Onnoghen: Benue Youths rally support for Buhari over suspension of CJN
Some youths in Benye State, under the umbrella of Citizens Watch Initiative (CIWI) staged a rally in Makurdi, the state capital over the controversy trailing the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen.
The youth group described the criticisms greeting the ouster of Onnoghen as the CJN as needless and unfortunate.
Solomon Samenka, leader of the group while addressing the protesters, who were seen carrying placards while chanting solidarity songs in support of the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government, frowned at the mission to destroy the country by a ‘monster political organization the PDP and the some extremely corrupt judges in the judiciary.”
According to Samenka, “Since the emergence of our Messiah President Muhammad Buhari, We have been held at ransom by this monster organization in connivance with their notorious partners in the judiciary as led and recently revealed by the Justice Walter Onoghen act, which is not only evil but sacrilegious to say the least.
“In the recent months that preceded the former CJN appointment, Judges have taken a lead in corrupt practices and yet , despite the policy direction of Mr president on corruption, the judiciary under Walter Onoghen has so proved to be uncooperative, unreliable and the most untrustworthy partner in the fight against corruption. Never in the nations history has things been this bad in the nations judiciary.
“The collective blackmail of the president and Nigerians is not only political, but it is intended to derail Nigeria on the path of prosperity and ensure that the gains of a transparent government such as provided by the Buhari leadership does not yield.
“My dear comrades and friends, the challenges stare us in the face, as the PDP wishes to privatize our common wealth and in turn demonize our President. It is incumbent on us to find a common ground to reject and disgrace this monster political organization to safeguard the future of our nation.
“You will agree with me how judges and lawyers have soiled the their hands in the deep recesses of corruption everywhere they find themselves. They have found amongst themselves thieving allies, with special courts scattered around the cities of our country, dishing out black market judgments in favor of corrupt clients against our Federation.
“We have in this country, lawyers who have billions in cash and assets that their seven lives can not account for. They are used to mobilize bribes for themselves and to the Judges ,all these are prizes taken to desecrate the temple of justice, were justice is no longer sought but sold to the highest corrupt bidder.
“It is therefore time to arise and poke their eyes , their nose and pinch their conscience using whatever extreme means possible and practicable.
“Henceforth, We will begin to mobilize for legislation that will legalize that their illegal assets be set ablaze like its done in South Africa , we are mindful of a Saraki and Dogara led National assembly and our warning goes to them too.
“We are not sworn enemies to prosperity on account of a thieving judiciary and a bankrupt bar supported by a monster political organization with a history of corruption.
“Of what connection is the suspension of PDP presidential campaign and the legitimate suspension of a thieving CJN?
Of what connection is the threat by lawyers to boycott court sessions and the suspension of a thieving CJN? Is a particular CJN indispensable? Even in the face of glaring infractions?
“Why are politicians of a particular party,_the PDP so jittery, peeved and and angry about an otherwise normal presidential decision?
“What else could be a better indictment than the CJN acceptance of guilt and now the personal expression of PDP dissatisfaction over his suspension?
“If he was arraigned, as he ought to, but deliberately refused to, and he took the plea of guilt, as he did in his press statement, feigning mistake and ignorance, would he not have been convicted almost immediately? If the answer is in the affirmative;
Would he have been mobilizing people from the prison walls to stage kangaroo protests in ABUJA to disrupt the normal way of living for Nigerians?
“I urge you all to continue to keep your eyes peeled for the antics of this monster political and thieving elements at the bar and bench.”
War against corruption: Angry Nigerians storm embassies over alliance with thieving elites
Nigerians on Monday stormed the United States Embassy to register their grievances over the interferences of the country in the nation’s domestic affairs.
The massive crowd drawn from various groups and organizations totaling over 10,000 heads threatened that next time they will be forced to shut down the embassy if that is what is required to take back the country.
The protest letter was delivered at a rally at embassy of the United States of America, Abuja on behalf of concerned citizens .
Recall that the United had last week condemned the suspension of embattled Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen over issue bodering on corruption.
Speaking at the well attended rally, Princess Ajibola urged the countries to support the Nigerian government war against corruption .
She said, “The recent happenings in the country with regards to the Judicial arm of government has indeed caused Nigeria untold embarrassment especially with the admittance of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen that he forgot to declare some aspects of his assets as mandated by the law.
“It is such a despicable act for the number one law officer in the country to act in such a manner. The implication of this is that the hopes of the common man on the street have been dashed because the Judiciary which is supposed to the hope of the masses has indeed turned to the nemesis of the masses.
“The rot is the judicial system is such that would take the grace of God for sanity to return to the judiciary in Nigeria due to the level of corruption in the system that has resulted in money induced judgments from the magistrate court up to the Supreme Court.
“In Nigeria, judges live above their means and see themselves as mini-gods. They give judgments to the highest bidder in most instances not minding the consequences of the actions. The judiciary in Nigeria also sabotages the war against corruption by issuing injunctions to shield corrupt persons from facing the wrath of the law.
“It became typical of Nigerian courts to delay proceedings and convictions of suspects brought before it for prosecution and later handed them soft judgments after monies must have exchanged hands.
“In Nigeria today, judges live flamboyant lifestyles that one wonders if they are not supposed to serve as role models in the society.
“For long Nigerians have yearned for that leader who would confront the all-powerful judiciary in the country and God in his wisdom and mercies sent us President Muhammadu Buhari.
“We wish to state that President Muhammadu has the total support of Nigerians in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are solidly behind him now and always because if we do not join hands to fight corruption, we might wake up one day and realize that we do not have any country again.
“The action of President Muhammadu Buhari against the Chief Justice of Nigeria is an action for reclaiming the soul of Nigeria back from the fold of the devil and returning it to the masses who labour on a daily basis for their daily bread.
“We can boast to high heavens that the majority of Nigerians are in support of this bold move that previous governments have shy from because they too also are beneficiaries of the rot in the judiciary.
“God will bless President Muhammadu Buhari for toeing the path of the just in tackling the rot in the judiciary. And how else can we show our appreciation? The only way we can to show our gratitude is to continue to support him all the way.
“Make no mistakes, the action of President Muhammadu Buhari is just, moral, constitutional and in the overall interest of the generality of Nigerians. But they are still crying wolf where none exist.
“They are saying President Muhammadu Buhari suspended the Chief Justice because he is not a northerner. Some also say it was because he is not a Muslim. But Nigerians say it was because he betrayed the trust of the public bestowed on him by failing to declare his assets, which in a way proceed from corrupt acts.
“Going by the wages and income of judicial officers in Nigeria, there is no way the Chief Justice of Nigeria would have in his accounts millions of dollars. That is impossible. We know that such monies could only be proceeds of corrupt acts ass evident in the manner of deposits.
“If that is not the case how can the most senior ranking judicial officer in the country claim that he forgot that he has accounts that run into millions of dollars? Nigerians are not fools to believe such childish story.
“We are by this medium letting the world know that Nigerians are 100% in support of the action of our president. If our president does not do it for his country, is it America or Britain that would do it for us?
“If our president acts in the best interest of the country, is that not a good thing? Are we supposed to crucify him or support him? Or are we to pretend that all is well in the judiciary while the fat cats continue to grow fatter and the citizens’ leaner?
“The time has come for the liberation of Nigeria, and there is no going back because it’s forward ever and backward never.
“Nigeria and indeed Nigerians owe President Muhammadu Buhari a lot of gratitude for this bold step. We encourage him to continue his good deeds towards freeing Nigeria from the claws of the cankerworm called corruption.”
Heavy protest rocks Lagos over suspension of Onnoghen as Nigerians salute Buhari’s courage
Protesters on Monday paralyzed commercial activities in Lagos State in support of President Muhammdu Buhari’s decision to suspend the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The protesters, who carried placards with various inscriptions, declared that Onnoghen lacks moral standing to remain in office as CJN.
Comrade Festus Akintola, Convener of the protest, said Justice must take its full course to serve as a deterrent to others that it is no longer business as usual.
He said, “We have all gathered here to express our disgust with the actions of some segment of the country that have viewed the action of the president in placing the Chief Justice of Nigeria on suspension for false declaration of assets in contravention of the Code of Conduct Bureau Act for public office holders in the country.
“Nigeria is not a country where anyone should be viewed as above the law as the law is no respecter of persons. And what an irony that the chief law officer of the country would violate the law and would still want to evade justice. If that should ever happen, then Nigeria is no longer a country but a banana republic.
“We stand in absolute solidarity with our dear and amiable president who has risen in defense of the country by suspending the Chief Justice of the country and thereby sending a strong message to all that no matter how highly placed, once you violate the law, there would be consequences.
“We are also at a loss as to what case or position some people to want to canvass in a situation as glaring as this. Are they trying to deny the fact that the Chief Justice of Nigeria did not commit any offense? Are they trying to say that the president didn’t do the right thing by asking the Chief Justice to proceed on suspension pending the determination of the suit before the Code of Conduct Tribunal?
“We wish to state that it amounts to moral bankruptcy for the Chief Justice to cite “forgetfulness” as the reason for not declaring a part of his estate. And we now wonder how someone of such high standing would think he can take over 180 million Nigerians for a ride.
“And quite ironically some ethnic and religious champions have taken turns to give the actions of the president all manners of ethnic and religious coloration at the detriment of the fact of the matter.
“But they shall be all put to shame because the majority of Nigerians are with the president and supports wholeheartedly the action of the president in the quest to rid the judiciary of corrupt elements such as the suspended Chief Justice.
“In Nigeria today, under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari, we have indeed seen how and what it takes to fight the cancerous corruption. That is what President Muhammadu Buhari has displayed in the bold action of his.
“We are all gathered here despite our busy schedules to show solidarity to the man of the people. The man who has the interest of the country at heart. The man who has dared the path where no one dares venture. The man that has an unshaken belief in the unity of Nigeria. The man who says a yes and it is a yes. A man who would not dip his hands in government coffers and a man who has shown us what it takes to have integrity in a country like ours.
“The case of the Chief Justice of Nigeria presents us with one of such instances in which our president has risen in defense of the country.
“And it takes more than a commitment and belief in the national development agenda for such actions to protect the people from dubious and corrupt minded individuals such as the suspended Chief Justice Walter Onnoghnen.
“We are angry at the audacity if Justice Walter Onnoghnen to insult our intelligence as a people by wanting to whip up ethnic and religious sentiments through paid political jobbers.
“If Justice Walter Onnoghen has any atom of morals as the Chief Justice of the country, the rational thing for him to have done was to honorably resign from office to save the judicial arm of the country the shame and denigration that has it brought upon us.
“So bad is this case that Nigeria has become a laughing stock among countries. And the ethnic champions do not see anything wrong with it the shame Justice Walter Onnoghen has brought upon our country.
“We support President Muhammadu Buhari wholeheartedly in the fight against corruption in the judiciary. We are consequently of the firm opinion that if the judiciary is not sanitized, then we might be in for considerable trouble.”
Buhari signs Order 007 to boost projects
In demonstration of his commitment to fast track the provision of critical infrastructure, President Muhammadu Buhari has signed Executive Order 007 of 2019 on Road Infrastructure Development and Refurbishment Investment Tax Credit Scheme.
The Order signed at the State House, Abuja on Friday, would fast track pilot projects involving 19 critical roads across 11 states spread across the six geo-political zones of the country.
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The projects would be undertaken by six construction and manufacturing companies who are expected to recover their costs through tax rebates.
The companies participating in the pilot scheme of the programme are Dangote Group of Companies, Lafarge Africa Plc, Unilever Nigeria Plc, Liquefied Natural Gas of Nigeria and China Roads and Bridges Corporation.
The President said: “This is another opportunity to demonstrate the commitment of this administration to conceive, design, develop and deliver Public Private Partnerships with notable investors so as to close the road infrastructure gap in the transportation sector.
“Since I oversaw the successful implementation of the Petroleum Trust Fund roads development programme in the 1990s, various models have been adopted in addressing this infrastructure gap.
“In recent years, our reliance on annual budgetary allocations to fund roads development has been disappointing, given that our budget proposals have not always been passed in an expeditious manner by the National Assembly.
“There have also been revenue shortfalls that have hampered our efforts to fully fund critical projects. Furthermore, at the inception of this Administration, we met a significant backlog of local contractors’ debts, which we, as a responsible Administration, have undertaken to clear.”
He government, he explained, decided to introduce the new scheme on roads development in order to boost the confidence of investors in the country.
He expressed the hope that the new scheme would open up opportunities for investors to finance infrastructure development, especially roads infrastructures, with tax credit incentives.
The president maintained that the inability of the federal government to invest in critical infrastructures was due to paucity of funds.
“There have also been revenue shortfalls that have hampered our efforts to fully fund critical projects. Furthermore, at the inception of this Administration, we met a significant backlog of local contractors’ debts, which we, as a responsible Administration, have undertaken to clear.
“We did so with a view to improving the confidence of construction firms in the federal government, and to confirm our ability to honour financial commitments for infrastructure projects, as and when due.
“Despite these challenges, this Administration remains committed to keeping our promises to deliver qualitative roads and transportation infrastructure to our citizens, communities and businesses.
“In this regard, we have consistently adopted innovative solutions to complement the annual budgetary spending on infrastructure,’’ he said.
In her remarks, the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed, said the Executive Order 007 aimed at encouraging investors to invest in roads and other critical infrastructure, based on the demand for such roads in major economic corridors across the country.
Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State, who spoke on behalf of the 36 State Governors, described the new scheme as “innovative governance that serves as a win-win for all’’.
Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who also spoke on behalf of the business partners of the scheme, noted that lack of good road network had impacted negatively on the nation’s economy.
He pledged that the business community would partner with the government in ensuring the successful implementation of the new scheme.
Dangote, therefore, assured that the manufacturing companies would mobilise funds for the refurbishment of roads across the country.
Anambra government hits Ohaneze Ndigbo again
The Anambra State Government again on Saturday requested Ohaneze Ndigbo to rescind the endorsement of the presidential candidate of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
The PDP Presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his running mate Mr Peter Obi were endorsed by Ohaneze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural body on Thursday, Jan. 24 for February 16 election.
But, the Anambra Government in a media conference at Agulu Lake Hotel in Anaocha Local Government Area said they are vehemently opposed to the endorsement.
The Anambra Government had earlier issued a statement to journalists in Enugu about four days ago on the endorsement of PDP Presidential candidate by Ohaneze leadership.
Prof. Solo Chukwudebelu, the Secretary to Anambra State Government said the state as integral part of Ohaneze was not consulted before the decision was taken.
“As a constituent member of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Anambra State was not represented in the ‘imeobi’ meeting where the acclaimed decision was reached.
”We are particularly angered by the fixing of the said meeting on the same date that President Muhammadu Buhari came to inaugurate Zik Mausoleum in Onitsha.
”Zik was a great son of Igboland and pioneer patron of Ohaneze, a nationalist of repute whose past cannot be ignored by any true Igbo man.
” For Ohaneze leadership to have not send representation for the inauguration let alone holding a meeting on Jan. 24 the same day Zik Mausoleum was inaugurated was bad,” he said.
Chukwudebelu flanked by Mr C Don Adinuba, the state commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Ifeatu Obi-Okoye (SA, political) and Mrs Sally Mbanefo, said Ohaneze should remain apolitical.
“As All Progresives Grand Alliance government, we have our presidential standard bearer who we are supporting, yet we are not lording it over all the residents of the state to join the decision of the state.
”People should be allowed to make their choice because we are in democracy, and so that is the path we want Ohaneze leadership to follow,” he said.
Adinuba who responded to questions from reporters noted that since the advent of Ohaneze Ndigbo, all political endorsement made had adversely affected the development of the Igbos.
He, however, advised Chief Nwodo to in the best interest of the people rescind the endorsement of Atiku and Obi.
The government’s spokesman said though the state was not contemplating pulling out of Ohaneze Ndigbo, her open condemnation of the endorsement was to set the record straight.
Describing the action as distasteful, Adinuba said if urgent step is not taking, the development might led to a crack in existing unity among the Ohaneze body.
Army inaugurates combat vehicles
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has inaugurated Light Armoured-Fighting vehicles refurbished by the newly-established Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC), Rigachuku, Kaduna State.
Thirty-five Toyota Buffalo, eight armoured fighting vehicles, 10 assorted heavy duty generators, 10 troops-carrying trucks, water tankers and mobile workshops were among the equipment inaugurated.
At the ceremony on Saturday, Buratai stressed the need to reposition the Armed Forces, particularly the army, making it self-sufficient in local production of military hardware.
Buratai said that with self-sufficiency in local production of weaponry, the armed forces would be able to confront and overcome internal and external asymmetry security challenges facing the nation.
Buratai said that in the last one week, three of the refurbished vehicles had been inducted into Operation Lafiya Dole operations in the North-East.
He expressed delight that within six weeks of the establishment of the company, it had met its mandate.
The NAVMC was set up on Nov. 16, 2018.
Buratai explained that the army suffered “limited setbacks’’ in the ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North-East, partly due to “ineffectiveness of armoured-fighting vehicles’’ and other equipment bought from foreign countries.
According to him, most of this imported equipment do not fit the tropical weather in our clime.
He said that other challenges experienced with those vehicles and equipment were inadequate spare parts, faulty weapon systems, poor after-sales maintenance agreement and lack of warranty, among others.
“For the armed forces to overcome the nation’s internal and external asymmetry security challenges, there is need to begin 360 degrees deviation from over-reliance on importation of all classes of tactical and heavy operational vehicles.’’
He said that in spite of past efforts, “the fact remains that a lot still needs to be done to record an appreciable self-reliance in the production of instrument of war’’.
The army chief noted that most developed armies across the globe attained industrial military supremacy after wars, conflicts and crises.
He said: “The rise of the United States as global hegemony which began after the American war of independence and their current strategic position in world nuclear affairs is of course, instructive.
“Back home, Nigeria emerged from its civil war to become a continental power, following massive military build-up by successive governments.
“The leading role Nigeria play in ECOMOG operations in Liberia, and later in Sierra Leone, attests to this fact.’’
He said that the overall objective of NAVMC was to meet the army’s vehicle and equipment needs by 2025 and begin to export to other African countries by 2030.
Earlier, the Managing Director of NAVMC, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, said that the company had produced 50 light combat vehicles in the last two months.
Ezugwu, who had served in as Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Maiduguri, stressed the need for viable indigenous options for mobility and protection of troops.
Zamfara APGA endorses Buhari
The Zamfara Chapter of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has endorsed President Muhammadu Buhari for the Feb. 16 presidential election.
The Governorship Candidate of APGA in the state, Alhaji Abdullahi Sani, disclosed this during the party’s flag-off campaign in Gusau on Saturday.
Sani said the party was satisfied with the President Buhari’s anti-corruption fight, solving the security challenges, job creation and agricultural policy.
He said these policies tallied with APGA action plans to change the state of nation’s socio-economic condition.
Dani also said in addition to the provision of security to the state, his government would pay attention to healthcare and industrialisation.
He pledged to construct 147 maternity centres across the 14 local government areas of the state and three VVF centers, one in each senatorial district.
According to him, small scale industries will be established in each local government area to achieve full utilisation of resources and to enhance job opportunities.
Earlier in his remarks, the National Chairman of APGA, Dr Victor Ikechukwu, who was represented by the National Treasurer, Alhaji Ibrahim Kyafo, commended the orderly behaviour of the party faithful.
He urged the electorate to vote wisely to ensure that the state elect desirable leaders that would move it out of the current political mess.
He said APGA has a comprehensive blueprint that would transform the state and the country economically and politically.
Buratai tasks soldiers on security challenges
Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai on Saturday advised soldiers to be more focused and commit to confronting emerging security challenges in Nigeria.
Buratai gave the charge during the 1 Division, Nigerian Army, West African Social Activities (WASA), for 2018, held at the old site of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in Kaduna.
“As you commence the Year 2019 activities, let me remind you of the enormous tasks before you and the need for you to be more focused and determined to confront the emerging challenges.”
The army chief said the occasion, which was meant to mark the completion of the Division’s training activities of the Year 2018, is indeed a unique event.
He said WASA is a cherished tradition in the Nigerian Army, aimed at bringing the troops, their families and civilian friends to socialize in an informal setting.
“It provides a veritable avenue to showcase glamorous traditions and rich cultures of the various ethnic groups in military Barracks and Cantonments.
“This occasion therefore celebrates the indivisible unity of our great nation.
“I wish to state here that 1 Division has every cogent reason to celebrate the Year 2018 as its officers and men have remained resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
“I am aware of your tremendous achievements in combating acts of kidnapping, cattle rustling, armed banditry and other activities of criminal elements which has brought remarkable improvement of the security situation in your area of operations.
” I must commend your effort in forging synergy and collaboration with other security agencies in ensuring peace within your area of operations especially your swift intervention during the recent crisis in Kaduna State,” he said.
Buratai added that the gallantry displayed by the troops on Operation WHIRL PUNCH is highly appreciated.
Similarly, he said the commitment of the troops in the on-going Ex EGWU EKE III within the area of operations is also commendable.
He, however, implored the soldiers to put all hands on deck to create an enabling environment for the smooth conduct of the 2019 General Elections.
” Therefore, you are to remain apolitical, steadfast and proactive in the discharge of your responsibilities.
” I enjoin you to remain dedicated in your service to the nation during the elections and subsequent operations in line with my vision, which is to have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles,” he said.
The COAS also thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for his exemplary and inspiring leadership, support and motivation to the Nigerian Army.
He also expressed gratitide to the government and people of Kaduna State for their support for 1 Division, toward security in the collective national interest.
Buratai, however, gave assurance of the commitment of the army to support the welfare of officers and men of 1 Division and their families.
He also urged the personnel to remain loyal and committed to ensuring the unity and peace in 1 Division area of operations and the country, as a whole.
Earlier, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division, Maj. –Gen. Mohammed Mohammed, said the performance in the ongoing operation whirl punch has drastically reduced criminality in the country.
“This gathering brings another forum to pay tribute to our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives for the peace and unity of our country.
“I urge the men of the Division to be abreast with the new training circle of the 2019 activities,” the GOC said.