Home Blog Page 2687

Anger over alleged EFCC raid on residence of Atiku’s sons

-
0
Anger over alleged EFCC raid on residence of Atiku’s sons

By Coic
Aminu Atiku

Nigeria’s anti-corruption body, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, denied claims it raided the apartment of former vice president Atiku Abubakar’s sons.

Head of the Atiku Media Office, Paul Ibe, alleged that EFCC officials raided the apartments of Aliyu and Mustapha Atiku-Abubakar, two sons of the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar in Maitama, Abuja on Saturday.

However, EFCC said such claims were untrue, saying it only arrested Ogbonna Orji, son of senator Theodore Orji.

The PDP at the weekend accused the EFCC of freezing the bank accounts of its vice presidential candidate Peter Obi. No evidence has been provided for these claims.

The anti-graft agency said the arrest of Orji’s son was “over money laundering, has absolutely nothing to do with the son of ex-VP Atiku Abubakar.”

The former Abia governor has been under investigations by the EFCC, for money laundering activities, which was discovered to have been carried out through his sons.

The EFCC had been on the trail of cars allegedly bought by the sons, and last Friday the cars were traced to a nightclub in Abuja, where EFCC operatives arrested Ogbonna and his friend, Kelvin Ilonah.

“They were arrested at about 5 am on Saturday, and they led operatives to their three-flat apartment, where documents retrieved showed that it was rented at a rate of N13million per annum,” EFCC said in a statement.

“They have so far given useful information to the EFCC, which is aiding in investigations. It should be made clear that the EFCC never “went after” Atiku’s sons, neither was Atiku’s son arrested by the EFCC,” EFCC said.

Buratai: Exemplary Leadership Perches Another Garland

-
0
Buratai: Exemplary Leadership Perches Another Garland

By Paul Dickson

Ultimately, no leader expects unanimous acceptability wherever he serves his country or humanity. But in spite of the scanty reservations on his salutations, often spewed in utterances’, the efforts of a true, altruistic and genuine leader are accredited and appreciated by the clear-headed vast majority he renders committed service.

Truly, the life of a soldier is the most unenviable among professionals. He suffers self-depravity. Every minute, he is assailed by reality of harsh death. But he is neither perturbed nor depressed by the saturnine fear of this reality because he endorsed and consigned his life to it. he functions like a monk, by approving self-denial for others to have peace and security.

This is the fate of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, the country’s numero uno soldier. As leader of Nigeria’s counter-insurgency operations in the nation’s darkest era in history, defined by unimaginable terrorism and insurrections, Gen. Buratai’s burdens are substantially deep. Added to it, is the temptation of self-preservation or patriotic national service.

But quite delightfully, Gen. Buratai has proved his mettle excellently in professionalism, soldering and leadership throughout his decades of an eventful military career. This combatant soldier has never cringed even for a moment in justifying his upbringing as soldier. His commitment to the protection of his fatherland and endangered peoples of the world, anywhere is constantly and fully measured anywhere service beckons.

It is normal for some personalities and institutions to irrationally despise and scorn him for the sacrifices he makes at their behest. However, it is more fulfilling and to know many more who are aware of his positive impacts in the defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria strive at every opportunity to comfort him. It obviates any malicious deconstruction against his personage and career.

In recent times, these accolades on Gen. Buratai have come in torrents and from unexpected quarters drumming his salient qualities. Days back, the Kaduna State University, (KSUK) Kaduna joined the legion of independent observers of Gen. Buratai’s lofty contributions and legacies for peace, security and his exemplary leadership dexterity in Nigeria.

KSUK, a pacesetter and fast growing institution ornamented the COAS Lt. Gen. Buratai with an honorary doctorate degree in leadership and peace. The time of the festooning ceremony itself was KSUK’s combined convocation. It radiated with a memorable ambience by its sheer assemblage of eminent Nigerians who converged to celebrate the varsity’s milestone in academic excellence.

Prominently, Visitor to the University and Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Nigeria’s immediate past Vice President, Arch. Namadi Sambo among other eminent Nigerians were personally in attendance.

This infrequent honour by the varsity to Gen. Buratai, a serving Army General is the first of its kind. It echoes with resounding appreciation, the Army Chief’s uncommon military exploits, blended with outstanding leadership of the Nigerian Army. It bellows his triumphs in the counter-terrorism combats, especially in Nigeria’s hitherto extremely troubled Northeast region.

Many Nigerians have validated the decision of KSUK to fete and honour Gen. Buratai. This streams from the peoples reminisce of a shattered, disoriented, disheveled, undisciplined and formless Army, which he has reformed, restructured and professionally repositioned for optimal and flawless service to the nation.

A stickler to standards and established conventions, Gen. Buratai knows winning the war on terrorism needs a repackaged Army. An Army which will be strict with its job, while, respecting the fundamental human rights and dignity of Nigerians in the areas, troops are deployed for special assignments. So, he targeted and got an Army which thinks and acts within the confines of official creeds and professionalism.

The Army Chief ensured his leadership of the Nigeria Army availed its personnel all their basic legitimate requirements. His first priority was to equip his troops; prioritize payment of their welfare packages and extended fatherly love to even their families. He thought of soldiers’ welfare in renovated barracks, offices and post retirement housing schemes.

The Army boss was stern on discipline and orderly conduct; but also ruthless in handling issues of unwarranted insubordination and professional misconduct. He has either penalized or dismissed many renegades from the Army on this score.

The Army Chief made it a policy to smoothen military/ civil relations, which snowballed into execution of multifarious Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in every community soldiers stepped their foot for special assignments. Soldiers no longer bash into communities for operations; but first inform and court the understanding and support of the natives.

Nigerians have felt and operated with a friendly and considerate Army. How Gen. Buratai turned a previously hostile and crude Army into a civilized and disciplined force has remained a mystery to Nigerians.

Under Gen. Buratai’s tenure, the Nigerian Army is no longer a dormant institution by leading in its personal development and extending same to the benefit of Nigerians. The Army is building schools like the Nigerian Army Aviation School, the Nigerian Army University Biu and so forth, for the professional development of its personnel, other security agencies and Nigerians generally.

In the combat of terrorism in the country; Buratai’s leadership acumen has led his troops to surmount the toughest of hurdles to snatch victories from the jaws of Boko Haram insurgents. His combat strategies and tactics, do not only disarm Boko Haram, but are very dynamic and several nautical miles ahead of the plots of insurgents.

Nigerians are awed that scores of Gen. Buratai’s predecessors and commanders in the Northeast battlefield, vainly and severally attempted to penetrate the dreaded Sambisa forest in Borno, a protective fortress, housing Boko Haram factional leader, Abubakar Shekau. But Gen. Buratai led troops to demystify this terrorists’ haven with the first attempt.

It is much of exemplary and cherished leadership attribute that the Army Chief has many times, led operations against terrorists in the warfront personally. He leads training sessions of his troops as an instructor. It’s a perfect leadership by example and portrays him as a leader who is neither bossy nor crazy with his status.

His innovations in the Army to berth excellence are exceptional. When he initiated Special Strike Force Teams, in the Northeast, it was to improve operational competitiveness’ against terrorists. His idea of the first Nigerian Army Female Corps was conceptualized as panacea to the rising incidences of female suicide bombers. It halted the trend.

When Gen. Buratai discovered the rough and unmotorable terrain in the Northeast posed difficulties in chasing insurgents on the narrow bush paths, he contrived the idea of motorbikes strike teams.

A culmination of these rare leadership qualities and its effective applications are responsible for the respite, restoration of peace and security Nigerians savour today in different parts of the country. It is under his leadership the Nigerian Army has recused tens of thousands of Nigerians held hostage by Boko Haram insurgents, subjected to dehumanizing treatments.

Joyfully too, hundreds of thousands of terrorists captives severed from their communities for months and years have been reunited with their families. They are enjoying the bliss of togetherness and communality in thankfulness to the COAS.

It is Gen, Buratai’s gifted and stainless leadership of the counter-insurgency war that has reclaimed over 24 LGAs in Nigerian territory, violently seized by Boko Haram terrorists in their hey days of atrocities and heinous acts against Nigerian people.

These efforts have generally climaxed into the return of the once devastated and ruined displaced Nigerians to villages and communities deserted for ages. His leadership splendor has aborted terrorists’ bomb explosion in Abuja and other parts of the North.

Congratulations Sir, for these superlative achievements’. And the rare recognition of you with an honorary doctorate degree in leadership and peace by a citadel of learning is well deserved, to say the least.

Dickson writes from British College of Journalism [BCJ] London.

Fake News: Army Caution Citizens On Wrong Use of Social Media

-
0
Fake News: Army Caution Citizens On Wrong Use of Social Media

By Ajogwu Jerry

Authorities of the Nigerian Army has urged citizens to be wary of peddlers of fake news thriving on the social media.

This was contained in an address by the Army Spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Kuksheka Usman at the opening ceremony of the Directorate of Army Public Relations (DAPR) and Nigerian Army School of Public Relations (NASPRI) holding in Lagos state.

According to the image maker:

“Fake news is a misconception and misrepresentation of issues as it affect our operations and other military activities when not properly addressed, it hampers our operational activities and demoralize our troops.

“Therefore there is need to engage the public by telling our story rightly.  The DAPR is also mindful of the risks associated with fake news hence the need to set aside this training period to help our personnel understand how to liaise with the media and present the true situation of event as they occur,” he said.

The theme of the week long event is titled “Fake News a Threat to National Security: The Way Forward” with Major General MS Yusuf, General Officer Commanding 81 Division Nigerian Army as the Special Guest of Honour.

WHY WE MUST SALUTE OUR SOLDIERS

-
0
WHY WE MUST SALUTE OUR SOLDIERS

By Professor Muhammad Mu’azu NGURU

The burning issue and the subject of discussion these days in the country are our fallen heroes, doughty and dauntless soldiers in the village of Metele in Borno State. Those that died and the surviving ones are our men of distinguished courage and ability. We always admire them for their brave deeds and noble qualities. What happened was not out of looseness, lacking in reticence or out of reluctance, but this is the nature of war anywhere.

American troops were defeated and humiliated in Somalia in the hands of Farah Aidid militia. The whole world saw how a dead body of an American soldier was dragged on the ground by Somalians. America with all their mighty, superior power and strength left that country in shame and abashment.

The Russians occupied Afghanistan and installed their stooge, but later were defeated by the Taliban under the leadership of Mullah Omar and AlQa’eda under the leadership of Osama bin Laden. They bombarded with heavy artillery the stronghold of the Talibans for many days, but they were later surmounted and left the country. Many of their soldiers were killed. America again has been fighting these people in Afghanistan since the attack on the twin towers in New York, now it is getting to about 17 years, but they are unable to subdue them, though Osama bin Laden himself was killed during the administration of Obama. Up to now, the government of Somalia cannot conquer the Al-Shabab and bring them into subjection, despite the fact that it was assisted by African troops from Kenya and some other countries.

Therefore, I wonder how some Nigerians and some media houses are hammering and trouncing on this issue of Metele village as if this is the first time for such thing to happen in the world or even in Nigeria. People have soon forgotten the huge number of our soldiers who lost their lives during the last administration.

We all know how our soldiers were fleeing and leaving their weapons to Boko Haram because they were ill equipped no incentives and no required recognition for their effort. As a result of this the huge number of our soldiers who lost their lives from 2011 was much more than the ones who lost their lives from 2015 to date. We, the people of the North East know this for sure.

My fellow countrymen let us do justice to the present government and to our army. Let us draw a comparison between the situation of our army during the last administration and now as I mentioned above in terms of achievements, audacity, degrading of Boko Haram, morale or confidence and preparedness or readiness, for they are now better equipped and their morale is very high.

Presently, we do not have a single village in the hands of the miscreant elements in the entire region, while before the advent of this administration, they took over 17 local government areas in the 3 states.

During the previous administration, we the dwellers of Maiduguri, Damaturu and some other towns were in perpetual curfew. From 6pm up to 7am, there should be no movement at all. Everybody should be indoors. Markets were closed by 5pm. The two afternoon prayers, namely Magrib and Isha, and also the dawn or Subhi prayer should be done in houses but not in congregation in mosques as they supposed to be. Schools were closed and turned into IDP camps. Villages were deserted completely. Big towns like Bama, Gwoza, Dikwa, Konduga and so on were also deserted and abandoned. Emirs of these towns had migrated to Maiduguri. All the major road linking Maiduguri to outside world were closed apart from Maiduguri – Damaturu road, because it was heavily guarded by the soldiers, otherwise Maiduguri would have been a big prison for us.

Maiduguri has been a major business centre, because it is close to some neighbouring countries like Cameroun, Niger and Chad and also the area is known for a big and flourishing fish market and livestock. Transportation of various kinds of goods from Nigeria to these countries and vice versa was also blooming. All these activities came to a standstill. Poverty reached to an alarming and disquieting degree, above all these, loss of lives was the order of the day in all the three states, namely Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. We thank Almighty Allah for the relief and the freedom we regain now.

Nigerians, we must hail our gallant army. Let us say kudos to them, for they have restored their lost glory. Let us appreciate and commend the tireless efforts of this administration. Insurgency war cannot be won in a short time, as I explained in our aforementioned statements. Bangladesh spent more than 20 years fighting insurgency. Please we should not politicize security matters. We should not play politics with the lives of our people. We should not make such issues to be our points or subject for political campaign.

Furthermore, we should not be oblivious of the fact that, Boko Haram and their atrocities had reached Abuja during the last regime and the other parts of the country like Kano, Kaduna, Bauchi and Adamawa among others. United Nations office bombing and Nyanya carnage and destruction in Abuja are still fresh in our minds. Kano Central Mosque blood bath during Friday prayer is still at the back of our minds. They attempted to assassinate the Shehu of Borno and the Emir of Kano Alhaji Ado Bayero, while they killed the Emir of Gwoza and one gubernatorial candidate in Maiduguri. But now can they dare to commit these heinous acts? Can they move freely to kill whom they wish and take over wherever they like? Can they now send letters to our businessmen to demand from them huge amount of money? In sha Allah, all these are over now.

Prof. Nguru wrote this piece from Abuja.

El-Zakzaky: Civil Rights group writes AGF, insists on proscription of IMN

-
0
El-Zakzaky: Civil Rights group writes AGF, insists on proscription of IMN

The federal government of Nigeria has been asked to proscribe without delay the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shi’ites.

A pro-democracy Civil Society Organisation known as Global Integrity Crusade Network (GICN), which made this call on Monday, said it has been observing with “disenchantment” how the Islamic extremists otherwise known as Shi’ites continue to breach national peace, cause mayhem and make life unbearable for innocent citizens.

The rights group vowed to drag the Attorney General of the Federation to court if it failed to take decisive action against the violent group.

A letter addressed to the AGF and signed Akan Augustine, Director of Research & Evaluation, of the group claimed that from the wealth of oral and documentary evidences made available to the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by Governor Nasir El-Rufai to look into the clash that occurred between IMN and the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State between 12th – 14th December, 2015 as captured in its widely publicized final report (copy attached), IMN has never ceased to be a violent organization.

According to the letter obtained by our reporter on Monday, the group noted that history has shown that the “Muslim Brothers” which was an offshoot of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) transformed into IMN around 1994 and built a leadership that has been steadfast and deliberate in habitual acts of lawlessness and defiance of constituted authorities in Nigeria.

The letter partly reads.

Until Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky being the overall temporal and spiritual leader of IMN was tamed by security agencies following his failed attempt at assassinating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General T.Y Buratai in December, 2015, he was notorious to be in constant clash with all the successive governments of Nigeria from Shagari through Buhari (as Military Head of State), Babangida to Abacha and throughout the 4th Republic.

El-Zakzaky believes from the beginning that there was no peaceful way for Muslims to attain their need for Sharia implementation in Nigeria. The transformation of El-Zakzaky’s activism to the Shiites Creed did not change this outlook as originally borrowed from the 1978/79 Iranian Revolution. The impact of this revolution shocked the entire world as it was unexpected, and had the capacity of influencing the attitude of the Muslims in the world, including of course Nigeria. That was because Imam Khomeini of the Islamic Revolutionary Vanguard, who toppled government at that time and declared Iran as an “Islamic Republic”, made it a fundamental part of his foreign policy to spread the Iranian revolutionary ideas to other Muslim countries to imitate and execute. In the words of Khomeini;

“We should try to export our revolution to the (Muslim) world. We should set aside the thought that we do not export our revolution, because Islam does not regard various Islamic countries differently and is the supporter of all the oppressed people of the world. On the other hand, all the superpowers and the great powers have risen to destroy us. If we remain in an enclosed environment we shall definitely face defeat. When we say we want to export our revolution, we do not want to do it with swords.”

With the Iranian revolution as the backdrop, El-Zakzaky indoctrinated the over 60,000 members of the IMN who owe absolute loyalty to him into believing that there is a need to change the secular government in Nigeria to one which solely receives commandments from Allah. Little wonder, members of IMN failed, refused and neglected to submit memorandum or make oral submission before the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry in a matter where they were direct parties, even though they had ample opportunity to do so. Rather, their lawyers were quick to address a World Press Conference whilst proceedings were still ongoing at the Commission, alleging that the Nigerian Army used excessive force and violated the fundamental rights of some Shiites members in the course of restoring normalcy to the then affected areas in Zaria, Kaduna State.

Being the foregoing as it may, a careful reading of the combined provisions of Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 and Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 establishes that IMN by its activities and characters ought to be proscribed and designated as a terrorist group just like Boko Haram and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). For purposes of clarity, we have identified the many infractions committed by IMN since it came into existence in Nigeria to wit;

Acts of Terrorism: Section 1 Subsection (1) of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 prohibits all acts of terrorism and financing of terrorism while Section 1 Subsection (2) of the Act prescribes a maximum of death sentence for any person or body corporate who willingly commits an offence relating to terrorism either directly or indirectly within or outside Nigeria.

Terrorist Meetings: Suffices to state that El-Zakzaky has been arranging, managing and participating in meetings alongside members of IMN which is in his knowledge are connected with terrorism. This offence punishable pursuant to Section 4 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 which prescribes imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years.

Soliciting and giving support to terrorist groups for the commission of terrorism: The report of the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry clearly indicates that El-Zakzaky receives funds from the Islamic Republic of Iran, Lebanon, Ghana and Niger Republic which he channels into rendering all manners of support to his followers. He also distributes Islamic literatures, proliferates arms and light weapons as well as incites members of IMN to commit terrorist acts with the aim of dislodging the government of Nigeria contrary to Section 5 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and punishable upon conviction for a term not less than 20 years.

Harbouring terrorists or hindering the arrest of a terrorist: There are overwhelming evidence contained in the report of the Kaduna Judicial Commission of Inquiry to show that IMN is law unto itself. As it happened in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja recently, members of IMN are fond of confronting law enforcement agencies in order to rescue any of its members arrested or kept in custody in connection with acts of terrorism. This is a blatant breach of Section 6 the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and the offence attracts imprisonment for a term not less than 20 years.

Provision of training and instruction to terrorist groups or terrorists: No doubt, Sheikh El-Zakzaky is notorious for training his guards popularly called Hurras in the practice of military exercise and in the making or use of explosives and other forms of lethal weapons without being authorized under the Nigerian laws to do so. This constitutes an offence under Section 7 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and carries 20 years as punishment upon conviction.

Provision of devices to a terrorist: Obviously, the petrol bombs and other explosives used by members of IMN during their clash with the Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State in December, 2015 were all provided by their most revered leader El-Zakzaky with support from foreign funders and sympathizers as aforesaid. This is an offence under Section 9 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 and is punishable with imprisonment for not less than 20 years.

Other offences linked to IMN touch on recruitment of persons to be members of terrorist groups, solicitation of property for the commission of terrorist acts, provision of facilities in support of terrorist acts, financing of terrorism and so on. See Sections 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 of the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013.

Sir, we submit that the above infractions are substantial enough to nail IMN as a terrorist group without much ado. As the situation stands, the refusal of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice to proscribe IMN all along has contributed to the spread of terrorism in Nigeria. We are at a loss as to why the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice neither utilized the final report of the Kaduna Commission of Inquiry nor set up another panel to fully deal with an issue as sensitive as IMN at the national level even though he has the power to do so under our laws.

It is on record that the leadership of IMN and thousands of its followers have been jailed a number of times, but they remain adamant about converting Nigeria to an Islamic State at all cost. Unless and until the government develops the courage to tackle the excesses of El-Zakzaky and the confrontational, un-cordial, dramatic and deadly IMN at once, the much anticipated peace in Northern-Nigeria as a whole will remain a mirage. The contribution of President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to the anti-terror efforts to make Nigeria safe again is quite commendable and must be sustained no matter whose ox is gored.

We therefore give the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice 72 (Seventy Two) hours ultimatum from the date hereof to activate the necessary statutory procedures with a view to proscribing IMN for setting up or pursuing acts of terrorism. In the event that this ultimatum expires without any positive actions taken, we shall not hesitate to drag the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice being the Chief Law Officer of Nigeria to a court of competent jurisdiction in order to compel him to do the needful in the interest of peace, national security and safety of innocent citizens who now live in fear of IMN.

Electoral Act: How National Assembly crafted bill to sink Nigeria’s democracy – North Central group

-
0
Electoral Act: How National Assembly crafted bill to sink Nigeria’s democracy – North Central group

 

As reactions continue to trail the rejection of the Electoral Act Amendment Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari, a north central group has alleged that the bill was crafted by some members of the National Assembly to sink the nation’s flourishing democracy.

Recall that Buhari had for the third time withheld his assent to the bill.

Buhari explained that passing the bill could cause “some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process.”

However, his refusal to assent to the bill has triggered nationwide reactions, with many frowning at his decision while other lauded him for the ‘bold step.’

Reacting to the development, the North Central Democracy and Peace Vanguard called on the National Assembly to immediately cease the ‘plot’ against the country.

Addressing newsmen on Monday in Abuja, the group’s National President, Chief Gabriel Agibi, warned that Nigerians will hold the lawmakers solely responsible for any untoward development in the polity.

His statement reads in full.

“The federal parliamentarians are being urged on in this reckless plot by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), some unwholesome groups including the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and certain individuals that present themselves as activists.

“Gentlemen of the press, recall that the opposition and some of these same lawmakers called for the sack of the military service chiefs over some flimsy reasons. It was later found that their real objective is to get rid of Service Chiefs that are loyal to the country so that those that are pliable can be installed preparatory to the mayhem that would be unleashed after they must have lost the elections. The pliable military chiefs would then support them to hijack the government under an illegal interim government that will conduct fraudulent elections to hand power over to the opposition.

“The insistence on using a faulty Electoral Law for the conduct of the election in addition to the duplication of legislation is therefore a major trigger that these people want to use to foment trouble and cause widespread violent protests as already hinted at by Mr. President. The bedlam over the withholding of assent to this questionable piece of legislation must be looked at from the perspective of the larger threat to Nigeria’s democracy beyond the first quarter of 2019, when the opposition would have lost at the polls.

“We consequently use this opportunity to demand the following:
“That well-meaning Nigerians condemn this attempt by members of the National Assembly and the opposition to derail our democracy by manipulating the Constitutional provision of veto power for lawmakers to sow confusion into the electoral process.

“That Nigerians occupy the National Assembly until their representatives in the National Assembly cease and desist from using the Electoral Act Amendment to heat up the polity. There are pressing matters deserving the attention of parliamentarians other than being the hired routs of the opposition.

“That the National Assembly immediately ceases this evil plot against the country. Should the lawmakers persist on this destructive path, Nigerians will hold them solely responsible for any untoward development in the polity.

“President Buhari immediately takes measures to safeguard the country against any breakdown in law and order in the country since this is the end game that the plotters are banking on to destabilize our democracy.

“That the Independent National Electoral Commission goes ahead to manage the 2019 General Election with the same law with which it began the process irrespective of whatever other criminality gets thrown its way in the form of a vetoed legislation. The judiciary exists for situations like this so INEC must seek interpretation up to the Supreme Court before it can manage the elections with two sets of law.

“We make the above demand because it has become increasingly clear to us that the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, our own brethren is the target. The objective is to shove the government aside and get rid of him in the process so that the number two position can go to another region while the north continues as number one position.

Buhari moves for autonomy for legislature, judiciary

-
0
Buhari moves for autonomy for legislature, judiciary

In accordance with the 4th alteration to the 1999 Constitution, President Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a Presidential Implementation Committee on Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary.

Mr Femi Adesina, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, said the committee will drive the actualisation of the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the State level.

It will be chaired by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, with Sen. Ita Enang, the Presidential Liaison (NASS), acting as Secretary.

The committee has representatives of State Judiciary, such as Justice N. Ajanah, Chief Judge of Kogi State and Justice K. Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa.

Other members are Khadi Abdullahi Maikano Usman, Grand Khadi, Gombe State Sharia Court of Appeal and Justice Abbazih Musa Sadeeq, Ag. President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal.

State legislatures are to be represented by: Mudashiru Obasa, Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, as well as Abel Peter Riah, Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria is to be represented by Marwan Mustapha Adamu while Comrade Bala Hadi will represent the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria in the committee.

Other members of the committee are , Musa Mustapha Agwai, Body of Chairmen of Houses of Assembly Service Commissions, Senator David Umaru; Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Aminu Shagari, House of Representatives Committee on Federal Judiciary, The Accountant General of the Federation, and the Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

Director General of the Nigerian Governors Forum or such other representative as the Forum may wish to nominate; Chairman of the Forum of Finance Commissioners in Nigeria; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, and Chike Adibuah representing Civil Society Organizations are members.

The committee will assess and review the level of compliance by all the 36 States of the Federation with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

It will monitor, ensure and cause the implementation of Financial Autonomy across the Judiciary and Legislature of the 36 States and to consult and relate with the appropriate Federal and State MDAs.

It is also to ensure and where necessary enforce the implementation of constitutional provision; and to come up with appropriate modality or model to be adopted by all the States of the Federation for implementation and/ or compliance with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“The formal inauguration of the committee by Mr President will be done in due course,’’ Adesina said.

Nigerian Army Reiterate Commitments To Promote Human Rights

-
0
Nigerian Army Reiterate Commitments To Promote Human Rights

Nigerian Army Reiterate Commitments To Promote Human Rights

By Ajogwu Jerry

In commemoration of the 2018 International International Human Rights Day, the Nigerian Army has reiterated its commitment in the promotion of human rights across the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai in a statement made known by the Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman  on Monday said Nigerian Army firmly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights is an essential component of the various military operations.

General Buratai further noted the inimical act of terrorists in the country’s North East and reaffirmed the commitments of the troops to end insurgency in Nigeria.

The statement reads in part:

“For emphasis, the Nigerian Army firmly believes that the promotion and protection of human rights are an essential component of our military operations.

“We firmly embrace the idea and the message behind the International Human Rights Day and we are committed to doing our part to spread awareness and support for human rights every day.

“On this day, I recommit the Nigerian Army to supporting the brave officers, men and women who are working daily to defend human dignity and advance the cause of freedom of Nigerians across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.

“I note with regret the situation in some areas in the North Eastern States of Nigeria where heinous acts of terrorism continue to be perpetuated by Boko Haram terrorists.

“I specifically pay tribute to the officers, men and women who have lost their lives in the pursuit of human rights for the people living in these communities.

“While these resurgent acts of terrorism challenges the rights that we celebrate today, I nevertheless believe that freedom including the right to live without fear will triumph eventually over terrorism and the Nigerian Army remains committed to working toward that end.

The Nigerian Army appreciates the support and partnerships with local and international non government organisations,”.

Gen Buratai noted the support of the National Human Rights Commission as well as other Human Rights defenders while stating the resolve of the Nigerian Army to promote and respect the rights of citizens.

Electoral Amendment Bill 2018: Two for the Price of One

-
0
Electoral Amendment Bill 2018: Two for the Price of One

By David Onmeje

But for President Muhammadu Buhari’s foresight Nigeria would have scored a world record in addition to whatever other unpalatable records we already hold as the land of the absurd. Nigeria was on the verge of conducting its next general elections with a set of two laws: the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 and the 2015 Electoral Act.
Activities from pre-electioneering period through the lifting of ban on politics till date were conducted under the 2015 Electoral Act. Had the amended bill been assented to, the other activities from the moment of assent would have then been conducted under the newly signed legislation. The confusion that will arise from this is better appreciated with the realization that judicial interpretation of the extant law is already a tall order so deciding which of the two documents is applicable would be a taller order.

President Buhari’s request that the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 should come into force only after the 2019 polls is therefore logical. The nation still gets to enjoy the benefit of the changes made without the headaches that would arise from making its application commence from an impractical time. But this and other clarifications by the president on why he declined assent to the bill are not striking the right chord with everyone as some people are of the opinion that the legislation should have proceeded to be used for the elections.

This would be doing a great disservice to the nation. Even if the application of the legislation were partitioned to cater to the identified timelines, the ambiguities that President Buhari identified in several sections of the bill would still haunt the votes. Those that will win and lose at the polls will be pressed to spend the period between the 2019 elections and the next polls in the court seeking interpretations to the contentious sections.
As logical as these observations are, they had not appealed to those that are bent on being critical of Mr. President’s decision. They have come up with one condemnation after the other in what is increasingly becoming apparent as a coordinated response from clique that had wanted him to make the mistake of assenting to the bill. They would have latched onto this mistake to demand for his impeachment, which would be reasonable because the shortcomings he has identified are grievous enough to warrant such.
In the hail of criticism against the President, the real culprits behind this fiasco are getting away with not even a slap on the wrist. The national lawmakers that came up with a document that inconsiderate should be answering to their constituents, to Nigerians – but this is not happening. Of course, the more they make the president the whipping boy the lesser the chance that Nigerians will recall their own wrongdoings in the entire affair.
Had the lawmakers focused on their primary assignment of oversight and law-making they would have made these amendments one clear year before the start of elections. If the refusal to assent to the bill had taken place within such timeframe there would have then been sufficient wiggle room to make changes as many times as necessary. Instead, the Senators and their counterparts in the House of Representatives wasted valuable time grandstanding to Nigerians over cross carpeting, decamping and other irrelevancies that added no value to governance.

Even as things stand, they are too selfish to take a break from their campaign trails for re-election to return to their chambers are expediently address the contentious areas that the president highlighted in his communication returning the bill to the National Assembly. They would rather carry on with their campaign instead of being selfless in immediately addressing the changes that would enable the bill to be signed into law. Even though the resulting law cannot be used for the 2019 elections as already stated, subsequent elections would at least have the legislation in place with the guarantee that this kind of drama from lawmakers would not bedevil the nation again.
For the now, we are stuck with the 2015 Electoral Act, with whatever strengths or imperfections that it may entail. Interestingly, the current crop of elected office holders are a product of this legislation so the lawmakers are in no position to rubbish it as doing so will qualify them as persons that enjoyed the privileges of office derived from a flawed electoral law, which would further suggest that the amendment they had carried out was done by people that should not be in office in the first place. But this is certainly not the case.
They must therefore give up the obsession with the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018, including making the mistake of overriding the President by way of a veto. First, neither of the houses can marshal the quorum needed to make this happen since each lawmaker would rather persist in their mission of seeking re-election. Secondly, there is simply not time left to activate the process by which to override the President, they left the passage of the bill for too late and knowing their capacity for bungling even the straightest forward of national assignments.
The reality we must all confront at this point is that the Electoral (Amendment) Bill 2018 has turned out to be a casualty of bad timing. Signing it would have amounted to using two laws for the same elections. If it were a supermarket having a sales promo of “buy one get one free” or “two for the price of one” it would have been a great deal that should be snapped up without hesitation. But this is about the safety of our democracy where two for the price of one is a guaranteed recipe for disaster and must be avoided like a plague.
On this one, President Buhari got it right and the lawmakers with his other critics are on the wrong side of the equation, history. They should be decent enough to let go of their obsession and hurt for the country to progress with the 2019 elections and sustain our democracy.

Onmeje is an advocate of common sense and writes from London, United Kingdom.

JAMB to effect new rate next year

-
0
JAMB to effect new rate next year

The board said it picked next year for registration of Universal Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidates because it wanted the reduction in the cost of selling its forms approved by the Federal Government to take effect.

Chairman, JAMB Governoning Board, Dr. Emmanuel Ndukwe, disclosed these at an event to celebrate some staff of the board who retired recently in Abuja.

Dr. Ndukwe explained that the reduction followed recommendations made by management and board of JAMB to the government because it was becoming difficult for some parents to raise the N5,000 currently charged by the board.

Although he commended the government for approving the reduction, Dr. Ndukwe said it would affect the amount that JAMB would return to the federal government next year.

He said: “You are aware that the Federal Governmeng has reduced the cost of JAMB forms from N5,000 to N3,500 but it is going to take effect from next year. Therefore, if we now starts selling the forms today, we will still sell at the cost of N5,000 because the approval does not cover for now. That is why we have shifted the sale of JAMB form to any day from first of January.

“it is a very good move from the federal government based on our recommendation. We recommended to the federal government. Even though we are returning money to the coffers of the federal government, our primary objective is not just to make money because that money is coming from somewhere and it is difficult for some people to raise that money and pay for JAMB form even though JAMB form is among the cheapest in the whole world.

“Considering the spirit of president Muhammadu Buhari, he is a man of the people. Whatever he will do in the interest of the masses he will do it. So he graciously accepted the recommendations from JAMB management and board to reduce the price and that will also reduce the amount of money that JAMB will return to the coffers of the government from next year but it is good for the general good of the populace.

It was also learnt that the board had so far offered admission to 470,000 students.

“As we were in the board meeting, admission were still going on. On the screen we were seeing it. It is changing by the minute,” he said.

Dr. Ndukwe said the board will fully implement the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).

“We are looking forward to the full implementation of CAPS. That is the best thing that will happen to education in Nigeria. If any child is qualified, central admission processing system will guarantee that that person is admitted. People should be patient and pray as we are implementing CAPS, let is come into full operation from 2019.

“You don’t need to know anybody to have admission and that is our mission now,” he added.

1...2,6862,6872,688...2,801Page 2,687 of 2,801
© Newspaper WordPress Theme by TagDiv