As Nigeria's polity heats up Yar'adua summons Newspaper publishers to a Meeting, SSS Withdraws invitation to Ribadu

Last View on Sun 10th August, 2008
Last Modified on Sun 10th August, 2008 3:46:52 pm
Author: Posted by Admin Sahara
SaharaReporters, New York

As tension builds within Nigeria's body polity over several controversial actions of the Umaru Yar'adua government, security sources in Abuja have told SaharaReporters the President is summoning newspaper publishers in the country to a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, August 12 at the Aso Rock presidential villa. A source in the presidency, however, said the meeting was a quarterly meeting earlier scheduled with publishers.

The real agenda of the meeting was not being disclosed to Saharareporters, but our sources said that feelers from different segment of the polity indicate that Yar'adua may have alienated the Nigerian people.  Furthermore, they said, there was concern in the presidency about the sense of unease in the country concerning the legitimacy of the Yar'adua government. 

Another source of concern, our sources also said is the perception that Nigeria has ground to a halt while Yar'adua, his wife, Turai and a coterie of advisers, mostly from Katsina State, are conniving to defraud Nigerians through fertilizer and food grain importation.

The government is further concerned that Nigerian embassy officials in Washington DC have been summoned by the US State Department twice within two weeks to receive the concern of the United States about the treatment of former EFCC Chairman Nuhu Ribadu, and the need to bring traction back to the nation’s anti-corruption crusade. The summons from the State Department was honored by the Deputy Ambassador, Ambassador Baba Gana Wakil, as the Nigeria Ambassador to the US, General Oluwole Rotimi (rtd) was said to be away in Nigeria.  Demoted by two ranks a week ago, Ribadu and facing the prospect of being ejected from NIPSS, Ribadu was late last week summoned to appear before the SSS.

Another subject of concern to the presidency is last week’s coup in Mauritania, coming as Nigerian army officers are known to be getting more critical of the government, some of them confronting their superiors in newspaper articles and letters.

The meeting with the newspaper publishers is aimed at securing their understanding and assistance as the government prepares to undertake further controversial activities expected to be resisted by Nigerians.  Yar’Adua’s guests are expected to put pressure on their editors to take a more sympathetic tone to the government to ensure its survival.

Meanwhile, the State Security Service (SSS) late last week withdrew the invitation extended to Ribadu to appear before the SSS agents in Jos.  Saharareporters had revealed that the agency was set to arrest Ribadu last Wednesday, but mounting international pressure from the UK and the US, as well as from international bodies such as the United Nations Human Rights Council and Transparency International, in addition to domestic restiveness, might have led the Yar'adua government to pull back from the onslaught on Ribadu, at least for the moment.

Security sources in the presidency told Saharareporters that the Director General of the State Security Service (SSS),  who was directly in charge of Ribadu's case, ordered his men to call off the plan to arrest Ribadu until the controversy generated by his demotion settles.

The Inspector General of Police, Mike Okiro is officially confused about what to do with Ribadu and has been shifting blame between the three parties involved in his demotion.  First he claimed that the Police Service Commission (PSC) would be responsible for withdrawing him from the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS).  When the PSC board rejected his request, he turned to the NIPSS, led by its Acting Director General, Yakubu Sankey, to do the job even though Sankey had already declared publicly that he was awaiting directives from the IG's office on the matter.

Sources told Saharareporters that the IG was banking on Sankey to do the dirty job because the IG and the team behind Ribadu's ordeal wanted to manipulate Sankey's possible ambition to become the next DG of NIPSS.  It is not clear if Sankey had applied to be made the DG of NIPSS.

The IG, who was himself twice promoted above his peers—first as a Deputy Inspector General of Police in 2002 by former President Obasanjo, and in 2007 as IG, stepping over a more senior officer, DIG Sylvester Onovo—has since December last year taken on the task of hounding Ribadu.  This task is being executed on behalf of James Ibori, the former governor of Delta State who is now facing corruption charges at the Federal High Court in Kaduna, and who sponsored Okiro to the job of IG.

SaharaReporters learnt that the decision to demote Ribadu was hatched last May between the PSC board chair, Parry Osayande, Ibori, Kwara State Governor Bukola Saraki and IG P Okiro.  To assuage Ribadu's fears after it was leaked to the media, Osayande made a personal call to Ribadu , assuring him that he would rather "resign than persecute” him (Ribadu).

Osayande's call to Ribadu was aimed at pacifying him so that he would not deploy what the group regards as his "media attack dogs" on the PSC and the IGP, as the IG was still smarting from the bruises he received when he decided to send Ribadu to NIPSS in a move that was exposed as a ruse by Saharareporters.

The final plan was hatched last week as James Ibori asked Okiro and Osanyande to announce Ribadu's demotion as a personal "birthday gift".  Ibori had turned 50 and was traveling out of the country to celebrate his birthday.  The announcement of the widely-criticized demotion was hurriedly done as Ibori, using his recently released diplomatic passport, prepared to fly to Ghana en route South Africa.

SaharaReporters has also learned that following his birthday celebrations in South Africa, details of which are contained in a previous story on this website, Ibori plans to travel to the Olympics in China in a Federal government delegation.  We are unable to confirm this plan at the time of this report.
Meanwhile, the former head of the EFCC Economic Governance Unit, Ibrahim Magu, remains in police detention today as IG Okiro looks for a reason to charge him to court as planned.  Analysts see his continued detention as a serious contradiction of the rule of law mantra of the Yar'adua government.

sahara with their sahara news for sahara inhabitants

Shame has grip the face of the presidency,following a discovery that the promotion of Ribadu and the other demoted Police officers because the recommendation was made to the President who was the chairman of the Police council by the IG.It was not be noted that the PSC was not constituted as the time.

How Ribadu, others were promoted — Investigation from police memo
Written by Kingsley Omonobi
Monday, 11 August 2008
RECOM MENDATIONS for the cancelled promotion of former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu as Assistant Inspector-General (AIG) and others were actually made under a special proposal by the then Inspector-General, Mr. Sunday Ehindero in a December 8, 2006 memo, the Vanguard can now reveal.
The memo with Ref No. SH: 4640/IGP.SEC/ABJ/Vol.3/505 and entitled, “Posting of AIGs and CPs/Special Recommendation for Promotion of Senior Officers,” was sent to former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

The objective, said Mr. Ehindero in the memo, was “the need to invigorate the operational base of the force.”

“The earlier effort made to get the postings approved by the former Police Service Commission was inconclusive. In the absence of the Police Service Commission, I seek the approval of His Excellency for the postings and ‘Special’ promotions of officers who have exhibited excellence in the discharge of their duties,” he explained.

Apart from the 18 AIGs and 19 Commissioners of Police, who benefited from the postings as recommended in the memo, 5 Deputy Commissioners of Police got special recommendations for promotion to CPs, 7 Assistant Commissioners got special recommendation to DCPs while 4 CSPs got special recommendation for promotion to ACPs.

Mr. Ehindero's recommendations: “I recommend the special promotion of the above named Deputy Commissioners of Police to the next rank of Commissioners of police. This is in recognition of their individual professional excellence as highlighted below.

“DCP HYACINTH IWENDI — The officer is the Force Public Relations Officer, a command duty post which by establishment is ordinarily held by a Commissioner of Police. DCP Iwendi is an academically and managerially competent officer with sound public relations credentials. In practical demonstration of his professional competence, he has initiated various enlightenment programmes which have tremendously improved police image.

“His effective command of all sensitive arms of the force and unequalled initiatives in the department are eloquent testimony to the ability of this officer to be considered for higher challenges by being promoted to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police, which is befitting his duties and status as Force Public Relations Officer.”

“DCP SOLOMON ARASE — The officer is the Principal Staff Officer to the Inspector-General of Police (PSO-IGP) by virtue of which he is the administrative head of the IGP’s Secretariat. DCP Arase possesses sound qualities of good judgement, efficient human and material resources management, initiatives and professional drive and he is self-assured as an officer.

“Furthermore, he has efficiently coordinated several workshops, conferences and seminars on topical police issues aimed at enhancing capacity building and policy formulation drive of the force. The officer has demonstrated professional abilities, trustworthiness and high level commitment to his schedules and proven that his special promotion to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police is not only deserving, but will symbolise a befitting rank to his schedules.”

“DCP COLUMBUS OKARO — The officer is the Force Legal Officer and Head of the Legal Unit of FCID, a Commissioner’s duty post. A lawyer of high repute, he heads the police prosecution team that prosecutes all criminal cases of national significance at the superior courts of record. He has in demonstration of his legal excellence recorded landmark convictions in complex criminal trials involving high brow crimes like pipeline vandalisation, economic crimes, murder and armed robbery.

“His promotion to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police as being recommended is in recognition of his legal brilliance, professional excellence and above all, an elevation to the rank befitting him in a duty post he has excelled.”

“DCP NUHU RIBADU — The officer is the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), a duty he has been performing with a high level of professionalism, zeal and courage.

A lawyer and sound detective, DCP Ribadu has professionally piloted the affairs of the commission, made significant breakthroughs in major economic crimes, money laundering and other corruption related cases to the admiration of the national and international communities.

“His initiatives have led to the de-listing of Nigeria from the non-cooperating countries and territories (on money laundering and terrorism) by the International Financial Action Task Force. His elevation to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police not will only maximise his potentials but it will be a befitting rank for his position in the commission.”

“DCP ADEBAYO AJILEYE — The officer is the Force Armament Officer, a command position which by establishment is ordinarily held by a substantive Commissioner of Police. DCP Ajileye has brought his experience to bear on this specialised and highly sensitive department of the force by introducing key policy directives, modernising and re-organising the administration and operations of the department.

“He has demonstrated adequate command qualities to justify his being specially recognised and recommended for promotion to the substantive rank of Commissioner of Police in line with his schedules.”

“ACP MOHAMMED ABUBAKAR ADAMU — He is our representative in the INTERPOL Headquarters, Lyon and currently one of the directors at headquarters, the only African holding such a high office at INTERPOL headquarters.

His high level of proficiency, dedication to duty earned him the enviable post of director which is a pride particularly to the Nigeria Police and the country in general. He is therefore recommended for promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police.”

“ACP ADERANTI CORNELIUS KAYODE — The officer is the Deputy Defence Adviser, (Police) at the Permanent Mission of Nigeria to the UN; an appointment he held since June, 2002. Since his assumption of duty he has distinguished himself with high level of proficiency and dedication to duty which earned Nigeria recognition and credit.

He has strengthened relations with UN Department of Peace-keeping Operations and that has expanded Nigeria Police participation in peace-keeping operations. He is strongly recommended for promotion to Deputy Commissioner of police.”

“ACP ALI AMODU — The officer is the Head of the Inspector-General of Police Special Investigation Unit, Abuja, a duty he has performed with high level of professionalism, dedication and integrity. An accomplished investigator that has saved the image of the police through diligent investigations.

Worthy of mentioning is the successful investigation of three sensitive cases which attracted commendation from the Presidency. His promotion to Deputy Commissioner of Police will undoubtedly motivate him for higher productivity.”

It was after the approval that the then IG through a Police Wireless message in May 2007, released the names of all the officers promoted as well as the postings. The Police Service Commission board was, however, inaugurated in March 2008.
The commission last week cancelled the promotions, saying they did not follow due process.

What the Police Act says

Part II of the Police Act says of the functions and Powers of the Commission:
6. (1) The Commission shall-

(a) be responsible for the appointment and promotion of persons to offices (other than the office of the Inspector-General of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force;

(b) dismiss and exercise disciplinary control over persons (other than the Inspector-General of Police) in the Nigeria Police Force;

(c) formulate polices and guidelines for the appointment, promotion, discipline and dismissal of officers of the Nigeria Police Force;

(d) identify factors inhibiting or undermining discipline in the Nigeria Police Force;

(e) formulate and implement policies aimed at the efficiency and discipline to the Nigeria Police Force;

(f) perform such other functions which in the opinion of the Commission are required to ensure the optimal efficiency of the Nigeria Police Force ; and,

(g) carry out such other functions as the President may, from time to time, direct.

(2) The Commission shall not be subject to the direction, control or supervision of any other authority or person in the performance of its functions other than as is prescribed in this Act.

7. The Commission shall have power to -

(a) pay the staff of the Commission such remuneration and allowances as are payable to persons of equivalent grades in the Civil Service of the Federation;

(b) enter into such contracts as may be necessary or expedient for the discharge of its functions and ensure the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission; and,

(c) do such other things as are necessary and expedient for the efficient performance of the functions of the Commission.

8. The Commission may, subject to such conditions as it may think fit, delegate any of its powers under this Act-

(a) to any officer in the service of the Nigeria Police Force; or

(b) to a committee consisting of such number of persons, one of whom shall be named as Chairman, as may be prescribed by the Commission.


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