune. These are senior colleagues we ired for their definite stance on issues and leadership failure before they were appointed into the ruling government. I have no doubt in my mind that the aides would hold a different view if they were not in power; they would have ed the clamour for divulgence.
Boko Haram was founded by Mohammed Yusuf in Maiduguri, the Borno capital in 2002. He successfully radicalised thousands of youths, preached hostility toward secular education and promoted jihad. His sermons spread like wildfire as adherents stored different recordings on their phones like playlists. Federal and state authorities became agitated. "Who is this young man that has attained authority, status and influence within a short period of time?".
In July 2009, Yusuf reportedly died in the custody of the police after the military-led t Task Force (JTF) handed him over. Around the time, soldiers and policemen raided communities, picked out suspected Boko Haram and executed them on the streets! These events infuriated staunch followers of Yusuf who took up arms and manufactured Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). They bombed security facilities and killed many security personnel in retaliation. I vividly recall the photos and gory videos. Since then, the fundamentalist group has been on a rampage, exporting its fury to neighbouring countries.
Cameroon, Chad and Niger have their own tales of Boko Haram ruthlessness. The insurgency actually led to the strengthening of the Multinational t Task Force (MNJTF), headquartered in N'Djamena. Although the force had been in existence since the 1990s, its mandate was expanded in April 2012 to encom counter-terrorism operations to suppress Boko Haram and Ansaru. The sects swelled in size and strength in the early 2010s, infiltrating the BAY States - Borno, Adamawa and Yobe.
In September 2011, former President Olusegun Obasanjo sought to broker ceasefire after he was ed by a group of pacifists including activist and former Kaduna Senator, Shehu Sani. After conferring with ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, 'Obj', as fondly called, flew to Borno secretly. Within hours, the media got the scoop that the erstwhile military Head of State travelled to the State to meet Yusuf's family. Not many were taken aback. Obasanjo is largely a fearless man, a reason some believes he possesses 'traditional powers'.
Arbitration is one of his talents and to date, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and West countries routinely engage the Prime Minister of Owu. At Yusuf's household, Obasanjo, who spoke in Hausa, appealed to the relations to allow him mediate between and the government. Yusuf's brother-in-law, Babakura Fugu, whose father was also slain in 2009, said it was the first time a high-profile figure would meet them.
Fugu was frank at the parley, hinting that 30 to 40 percent of Boko Haram fighters were in Cameroon, Chad and Niger. He presented a list of demands to Obasanjo. Although the requests were never made public, they reportedly included the reconstruction of demolished properties, the trial of government agents for extra-judicial killings, compensation for affected families and the release of incarcerated .
Before the meeting, Obasanjo was in Jos, the Plateau capital, for peace talks with Christian and Muslim leaders over the ethno-religious conflict that claimed - and still claim - several lives. I know about and witnessed some of the atrocities that occurred. I was in the State as a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Batch C 2010. It was scary. Anytime violence erupted, Christians were usually at risk on Northerners-dominated Bauchi Road, while the safety of Muslims could not be guaranteed on Southerners-dominated Bauchi Ring Road. My apartment was in between.
I how the NYSC repeatedly appeal that we always stay safe and avoid interstate trips except when necessary. Once clashes start, the thought of death and my body transported to my parents, Pastor and Mrs Odunsi (both ed on in 2019) in our village in Igbesa, Ogun State, filled me with dread. I never traveled during service year. I was security conscious too and often stayed indoors in my abode inside the University of Jos (UNIJOS) Senior Staff Quarters. Luckily, my Place of Primary Assignment (PPA) provided accommodation.
The crisis caused the cancellation of my set's ing Out Parade (POP) as the State and corps management feared for our safety. Grateful that I and hundreds of colleagues completed service unscathed. Not only did I serve my fatherland, I received NYSC State Honours Award for humanitarian efforts that touched orphanages and schools, and a Letter of Commendation by the Plateau Government for the facelift of a reformatory in Jos. The State is blessed with great people, food and weather. This is why the recrruing incidences of massacre makes my skin prickle.
I mentioned Obasanjo's trip to Borno and Plateau because ten years after his endeavours and those of the government, religious, traditional leaders and other stakeholders, Nigeria is still wrestling with the Boko Haram warfare and Plateau catastrophe. Even President Muhammadu Buhari, who identified the cause(s) of Plateau problems during a televised debate before the 2011 general elections and proffered solutions, seems confused. It is now less than two years to the end of his second term in office.
According to a June 2021 report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), by the end of 2020, the conflict in North-East Nigeria had resulted "in nearly 350,000 deaths, with 314,000 of those from indirect causes". About 1.8 million students are out of school. Similarly, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) declared approximately 2.5 million Nigerian refugees/internally displaced persons (IDPs). There are 780,000 such persons in Cameroon, Chad and Niger.
Despite these pitiful statistics, America's bureaucratic foot-dragging has continued. In September 2021, the UAE publised the names of six Nigerians apprehended for funding Boko Haram - Abdurrahaman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad. The announcement followed their indictment and prosecution in 2020 by the National Security Bureau (NSB) years after their April 2017 arrest.
I covered the story and it raises one's spirit that the UAE listed the devilish men among 53 individuals and entities (allegedly) playing a role in inducing agony and taking lives they cannot give. Court documents showed how the convicted Nigerians, between 2015 and 2016, wired $782,000 to Boko Haram in violation of Article 29, Clause 3 of UAE’s Federal Anti-Terrorism Law No 7 of 2017. The transactions were facilitated by two fellow countrymen the NSB named 'Alhaji Sa’idu' and 'Alhaji Ashiru', described as 'a government official'.
The government and most people in America honour God. In fact, "In God we trust" is the country's official motto. Does the US government think God is happy with them for shielding the identity of terror financiers in Nigeria? Is America at ease with how pregnant women, nursing mothers, the young and elderly are grisly decimated by terrorists? Are the number of deaths, total permanent disability, and homes, livelihoods, communities destroyed not enough? Galatians, chapter 6 verse 2 urges those who can, to carry the burden of others. Hebrews chapter 13 verse 16 advises the sharing of what you have.
The people of Nigeria want the details of the information America has on this satanic insurgency and the masterminds. Rather than name and shame, the US is delaying even as lives are wasted night and day. In late August, the US government, for the umpteenth time, assured it would identify sponsors of terrorism in Africa's most populous State. Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard said talks are ongoing.
“That is something we are very eager to partner Nigeria on. I have had at least three conversations in the last two months on this subject", the envoy told reporters. For how long are we going to hear and endure promises from the nation widely regarded as the most powerful on earth? Why is the US failing to prove the title by refusing to de-classify intel on the bastards fuelling the murder of hundreds of thousands of civilians? What are they afraid of? Thank God for UAE.
In early August, the State Department, supervised by Secretary Antony Blinken, added the names of five terrorist leaders in Africa to the list of Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). Abubakar Shekau and Musab Al-Barnawi (both reportedly dead) are/were veterans on the . The latter was Yusuf's son and leader of the ISIS-d Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP). Al-Barnawi was only 15 years old when his father and mentor died.
My argument: There is not much difference between militants and those who bankroll their activities; every single one should be brought to light. In March 2020, the State Department, led by Secretary Mike Pompeo, placed a $15million bounty on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro for alleged drug trafficking to the US. Maduro, the head of a country, was named! The US government must devote such energy to Boko Haram sponsors and stop making it look as if it cares less since Americans in Nigeria are rarely targeted.
Also during Ambassador Leonard's chat with the press, she assuaged the fear that Nigeria might end up like Afghanistan: “I hear people making the analogy with Afghanistan a lot, it does not match up. When you listen to what President Biden said on how troops went to Afghanistan in the first place, it was because they were in a horrible tragedy, over 3,000 Americans were killed. That is a different construct." My response: The 350,000 Nigerians dead had blood running in their veins too!
In mid-August, two weeks before the 'assurance', the Taliban chased out the Aghan government after a spirited 20-year battle with Aghan and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces. In an interview with CNN after the overrun, a commander Muhammed Afri Mustafa noted that even with the helicopters, weapons and tanks deployed against the Islamist movement, "the Mujahideen resisted very well".
"It is our belief that one day, Mujahideen will have victory. Islamic law will come not just to Afghanistan but all over the world. We are not in a hurry, we believe it will come. Jihad will not end until the last day", Mustafa sworn. Ambassador Leonard is aware that Boko Haram's primary objective is the establishment of an Islamic State; the secondary objective is the wider imposition of Islamic rule beyond Nigeria. Simple maths: Taliban's vow plus Boko Haram's adjunct ambition may be equal to Nigeria takeover if not effectively and timely checked.
The US should never again tell us to stay calm; we never want to hear comments like "What happened in Afghanistan cannot happen in Nigeria". Bandits/terrorists shot down military planes; bandits/terrorists assassinated Major General Hassan Ahmed; bandits/terrorists killed officers during an invasion of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA); bandits/terrorists have attacked schools, communities, military and paramilitary bases, UN and aid agencies' buildings/facilities. They are not relenting yet.
Matthew T. Page, an Associate Fellow at Chatham House told me that though he is not knowledgeable enough to explain why the US has not taken the same measures as the UAE, the US military and intelligence assistance to Nigeria is a challenging proposition for several reasons.
"First, the Nigerian military has been a difficult and unpredictable partner over the years, even at the best of times. It is inherently suspicious of outside help and unwilling to acknowledge its shortcomings.
"Second, it routinely commits gross human rights violations which - under US law - preclude it from receiving many types of training and assistance. The military is unwilling to recognize that it has an appalling human rights record and to take meaningful steps to correct it moving forward and hold its personnel able for past abuses.
"Third, intelligence sharing has been challenging because the military has not always used shared information in a timely or responsible way. My understanding is, however, that intelligence sharing is the bedrock of US-Nigeria counterterrorism cooperation and continues to take place as needed.
"It is my view that the notion that Nigeria needs more hardware to "crush" Boko Haram is flawed. Nigeria faces a complex range of security threats that include (but are not limited to) insurgency in the northeast. Military force is just one tool in the government's toolbox: it needs to use a variety of others to get the job done."
The former US intelligence expert on Nigeria said international training and assistance can be helpful, but real security sector reform, professionalization, reinvestment and recapitalization, a crackdown on rampant security sector corruption, and respect for civil liberties and human rights are all part of the equation.
"Branding every troublemaker as a "terrorist" and "enemy of the state" will not deescalate the cycles of violence and insecurity that are destabilizing Nigeria at the moment. Until Nigeria's national, state, and local leaders begin addressing the causes of conflict - and stop, in many cases, making them worse - any effort to "crush" Boko Haram and other deadly threats will have limited impact", Page added.
Notwithstanding my grouse, I commend the US for development assistance to Nigeria, interventions on the COVID-19 pandemic and the largest African defense deal (approx. $500million) covering the 12 A-29 Super Tucano, extra weapons, spare parts and contract logistics aid. Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots and maintainers were trained with the US Air Force 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base (AFB) in Georgia.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is also providing $36million in infrastructure to the A-29s’ home - Kainji Air Base: earth-covered magazines and aircraft sunshades; flight annex wing building for simulator training; ammunition depot and small arms storage; perimeter and security fencing; airfield hot cargo pad, lights and apron; parking, hangar and entry control point enhancements.
Additionally, Navy officers completed a drill conducted by US Coast Guard officers. The capacity builder will strengthen maritime law enforcement competence in Nigerian waters, particularly in the Gulf of Guinea. The trainees were tutored in techniques on the threat of piracy and oil infrastructure insecurity; perseverance during operations; scenarios and tactics in the use of force; evidence processing and arrest procedures; countering illegal fishing, trafficking of weapons, narcotics and people.
The USS Hershel “Woody” Williams too was in Lagos for an at-sea training exercise with Nigerian offshore patrol vessels. Again, the Navy Special Boat Service (SBS) and the US Army Special Forces completed a five-week t Combined Exchange Training (J-CET). It is good to know that Nigeria and America engage in military exercises - African Lion, Flintlock and Obangame Express.
In conclusion, two adages are germane: 'You don't go to bed when there is fire on the roof'; 'Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches'. Nigerians are sick and tired of this terrorism madness. I am adding my voice and urging America to blow the whistle on Boko Haram sponsors. The US should act without further procrastination. The time is now, we await. To serving and fallen personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces, I Salute and Thank You for your service.
The insistence of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, to proceed with the adoption of an electronic voting system ahead of rounds of elections, despite the unaddressed legal, logistics and constitutional constraints, has raised curious concerns of many Nigerians, this newspaper can report.
Also, the main opposition, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), is in sync with the INEC’s position and has urged the electoral body to use the electronic direct transmission of results in the 2023 general elections and other future polls regardless of the visible constraints and landmines identified.
There is a growing concern among key stakeholders over what is turning to be a a 'strange alliance' between Mahmood and the PDP on electronic voting/transmission. Sources reveal that the chair who reportedly being suspected of being sympathetic to the party is pushing for its stand on the matter. This development has pitted majority of the stakeholders against one another.
Senate, House of Reps, others debate
Electronic voting, which involves the deployment of technology in the conduct of elections, generated renewed clamour after the 2019 general elections and this made the current 9th National Assembly to expedite action on the amendment of the Electoral Act.
With almost all the stakeholders evenly disposed to adopting such a voting method if the extant laws are put in place, the proposed electronic reform which is expected to reduce glaring manipulation, irregularities, falsification of results, hijack of ballot boxes, intimidation, thuggery, and other fraudulent tendencies in the voting process, however, suffered an impediment when the transmission of election results electronically and spending limits for candidates of political parties became contentious.
In the Senate, during the clause-by-clause consideration of the bill, deputy senate whip, Sabi Abdullahi, prayed the Senate to amend the section to read, “The commission may consider the electronic transmission of election results provided the network coverage in the area concerned is adjudged to be conducive for the transmission of results by the National Communication Commission.”
Speaking in a similar tone, the Majority Whip, Orji Kalu, stated, “I am voting ‘no’ because there is no telecommunications network in my village and I will not want my people to be disenfranchised.”
Also before heading for its annual vacation in July, it took the House of Representatives two days to consider the report on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill, or better still, to consider the controversial section 52(3) of the bill.
After the ime, the House ed the majority of the 158 clauses of the bill intact including Clause 52 (2), which provides that the INEC shall determine the mode of voting/transmission of election results.
Meanwhile, upon resumption from their annual recess, both the Senate and the House of Representatives have set up a 14-member Conference Committee on the Electoral Act Amendment Bill to achieve concurrence, harmonise and resolve gray areas of the bill.
The bill will be transmitted to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent after the harmonisation of the two versions by the conference committee of both chambers.
Reinforcing the reservations of the lawmakers urging for a second look, an Executive Commissioner at the NCC, Barr. Adeleke Adewolu, who briefed lawmakers at the House of Representatives during the debate, said that only 50 percent of the country has the 3G coverage required for transmission.
Justifying the stance of his colleagues especially APC senators, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, said the senate voted the way it did during the consideration of the Electoral Act 2010 Amendment Bill, in defence of about half of the Nigerian voters whose votes may not be counted with immediate deployment or application of electronic transmission of election results.
He said, “When you have not reached that stage where you could deploy the electronic transmission from every part of the country, then you have to be very careful. And no matter what anybody may say, you cannot have about 50 percent of Nigerian voters not participating or not getting their votes counted in elections and say it doesn’t matter, that we have to start the electronic transmission.
“We know the evils of not transmitting results electronically but compare the evils of electronically transmitting just half of the electoral votes from Nigerians and say you have elected a President with 50 percent only.”
However, the PDP insisted that since INEC is in the position to deploy technology to conduct online registration of voters, which entails electronic transmission of voter’s data to its central server, the commission can also conduct an electronic transmission of results directly from the polling unit to its central server.
“Our party calls the attention of the commission to the fact that it no longer has any excuse not to employ the direct transmission of results from polling units, which will ensure credible elections by eliminating manipulations, alterations, switching, and disappearance of election results during manual collation processes.
“The PDP will take all necessary legal steps to ensure that this APC scam is not allowed to stand in any way. We, therefore, call on all lovers of democracy who see the free, fair and transparent election as vital, to stand up against this fraud.”
But the Commission at the centre of it all, the INEC, suggested it has the capacity to transmit election results electronically from remote areas across the country, adding that its technology capacity had ed results from very remote areas in previous elections.
With the NASS harmonization committee on the amendment still working on an acceptable middle ground, many Nigerians have been surprised with the several eruptions of INEC chairman, Prof Yakubu, on the controversial reform.
At a workshop for journalists covering the commission with the theme: “Inclusive Elections in Anambra State and Beyond”, Yakubu, who was represented by INEC’s National Commissioner in charge of publicity and Chairman, Voter Education, Festus Okoye, said the November 6 governorship election result would be transmitted electronically real time.
“The Commission will also use its new technological device to polling unit level results to its central result viewing portal. Nigerians that have access to internet facilities can and view the results as they are being ed.”
However, a former minority whip in the House of Representatives, disclosed that the INEC chairman is acting out of the stipulated rules that sets up the Commission.
“I really don’t understand the reason for the haste on the part of the INEC chair to quickly enforce what has not been made a law. Is there something we are not being told because this appears to be love for a particular party, rather than love the country.
“I also found it befuddling that INEC is claiming that it has the capacity for electronic voting even in remote areas when the NCC, which is responsible for the provision of qualitative and efficient telecommunications services throughout the country, already highlighted the limitations. Is INEC a network provider or PHCN who gives power supply?”
A Troubling 'Alliance'?
Also speaking, a social commentator, Comrade Tunji Adele, said it is curious that an election umpire and the main opposition party are on the same unwavering page over an amendment that has to do with over 200 million Nigerians.
While calling for merit in the discussion of the electoral law, he said Yakubu, who was selected by former President Goodluck Jonathan to serve as Asst. Secretary, Finance and istration during the 2014 National Confab, has to be above board to prove his non-partisanship to any party, individuals and groups.
“I was first opposed to the action of the senate but when I recalled the incidents around the infamous Dubai Server in 2019, I had a rethink because some of those shouting to high heavens may have one or two manipulations tendencies.
“People think Lagos or Abuja are the only places that made up Nigeria. But they are limited in scope because most other places do not have the facilities for electronic voting, and this would lead to the disenfranchisement of eligible voters."
"Electronic voting is futuristic, but not realistic for the north at a time like this. particularly. Is it possible to have electronic voting or transmission of results without electricity? The answer is no."
"The PDP conducted election general elections four times, why didn’t they introduce electronic voting since them? Why are they ganging up now on what they failed to do."
While raising the alarm that the INEC chairman may probably be under pressure especially from the opposition, he said the subject of conversation should be on how to see to the harmonization and subsequent g of the law.
“I think the disposition of the INEC chairman to anything PDP should change because it appears they (PDP)want real chaotic system that will just ignite like fire.”
With alleged insinuation that the Professor is still keen on seeing the report of the national conference being adopted after nearly 7 years. It is left to be seen what may become of the seemingly soft spot the INEC chair has for the opposition that actually brought about a similar way of reasoning, especially on the electoral voting system.
The Department of State Security Services, DSS has denied any involvement in the murder of Dr. Chike Akunyili, the husband of late NAFDAC DG, Dora Akunyili.
The secret police in a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA, signed by its spokesman, Dr. Peter Afunanya, called on the general public to disregard such rumours.
The statement read in full; "The attention of the Department of State Services (DSS) has been drawn to an allegation that its operatives killed Dr. Chike Akunyili. Also, the Service was alerted to a social media video claiming that the “Nigerian DSS” murdered security escorts at Nkpor, Anambra State on 28th September, 2021."
"The Service hereby denies these allegations and wishes to clearly state that they are spurious and illogical. There was no basis for the DSS to kill the Medical Doctor and/or fellow law enforcement agents. The Service cherishes life and believes in the rule of law."
"The public should therefore be wary of the false narratives by those desirous of using it (the Service) to cover up their heinous acts. The operations of these hostile elements are already well known in the public space and to the discerning. Moreover, their desperate effort to divert attention or deploy reverse psychology to deceive unsuspecting of the public has become a stock in trade that has defined their patterns and trends. It is a matter of time before the law will catch up with them."
"Meanwhile, the Service and sister agencies will not relent in tracking down those behind the breakdown of law and order in parts of the country with a view to bringing them to justice."
Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state has placed a bounty of N20 million on the killers of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband of late NAFDAC DG, Dora Akunyili, POLITICS NIGERIA has learned.
In a public address on Wednesday evening, Obiano condemned the recent spate of attacks in different areas of the state.
In his words; "I have received from Security Commanders, Offices of some political parties, branded campaign vehicles and individuals occupying them have been attacked with killings and burning of vehicles observed."
"Other innocent road s have become victims of this menace with many losing their lives and others, their properties."
"Between Sunday 26th and yesterday 28th September, 2021 attacks on citizens at Oko, Agulu, Obosi, Nkpor, Nnobi, Nnewi and other places have left about ten (10) people dead including an illustrious son of this State, Dr Chike Akunyili, husband of late Prof Dora Akunyili who was reportedly gunned down yesterday around Nkpor."
"These are our own people dying every day and for what reason? Ndi Anambra, these attacks and accompanying deaths cannot be justified and must stop now."
The Governor disclosed that he has summoned a security meeting to carve out strategies to tackle the menace.
"I have therefore conducted an extensive security meeting and have directed all Security Agencies to step up and confront this monster ravaging our land. I charge everyone involved in the security architecture of Anambra State to take very seriously, this threat to our livelihood and boldly rise to confront same. Everything that needs to be done will be done and no stone will be left unturned in this effort. My directive to this effect is clear and i urge every security personnel on duty in Anambra State to do his utmost best to secure our people."
"To all citizens of Anambra State and every person living and doing business in our State, I urge you now to forces with us to confront this common enemy. We cannot condone this savagery for any reason whatsoever."
"I therefore call on all our youths in the State to rise up and protect our communities. Traditional Rulers, Presidents General, Clergy men, Vigilante Groups and all leadership structures must now take responsibility and in conjunction with the Police, Military and other Law Enforcement Agencies, work to restore order immediately."
"To reinforce our commitment and seriousness on this issue, I on behalf of the State Government, wish to announce a twenty million Naira (N20,000,000.00) reward for any useful information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators of these heinous attacks on our State. The people behind this must be unmasked and brought to book.", he said.
Nigeria's president, Muhammadu Buhari has issued a statement on the death of Dr. Chike Akunyili, husband to late NAFDAC DG, Dora Akunyili.
The President expressed deep sadness over the development. It can be recalled that Chike was gruesomely murdered by unknown gunmen in Anambra state. The statement, signed by Femi Adesina, seen by POLITICS NIGERIA read;
"President Muhammadu Buhari is deeply saddened by the gruesome killing of Dr Chike Akunyili, the husband of the late former Director-General of National Agency for Food and Drug istration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof Dora Akunyili."
"The President shares the pain of the offspring of Prof and Dr Akunyili, their families and friends whose lives will never remain the same after the inhuman and reprehensible act that happened in Onitsha, Anambra State."
"President Buhari has fond memories of working with the late Dora Akunyili at the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) and Nigerians will never forget the memory of the amazon, who distinguished herself as a courageous, dependable and patriotic citizen."
"Ening security agencies and leaders of thought to work harder to bring an end to the violence being unleashed on innocent Nigerians, the President assures the grieving families who lost their loved ones in the incident that the perpetrators of the heinous act will face both the judgment of man, and that of God."
Migration is a constant; it is a wheel that keeps roving. Yes, it is in the nature of man to be peripatetic. People will always move from one place to another for job opportunities, education, health, security and for whatever corporeal or incorporeal desideratum. This is basic.
The first of wave of ‘’japa’’ (Nigerian slang for emigration) in Nigeria was in the ‘70s/’80s. Faced with an uncertain future owing to military interregnums and a volatile economy, the Nigerian young journeyed to the West -- the US and UK -- while some left on a limb to Ukraine. Over the years more Nigerians have departed the country in pursuit of their dreams abroad. Some of these Diaspora Nigerians have distinguished themselves in different human enterprises. And they constitute a financial bulwark for the country, reportedly remitting about $25 billion annually.
Emigration may even be beneficial to the home country in the long run if citizens return fortified with skills, experience and hard currency to invest and drive development. But to attract these human assets, the home country must be conducive and the government must be deliberate and visionary about its plans and policies for Nigerians in the Diaspora.
Nigerians have not been the only ones ‘’japaing’’, the Chinese have been leaving their country in stupendous numbers since the ‘80s. In fact, prior to the 1980s when liberal emigration policies were enacted, China had witnessed an exodus of its citizens in the 19th century. These emigrants left the country owing to poverty, corruption, war and general societal malaise. The government had to enforce laws to curb mass emigrations. But in the 1980s, it relaxed these laws in line with its vaunted but convoluted ‘’laisser-faire’’ approach to governance. Since the ‘80s more Chinese have left their country.
In a 2014 article, ‘The Great Chinese Exodus’, The Wall Street Journal reported the why and wherefores of the Chinese emigration. It said: ‘’Today, China's borders are wide open. Almost anybody who wants a port can get one. And Chinese nationals are leaving in vast waves: Last year, more than 100 million outbound travellers crossed the frontiers. Most are tourists who come home. But rapidly growing numbers are college students and the wealthy, and many of them stay away for good. A survey by the Shanghai research firm Hurun Report shows that 64% of China's rich—defined as those with assets of more than $1.6 million—are either emigrating or planning to.’’
If citizens of a global power and first-class country like China could be exiting in legions, should it be concerning that young citizens of Nigeria are taking precipitous flights out of the country? Well, it should unnerve us. It means we have not created a congenial environment to keep the live-wire of the country, and it implies that we may be doing something wrong.
About 8,737 doctors who obtained their degrees in Nigeria are currently practising in the UK. According to the UK General Medical Council, 862 Nigerian doctors were licensed to practise in the country in 2020; while between June 2021 and September 2021, 353 doctors were ed to practise in the UK.
This should trouble us all – in a country where the ratio of doctor per patient is 1:5,000 against the World Health Organisation’s recommendation of 1:600. Nigerians who earned their degrees in Nigeria are being harvested by foreign countries. A few months ago, Saudi Arabia was conducting a screening exercise for Nigerian doctors it wanted to magic away in Lagos and Abuja. And we keep losing invaluable human resources.
While a mass of Nigerians (doctors, tech experts, academics, students) leaving the country constitutes a significant drain to the national talent pool, the other horde of citizens exiting are those frustrated by the afflictions of the system but largely unskilled. We should not in any way deride those seeking economic refuge abroad, but it is uncharitable to reduce Nigeria to a desert of opportunities -- where personal growth and accomplishments are completely arid – as some are opining.
The fecundity of a place most times depends on how willing we are to tend it. I strongly believe we can plant our seed anywhere, water and tend it, and watch it grow. Nigeria is not arid of opportunities.
Those making a spectacle of their emigration from Nigeria on social media as if the country is some infernal and desolate place only fit for miserable creatures, will realise soon enough that their identity as individuals abroad is intrinsically linked to Nigeria. Our first with the world outside our native sphere is as Nigerians; and we will always be seen, evaluated or judged as Nigerians.
Ridiculing Nigeria to make a point is self-immolation. We are all eternally connected to Nigeria, and whatever image we project of our country, we make of ourselves.
We can make treasures out of the exodus of Nigerian citizens by following the China example. China’s Diaspora contributed immensely in the rise of China as a global power – through capital investment, technology transfer, and innovation. It has even been argued that the Chinese Diaspora appropriated Western technology and transferred it back home. The Chinese government considers its citizens in Diaspora as an extension of China and as agents to drive its domestic interest. The government intervenes directly in the lives of its citizens abroad, even influencing projects in areas populated by Chinese.
It is not all lost. The Nigerian government can make lemonade out of these lemons – only if it wills it.
[b]
By Fredrick Nwabufo,’Mr OneNigeria’
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN was conferred with the “OMOLUABI” of ODUDUWA YOUTH WORLDWIDE for his unbiased patriotic service to our fatherland.
This was made known by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice in a statement issued on Tuesday 28th day of September, 2021.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Malami was conferred with the award and decorated for same by the Oduduwa Development Initiatives on Tuesday 28th day of September, 2021 in a function held in Abuja.
Speaking at the Occasion, the National of the Group, Mr. Akinyele Olasumbo described Malami as a patriotic and self-less Nigerian who ensures constitutional democracy and that justice is served without fair or favour.
He said Malami’s contribution in the fight against corruption yield positive results adding that the Minister has also uplifted people to fulfill their destinies through philanthropic gestures which he said the Yoruba and in fact the Oduduwa nation are proud of.
Olasumba applauded Malami for leading sound and intelligent Nigerian justice sector that move to the nation forward which he said are outstandingly remarkable and worthy of emulation.
Responding, Malami who was represented by the Special Assistant to the President on Financial Crime and Compliance, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Barr. Abiodum Aikomo appreciated the Organization for the recognition.
He enumerated the crucial roles and importance of Civil Society Organization in achieving sustainable development and ensuring grass root development in the society.
About 6 people have reportedly been shot dead as of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria, IMN clashed with security agents at the Gwarimpa gate near Galadimawa in Abuja on Tuesday.
The IMN also known as 'shiites 'were about to round off their Arbaeen Symbolic Trek when t security agents opened fire on them.
POLITICS NIGERIA also learned that two Shiite were shot by security operatives around a new generation bank along 3rd Avenue in Gwarimpa Estate, Abuja.
The incident threw the trek into confusion as people scampered for safety. The Secretary of the Academic Forum of IMN, Abdullahi Musa has since confirmed the incident.
“They are just shooting people. As I am talking to you now, six people have been killed. They even carried some dead bodies away,” he told a news correspondent.
of the sect had on Tuesday morning come out in continuation of their procession to mark the fortieth day of the murder of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad.
Presidential Spokesperson, Femi Adesina has revealed why President Muhammadu Buhari permitted Ex-aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode to return to the All progressives Congress, APC.
Adesina, in a lengthy article titled "Buhari, FFK and the Quality of Mercy", made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Thursday, stated that President Buhari was only displaying an 'attribute of God' which is Forgiveness.
He wrote: "Naturally, a lot of loyal APC are hopping mad that FFK was reitted into the party. And not only that, he got back at the highest level. Not at his ward in Ile-Ife, Osun State, but the triumphal entry was at the Presidential Villa, with President Buhari himself as the host."
"I understand the umbrage taken against the development by teeming APC ers. It’s the natural thing to do. But then, having vented spleen, raised dust and almost brought down the roof, the next thing is to isolate the issues disionately. With the bile displayed towards President Buhari and his family over the years, how did the man find the grace to have received FFK? How was he convinced? Who did the convincing? What were the extenuating factors? How? When? Why?"
"By agreeing to the reission of FFK to APC as the leader of the party, and hosting him at the Villa, President Buhari displayed amazing capacity to forgive, to show mercy, and let bygones be bygones. How many of us can do that? Not many."
" William Shakespeare in Merchant of Venice:
“The quality of mercy is not strained.
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven
Upon the place beneath. It is twice blest:
It blessed him that gives and him that takes...
It is an attribute of God Himself.”
"That was what Buhari did to FFK. He showed him mercy, dropping like gentle rain from heaven, when he could have otherwise spat into the sky, collecting the spittle with his own face. Was that not what me and you would have done? Confess. We would have told FFK to go to hell, and stay there. But Buhari didn’t. He displayed an attribute of God: forgiveness."
A Federal High Court, Abuja, on Thursday fixed Nov. 30 for judgment in a suit filed by deposed Emir Sanusi Lamido Sanusi II against the Kano State government and others over alleged violation of his rights.
POLITICS NIGERIA learned that Justice Anwuli Chikere fixed the date after counsel to parties in the matter adopted all their processes and final argument taken.
The deposed emir had, on March 12, 2020, sued the Inspector-General (I-G) of Police and Director-General, Department of State Services (DSS) over what he called “unlawful detention/confinement” at the Federal High Court, Abuja.
Also ed in the motion with suit number: FHC/ABJ/CS/357/2020 are the Attorney-General of Kano State and Attorney General of the Federation as 3rd and 4th respondents respectively.
The former emir had, in a motion -ex-parte dated March 12 by his team of lawyers, sought an interim order of the court releasing him from the detention and/or confinement of the respondents and restoring his right to human dignity, personal liberty.
Sanusi, after his banishment from Kano, was confined to Awe town, Nasarawa State. The presiding judge, Justice Anwuli Chikere, however. ordered his immediate release.
Although the deposed emir had since been released after the court ruling, the case is still in court as the originating motion was yet to be determined by the court.
Sanusi’s counsel, Abubakar Mamoud, SAN, told the court that the case was not a chieftaincy matter, because his client was not challenging his deposition.
Mamoud said his client’s complaint was about the alleged violation of his fundamental rights in relation to the manner he was shabbily treated after he was deposed.
“This is not a chieftaincy matter. The applicant (Sanusi) is not challenging the respondents’ action as regard his removal as Emir of Kano, but the way he was bundled to Abuja and banished to a remote location,” Mahmoud said.
He added that it is not in doubt that Sanusi, as a prominent citizen of this country, was shabbily treated in the manner he was bundled to Abuja and subsequently banished to a remote location.
Mamoud faulted the respondents’ applications, challenging the Abuja court’s jurisdiction to hear the case.
He argued that no law the position that where rights violation occur across several jurisdictions, one cannot approach a court in any of the jurisdictions.
He stated further that it was clear from the way his client was treated that his rights were violated, and as such, he was entitled to seek protection from the court.
Mahmoud urged the court to grant all the reliefs sought by the ex-Emir in his suit. Responding, lawyer to the I-G, Victor Okoye, corroborated Mahmoud’s submission.
He faulted the competence of the suit and queried the court’s jurisdiction to hear it. Okoye, in challenging the jurisdiction of the court, noted that the instrument conveying the ex-Emir’s banishment was authored and endorsed by an official of the Kano State Government in the state.
He argued that the appropriate venue for Sanusi to seek redress for the alleged violation of his rights was a court in Kano State. Okoye urged the court to either strike the case out or dismiss it.
Lawyer to the DG of the DSS, Godwin Agbadua, argued in similar manner and also challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
Agbadua urged the court to strike out the suit on the grounds that the alleged rights violation occurred in Kano, adding that there is a Federal High Court in Kano, before which Sanusi could seek redress.
“Where there are infringement in sequence, the court with jurisdiction is that where the alleged infringement commenced, which by the applicant’s affidavit, is Kano and there is a Federal High Court in Kano,” Agbadua added.
Lawyer to the AG of Kano State, Musa Mohammed, equally faulted the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court in Abuja to hear the case. Mohammed prayed the court to dismiss the suit.
Power. It excites and incites. It can excite hope and strength, or incite tension, hate and bitterness. Why should the regional background of the next president be a vexatious issue, evoking threats and recriminations? Why should brothers be at daggers drawn with each other over the geography of power? What happened to gentlemanly ententes, negotiations and trade-offs? What happened to the Nigerian agenda – if there was ever one? Brothers sheathe thy swords.
If the principal interest of acquiring power at the centre is to steer Nigeria and all Nigerians to a path of peace and development, why should the geography of power be such a caustic issue? If the interest of all Nigerians is of consequence why should the axial disposition of power be the minatory contention? Well, except the latent grail of obtaining power at the centre is to pursue regional and sectional agendas, I see no reason for the pyrotechnics and why we cannot come to an accord on where power should orbit in 2023.
Really, leadership in Nigeria has been blighted by ethnic and religious blots. A new leader is elected, but he gets there and makes ethnic protectionism his pastime. So, Nigerians are wary because power is not deployed for the benefit of all, but for the convenience of a few. The north may be skittish that power orbiting to the south will be to its own detriment, and the south could be uneasy that power subsisting in the current axis will further diminish its interest -- a clash of titanic interests and agendas. But what happened to the Nigerian agenda? One for all and all for one?
Since we are cognisant of our problems; we know where the house started to cave in, is it not logical that we reach a consensus in the leadership value of the next president in 2023 -- such as his antecedents, credentials, proven leadership and managerial abilities, demonstrated patriotism, expansiveness and respect for diversity – but with ethnic/regional background as a secondary value?
We need a Nigerian president – not one that will be defined by his geographical or ethnic character. Yes, a president that will be utilitarian in the deployment of power for the benefit of all Nigerians. So, whether north or south, it will not matter where the president comes from; there will be a sense of belonging and national affability among a majority of Nigerians. We need the Nigerian agenda – not northern or southern agenda.
The pursuit of power should be for the protection and preservation of all. We made some mistakes in the past with successive leaderships; we should be bold enough to correct them. We cannot seek change, but persist in the same pigeonhole mentation. How do we reorder the system when we insist on the status quo because we want the pendulum to swing our way? We must be able to distinguish between primary and secondary value.
Some prominent Nigerians and groups have been heating up the cauldron with their intemperate comments on the 2023 presidency. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, spokesman of the Northern Elders Forum, was reported to have made some uncharacteristic comments on the geography of power in 2023.
Baba-Ahmed reportedly said: “We will lead Nigeria the way we have led Nigeria before whether we are president or vice-president, we will lead Nigeria. We have the majority of the votes and democracy says vote who you want. Why should we accept a second-class position when we know we can buy a form and contest for first class and we will win? Why does anybody need to threaten us and intimidate us? We will get that power, but be humble because power comes from God. We inherited leadership and being honest is not being stupid. The north has pride; we are humble enough to know that we are going to run Nigeria with other people but we are not going to pay a second fiddle to anybody. We may not have the most robust economy, there are people who are trying to strangulate us even more than we are being strangled.’’
I have followed the statements of Baba-Ahmed over the years and noticed his disionate assessment of polarising national matters. It is the reason I find his recent comments untoward. But besides Baba-Ahmed, other prominent persons and groups in the south have been suffusing their demand for power to the region with corrosive statements and threats. Brother should not threaten brother.
Naturally, when leaders in the south make indecorous statements about power shifting to the region in 2023, it provokes a reaction from the other side. I think matters of this complexion require tact and diplomacy – not threats or counter threats. Even if most people agree that power should orbit to the south in 2023, there is still a need for popular consensus.
We all have to work together. Leaders only deepen the sectional fears and widen the chasm by making uncontrolled comments. Where the next president should come from is a collective decision, no region or group should be isolated or made to feel threatened over this.
Political, religious, group and community leaders should be disciplined in their public comments on the 2023 presidency. They should know that there can only be an election if the country is peaceful and secure. They should not incite chaos with undisciplined statements.
The Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organizations in Nigeria(COHCSON) has revealed that pro-secessionists under the Yoruba Nation group and the Indigenous People Of Biafra, IPOB have raised $5 million to compromise lawyers and judges in their ongoing cases with the Nigerian Government in court.
In a Press Conference on Tuesday, the group condmned what it described as "an execution of a detailed plan to subvert and undermine the country's judicial system"
A statement by the group's leader, Oduma Richard Oduma, read; "When we first heard that the dissident and seccesionist IPOB and Yoruba Nation groups were planning to infiltrate the courts at all levels we dismissed the allegations. But latest developments have indeed forced us to raise this alert."
"It has come to our notice that the groups are resorting to blackmail and intimidation to hoodwink the judges into granting them unmerited judicial favours. Recently a State High in Oyo State presided by Justice Ladiran delivered a judgment in favour of Sunday Igboho and awarded him 20billion naira as claims. As part of the evil plots, IPOB has instituted a 5Billion naira case at the Abia State High Court Umuahia where a Judge would, out of fear of harassment and violence, grant them the plea. It has become obvious that IPOB intends to use its violence stricken sit-at-home enforcement style to force the judges do their bidding."
"On the case of Igboho, we are aware that having failed to secure his release from Benin Republic authorities, the leaders resolved to raise funds to patronise friendly judges in Nigeria who are sympathetic to their cause. A serving governor in the south West appears to be part of the plot. The leaders in that meeting also agreed to sponsor more rallies abroad to give Nigeria a bad image internationally. Aside raising funds from diaspora groups and individuals who share in the evil dream of dividing the country, the group agreed to shop for a friendly judge to award them claims against the government thus the 20billion naira."
"We are aware too that the representative of IPOB was mandated in their last meeting in Benin Republic to also institute a fresh suit against the federal government agents.This fresh suit by IPOB though an afterthought which confirms our position. These judges at the state level are said to be emotional attached to their ethnic groups and the separatists."
The group also warned lawyers and Judges to resist any temptation to subvert the rule of law.
"We like to use this medium to appeal to judges and lawyers to resist the temptation to betray their secret oath of office and to stick to the law in the over all interest of the country. No amount of inducement should entice any patriot to endanger the lives of over two hundred million Nigerians."
"Judges and lawyers who ister justice should be reminded that the survival of nations depends on the patriotism of her citizens."
The group also stated that the secessionists setup a $5 million fund to bribe Judges.
"They had set up a fund raising Committee to raise a financial war chest to compromise the judges and confront the Nigerian Government. So far, the groups have raised a huge sum in dollars to bribe two judges in the south west and now South East? Why would judges be induced if the litigants have no predetermined motive? Are they already aware of the legal outcomes, having successfully bribed their way through?"
"We are using this opportunity to appeal to the national judicial council (NJC) to rise to the occasion and sanction erring judges."
"The recent warning given by the Chief Justice Of Nigeria should be enough to guide the Honourable Judges. No desperate seccesionists should be allowed to rubbish our collective unity and threaten our sovereign existence or undermine the integrity of our courts."
"We request the chief judge of Abia state to reassign the suit filed by IPOB lawyers at the Abia high court or the Judge should recuse himself. We do not have confidence in a few identified judges to sit on the cases in question. Available evidence suggest glaring judicial bias and solidarity for one party, IPOB and Yoruba nation agitators as well as politicians."
aminulive: 5:36pm On Oct 26, 2021 