A civil society organisation, the Coalition for Peace In Nigeria (COPIN), has called on the Department of State Services (DSS) to, as a matter of urgent national importance, arrest a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, over alleged romance with bandits/terrorists.


According to COPIN, Gumi should ordinarily be a person of interest, considering his open fraternity with bandits and kidnappers threatening national security, as well as his persistent call on the federal government to grant the terror elements amnesty.


In a statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator, Pharmacist Emeka Akwuobi, and Hajiya Fatih Yakub National Secretary, the peace advocacy group said Gumi has a lot of explanations to offer on the activities of bandits, especially those operating within the North West general area.


While commending the secret service on the professional manner it has handled the arrest of an acclaimed kidnapped Abuja/Kaduna train passengers' negotiator, Tukur Mamu, the group insisted on the immediate arrest, interrogation and prosecution of the Islamic scholar.


"This is more so that Mamu, the bandits' negotiator, is the undisputed spokesperson for the Kaduna-based influential Islamic cleric", COPIN said in the statement.


The group further noted that apprehension of Gumi is fundamental to a peaceful election, considering the fact that he will provide the Service with credible/actionable intelligence on the actual locations, and modus operandi of the terrorists, culminating in their arrest.

The group threatened to organise a peaceful protest in Abuja, and other cities, should the intelligence agency fail to invite Gumi for interview.


The statement reads in full: [b]"We have watched with keen interest the provocative tendencies of Sheikh Gumi, especially as they relate to the activities of bandits/terrorists operating within the the North West general area."
"We note, with concern, Gumi's call for grant of amnesty to terrorists, who have killed and maimed thousands of urarmed civilians, including women and children.
"Of particular interest is the kidnap of over one hundred Abuja/Kaduna train passengers by the terrorists in April this year, many of whom are still being held under terrible conditions.
"As a peace advocacy group, we condemn all these evil acts perpetrated by the terror group, and other enemies of state operating under whatever name, as we insist that nobody, or group has the right to take arms against the State, regardless of their grievances.


"Consequently, we demand the immediate arrest and interrogation of Gumi who, by now, should be a person of interest to all intelligence and law enforcement agencies."

[/b]
"We will not hesitate to mobilise for peaceful protests in strategic cities, including Abuja, if the DSS fail to invite the Islamic Cleric for interview on all he knows about bandits/terrorists holding the North West states, and parts of North Central, to ransom."


"Finally, we wish to commend the DSS over the way and manner they have continued to handle Gumi's spokesman and negotiator, Tukur Mamu, since he was returned to the country from Cairo, Egypt, last week."


"We say the decision to approach a Federal High Court in Abuja for permission to hold him for a certain period, pending conclusion of investigation, shows that the DSS is a law-abiding agency".


Abdul Samad Rabiu, Founder and Chairman of BUA Group, one of Africa’s largest foods, mining, manufacturing and infrastructure companies, has been re-appointed as President of the France Nigeria Business Council by President Emmanuel Macron of France. This was announced at the July 2022 Meeting of the France Nigeria Business Council held in Paris.

Addressing the council, Abdul Samad Rabiu thanked members for coming and remarked that it was a personal honour for him to be a part of the France Nigeria Business Council, and also a privilege to serve as the pioneer President of the Council which was inaugurated just over a year ago and now, be reappointed as President. He also thanked President Macron for his support and, for reappointing him as well as Jean Haas of Relais (France) as President of the Council, and Head of the Secretariat respectively.



The France Nigeria Business Council brings together the top businesses in Nigeria and France with a goal of improving business relations between Nigeria and France whilst ensuring routine cooperation that will bring about immense economic benefits for both countries. French members of the council include the Global Chief Executives of Total Energies, Dassault, Axens, Accor, CMA, amongst others and on the Nigerian side, Dr Mike Adenuga of Globacom & Conoil, Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank, Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Group, Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group, Tony Elumelu of UBA, Heirs Holdings and Tony Elumelu Foundation, Dr. Herbert Wigwe of Access Bank Group, Dr. Philip Mshelbila of NLNG, Sen. Daisy Danjuma of Sapetro and May & Baker, and Abdul Samad Rabiu of BUA Group & the Abdul Samad Rabiu Africa Initiative (ASR Africa) who is the current president.

Speaking further, Abdul Samad Rabiu praised the progress that has been made by the France Nigeria Business Council since its inauguration and the commitment of members – despite slow global recovery, in pushing forward with various partnerships. These include plans by some of Nigeria’s biggest banks to set up subsidiaries in France, and BUA’s partnership with Axens of France to build a 200,000bpd refinery in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria amongst other key projects by members. Abdul Samad also encouraged members of this council to keep seeking for partnership opportunities, whilst planning, working together and adding value to each other so that successes already being created can be escalated for the mutual economic benefit of Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy and, France – a global economic leader. It is also expected that Rabiu’s current tenure will see the creation of working sub-committees and sectoral groups to enhance the council’s effectiveness.

A former state director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Sir Mike Ejiofor, has said the Nigeria Correctional Services (NSC) had sufficient intelligence on plans by criminal elements to attack critical infrastructure and other public places.

Terrorists with high explosives and other arms, Tuesday, attacked the Kuje Custodial Centre leading to the escape of over 800 inmates.

Prior to the attack the DSS had issued several warnings on possible attack by criminal elements, the Service in a press statement on April 26, 2022, specifically raised the alarm over plan to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country.

The statement signed by the DSS Public Relations Officer, Dr Peter Afunanya, also said it had uncovered a plot by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance with the objective to launch attacks on critical infrastructure and other public places.

Speaking to newsmen on Friday in Abuja, Ejiofor, who is the Chairman/CEO Safety Security Consultant LTD, said: “The attack is quite disheartening and embarrassing to the entire country.”

According to the former DSS boss, “There was several intelligence. Our problem in Nigeria is not the dearth of intelligence, we have abundance intelligence and Nigerians agree that there is sufficient intelligence but the problem and question people are asking is: how were we not able to prevent this?

“I can tell you, much as I sympathise with the action agencies, they don’t have the capacity to deal with the situation and it’s quite unfortunate. It is not only in security sub-sector but people are worried because security is the primary purpose of government as enshrined in our constitution.”

Asked whose responsibility it was to give order for action to be taken on intelligence he said, “Well, I don’t want to go deep but in intelligence circle we have four stages, we have the direction, collection, processing and dissemination.

“But at our level of inter agency relationship if the DSS offers intelligence to a particular agency, let’s take for example the correctional service, the DSS goes ahead to back it up with implementation strategies.

“When you recommend such implementation strategies like strengthening the walls, providing cameras in the facility, educating the staff on what to do but the facility does not have the finance to implement all these things who do you blame?

“That is why I said they don’t have the capacity to implement these strategies and it is that obvious. The funds are not sufficient and will never be sufficient.”

Speaking further Ejiofor warned of likelihood of more attacks stating: “I actually said it likely to happen because from records available, intelligence available, we are approaching elections and these terrorist don’t believe in democracy so they will want to do anything to thwart the process.

“I am not sounding pessimistic or alarming but I believe that our security agencies should step up their game to check the likely upsurge.”

Continuing he said, “The terrorists are testing waters. The fact remains that these people are very daring and they want to bring government to disrepute and make sure that people loss confidence in government.

“So, if they could go ahead and attack the president’s convoy, even if they knew he wasn’t there, they tried it as a sign to say: we are capable of doing this.”

On the way forward, he called for a probe panel to determine exactly what happened, adding: “We should prioritise our security. We should re-strategise. People are calling for change of leadership; I don’t see that as a solution because you are not going to bring foreigners or outsiders to man these agencies.

“If we continue to operate in the same environment, the same circumstance we will continue to have problem. So, the government should take security very seriously.”

According to him, “What we should be doing now is to prevent a future reoccurrence… We can mobilise our people, volunteer information to the security agencies, let the people be security conscious of their environment. As long as this people are out there you don’t know when they will strike again.

“So if you see people with strange faces you should be able to report and people should in their own small groups, perhaps estates, organise themselves to look at their security.”

The fatal attack on the Kuje Custodial Centre in Abuja, leading to the freeing of hundreds of inmates, could have been averted if the relevant security agencies had acted on a series of intelligence reports from the Department of State Security (DSS), POLITICS NIGERIA reports.

This newspaper had reported how members of the Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), a breakaway faction of the Boko Haram sect, broke into the centre on Tuesday night.

With the use of explosives and heavy ammunition, the terrorists freed hundreds of inmates including suspected terrorists who have been fingered in previous attacks.

Officials and prison sources confirmed that over 400 inmates are still at large while nearly 500 have been recaptured.

This newspaper, however, recalled that the DSS had in March issued a warning on an impending attack.

The secret police said it uncovered plots by some persons it described as “disgruntled” elements to unleash violence in some parts of the country, particularly the North-central geopolitical zone..

The Statement revealed that those who planned to cause the mayhem intend to hide under sundry interests.

Likewise, in another statement issued in April, the DSS warned about plans to relive pre-2015 bombing episodes.

"The Department of State Services (DSS) hereby draws public attention to plans by criminal elements to return the country to the pre-2015 era reminiscent of IED attacks on soft and hard targets in parts of the country."

"Though there are already reported cases of such incidents in some areas, the Service has uncovered a ploy by suspected criminal gangs to forge an alliance among themselves with a view to launching further attacks on critical infrastructure and other frequented public places like worship and relaxation centres, especially during and after the holidays and festive celebrations. The objective is to achieve some self- serving interests as well as cause fear among the citizenry. The Service, however, recalls its earlier warning that some groups and individuals were plotting to stoke violence in the country.

"Following these, patrons, owners and managers of aforementioned public places are advised to be wary of this development and implement basic security measures to deter the threats. While the Service is committed to the disruption of this trend and pattern of violent attacks, it will continue to partner with other security agencies to ensure that necessary drills are emplaced in order that public peace and order are not jeopardized."

As the 2023 general election approaches, Calistus Okafor, a factional Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, on Wednesday, vowed to “fight on” to a “logical end”.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that Okafor stated that Peter Obi’s claim of being the Labour Party’s presidential candidate was still contentious, blaming the former Anambra State governor for not resolving the party crisis he "met on ground”.

Okafor, a former Deputy National Chairman of the Labour Party, let out his grievances in an interview with newsmen in Abuja.

This newspaper learned that Okafor has a case in court against the Labour Party.

“I know that there are people benefiting from the current situation who are making Peter Obi not to see the reality of life. They didn’t allow him to come to reality that he has no ticket with which to contest next year’s election yet.

“There are people telling Obi not to mind me thinking that my case had no merit. He (Obi) is paying lawyers, hundreds of millions instead of him to resolve the crisis in the Labour Party.

“This is a man who wants to change the narratives politically, who wants to do something differently, but he could not settle the crisis he met on the ground. He cannot resolve the party crisis and he wants to resolve the problem of Nigeria.

“If anyone wants to crucify me for fighting for my right, I’m also prepared to fight on, even to the logical end,” he said.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that if Okafor is successful in his suit, it could terminate Obi's candidature and create strong problems for the party.

BACKGROUND

Okafor, a factional leader of the party, in his suit is challenging the legality of the leadership of Akingbade Oyelakin, whom he said “represents persons wrongfully and unlawfully parading themselves as members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of Labour Party”.

He also joined  the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a co-defendant. Others sued by Okafor include Julius Abure and Umar Farouq who emerged as the national chairman and the secretary of the party, respectively, at a national executive committee meeting of the party held in Benin, Edo State, in March 2021.

The rest of the defendants sued by the defendants are members of the committee set up by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to take over the affairs of the party. The committee members are Salisu Mohammed, Lawson Osagie, Isa Aremu, Baba Aye, Ikpe Ektokudo, Sylvester Ejiofor, and Lucy Offiong. Sued along with them are one Salamatu Aliyu and the NLC.

He criticised the party's presidential candidate, Peter Obi, stating that decided to defect to LP without proper information on the fact that the party’s leadership had been a subject of litigation since 2018.

Okafor claimed that he remained the authentic national chairman of the party. He explained that he got the post by virtue of his position as Deputy National Chairman of the party when the late national chairman, Abdulsalam, was in office. He added that Abure, who is currently leading a faction of the party, was Acting National Secretary, when Abdulsalam, died in 2020.

"Peter Obi, at the moment, has been deceived and he is sitting on a keg of gunpowder and it is a pity. He went to wolves in sheep clothing thinking he was discussing with the right people. Staying in the PDP would have been better for him."

"The LP has not done any convention since 2014, after the last one it did in Akure, the Ondo State capital."

The Tinubu Campaign Organization has raised alarm over a fake text message alleging that 2023 Presidential Aspirant, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has plans of running on a 'Muslim-Muslim' ticket.


Below is a full statement from the organization:


"We have been informed of a text message going round APC delegates at Eagle Square, Abuja purportedly from Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claiming that with his imminent victory at the APC Presidential Primary and emergence as the party's presidential candidate, the APC leader has now decided on a Muslim-Muslim ticket."


"This is nothing but a lie. It has no basis whatsoever."
"We enjoin the distinguished delegates to ignore this completely."


"The fake text message is a ploy by some undemocratic elements to confuse and hoodwink delegates sensing that Asíwájú Tinubu is comfortably coasting home to victory."


"Truth is Asíwájú is destined for victory and no one can scuttle this through their shameful tactics."
"Asíwájú is not known to jumping guns. He will deal with all important matters pertaining to his presidential pair at the appropriate time, after his victory has been fully established by the distinguished delegates."


The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has responded to rumours that he intends to run for President in 2023 on the platform of the All progressives Congress, APC.

In a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Sunday, signed by his media aide, Rotimi Oyekanmi, the chairman disclosed that such will not happen. The statement read;

"Our attention has been drawn to innuendoes in certain quarters that Nigerians should not be surprised if the INEC Chairman joins the Presidential race or urging him to do so."

"It is a preposterous proposition. It will not happen."

"The Chairman remains an umpire committed to free, fair and credible elections. His constitutional responsibilities as the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Federation and Returning Officer for the presidential election are onerous enough for him to even contemplate straying into extraneous matters at variance with the law, morality and his personal principles."

"The Chairman will continue to discharge his responsibilities without affection for, or illwill against, any political party or candidate."

POLITICS NIGERIA, in its pursuit of accurate and timely information, has been availed on the circumstances leading to the exit of Abdulmumin Jibrin, a former member of the House of Representatives and self-appointed Director General of the Bola Tinubu Campaign Organization from the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Contrary to widespread belief that his defection may be as a result of a possible rejection of Asiwaju's 2023 ambition by President Muhammadu Buhari, Jibrin's problems arise from a decision not to give him the party’s ticket to return to the house of representatives.

Jibrin and Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Ganduje have been at loggerheads for sometime over local political issues.

It can be recalled that Jibrin had represented Kiru/Bebeji Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives between 2011 and 2019 before losing the re-run election to the Candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP.

However, Tinubu has been informed of the problem and has now stepped into the matter.

It was gathered that the Lagos politician has reached out to Governor Ganduje to resolve the matter. A reliable source disclosed to this newspaper that Jibrin will also be meeting with Tinubu in a matter of hours for a total resolution of the crisis.

The Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) on Friday announced the shutdown of operations, with effect from Monday.

POLITICS NIGERIA reports that the decision was taken due to the skyrocketing cost of Aviation fuel, which has reached an all-time high of N700 per litre.

According to AON, the current situation with Jet A1 has shot up the cost of operations to over 95 percent.

The Operators stated their intention in a letter its President, Alhaji Abdulmunaf Yunusa Sarina, sent to the Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika.

The letter partly reads: “It is with a great sense of responsibility and patriotism that the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) have carried on deploying and subsidizing their services to our highly esteemed Nigerian flying public in the last four months despite the steady and astronomical hike in the price of JetA1 and other operating costs.

"Overtime, aviation fuel price (JetA1) has risen from N190 per litre to N700 currently. No airline in the world can absorb this kind of sudden shock from such an astronomical rise over a short period."

It added: "To this end therefore, the Airline Operators of Nigeria (AON) hereby wishes to regrettably inform the general public that member airlines will discontinue operations nationwide with effect from Monday May 9, 2022 until further notice."

Nigeria's President, Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the Brutal beheading of a Military couple in Imo state by suspected members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.


Below is a statement made available to POLITICS NIGERIA on Wednesday evening signed by his media aide, Garba Shehu;


"On behalf of the government and the entire nation, President Muhammadu Buhari expresses deep condolences to the Nigerian Army and the families of Master Warrant Officer Audu Linus and his partner, Private  Gloria Mathew, who were beheaded after being shot by the terrorist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Saturday as confirmed by the Nigerian Army."


"The corpses were inhumanely treated and gleefully posted on social media platforms."


"The President joins fellow citizens in expressing deep sense of shock and condemns the barbarism of the perpetrators of this unfortunate incident, and similar acts of violence against law enforcement agents, describing it as alien to all cultures and civilizations."
"President Buhari calls on all leaders - community, regional and national - to “speak with one voice, to show that the entire country is one against this cruel and barbaric act of violence. This is unacceptable."
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of this sad and tragic incident,” said the President."


"The President has directed the military authorities and other security agencies to do their utmost in apprehending the perpetrators of these barbaric acts and bring them to justice."


The United States Government through its mission in Nigeria has reacted to the arrest of a notorious fraudster, Osondu Victor Igwilo by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.

Igwilo was arrested by Operatives of the Anti-graft Commission on Thursday, March 11 after 4 years of being on the run. He was declared wanted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, over fraud related crimes in 2018.

A statement signed by the Head, Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Monday read in part;

:"Fifty-two year-old Igwilo, who is the alleged leader of a criminal network of “catchers’’ was arrested alongside Okafor Nnamdi Chris, Nwodu Uchenna Emmaunel and John Anazo Achukwu at a studio in the Sangotedo area of Lagos for an alleged fraud, money laundering and identity theft to the tune of about $100m."

"Investigations revealed that those who fell victims of the suspects’ criminal activities were asked to make certain payments before they could receive their funding. It was also revealed that proceeds of the scheme were allegedly laundered through U.S. bank accounts and diverted back to the alleged perpetrators in Nigeria."

Reacting to the development, the US mission in Nigeria, in a statement on Monday evening hailed the commission for its efforts.

"With Justice as our mutual priority, we congratulate the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for partnering with the FBI – Federal Bureau of Investigation and arresting long-time wanted suspect, Osondu Victor Igwilo, for fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft."

It was on January 7, 2022 that a 2023 presidential election campaign poster of Goodluck Jonathan first appeared online with the inscription "GEJ Is Coming Back" and the ex-president's image was seen posing in deep thought.

Earlier this week, #GEJIsComingBack trended on Twitter and many Nigerians reacted differently to the development. While many said he shouldn't be allowed to return, some social media users argued that he should be allowed to run a second term.

POLITICS NIGERIA understands that the development in the last two months has, however, lent credence to speculations that Jonathan is being prepared to take over from President Muhammadu Buhari in 2023.

"For President Goodluck Jonathan, he has shown that the interest of Nigeria comes first. This was demonstrated by his actions during and in the aftermath of the 2015 Elections, specifically the historic phone call he made to President Muhammadu Buhari. He has indeed proven to be a peacemaker and patriotic. He epitomises a true defender of democracy."

"We call on former President Jonathan to once again avail himself to be of service to the country he loves so much! He should bear in mind the popular Latin saying; Vox populi, vox Dei! The voice of the people is the voice of God! This is a rescue mission you cannot refuse to lead sir," a group known as the Citizens Network for Peace and Development (CNPD) recently said.

Before now, the body language of Goodluck Jonathan shows that he has a secret marriage with the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC and now that the party has zoned its chairmanship to the north, the south will have to produce its presidential candidate.

For former Special Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari on the House of Representatives, Abdulrahman Sumaila, the move to make former Jonathan the presidential candidate of APC will be a major disservice capable of ruining the party’s chance in 2023.

Regardless of the party he contests under, he has bigwigs like Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Atiku Abubakar to challenge. As there is increased clamour for power to shift to the South, Buhari’s close loyalists told POLITICS NIGERIA that the president believes that Jonathan would be harmless to him and for that reason, he should be considered if power is shifting to the South.

"Buhari and his northern brothers believe that Jonathan is not going to be a threat. For him to have handed over peacefully in 2015, he won many northerners' hearts. The permutation is that they want power to return to the north by 2027," a top member of the APC who does not want his name in print said.

In a bid to further show the northern interest in Jonathan's candidacy, the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) recently said in a news report that it regretted that it got rid of Jonathan in 2015.

While all of these continue to trigger public outrage, Jonathan has kept a low profile except for his role in ensuring that the Malian military junta returned the country back to democratic leaders. This, as the ECOWAS Special Envoy and Mediator for Mali, has made him visible within the sub-region.

Aside from this, he has been seen working closely with Buhari and visiting the villa more frequently. Even as the election is fast approaching, the ex-president said he is not under any pressure to contest.

He, however, did not confirm nor deny his interest to contest. Jonathan keeps everyone guessing.

But his close associate, Dikivie Ikiogha, one of the coordinators of “South-South Presidency 2023”, a bi-partisan group canvassing for a South-South presidency in 2023 said those seeking to draft Jonathan into the race are doing so, because he is the best suited for the job.

“We have met him and he said it was a good idea because every zone has people to lead the country. However, he did not say he accepted and that he wanted to contest. Anyway, he wouldn’t have told us that. Even if he is not willing to contest, the people will call on him to come out. We have been having a lot of calls from the North. It is now I know that Jonathan is a hot cake in Nigeria,” Ikiogha recently said.

The former president's spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze, did not respond to calls and text messages on the step Jonathan plans to take ahead of the 2023 presidential election.

"As you are aware, yesterday, Friday 25th February 2022, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria signed the Electoral Bill 2022 into law. This is historic being the fourth time since the restoration of democracy in Nigeria in May 1999 that the Electoral Act was repealed and re-enacted. The 1998 - 1999 elections were administered by transitional decrees until the 2001 Electoral Act was passed into law. Then, the Act was repealed and re-enacted as the Electoral Act 2002 which was in turn repealed and re-enacted in 2006, 2010 and now we have the 2022 Electoral Act."

"You may recall that in 2017, the Commission decided to establish fixed dates for General Elections in Nigeria. This decision was based on our determination to create certainty in the electoral calendar and to enable all stakeholders in the electoral process (the electoral commission, political parties and candidates, security agencies, observers, the media etc.) to prepare adequately for elections."

"By that decision, Presidential and National Assembly elections shall hold on the third Saturday of the month of February of each General Election year, while Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections shall follow two weeks later. Consequently, the 2023 General Election was scheduled to commence on 18th February 2023 with the Presidential and National Assembly elections, followed by the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections on the 4th of March 2023. However, the Commission could not release the detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the General Election, as it normally would, because of the pending enactment of the Electoral Act 2022. The Bill has now been signed into law."

"Therefore, the Electoral Act 2022, together with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), form the legal basis for conducting all elections in Nigeria. In particular, the Electoral Act provides strict timelines for the implementation of electoral activities based on the date of the General Election. One ofthe significant timelines isthe publication of Notice of Election not later than 360 days before the day appointed for holding an election which has now lapsed for the 2023 General Election."

"Consequently, the Commission has decided to adjust the dates of the 2023 General Election to ensure compliance with the provisions of the new law. Accordingly, the Presidential and National Assembly elections will now hold on Saturday 25th February 2023 while the Governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections will hold two weeks later on Saturday 11th March 2023. With this adjustment, the 2023 General Election is now 363 days away."

"Under the law, there are critical timebound activities from the publication of Notice of Election to the Conduct of Polls which form the Timetable and Schedule of Activities for elections. Some of the critical activities and their dates of implementation are as follows:

i. Publication of Notice of Election - Monday 28th February 2022.

iii. Conduct of party primaries, including the resolution of disputes
arising from them — Monday 4th April 2022 to Friday 3rd June 2022.

iii. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online portal for Presidential and National Assembly election - 9.00am on Friday 10th June 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 17th June 2022.

iv. Submission of nomination forms to INEC via the online nomination portal for Governorship and State Assembly elections - 9.00am on Friday Ist July 2022 to 6.00pm on Friday 15th July 2022.

v. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly election - Wednesday 28th September 2022.

vi. Commencement of Campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections - Wednesday 12th October 2022.

vii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Presidential and National Assembly elections — midnight on Thursday 23rd February 2023.

viii. Last day of campaign by political parties for Governorship and State Assembly elections — midnight on Thursday 9th March 2023.

"The detailed Timetable and Schedule of Activities for the 2023 General Election will be circulated to the media at the end of this briefing. Soft copies will also be uploaded to the Commission's website and social media platforms immediately. In addition, the Notice of Election will be published in our offices in all the States of the Federation as required by law on Monday 28th February 2022."

"With the coming into force of the Electoral Act 2022, the Commission will work assiduously to conclude and publish new Regulations and Guidelines for the Conduct of Elections that are consistent with the Act."

BUA Foods Plc, one of the closely held businesses of Nigerian billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, completed the listing of its shares on the Nigerian Exchange on Wed., Jan. 5, after it received the requisite approvals from the regulatory authorities.


Consequently, the net worth of Rabiu, the majority owner of one of Africa’s fastest-growing cement makers, BUA Cement, rose by nearly $1.9 billion to $7.2 billion thanks to the valuation of BUA Foods.
His current net worth eclipsed the $6.6-billion wealth valuation of Nigerian telecom mogul Mike Adenuga.


The consolidated food business is an operating unit of BUA Group, a well-diversified manufacturing conglomerate founded by Rabiu in 1988. The listing of 18 billion shares at N40 ($0.0968) each gave the food-processing firm an implied valuation of N720 billion ($1.74 billion).


As of press time, Jan. 6, shares in BUA Foods were worth N44 ($0.1065), 10-percent higher than their implied price. At the current price, the market capitalization of the consolidated food business increased to N792 billion ($1.92 billion).


The value bump caused Rabiu’s fortune to increase from $5.3 billion to $7.2 billion.
His net-worth valuation includes the market value of his 92-percent stake in his cement business, which is valued at $5.3 billion.

The addition of his new business makes him Nigeria’s second-richest man ahead of Mike Adenuga, the founder of Globacom, Nigeria’s third-largest telecom company.


Upon the listing of BUA Foods’ shares, the newly formed entity became the largest consumer goods company by market capitalization after Nestle Nigeria Plc, the Nigerian subsidiary of the Switzerland-based consumer goods giant, Nestle S.A.
The successful listing of its shares comes nearly a month after BUA Group spun off its five food businesses, including BUA Sugar Refinery Limited, BUA Oil Mills Limited, IRS Flour, IRS Pasta and BUA Rice Limited.


The group confirmed that the merging of its food businesses into a newly consolidated food company known as BUA Foods will help the conglomerate maintain its leadership status in the agribusiness and food-processing sectors.
While speaking about his food business, Rabiu noted that listing the shares would help people realize the true value chain of the business and assist in dealing with Nigeria’s food crisis.
“A lot of people do not know the size of this business, that is why we decided to merge all the food businesses into one entity.

Now that we have done that, people will understand and appreciate the business,” he said.


Thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari, the North is actually healing. Once upon a time, the North was bleeding. But today, the narrative has significantly changed. Who says it isn't.

It is no longer news that the security crisis in Northern Nigeria indeed disrupted socio-economic activities. It is also a statement that since 2009 when the Boko Haram insurgent group began a violent campaign, there has undoubtedly been a regime of sorrow, tears and blood. But thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari, whose efforts at addressing the security challenges in the country, northern Nigeria inclusive has been outstanding. Who can disagree with this?
In Nigeria, I have observed a penchant for turning the truth on its head. Some do this for financial reasons, while some do this for mischief purposes or to score cheap political points. I would go with both reasons because some of the issues been peddled in the media space with regards to the situation of things in the north remains the figment of the imagination of a select few that have in their wisdom become disillusioned because its no longer business as usual.

I recently stumbled on a statement credited to a group- Coalition of Northern Groups demanding that President Muhammadu Buhari returns Nigeria to the Boko Haram days pre-2015. I was alarmed but not surprised that such a call could elicit media attention. It was a most puerile attempt by the group's promoters to insult the sensibilities of Nigerians, especially victims of the fangs of the Boko Haram group in North-East Nigeria.
I was also amazed how any right-thinking individual or group would elect to be so forgetful to the situation of things then and would wish that Nigeria returns to such an era where the Boko Haram group almost succeeded in bringing Nigeria to its knees. I am forced to ask if those individuals were so forgetful not to remember that at the height of the Boko Haram insurgency, nowhere in the country was safe.

How did they forget so quickly how places of worship, public motor parks and other critical government infrastructures were severely hit by bombs detonated at will by the Boko Haram insurgents? Ordinally, it is curious that this request comes from a group whose supposed spectrum area is supposedly northern Nigeria.

One thing readily comes to mind, which is that indeed some vested interest in the north are, after all, not happy with the healing process in the north. We all know that the Boko Haram insurgency was big business for most of these nomenclatures; however, it remains absurd that some would elect to play politics with human lives. During the day, they are advocates for good governance, but at night, they are vampires looking for human blood.

From the preceding, it seems their thirst for blood is insatiable. It also seems their pockets have run dry since the Nigerian Army gained ascendency over the Boko Haram insurgents since 2016. And the list is endless. However, for emphasis’s sake, I would remind them of a few instances where the north really bled and why no right-thinking human would ever wish that Nigeria returns to such inglorious years.

Have they forgotten in a hurry the story of the Chibok girls? Have they also forgotten the Buni Yadi massacre where fifty-nine school boys at the Federal Government College of Buni Yadi in Yobe State were slaughtered? Have they also forgotten the Baga massacre where hundreds of thousands innocent people were killed and the headquarters of the Multinational Joint Task Force overrun by the Boko Haram insurgents? What about the Nyanya Bomb blast that left over 200 persons dead?

In Nigeria, was there a time when the Boko Haram group controlled over 16 local government areas in North-East Nigeria? Was there a time when the Boko Haram group attacked communities in North-East Nigeria at will, and the Nigerian Military seemed handicapped with little or no meaningful response to the constant attack on women and children.

Is the Coalition of Northern Groups aware that in most villages recaptured by military forces, all social infrastructures had reportedly been destroyed? The education authorities reported that 338 schools had been damaged or destroyed between 2012 and 2014 in the States of Adamawa, Borno and Yobe. In some areas, Boko Haram destroyed bridges linking villages, such as in Kubroshosh, in Borno State ? On 6 April 2015, in Kwajafa village in Borno state, Boko Haram set fire to a local mosque, leading to an unknown number of casualties. In June 2015, it used improvised explosive devices and suicide bomb attacks against a church, in Postikum. On 7 July, two separate bomb attacks on a restaurant and a mosque in Jos, killed 44 civilians. And the list is endless.

Is the Coalition of Northern Groups saying that all they wish for the Northern part of the country is a return to those anomalies? Your guess is as good as mine, and I dare say we might be dealing with the actual sponsors of crime and criminalities in Northern Nigeria. Now let's assume it was a political statement since its politics time; it goes a long way to tell any discerning mind that something is fundamentally wrong, and Nigerians should look no farther than those that came under the umbrella of Coalition of Northern Groups.

In my considered opinion, they are the real Boko Haram insurgents and recently bandits attempting to disrupt the healing process in Northern Nigeria since President Muhammadu Buhari assumed leadership of the country. At this point, I am afraid for this country and only God knows what these groups aim to achieve at the end of the day.

But the good news is that President Muhammadu Buhari indeed matched his words with actions. Today, over 80% of those displaced have returned to their communities. Today, the Boko Haram group does not control any local government area. The factional leaders of the group (Abubakar Shekau and Al Barnawi) have met their waterloo. This is aside from other top commanders that have either been eliminated or surrendered to the superior power of the Nigerian Military.
Nigerians can also testify when was the last time a bomb was detonated in any public place. Nigerians can also attest that those road barricades have disappeared from our streets and roads. Nigerians can also testify how the once dreaded Sambisa Forest was overrun by troops who dislodged the Boko Haram insurgents.
More recently, Nigerians can also testify on the intensity of the military's efforts in addressing the threats posed by bandits in parts of Northern Nigeria. Nobody can doubt what our Air Force has been doing in the last few weeks. The stats are impressive and most commendable because the prosecution of the war against terrorism and banditry have conformed with internationally accepted standards.

I also need to mention that the level of coordination amongst the security forces has been outstanding for emphasis. The troops are well equipped; Nigeria recently took delivery of some Super Tucano fighter jets and many more positives recorded under the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

Let us also look at the agricultural sector in Borno state that was badly affected by the Boko Haram insurgency. The Coalition of Northern Groups may wish to be reminded that Benue State recorded the highest rice yield in the country last year. Thanks to the improved security situation that allowed farmers to return to their farms once again. The herdsmen and farmers crisis has equally disappeared from the north gradually and almost completely .

This is same for other states in the North Central that has had issues with farmers-herders conflict. And if this is not healing I wonder what else to call it. Maybe the Coalition of Northern Groups in their wisdom can help us out.
Suppose the Coalition of Northern group does not recognize these feats. In that case, they should develop a counter-narrative with stats and stop wishing the country a return to Armageddon. If indeed they are a group, they should do us well to reveal their identities and not masquerade under a nomenclature with a northern tag.
They should spare us their diatribe and allow the healing in the north to continue until final peace returns.

Agbese is a UK trained human rights activist and publisher based in London.

Tanitoluwa “Tani” Adewumi, the 11-year-old Nigerian-born US Chess Master has kept alive his hope of achieving his dream – becoming the youngest ever Grandmaster – by defeating a 26-year-old fellow Master during a casual meet in a US park.

Adewumi took to Chess aged 7, when he was living in a homeless shelter.

At the age of 8, he won the New York State chess championship for his age group, after defeating well-coached children from rich private schools.

The prodigy, who turned 11 in September, became a Chess Master earlier this year – the 28th youngest person to achieve that title in the United States.

He said he would like to become the game’s youngest ever grandmaster, a record currently held by 12-year-old Abhimanyu Mishra.

Adewumi, who claims to be training 7 hours everyday to bolster his chances of hitting his target, made light walk of his 26-year-old rival during a recent casual meet as shown in below video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GoaC6mXpsto

Nigeria's Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN has denied ordering or playing a role in a raid carried out on Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili's Home.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA on Saturday, signed by his media aide, Umar Gwandu, the AGF expressly stated that he was not in 'any way connected with the fabrications and concocted lies linking him to the ensued imbroglio relating to news stories about the residence of a Justice of the Supreme Court; Justice Mary Odili.'

He stated the clarification to debunk the mischievous publication became imperative in view of the media hype and the dimension the story is taking.

"It is important to set the record straight that as the Chief Law Officer of the Federation, Malami will not stoop too low to be associated with an apparent in-elegant and nasty court process on the strength of which the purported search warrant was procured."

"The media reports on the issue depict to untidy process that could never emanate from the Office of the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice."

"The general public needs to know that there was nothing called “Joint Panel Recovery Under the Ministry of Justice” in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, and by extension the entire Federal Ministry of Justice."

"What we have is Inter-Ministerial Committee on Assets Recovery” the mandate of which does not include stings operations. Numerous incongruities in the documents being circulated in relation to the saga reveal traces of criminal actions which particular regards to:
1. The name as contained on the purported letter headed paper “Ghost’s Account For Local Whistle Blowers & Assets Tax Recovery Panel”,

2. The ambiguous reference to “Ministry of Justice” without clarifying as to whether it is Federal or State Ministry and of which State,

3. The claimed office address which as revealed by the letter headed paper is not the address of the Federal Ministry of Justice

4. Email address used on the letter

"All these deductions would have assisted a discerning mind to arrive at a reasonable conclusion of criminal undertones associated with the court process on the basis of which the purported search warrant was procured."

"The Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice has since reached out to the relevant authorities for an intensified wider investigation on the matter for necessary actions leading to the prosecution of anyone involved in the matter in view of the fact that the only names on record from the process filed in court are a purported police officer who claimed to be “O/C Assets Recovery Team” and one Aliyu Umar a deponent in the affidavit."

"The claim of the chief magistrate as reported by a section of the media to the effect that he was being misled by office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice into the issuance of the search warrant is equally forwarded to the relevant investigation agencies to ascertain veracity or otherwise of the purported association of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice and which officer if any in the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice is associated with such claimed misrepresentation."

POLITICS NIGERIA has received copies of a Search Warrant used to effect a raid on the home of Supreme Court Justice, Mary Odili on Friday night.

This newspaper gathered that the the search warrant was granted to the Joint Panel Recovery unit of the Federal Ministry of Justice.

The panel is made up of the Nigerian police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Ministry of Justice. They had obtained the warrant from a magistrates’ court after a whistleblower, Aliyu Umar, claimed to have observed "illegal activities" going on in the residence situated at No. 9, Imo Street, Maitama, Abuja.

Umar’s affidavit dated October 13, 2021, read in part, "I have observed some illegal activities going on in those houses within Abuja are illegal and hereby report the said matter to the law enforcement agency. I hereby state that all information provided by me to the EFCC is true and correct to the best of my knowledge."

In a second affidavit deposed to by a senior police officer, CSP Lawrence Ajodo, the panel applied to the chief magistrate in Abuja seeking a search warrant to search the house.

The Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Iyanna, subsequently approved the search warrant on October 29, 2021.

On Friday, several security agents comprising of Soldiers and police officers stormed the residence with the search warrant.

A source had disclosed that the raid was carried out by EFCC operatives but in a swift response, the anti-graft commission, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren denied visiting the residence of the Judge.

Photos below;

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has denied raiding the home of Supreme Court Justice Mary Odili on Friday.

The anti-graft commission in a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA described reports of the raid as 'False'.

The statement signed by its spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren read;

"The attention of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has been drawn to claims in a section of the media that operatives of the Commission today, October 29, 2021 stormed the Maitama, Abuja home of a Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Mary Odili, purportedly to execute a search."

"The Commission by this statement wishes to inform the public that the report is false as it did not carry out any operation at the home of Justice Odili."

"If there was any such operation as claimed by the media, it was not carried out by the EFCC. The Commission enjoins the public to discountenance the report."

The Department of State Services (DSS) wishes to draw public attention to the manner sections of the media have continued to sensationalise news relating to some of the security challenges in parts of the country.

In a statement signed by its PRO, Dr. Peter Afunanya, the agency observed that some media handlers give unnecessary attention and coverage to the activities of bandits, terrorists and secessionists. This is condemnable given that these elements thrive on undeserved publicity which they enjoy from media patronage.

Amidst heightened insecurity in the South East and the upcoming Anambra State Governorship election, the media is advised to apply restraint and avoid sensationalising news.

The DSS believes that this dimension of reportage holds negative consequences for public order and peaceful coexistence.

The Service will, however, continue to collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to ensure not only a hitch free electoral exercise but that a conducive environment necessary for citizens to pursue their legitimate businesses in and outside the State is provided.

The Economist, the international weekly newspaper, has been steadfast and dutiful on its pursuit of a solitary narrative about Nigeria. Going by this newspaper’s disposition towards Nigeria, it appears there is only doom and gloom in the country; Nigeria is a place where the sun never rises; there is always darkness, chaos, and an abundance of pestilence and starving children. If I may add, Nigerians live in huts and swing from trees like monkeys.

I think this sombre colouring of Nigeria by the Economist comes from a place of complex. The newspaper founded about 178 years ago is respected for its journalism pedigree; it is a fine newspaper no doubt. But its pedigree does not confer on it infallibility. The Economist may not be guilty of spreading falsehood about Nigeria, but it comes short as regards ‘’that Western arrogance’’ in its reports on the country.

Let us face it. The Western media is where African stories are caricatured, twisted and contorted to fit into the atavistic narratives of those who once held the continent by the neck. When Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former minister of finance, was elected as the director-general of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Swiss newspapers – three of them (Luzerner Zeitung, Aargauer Zeitung and St. Galler Tagblatt) -- shovelled away all her accomplishments and described her as a ‘’66-year-old Nigerian grandmother’’.

“This grandmother will become the new boss of WTO,” the headline of a report by Luzerner Zeitung read.

A distinguished woman; former minister of Africa’s most powerful nation; former World Bank vice-president, and the first woman and first African to be elected as the DG of the WTO. But these European newspapers deliberately ignored these obvious feats and minimised her with the sexist and racist title ‘’Nigerian grandmother’’.

The truth is in the eyes of the Western media, a Nigerian or African remains subhuman; destined to settle within the general phylum and cursed to remain at the shallow end of the gene-pool. We can always call out racism and sexism, but this does not change the governing conviction and mindset of those whose forbears took Africans captive as slaves.

The Western media exhibits the accustomed pigeonhole mentation on its reports on Africa. Poverty, war, insecurity dominate the Western media’s reports on the continent. This is while countries in Europe like Belarus, Ukraine, and Kosovo are torn by insecurity and their citizens tormented by czars. We cannot wish away our challenges, but Africa and Nigeria are not all gloom and doom.

In May 2021, The Economist reported that ‘Nigeria’s economy is stuck in a rut’; this while the UK where the newspaper is based had been witnessing negative growth owing to the COVID pandemic. The economy of many countries was devastated by the pandemic, but the newspaper beamed its laser on Nigeria.

In its recent article published on October 23, the newspaper said: ‘’Nigeria has been corrupt and turbulent for decades. What has changed of late, though, is that jihadism, organised crime and political violence have grown so intense and widespread that most of the country is sliding towards ungovernability.’’

I agree that Nigeria has been corrupt for decades. But Nigeria’s corruption is enabled and perpetuated by the home country of The Economist. The UK happens to be the preferred haven for stolen Nigerian wealth. The Pandora Papers revealed how some Nigerian public officers acquired questionable properties in the UK. The corrupt political class magic away Nigeria’s patrimony to the Queendom where the loot enjoys protection. Who is not guilty?

The UK is complicit in the corruption in Nigeria. The Economist should put its laser on the nexus of corruption -- linking the home country to Nigeria. The P&ID scandal where some Irish and British businessmen colluded with Nigerian officials to swindle the country of billions of dollars using a bogus contract is still very much in reckoning. I dare say the UK is the biggest enabler of Nigeria’s corruption.

The newspaper said one of the reasons for the secessionism agitation in the south-east is so: “The Igbos, can walk off with all the country’s oil, the source of about half of government revenues’’. This is ridiculous. The south-south is Nigeria’s oil base, not the south-east. And those agitating for Biafra care little about oil. I think the Economist wove this narrative to suit a predetermined agenda.

The Economist also said: ‘’When violence erupts, the government does nothing or cracks heads almost indiscriminately. Nigeria’s army is mighty on paper. But many of its soldiers are “ghosts” who exist only on the payroll, and much of its equipment is stolen and sold to insurgents.’’

The newspaper betrayed the usual Western complex here. Columnist Mahmud Jega did a good job deconstructing this prejudice. He wrote: ‘’Nigeria’s military has been battling Boko Haram for only 12 years now, with a relatively meagre budget because the national treasury is beset by other problems. In contrast, the US military spent 20 years and $6 trillion battling the Taliban in Afghanistan. What was the result? Taliban is back in power in the country even as the Americans escaped with their tails behind their backs. The British Army wasn’t any better in that respect. In twenty years until 1992, it proved wholly unable to defeat the Provisional Irish Republican Army [IRA], the “Provos” as they were called then, or even to end what the Irish called “The Troubles” in their province. It took the signing of the Good Friday Accord in 1992 to end the British Army’s agony.’’

Nigeria is not all corruption and insecurity, gloom and doom. I think the Nigerian media must begin to report beyond these typecasts. We give life to these labels – which the foreign media use against us.

How we tell our stories matters.

By Fredrick Nwabufo; Nwabufo is a journalist and writer.
Twitter/Facebook/Instagram: @FredrickNwabufo

The Nigerian Government through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami has disclosed that the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu took advantage of the #EndSARS protests in 2020 to create mayhem leading to the death of several security agents.

In a lengthy report sent to POLITICS NIGERIA, the AGF disclosed that Kanu seized the protests through subversive and inciting statements.

"As you are aware Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been at the center of a subversive campaign against the Nigerian State. Consequently, Nnamdi Kanu was arrested on 14th October, 2015. He was charged to court for treasonable felony, among other crimes."

"He was granted bail by the Federal High Court, Abuja on 25th April 2017. He however breached the bail conditions and fled abroad."

"While in self-exile, Nnamdi Kanu intensified his subversive campaign, using online Radio Biafra to instigate violence and incite members of IPOB to commit violent attacks against civil and democratic institutions, particularly the security personnel, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and civilians. He instigated the destruction of public and private properties across the country."

"As a result of these criminal activities, IPOB was proscribed and designated a terrorist organization by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, in an Order made on 20th September 2017."

"Despite the proscription of IPOB by the Federal Government, Nnamdi Kanu continued the subversive campaign, instigating and inciting broadcasts to direct members of the IPOB to launch attacks on government."

"The EndSARS protests of October 2020 played into the sinister plans of Nnamdi Kanu, whereby he seized the protests through subversive and inciting online broadcasts and actively commanded and directed attacks on security personnel and facilities.""

"As a result of these broadcasts, members of IPOB attacked and killed security personnel and burnt down Police stations, Correctional centers, INEC offices, bus terminals, the Palace of Oba of Lagos, Banks, hospitals, shopping malls and vehicles, amongst others."

"On 12th December, 2020, Eastern Security Network" (ESN) was formed by Nnamdi Kanu as an armed wing of IPOB with the mandate to advance the nefarious agenda of the outlawed group. ESN continued to launch attacks on security personnel, civilians perceived as enemies as well as destruction of private and public properties. The destructive activities of IPOB/ESN pose serious threat to Nigeria's National Security and its corporate existence, which resulted into re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu and members of his group."

POLITICS NIGERIA has been furnished with photographs of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu in Court today.

Kanu is set to be arraigned in the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday for a continuation of his trial.

The embattled IPOB leader is facing charges of Terrorism and Treasonable Felony.

PHANTOM MASSACRE AT LEKKI TOLL GATE

Today marks the first anniversary of the phantom massacre at Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos, which was the culmination of an otherwise peaceful protest that was later hijacked by hoodlums. At earlier press conferences, I had called the reported massacre at the toll gate the first massacre in the world without blood or bodies. One year later, and despite ample opportunities for the families of those allegedly killed and those alleging a massacre to present evidence, there has been none: No bodies, no families, no convincing evidence, nothing. Where are the families of those who were reportedly killed at the toll gate? Did they show up at the Judicial Panel of Inquiry? If not, why?

Sadly, the champions of a massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate, including Amnesty International and CNN, have continued to shamelessly hold on to their unproven stand. Recall, gentlemen, that after bandying different figures, Amnesty International finally settled at about 12 people killed. On its part, CNN went from 38 people killed to two to just one, after a supposed global exclusive even when the network had no reporter on ground at the Lekki Toll Gate on Oct. 20th 2020.

On Monday, the Judicial Panel of Inquiry that was set up by the Lagos State Government after the EndSARS protest wrapped up its sitting. During the sitting, CNN was summoned but it never showed up, thus missing a great opportunity to prove its allegation of massacre at the toll gate. Also, Amnesty International had a golden opportunity to convince the world, but it rather opted for issuing meaningless press releases.

In its latest attempt to grasp at straws and redeem whatever is left of its battered credibility on this issue, CNN has continued with its baseless report that soldiers shot at protesters. In a report currently running on the network, CNN brazenly and unashamedly held on to its flawed narrative, relying on an unidentified mother whose son was reportedly shot dead at Lekki, but without convincing evidence of who shot him dead. The same CNN that tweeted on Oct. 23rd 2020 that 38 people were shot dead at Lekki is now struggling to convince the world that one boy was killed at Lekki. What a shame!

The testimony of ballistic experts before the Judicial Panel of Inquiry in Lagos contradicts the tales by the moonlight by Amnesty International, CNN, a runaway DJ and their ilk. The experts, in their testimony, said inter alia:

”The Team finds that from the medical data examined, including the timeline of arrival at medical facility and the nature of the injuries sustained by the Victims, who were taken to the 5 medical facilities, that no military grade live ammunition (high-velocity) was fired at the protesters (emphasis mine) at Lekki Tollgate on 20th October 2020, within the timeframe of reference (18.30-20.34hrs).

That the GSW (Gun Shot Wounds) injuries (4 in number between 19:05 and 19:45 hrs), which were examined by the Team, can be safely identified as being discharged by either low velocity caliber and/or artisanal/12-gauge firearms (artisanal firearms are locally-fabricated weapons). What is however certain is that had the military personnel deliberately fired military grade live ammunition directly at the protesters; there would have been significantly more fatalities and catastrophic injuries recorded. This was clearly not the case.” (emphasis mine).

The ballistic experts are not alone in reaching that conclusion. In its 2020 Country Report on Human Rights Practices, the U.S. State Department wrote:

“On Oct. 20th (2020), members of the security forces enforced curfew by FIRING SHOTS INTO THE AIR (emphasis mine) to disperse protesters, who had gathered at the Lekki Toll Gate in Lagos to protest abusive practices by the Nigeria Police Force Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS)

“Accurate information on fatalities resulting from the shooting was not available at year’s end. Amnesty International reported 10 persons died during the event, but the government disputed Amnesty’s Report, and NO OTHER ORGANIZATION WAS ABLE TO VERIFY THE CLAIM (emphasis mine).”

With the preponderance of evidence against any massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate on Oct. 20th 2020, we are once again reiterating what we said one year ago, that:
i) The military did not shoot at protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate on Oct. 20th 2020, and there was no massacre at the toll gate. The only ‘massacre’ recorded was in the social media, hence there were neither bodies nor blood.

ii) Amnesty International, CNN, a runaway DJ and others like them should apologize for misleading the world that there was a massacre at the Lekki Toll Gate and for portraying the Nigerian military, police and other security agencies in bad light.

iii) CNN acted unprofessionally by relying on unverified, and possibly-doctored social media videos, as well as other open-source information, to conclude that a massacre took place at the toll gate.

iv) The Federal Government remains proud of the security agencies for acting professionally and showing utmost restraint all through the EndSARS protest and the ensuing violence, an action that saved lives and properties.

v) The six soldiers and 37 policemen who died during the EndSARS protests are human beings with families, even though the Human Rights Organizations and CNN simply ignored their deaths, choosing instead to trumpet a phantom massacre.

OTHER ISSUES RELATED TO ENDSARS

The National Economic Council (NEC), which comprises all State Governors and representatives of the Federal Government, and chaired by the Vice President, has already addressed other issues relating to the EndSARS protest.

At its meeting on 15 October 2021, the NEC received an update on the Reports of Judicial Panels of Inquiry into Allegations of Human Rights Violations against Members of Nigeria Police Force and other Security Agencies. Note that 28 States and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) – under the auspices of the National Human Rights Commission – had set up Judicial Panels/Commissions of Inquiry to investigate allegations of violations of human rights levied against members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies, especially members of the disbanded SARS.

Out of the 28 States, 11 States (Abia, Ekiti, Enugu, Gombe, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Plateau, and Rivers) have submitted their final reports to Council. Governors of other States have also indicated that their reports would be submitted soon. Following deliberations on the recommendations of the panels, NEC agreed/resolved as follows:

PAYMENT OF COMPENSATION TO VICTIMS

Each State, in collaboration with the Federal Government, shall establish modalities for the settlement of all monetary compensations awarded by the Panels. Already, as resolved by NEC, a number of States have set up Victims Compensation Funds, from which several victims have already received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels.

PROSECUTION OF INDICTED PERSONS (SECURITY PERSONNEL AND CIVILIANS)

Council directed State Governors to immediately forward copies of final reports of the panels to their Attorneys-General for prompt arraignment and prosecution of all indicted persons. Where incidents in the reports relate to matters of discipline, in addition to prosecution, NEC urged the Nigeria Police Force to take disciplinary action on the affected officers in line with the provisions of the Police Act 2020.

IMPROVED EFFICIENCY OF NIGERIA POLICE FORCE AND OTHER SECURITY AGENCIES’ ARCHITECTURE

NEC called on the leadership of the security agencies to ensure that –
a. Persons recruited into arms-bearing security agencies undergo psychiatric evaluations and drug tests before enlistment and periodically after enlistment to ensure that the personnel are psychologically fit to carry live weapons and to identify behavioural tendencies that may require psycho-social interventions.
b. Personnel of the agencies dutifully observe Rules of Engagement in the discharge of their functions/duties around and within the civilian populace.
c. While acknowledging the various initiatives introduced by the Federal Government to:
*strengthen police accountability through the Police Service Commission,
*sustain improved funding and budgetary allocation to the Nigeria Police Force and other securities agencies,
*and the lifting of the ban on recruitment of police officers, Council urged the Federal Government to give priority to the general welfare of police officers and personnel of other security agencies. In particular, it advocated the review of pension and gratuity of retired police officers and attainment of parity of remuneration by police officers with sister security agencies.
d. Undertake a comprehensive assessment of all police stations across the country with a view to ensuring that they are fit for purpose.
e. Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies should deploy cutting-edge technology in the fight against crimes.
f. Nigeria Police Force to, in line with the mandatory training provisions of the Police Act 2020, prioritize training of Police Officers on procedures for the entrenchment of Human Rights Provisions guaranteed by the Constitution and on the professional handling of weapons.
g. All those detained by the Police as a result of the EndSars protests are expeditiously processed with due regard to the principles of fair hearing.
h. The system established within the Nigeria Police Force for receipt and handling of complaints or petitions is strengthened, and all police officers on duty should be in police-approved uniform with their full names and force numbers boldly written for easy identification.
i.The States should, as resolved by NEC:

Properly utilize and support the community policing programme of the Federal Government, with active collaborative efforts and participation of traditional rulers, elders, youths, vigilante groups, etc.;
Establish standing committees under States Ministries of Justice to address human rights violations on a continuous basis; and
Take measures aimed at flushing out miscreants squatting in uncompleted buildings, and other blackout spots that serve as hideouts for criminals.

Of course, NEC also issued an advisory on public protests to mark the first anniversary of the EndSARS protest. While appreciating the role of lawful peaceful protests in the advancement of public discourse under democratic governance, the NEC strongly advised those planning public protests across the country to mark the EndSARS’ anniversary to consider other lawful alternative means of engagement, especially because of the current security situation across the country and the possibility of such protests being hijacked by armed hoodlums and other opportunistic criminals to cause mayhem.

Finally, NEC also pointed out the various actions already taken by Federal and State Governments to address the grievances that led to the 2020 protests, including:
the disbandment of SARS;

*broad police reforms;
*establishment of judicial panels of inquiries to investigate allegations of human rights violations by members of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies;
recommendations of which panels are already at various stages of implementation including the setup of Victims Compensation Funds from which several victims have received payments of sums awarded to them by the panels;
*and prosecution of police personnel indicted by the panels.

The Leader Of INRI Evangelical Spiritual Church, Primate Ayodele has advised the independent national electoral commission (INEC) to make use of electronic transmission of results in the forth coming Anambra gubernatorial election and dialogue with the Indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) ahead of the election.

In a statement sent to POLITICS NIGERIA by his media aide, Osho Oluwatosin, Primate Ayodele explained that the electoral transmission will prevent rigging in the coming election and that if the government is sincere, it should start from Anambra gubernatorial election.

"Electoral transmission will prevent rigging in Anambra election, I advise the Independent national electoral commission to use it to change the narratives of our elections. If the government is truly sincere, let them start from this coming election."

Also, he mentioned that the INEC should dialogue with the independent people of Biafra (IPOB) in order to have a peaceful election in the state.

"INEC should also dialogue with the Independent People Of Biafra (IPOB) in order to have a peaceful election. The government should also ensure security measures are put in place because there will be security threats during the election’’

Primate Ayodele had earlier advised political parties and their candidates on what they need to do if they want to win the election.

"APC cannot win except through rigging, it’s just the rigging that can give them victory. The people don’t want APC but they want to do everything to get it through rigging and fraudulent move. The party is working on a backyard victory."

"All other parties should look into it properly because what happened in Imo state will happen in Anambra if care isn’t taken. If APC is allowed to get the victory, no court will remove them, they have arranged machineries to perfect these plans."

"If APC takes it by force, the governor will not enjoy it, there won’t be peace, the state will not get their bearings right."

"People are tired of APGA, they don’t want APGA but the party wants to enforce power through rigging, they are not getting it right. Governor Willie Obiano isn’t doing his homework properly and it will affect their victory. Nobody is ready for APGA and APC in Anambra but both of them are bent on taking it by force.Except Governor Willie Obiano begs the people of Anambra and prays to God, the people will not vote for APGA."

"PDP has what it takes, they have the resources but except their candidate, Valentine Ozigbo does the necessary things, he won’t win. A coalition will help PDP more to get their chances. If they do what is right, they will get it. Unless PDP wake up, get a coalition and put their house in proper order, they will not be victorious, they should manage things properly. Three days to the election, things will start changing, PDP should prepare well."

Popular activist and convener of the Concerned Nigerians Group, Deji Adeyanju has weighed on the recent leak of a sextape of music star, Tiwa Savage.

Adeyanju, in a statement on social media on Tuesday evening, called on Nigerians to stop 'standing by' the songstress and instead allow her to face the consequences of her actions.

He wrote: "There is nothing to stand by Tiwa Savage for."

"Let people face the consequences of their actions. Stop misleading the younger generation. Next time if you want to record a sex tape, make sure your partner’s face also shows."

"Stop acting the fool always."

The musician had earlier told the press that she ws being blackmailed with the tape adding that she was prepared to face the backlash and would not pay her blackmailers any attention.

Two traditional rulers have been shot dead in Njaba, Imo state on Tuesday by unknown gunmen.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the heavily-armed gunmen stormed the Njaba local Government Headquarters where the traditional rulers were having a meeting and shot two of them dead.

Eyewitness reports reveal that the two rulers killed were simply identified as 'Eze Okwudor' and 'Ihebinowerre'.

A group known as the 'Save Nigeria Movement', SNM, has called for the immediate resignation of the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, Prof. Yakubu Mahmoud and the National Commissioner for logistics, Prof. Ibeanu Okechukwu.

POLITICS NIGERIA learned that the group made this call at a Press conference on Sunday in Abuja. The group accused the outgoing governor of Anambra state, Willie Obiano of allegedly bribing Prof. Ibeanu and the INEC leadership with $4 million to sway the upcoming Anambra Guber elections in favour of his(Obiano) preferred candidate, the flag-bearer of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), Prof. Charles Soludo.

"We are yet again confronted with credible intelligence linking an opposition governor in the South East in ($4M) US dollars bribe allegations to compromise the forthcoming governorship election in Anambra state. " Media reports in October 16 editions of Saturday vanguard , New Telegraph and many other online platforms have confirmed intelligence at our disposal, and of course narrowed this heavy indictment on Gov Willie Obiano and INEC leadership through Prof Ibeanu Okechuku who is the INEC national commissioner in charge of logistics.", the group disclosed in a statement signed by its convener, Rev. Solomon Semanka Solomon.

"As patriots, we are not prone to indulge in self deceit, to assume or pretend that all is well with our nation, we are, as well not inclined to allow any body or group of persons to dash our hopes of a free and credible electoral process."

"Credible evidence and intelligence at our disposal has proved beyond doubt to the effect that the said governor has found a wiling tool in Prof Ibeanu to infiltrate (INEC) with huge sums to compromise the Anambra elections in favour of a particular and specific party/candidate."

"Curiously, Prof Ibeanu hails from the South East zone. Nigerians are at loss while a professor of such standing, vested with such responsibility will opt to partake in such shameful conduct."

"Four ($4M)million US dollars of state funds earmarked for bribery to compromise elections at a time we are recovering from the harsh effects of Covid-19 is a slap on the people of Anambra state and Nigerians."

"One can only imagine what ($4) million US dollars could achieve for the people of Anambra state if the governor was sensitive to the welfare of Anambra people. If Prof Ibeanu, of supposedly very high standing, entrusted with the supervision of elections could be so easily bought over by an ambitious and apparently currupt governor, then the aim of using professors for elections is defeated in principle."

"Governor Willie Obiano rather than utilise Anambra's scarce resources for the development of the state has rather handed over the state affairs to his flamboyant wife and is further bent on shortchanging Anambra people in order to maintain a total grip on public funds. The governor's failure and desperation had also led to protracted leadership crisis both at the local, state and national levels of his party."

"Governor Willie Obiano has often been accused of behavioural deficiencies including his penchant for alcohol. This perhaps explains why he left governance for his flamboyant wife who calls the shots in the affairs of Anambra, coordinating high powered meetings with Electoral Officers (EOs) few weeks to elections."

"We are waiting for the Governor to finish his term of office in a few months and face the full and faceless wrath of the law"

In the same line, a joint session of expanded civil society unions in Nigeria upon receipt of shared intelligence on the alleged ($4)million US dollars bribe to INEC to compromise the forthcoming governorship elections in Anambra State convened and made the following demands;

"We demand for the INEC chairman , Prof Yakubu Mamoud as well as the "national commissioner in charge of logistics, Prof Ibeanu Okechuku to resign with immediate effect. That is the honorable thing to do in any sane society in the face of such glaring evidence. Failure to do so, we will mobilize Nigerians to occupy INEC headquarters untill Mr President redeems whatever is left of INECs integrity by sacking the chairman and his accomplices."

"Without prejudice to the constitutional immunity enjoyed by the governor of Anambra State, at whose instance this monumental and shameful electoral heist was birthed, the joint civil society task force on Electoral Reforms ,Democracy and Good Governance hereby call and demand for a proper and direct interogation of the governor by security agencies. Of course , the drafters of the same constitution that grants immunity to serving governors has also left an oppening for questioning of citizens who have demonstrated capacity to disrupt the system. In this case, the security agencies have a latitude to utilise absolute discretion in the over all interest of the nation.This option should, and must be explored."

"We hereby call on all profiled civil society organisations both within and outside the country to commence the process of actively participating in the follow up electoral processes connected to the forthcoming Anambra governorship election in particular and future elections in general."

"We call on Mr president to utilise his overwhelming discretion to direct and infact lead a definite course of action to cause INEC leadership to reassure Nigerians of credible elections now and in the future, and indeed single out and sack the INEC chairman , Prof Yakubu Mahmoud, as well as the commissioner in charge of logistics , Prof Ibeanu and any other staff of the electoral body who is found to be an accomplice in the shameful electoral heist against the people of Anambra state."

"We call on all religious and traditional leaders to show good conscience by actively defending the interest of Nigerians by advocating for what is morally right in the eyes of every reasonable man. Clearly the recent role and actions of the governor of Anambra state in cohorts with INEC leadership leaves no doubt on the moral decadness prevalent among our leaders."

"We call and demand that Prof Yakubu Mahmoud alongside his hit man , Prof Ibeanu who is in charge of the commission's logistics and any other INEC official involved in the ($4M) bribery sham be made to recuse themselves from whatever role they were hitherto entrusted to play in the forth coming governorship election in ANAMBRA State. We call on governors, particularly the Ngerian governors Forum to; for once, rise up to the occasion and call a spade a spade by cautioning their colleague who is left with just a few months in office."

"This is no doubt a litmus test for what is to come and therefore must be addressed. " it is our earnest hope that every citizen of good conscience in one way or the other will lend a voice in defence of our shared hopes and aspirations for Nigeria."