SING FOUNDATION CONDEMNS THE GESTAPO STYLE ARREST OF JOURNALIST JONES ABIRI
Our attention has been drawn to media reports over the re-arrest of Bayelsa state based journalist, Mr. Jones Abiri, by masked men suspected to be DSS operatives, over the weekend, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state. It will be recalled that Mr. Abiri was, just last year released following an inhuman ordeal of arrest without charge for two years in DSS custody.
We condemn, without reservation, the manner in which he was re-arrested as though he was being kidnapped without any hint to family members or associates who might want to know of his whereabouts. We hope that those who snatched this man –who, under our laws, is presumed innocent of whatever crimes the government may accuse him of – are aware of and alive to their responsibility of ensuring his safety and ensuring his fundamental human rights of access to his family and legal representation are not trampled upon under any guise whatsoever.
The way and manner our law enforcement officers, at an increasingly alarming rate, carry on as though they are a law unto themselves is unacceptable and ought to engage the citizens of our country. As a country we cannot make any significant progress, if we insist on treating human rights as a matter of convenience rather than a fundamental necessity that must be the basis for our relations and engagement as a people.
We demand that Mr. Abiri be charged to a court of competent jurisdiction if he is suspected to be involved in any crime. We demand that the federal government and indeed the Bayelsa state government speak up against the manner at which Mr Abiri has been treated. Government must commit to amend the rule of engagement for security agencies, to give law enforcement a more human face, making it more about promoting justice and ensuring that all Nigerians are able to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment. This SING Foundation wishes to go on the record as saying that Rule of law is a fundamental component of development and not an ideal that nations cannot attain.
Obasanjo and Buhari; Who Is A Victim Of Age?
By Abubakar B. Tsav
In Nigeria or African generally, septuagenarian or octogenarian ages are like a double edged sword. It could be a curse or a blessing to someone depending on how he utilizes this special favour from God Almighty in spending these rare years of grace. So, both suffer either of these two afflictions.
They can be treasures of wisdom in their communities or nations. But the worse experience is when such people bow to the strings of senility and the instinctual drive of incoherence. The latter category is the problem tormenting Nigeria’s former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (OBJ). And his case seems on the wayward side because innately, he brooks no opposition to his views and parades a fake aura of superior wisdom.
While serving as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999-2003) Sen. JKN Waku (of blessed memory) saw the dictatorial personage of OBJ in democratic garbs quite early in the day. And he exposed and demystified OBJ in a lengthy interview he granted, Crystal International Magazine, with the caption, “Obasanjo’s Days Are Numbered.” What has stamped on the psyche of many Nigerians is OBJ’s flaunted penchant of Mr. Know-All. He erroneously passes himself as an embodiment of the collective wisdom of over 200 million Nigerians.
So, OBJ, the former Military and democratic leader of Nigeria has been restless on the political turf of Nigeria; making pronouncements at every point and countering or reversing himself on national issues in a manner that belittles his status, as elder stateman. More than a few Nigerians believe Nigeria has found itself in the subsisting mess President Muhammadu Buhari has bent backwards to re-fix because the likes of the nation’s former leaders like OBJ fretted away the golden opportunities they had to consolidate on the foundation laid by the country’s founding fathers and nationalists.
Therefore, the problems of Nigeria are created and nurtured to fruition by OBJ. But how he finds the conscience to exonerate himself and a heart to blame other leaders who are more transparent and honest with the leadership of Nigeria remains baffling. But it is not strange, if anyone is acquainted with OBJ’s obsequious character.
His inconsistent utterances in recent years have earned him all manner of derogative epaulets. But it appears, OBJ has no sense of shame. And so, he keeps parroting in Nigeria and around the globe on issues he embellishes to blend with his selfish agenda and egoistic pride.
A few days ago, OBJ was in Johannesburg, South Africa at the launch of a book he co-authored with Zimbabwe’s opposition leader and former finance minister, Mr. Tendai Biti and others titled, “Democracy Works — Rewiring Politics to Africa’s Advantage.” But in an asinine twist during an interview he granted AFP, OBJ deviated from the core issues in a book he co-authored to innuendic references in acerbic tirades on the reelection of Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari for another term of four years.
One would empathize with OBJ’s failing senses when what he said in the interview is analyzed. He spoke distastefully about African leaders who are septuagenarians’ and octogenarians’ clinging unto power and promoting the sit-tight syndrome, which he opined, has slowed down the progress of democracy on the African continent. Good submission, to say, the least on face value.
But read OBJ’s suggested panacea to the younger generation of Africans in solving the problem; “If the youth think that they will get into power on a platter, they are not getting it right…They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go.”
It’s really amusing; but what good can anybody expect from OBJ, a leader without scruples? He imposed the politics of “do or die affair,” as serving President of Nigeria on the platform of the PDP. OBJ introduced anarchy and chaos in Nigeria’s electoral system and by this utterance; by all nuances means he has refused to purge himself of such tendencies.
Again, his words; “They will have to snatch it, those (ageing leaders) will not go,” is apt reference to the violence Nigerian people encounter during democratic transitions in Nigeria today. It explains why the people perceive general elections like a war, instead of a peaceful exercise of electing and empowering fresh leaders through the ballot.
Signs that senility has heavily weighed down on OBJ, he tacitly lampoons President Buhari for insisting to remain in power at his age, but based on popular demand by Nigerians. But in OBJ’s jaded perspectives, Buhari ought not to have sought reelection in 2019.
But who was OBJ’s preferred candidate against Buhari in the 2019 presidential contest on the platform of the opposition PDP? Shockingly, it was the septuagenarian Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, his former deputy and a man he had several condemned, even in his published book, “My Watch,” as corrupt, dubious and someone “with shadowy ancestry,” at the expense of other younger generation candidates in the 2019 general elections. Its not only when a man walks the streets naked that his insanity is confirmed. OBJ is a classic example.
Laughably, OBJ has forgotten that when he plotted his failed third term bid in 2006, on the eve of the expiration of his second term as Nigeria’s democratic President, he was in the twilight of his septuagenarian age. Yet, he dubiously and criminally sought to cause an illegal Constitutional amendment that would warrant him to contest the presidency for the third time. Nigerians rejected the idea. And he has nursed the wounds eternally, which accounts for why whoever occupies Aso Villa Abuja, the Presidential seat of power easily incurs the wrath of OBJ, if he fails to accept his besmirched counsels. Buhari is such a victim.
OBJ believes in his words or actions only when it serves his selfish agenda. He may feel pained that Nigerians have overwhelmingly reelected President Buhari for another term. But the difference between OBJ and Buhari is that the latter does not use his powers indiscriminately and dubiously to secure leadership unlike the former.
Buhari won his reelection on a clean slate, in free, fair and credible elections. Political spinners or jobbers couldn’t even buy car tyres off him in the guise of fixing his reelection victory. It’s novel in the history of Nigeria’s electoral process. OBJ’s lone desire cannot surpass that of millions of Nigerians who prefer President Buhari and, at this stage silence from OBJ would be more golden.
Truth is sacred and it must be told, no matter who is embittered by it. The series of gaffes committed by OBJ is an indication that he has more issues with aging than President Buhari. His inconsistency in actions and utterances have confirmed it indubitably. Conversely, Buhari has never changed unlike OBJ, his accuser, who changes from time to time like a chameleon. He needs real help to overcome his multiple personality issues from his nuclear family, to politics and leadership, which many believe undoubtedly, it is as a result of his age which has blurred his wisdom.
Those close to OBJ should begin to tinker with the idea of working on his senses and public outings. He is bringing too much shame on himself and his family for no justification. For all it takes, OBJ is not the only former President of Nigeria still alive. There are the likes of Gen. Yakubu Gowon; Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida. But none of them is this excited on checkmating every shadow of the occupant of Aso Rock. And until recently, when he joined his ancestors, Alhaji Shehu Shagari was choosy in commenting on national affairs.
There is potent evidence that OBJ has wronged God and needs to plead for His forgiveness. It is shameful that OBJ who is a supposed elder statesman will embark on such an empty voyage to satisfy his ego and pride. A genuine Christian ought not to be as vindictive as OBJ portrays himself everywhere. He needs prayers and God’s attention urgently.
Tsav is former Commissioner of Police and Commissioner at the Public Complaints Commission, Abuja.
Nigeria moves to strengthen troops for peacekeeping
Nigeria has taken measures at enhancing the performance of troops and protection of civilians during peacekeeping operations.
The Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali said that the Federal Government had done this through effective pre-deployment and in-mission training of troops.
Dan-Ali disclosed this in New York at the United Nations Peacekeeping Ministerial Meeting on Uniformed Capabilities Performance and Protection of Civilians.
A copy of the minister’s address was released to newsmen in Abuja on Saturday.
Dan-Ali also said other measures put in place to enhance troops performance and protection of civilians were zero tolerance to sexual exploitation and abuse, clear leadership and instructions to troops as well as deployment of more female peacekeepers.
The minister assured the UN of Nigeria’s continuous commitment and support to ensure international peace and security.
Dan-Ali, however, noted that Nigeria’s participation in UN peacekeeping had declined significantly of recent, mainly due to her commitment to the war on insurgency in the North-Eastern and Sub-regional peacekeeping commitments.
According to him, a lot of successes had been achieved in the fight against terrorism.
He also said the country was in the process of demining affected areas and rebuilding destroyed communities in the North East.
“These successes have no doubt been made possible with the collaboration from International Community and countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.”
He lauded the UN for organising the meeting which he said present opportunity to discuss and generate specialised capabilities necessary for peacekeeping.
“I also want to applaud the Secretary General’s ongoing effort to strengthen peacekeeping operations through Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) Initiative with a specific focus on uniformed capabilities, performance and the protection of civilians,” he said. (NAN)
Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs tackles INEC over Zamfara elections
Lubem Gena
The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria, (CODWON) has challenged the decision of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to withhold Certificates of Returns to elected members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The group in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja on Sunday, wondered why INEC has decided to toy with the mandate of the people.
CODWON regretted that INEC has, “unfortunately and most regrettably arrogated to itself the powers of rule and divide and cash and carry policy to illegally withhold the Certificate of Return of the Governor-Elect of Zamfara State, Muktar Shehu and 38 other APC lawmakers in Zamfara State even when a competent High Court of Law sitting in Zamfara State had issued an order for INEC to recognize same persons as the only authentic candidates of the primaries conducted by the Zamfara APC.
“Unfortunately, the Court of Appeal Judgment of 25th March, 2019 did not make any order affecting the status quo, neither did the court of Appeal judgment vacate the earlier order of the High Court in Zamfara. So, the order made earlier by the Zamfara High Court still subsists.
“Again, for INEC to rely on the letter written by Mike Ozekhome (SAN), counsel to the other parties requesting the Commission to withhold the Certificate of Return is a sham and an aberration of the rule of law. This is most unfortunate and completely unbecoming of INEC as a commission saddled with the responsibility of neutrality to now rely on a mere letter rather than the order made by a High Court of law of competent Jurisdiction”, CODWON stressed.
The coalition called on INEC to stop disgracing the Nigerian Nation and the oat of neutrality and immediately release and issue the certificate of return to the authentic candidates of Zamfara State APC and Governor-Elect of Zamfara State, Muktar Shehu and 38 other law makers in the State without further delay.
ACCI President endorses Fintech network for Africa
By Lubem Gena, Abuja
Arising from the launch of a continental Financial Technology (Fintech) last week, the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in Nigeria, has endorsed and call on the implementers to ensure that it is private-sector driven.
The Fintech network was launched by the United Nations Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Marrakech-Morocco as efforts to have a coordinated body that will fast track activities in this critical area and boast economic development and integration of the continent.
President of the Chamber, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode in the endorsement which was contained in a press release from the chamber stated that there are abundant of opportunities to be reaped in the initiative hence it encompasses ideas that are driven by technology and social media affiliations.
Prince Kayode who underscored the relevance of the Fintech to the overall development of businesses especially the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) stated that with the giant efforts made in mobile telephony, data penetration and e-commerce, the efforts in this regards have become necessary.
“The rise of FinTech is a veritable platform that has not been fully appreciated in Nigeria as would have been expected hence new technologies, like machine learning, artificial intelligence, predictive behavioral analytics, and data-driven marketing have not been fully deployed. But I want to emphasise that, the launch of this initiative by the United Nation’s Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) will harmonise efforts aimed at deepening the use of technology to drive transactions and add value to the cashless policy that the rest of the world has now fully embraced. This is considered as a good opportunity for new businesses and even existing ones.
“The rise of the smartphone has greatly impacted on the behavior of consumers. From checking to buy, pay for goods online or making bank transfer via mobile apps, the urban population in Nigeria is now getting used to handling transactions with much ease and convenience”, Prince Kayode stated.
He also said the Nigerian economy, which was predominantly cash driven has been responding well to the FinTech opportunity as could be seen from the exponential growth in different mobile money operations platforms.
According to him, the evolution of start-ups is imperative for a successful FinTech ecosystem hence efforts aimed at flourishing has been catalysed by rapidly increasing demand for digital financial products by consumers, exponential rise of connected devices and support of venture capitalists.
He pointed out that while many start-ups are redesigning the financial service processes with their high-end technological expertise, incumbent players should also follow suit by investing energy and innovative ideas towards handling transactions through mobile means.
Prince Kayode further stressed that the trend is increasingly shifting from fintech platforms being seen majorly as disrupters to viewing them as enablers of change.
He explained that ACCI is interested in mobilizing its members and resources to create a platform for stakeholders engagement as well as help the government to formulate appropriate policies to regulate it by collaborating with different players in the ecosystem.
2019: Accredited observer group endorses Kano supplementary elections
By Lubem Gena, Abuja
Accredited election observer groups under the auspices of the Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) has endorsed the Kano state supplementary elections and said it conformed with international best practice, globally accepted standard and conformed with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the Electoral Act.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja today, the Director General of the Centre, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu saidethe election became inconclusive when the number of voters who were prevented by a combination of factors from voting outstrips the margin between the two leading candidates.
While giving an objective and clinical analysis, Dr. Nwambu stated that the reportage of Kano State supplementary elections by some media establishments (online inclusive) and some observer groups were examined to arrive at their conclusion.
“Many observers and media could not mention more than 5 polling units where violence was perpetrated in Kano state supplementary election. Our question is using even a maximum of 10 polling units as possible units where violence were perpetrated out of 208 polling units and almost 300 Voting Points. Could that be enough to generalize and say that the election was marred with violence; the answer is NO.
“Again, let’s examine the total Permanent Voters Cards (PVCS) collected and the scores so far recorded. Kano State has a record of 87% of PVCs Collected.
“The Total number of Registered Voters in Areas where elections are cancelled is 128,324 registered Voters. Using a collection rate of 87%. That is, about 111, 641 persons had collected their PVCs in cancelled polling units.
“In the inconclusive election, PDP Scored 10, 239 Votes, while APC Scored 45, 876 Votes. Adding the both scores is 56,115. Now the total number of vote cast is less than 50% of the total PVCs collected and total number of registered voters.
“However, this election does not have incidences of over-voting, thus is still in line with the rules of a transparent election as provided by the electoral Act of 2010 as Amended. We observed massive vote buying and intimidation, pockets of violence in Chibia LGA, parts of Nasarawa town”, Dr. Nwambu said.
But in all these, CCLAC said INEC was very conscious and prudent in handling the situation and nullifying results where necessary.
“For us, it is our firm belief that inconclusive election is not peculiar to Kano state alone but rather a process that demonstrates the resolute determination of INEC in ensuring the conduct of transparent, free, fair and credible elections en route positive sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
“It is evident that a few violence were recorded in Chibia especially in Nasarawa during the supplementary election in Kano state, but the ratio is not enough to condemn the processes of the election nor discredit it.
“Nigeria is an evolving democratic nation. Our democracy is deepening and maturing as INEC has demonstrated a high capacity and consistent improvement in the overall conduct of elections in Nigeria. Unlike in the time past when a few individuals sit in the comfort of their homes and determine election results. Greater participation in elections is observed because votes now count”, Dr. Nwambu emphasised.
He expressed worry over the challenges in the Nigerian electoral system arising from the inability of the political elites across party lines to abide to laid down fundamental rules and regulations stating that evident desperation of some party bigwigs has grossly undermined the efforts of the electoral management body and must be curtailed.
He said, his group however observed the indiscriminate use of certain INEC pronouncements as provided by law as demonstrated by some returning officers in Imo and Bauchi states respectively.
He cautioned returning officers and some security agencies to ensure transparent , free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria is not hijacked by political contractors.
“If this issue bothering on the professionalism and impartiality of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria is not addressed urgently, proper conduct of credible elections in Nigeria would continue to elude the Giant of Africa.
“Finally, to avert the huge expenditure and ensure transparent elections, we urge the 8th National Assembly to rectify the electoral amendment bill and send once again to Mr. President for urgent accent”, he concluded.
2019: Accredited observer group endorses Kano supplementary elections
By Lubem Gena, Abuja
Accredited election observer groups under the auspices of the Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness (CCLCA) has endorsed the Kano state supplementary elections and said it conformed with international best practice, globally accepted standard and conformed with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as well as the Electoral Act.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja today, the Director General of the Centre, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu saidethe election became inconclusive when the number of voters who were prevented by a combination of factors from voting outstrips the margin between the two leading candidates.
While giving an objective and clinical analysis, Dr. Nwambu stated that the reportage of Kano State supplementary elections by some media establishments (online inclusive) and some observer groups were examined to arrive at their conclusion.
“Many observers and media could not mention more than 5 polling units where violence was perpetrated in Kano state supplementary election. Our question is using even a maximum of 10 polling units as possible units where violence were perpetrated out of 208 polling units and almost 300 Voting Points. Could that be enough to generalize and say that the election was marred with violence; the answer is NO.
“Again, let’s examine the total Permanent Voters Cards (PVCS) collected and the scores so far recorded. Kano State has a record of 87% of PVCs Collected.
“The Total number of Registered Voters in Areas where elections are cancelled is 128,324 registered Voters. Using a collection rate of 87%. That is, about 111, 641 persons had collected their PVCs in cancelled polling units.
“In the inconclusive election, PDP Scored 10, 239 Votes, while APC Scored 45, 876 Votes. Adding the both scores is 56,115. Now the total number of vote cast is less than 50% of the total PVCs collected and total number of registered voters.
“However, this election does not have incidences of over-voting, thus is still in line with the rules of a transparent election as provided by the electoral Act of 2010 as Amended. We observed massive vote buying and intimidation, pockets of violence in Chibia LGA, parts of Nasarawa town”, Dr. Nwambu said.
But in all these, CCLAC said INEC was very conscious and prudent in handling the situation and nullifying results where necessary.
“For us, it is our firm belief that inconclusive election is not peculiar to Kano state alone but rather a process that demonstrates the resolute determination of INEC in ensuring the conduct of transparent, free, fair and credible elections en route positive sustainability of democracy in Nigeria.
“It is evident that a few violence were recorded in Chibia especially in Nasarawa during the supplementary election in Kano state, but the ratio is not enough to condemn the processes of the election nor discredit it.
“Nigeria is an evolving democratic nation. Our democracy is deepening and maturing as INEC has demonstrated a high capacity and consistent improvement in the overall conduct of elections in Nigeria. Unlike in the time past when a few individuals sit in the comfort of their homes and determine election results. Greater participation in elections is observed because votes now count”, Dr. Nwambu emphasised.
He expressed worry over the challenges in the Nigerian electoral system arising from the inability of the political elites across party lines to abide to laid down fundamental rules and regulations stating that evident desperation of some party bigwigs has grossly undermined the efforts of the electoral management body and must be curtailed.
He said, his group however observed the indiscriminate use of certain INEC pronouncements as provided by law as demonstrated by some returning officers in Imo and Bauchi states respectively.
He cautioned returning officers and some security agencies to ensure transparent , free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria is not hijacked by political contractors.
“If this issue bothering on the professionalism and impartiality of law enforcement agencies in Nigeria is not addressed urgently, proper conduct of credible elections in Nigeria would continue to elude the Giant of Africa.
“Finally, to avert the huge expenditure and ensure transparent elections, we urge the 8th National Assembly to rectify the electoral amendment bill and send once again to Mr. President for urgent accent”, he concluded.
Dunamis condemns burning of traders’ goods along Abuja Airport Road
The Dunamis International Gospel Centre, has in strong terms condemned the burning of goods belonging to some traders close to its Lord’s Garden along the Abuja Airport Road.
The ministry, however, faulted the viral video and report online, which claimed that it was responsible for the ejection and burning of the traders’ valuables.
Pastor Victor Stephen, who responded to the report, described it as a malicious propaganda.
The ministry in a terse statement on Wednesday said its Senior Pastor, Dr. Paul Enenche never ordered anybody to pull down traders’ property as claimed in the video.
The statement noted some traders selling outside the Church premises were even empowered by the Church as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility to setup their own businesses and wouldn’t have in turn chase them away as being claimed in the video.
The statement below.
My name is Pastor Victor Stephen, Head, Central Admin of Dunamis Int’l Gospel Centre.
Our attention has been drawn to a video clip circulating the cyber space concerning Traders’ properties being burnt down by Dunamis Church at the New Headquarters.
We wish to state, though with dismay, that the Church, Dunamis was not responsible for that kind of act and can never be. Dunamis is geared towards the restoration of human lives and destinies and can never be associated with such heinous acts to indigent persons.
It is also worthy of note that some Traders selling outside the Church Premises were empowered by the Church as part of our Corporate Social Responsibility to setup their own businesses. It would therefore be mischievous for anyone to assume that Dunamis would authorize such an act.
Please disregard this malicious propaganda, Dunamis is not responsible.
Thank you and God bless you.