₦airaland Forum

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Wednesday, struck out an interim order of forfeiture obtained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, seeking to seize 14 properties allegedly linked to Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo struck out the suit on the ground that Section 308 of the 1999 Constitution prevents the institution of any criminal or civil case against a sitting governor or the President.

The judge had, on February 22, granted the temporary forfeiture order, following an exparte motion filed by the anti-graft agency seeking to seize 14 properties located in Lagos, Abuja and the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Court also directed EFCC to make publication in two national dailies for any interested parties to show cause why the order should not be made absolute.

However, consequent upon the publication of the preservative order, Governor Bello had filed Notice of Intention to oppose, and an application seeking the vacation of the interim forfeiture order.

The Governor premised his application on the ground that the property listed were not proceeds of unlawful act, as they were acquired long before he was elected as Kogi State Governor and could not have been acquired from Kogi State funds.

He further stated that by Section 308 of the Constitution, the EFCC is prevented from instituting any civil or criminal suit against him.

He also protested the illegality in the filing of the suit by the EFCC on the ground that the case was in flagrant disobedience to a state high court order, which restrained the EFCC from investigating any account of the Kogi State Government pending the determination of the Motion on Notice.

He stated that the interim forfeiture order was obtained by either suppression or misrepresentation of facts by the Commission.

The Governor also said that the Proceeds of  Crime Act could not take effect in retrospect as the properties in dispute were acquired before he became Kogi State Governor.

He said the validity of the Proceeds of Crime Act, 2022 was being challenged at the Supreme Court.

Regarding jurisdiction, the Governor stated that the properties listed were in Abuja, Kogi and UAE, and the personality involved is based in Lokoja, adding that the suit ought to have been instituted either in Abuja or in Kogi State. He, therefore, asked the court to vacate the case for lack of jurisdiction.

In his response, EFCCs lawyer Rotimi Oyedepo SAN said that the applicant had brought nothing before the court to convince the court to vacate the order.

He said, contrary to the submissions of the Applicant, Kogi State High Court or any other court in Nigeria had not stopped the EFCC from carrying out its constitutional duties.

In his ruling, Justice Nicholas Oweibo held that, given Section 308 of the Constitution, which provides immunity to a sitting governor from any civil/criminal prosecution, the court lacked jurisdiction to entertain the matter.

Consequently, the court struck out the suit for lack of jurisdiction.

By: Oni

If there is anything that the camp of Obidients in their curated world of alternative reality has achieved somewhat, it is how their inelegantly constructed universe of a ‘stolen presidency’ has continued to hold the imagination of their deluded members. Even when the raw facts tell a different story, it seems to me a measure of their relative success that their narratives of ‘flawed’ election have remained the talking point in a segment of the mainstream media and among their allies.

That what I observed on this page last week, as a deliberate mischaracterisation of the February/March polls has gone unchallenged for so long, has remained a mystery!

Now, they appear unstoppable. They have largely succeded in drowning alternative voices, attacking just about everyone and every institution in sight. The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, they have attacked for being an unworthy electoral body, with its chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, cast in the most unflattering robes of a con artist. They even dared to accuse the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Olukayode Ariwoola, of sneaking into London under the cover of darkness for what, they said, was a clandestine meeting with president-elect, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu to pervert the course of justice! And while at that, they didn’t forget to serve notice that only a judgment acceptable to their quarters will be welcomed!

Lest I forget, their agents have also been unrelenting in their utterly self-serving but atrociously specious narratives of putting the FCT votes over and above the votes cast in the other 36 states apparently convinced that a contrived technical justice could help when all else fails! And while this is going on, we have seen some of their members set up barricades at the Defence House in Abuja to demand that the military step in since apparently, their man can’t be seen to lose fair and square! As for the May 29 inauguration, it is to them off the table, at least, not until they give the go ahead!

Only in the past week, we saw a member of the external wing of the Obidients press such false narratives in foreign media in what I call, a programmed launch into the post-truth era! And all of these because Peter Obi lost an election! That is the scourge that our dear nation is currently afflicted with. It is cerytainly their exclusive, post-truth world.

Coincidentally, whereas Peter Obi, his running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed and their Labour Party are not the only the parties in court to challenge the result, only their camp has maintained that the only verdict acceptable is the one that restores an illusory mandate to the third place winner!

Like I stated on this page last week, I appreciate how the pain of losing can sometimes prove difficult to bear. But then, the issue goes beyond such sentiments of a ‘hollow democracy’ as churned by that – not exactly unbiased – talking head comfortably ensconced on a foreign soil.

Unfortunately, while the glib talks of stolen presidency and other tawdry, roadside tales about ‘flawed’ or compromised process continue to rouse the rabble, the filings in court, as well as the raw data from the elections, have certainly provided clearer insights into the claims about the process than those making the wild, ill-mannered effusions would bother to pay attention!

Nigeria is an interesting place to live in. Take a look at the three legged claim put out by Obi to the electoral tribunal: first, that the president-elect, Bola Tinubu is not eligible to be voted for; second, that even if he is eligible, he did not get the two-thirds of votes cast in Abuja and, third, that the election was marred with violence and other malpractices – claims that no less a personality that the revered elder statesman, Robert Clarke, has dismissed, not uncharitably, as non-starters! Short of asking the court to strip the winner of his hard-won victory, I have struggled to find that solid patch on which the mortally wounded third-place winner could stand to stake his claim of victory.

Yet, while the claims in the context of the hard facts would remain delusional, those are the kinds of vituperations that the rest of the orderly society is forced to put up with on a daily basis, and this on an election that all of us – yes, the remnant tribe yet to succumb to that lethal virus of selective amnesia – are participant-observers! It is so wearisome.

The fact, and which has now been borne out by the results, is that the Labour Party candidate, even for all his twitter-showmanship does not as yet possess a viable pathway to the Nigerian presidency. Sure he posted predictable performances in the Southeast states of Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo and the South-south states of Edo, Cross River and Delta. And added Lagos, the most prized jewel to his crown; and then to a lesser degree, the predominantly Christian states of Plateau, Nassarawa and Benue States. Where else, outside those precincts where the two factors of ethnicity and religion were in strong play that is, could things have turned out otherwise?

Or could Obi have won in Kwara, Kogi or Niger or Kaduna? Or the far north-eastern states of Borno and Yobe. What of the Northwest states of Sokoto, Katsina or even Zamfara? Nigerians would certainly be interested in the results returned by his agents in those states. They will most certainly be interested in finding out why the victories in some parts are deserving of accommodation while the results from the places where losses were recorded are not worth the paper they were written on!

Even more bizarre is the claim of widespread electoral violence. That, we certainly know is not true. Now, any incident of violence is regrettable. Yes, there were a few minor skirmishes but these were simply too minor to have any impact on the overall outcomes. Those interested might want to check this out: the BVAS, according to official sources, recorded 88% success rate in the 176,606 polling units across the country. Only in nine percent of polling units did the BVAS malfunction and were soon after, fixed; in another two per cent, the BVAS malfunctioned and were promptly replaced.

Of course, Nigerians would require some education on the meaning of voter suppression in the context of the polls, whether these are grounded in reality or are mere derivatives of the rumour mill. At an overall voter turnout of 26.87%, the 2023 election is without question, the lowest in Nigeria’s chequered democratic history. But then, it is – as they say – what it is; the issue of voter apathy neither detracts from its credibility nor impugns its outcomes. Put it to the failure of party-mobilisation.

In any case, Nigerians might find it interesting that the turnout in the Southeast averaged 19.95%. In fact, Obi’s home state of Anambra turned out a mere 22.61 percent of which he recorded a moon slide victory of ninety-something percent after his supporters reportedly chased away the supporters of other parties.

Remember, the same Peter Obi and his Labour Party, would speak of an alleged voter intimidation and suppression in a Lagos that turned out an equally modest 17.53 percent? Will the charge of voter suppression also apply to his kith in Ebonyi (19.86 percent), Enugu (21.34 percent) and Imo (18.95 percent)?

I once heard a sage say that you don’t beat a child and expect him/her not to cry; only that it would be foolhardy to allow the child to set the house ablaze in the event that he/she could not have things his/her way. It seems about time rational minds began to speak out!

Former Presidential candidate and Restructuring exponent,Rev Chris Okotie, has broken his silence after a brief hiatus following the general election.
Speaking through his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji in Lagos yesterday, Okotie said the fierce contests and contentions between politicians before, during and after the polls, justify his call for a new constitution.
He is canvassing what he calls TOKO (The Okotie Option) as a template that could bring about the Nigerian Reformation.

The Reformation is anchored on four major components: Reconciliation, Reconstruction, Solidarity and a new foundation for development.
He explained this proposition in greater detail in a tweet:'It is time for Reconciliation;it is time for Reconstruction,it is time to join hands in solidarity,it is time to lay the foundation for posterity,it is time for TOKO. The Reformation of Nigeria is now!'

Okotie insists that adhoc amendments of the constitution as being proposed by some would not lead to any serious reformation because the current constitution upon which the general election was held,has only produced greater division in the polity as being experienced.
Okotie lamented that his warning that the country should be restructured before the election was to avoid post election crisis and create the right atmosphere for a peaceful development of Nigeria.

While promising that the TOKO campaign would continue,he urged Nigerians to take part in the National Dialogue he is promoting to engender equity, peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
Rev Okotie asked the political gladiators to sheath their sword and come to the Round table to fashion out how to restructure the country.
'At the end of this campaign,we shall compile the various submissions and send a memorandum to the President, the National Assembly,and other key stakeholders', Okotie added.

The candidature of Ahmed Usman Ododo as the flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress in the Kogi State governorship election, scheduled for November 11, has been ratified by a special Congress of the party, as stipulated in the guidelines for the primary election, which held on Friday.

The special congress, presided over by the Chairman of the Kogi APC Primary Election Committee, Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State, was held on Saturday at the Muhammadu Buhari Civic Centre, in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
The crowd at the centre was unprecedented as APC members vowed to mobilise for Ododo during the November election and ensure he succeeds Governor Yahaya Bello.

The congress follows the emergence of Ododo, a former Auditor-General for Local Governments, as the APC candidate at the party's governorship direct primaries held across all the 239 wards of the state.

Announcing the results for ratification, the Secretary to the committee, who represented the Zamfara Governor, Patrick Obahiagbon, said, "After the carefully conducted primaries, devoid of rancour and with no violence recorded anywhere in the state, and having scored 78,704 votes, Alhaji Usman Ododo has been returned as the governorship candidate that will fly the party's flag in the November 11 Governorship Election in the state."

In his acceptance speech, the newly elected candidate promised to continue to improve on the security template laid down by the incumbent Governor Yahaya Bello, among many other life-changing legacies of the current administration.

The Kogi State Governor, who also spoke at the event, said that he was sure that Ododo would not disappoint Kogites, adding that the crowd at the Congress was a pointer to his acceptability across the length and breadth of the state, without consideration for ethnic or religious bias.

"Today's event shows that there is no opposition in Kogi State. We are one big family; we have won everything winable in the state. We won presidential election, we won the available three senatorial seats; six out of nine House of  Representatives seats; and 23 out of 25 state assembly seats. This is a pass mark by any standard," Bello noted.

The All Progressives Congress has adopted the direct mode of primaries for the conduct of the Governorship Primary Election in Kogi State.

The party informed the Independent National Electoral Commission as well as aspirants of its decision to adopt the direct mode, in a letter dated 6th April, 2023, and signed by the Acting National Chairman, Senator Abubakar Kyari.

The letter reads in part: "We refer to our earlier letter dated 25th January, 2023, with reference no: APC/NHDQ/INEC/19/023/191 wherein we notified the Commission of the mode of primary election for the conduct of the Gubernatorial Primary Election in Kogi State.

"However, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has reviewed the modalities for the conduct of the Gubernatorial Primary Election in Kogi State and has therefore resorted to adopt the DIRECT mode of primary election instead of the Indirect Mode as earlier communicated.

"The date for the conduct of the primary election still remains Friday 14th April, 2023.

"Following the above, there shall be a Special Congress to ratify the candidate with the highest number of votes at the Gubernatorial Primary Election in Kogi State scheduled for Saturday, 15th April, 2023."

Meanwhile, an Abuja Federal High Court, on Wednesday, nullified the Kogi State All Progressive Congress’ delegate list for the purpose of nominating a governorship candidate for the party in the November governorship elections.

Justice James Omotosho while delivering Judgement, voided the ward and local government congresses said to have been conducted on February 7 on the grounds that they were not conducted in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, and the Constitution of the APC.

However, stakeholders of the party across the country said the judgment was only an academic exercise as the party had already decided to adopt the direct mode well ahead, despite winning two cases on the same matter in the previous week.

A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Tuesday fixed April 20, 2023, to rule on a Kogi State Application seeking to vacate an interim order of court freezing 14 properties linked to Kogi State governor.

Justice Nicholas Oweibo fixed the date after taking submissions from the Governor's counsel, Mr Abdulwahab Mohammed SAN and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission Counsel, Mr Rotimi Oyedopo SAN.

The court had on February 22, made an interim forfeiture order following an exparte motion to confiscate 14 properties and firms in Lagos, Abuja, and the United Arab Emirates as well as N400m, recovered from one Aminu Falala.

When the matter came up on Tuesday, the Kogi state counsel told the court that he had an application dated March 9, 2023 seeking to vacate the order of the court made on February 22.

Mohammed, while moving the application stated that about the third quarter of 2021, EFCC approached the court to freeze Kogi State's N20bn salary bail out loan that was allegedly hidden in Sterling bank.

He said that when the Kogi State government called Sterling Bank, the bank denied that such account existed, and that they challenged the freezing order made by Justice Tijjani Ringim that the order was obtained illegally.

Mohammed further stated that EFCC instead of apologizing, sent a press release that the money had been returned to the Central Bank of Nigeria.

According to him, the Kogi State Government approached the state High court, presided over by the present Chief judge justice Majebi who granted an order restraining the EFCC from having anything to do with Kogi State until the substantive matter was determined.

He argued that the order of the Kogi State High Court restraining EFCC from taking any step against Kogi State Government was still subsisting.

"The EFCC in flagrant disregard of the said Order of the Kogi State High Court and her pending appeal at the Court of Appeal Abuja Judicial Division, arrested one Ali Bello Nephew of the Applicant herein, who is an associate of the Kogi State Government on the 29th of November, 2022.

"That the EFCC in flagrant disobedience of the subsisting Order of the High Court of Kogi State, interrogated the said Alli Bello and coerced him to oblige them information pertaining to most of the properties listed in the Order of this Honourable Court made on the 22nd of February, 2023.

"That the said Ali Bello aggrieved by his illegal arrest and forced interrogation, filed a fundamental rights enforcement application at the High Court of Kogi State, Lokoja Judicial Division agafnst the EFCC in Suit No: HCL/696"/2022: Ali Bello V. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) & Anor.

"That the High Court of Kogi State in a Judgement delivered on the 12" of January, 2023 granted all the reliefs sought by the Applicant and made an Order declaring his arrest, detention and interrogation illegal and unconstitutional and further Order of perpetual injunction restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, their agents, servants, privies or howsoever called from further arrest, detention, harassment and intimidation of the said Ali Bello, nephew of the Applicant herein. The Judgement of the High Court of Kogi State delivered on the 12 of January, 2022 is herewith attached and marked “EXHIBIT D”

"That the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in continuous disobedience of the extant Orders of Court barring it from inviting or doing anything with respect to the affairs of the Kogi State Government and its officials, brought the instant application for preservation order of properties they alleged are reasonably suspected to have been derived from unlawful activity stemming from the purported misappropriation of funds belong to Kogi State Government.

"That the Application filed by the EFCC on the 20" of February, 2023 upon which this Honourable Court made the order dated 22 February,2023, sought to be vacated herein, is a continuous disobedience of subsisting Orders of Courts of coordinate jurisdiction, that had restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from doing anything with respect to the affairs of the Applicant including the employees, appointees or associates of Kogi State Government," he said.

Oyedepo in his response said that the applicant had brought nothing before the court to convince the court to vacate the order.

He urged the court to dismiss the application of the applicant seeking to vacate the order earlier made by the court.

Nigerians across various sectors have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to, in the few days left for his administration, strive to leave a legacy of a functional system where there is respect for the rule of law and all actors act only in full compliance with the Constitution, Acts of the National Assembly and all other laws of the country.

Delegates from 158 Anti-Corruption Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations, faith-based groups, youth and community-based organisations, who gathered in Abuja at a one-day national conference on Sunday, said the anti-corruption efforts of the Buhari administration would eventually be assessed by the conduct of key officials, especially those saddled with the responsibility of taming corruption in Nigeria.

After exhaustive deliberations by the expanded gathering with keynote address by the Dean, Faculty of Arts, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof. Wasiu Ademola Oyedokun-Alli,
and presentations from speakers, including the Chairman of the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran, among others, the Conference adopted a communique, which specifically expressed concern that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, under the leadership of Mr. Abdulrasheed Bawa, had allegedly become a cesspool of internal corruption, among other diverse issues.

While congratulating Nigerians on the outcome of the various elections, the Organisations faulted the Independent National Electoral Commission for not keeping strictly to the promises made to Nigerians.

They, however, condemned what they described as the various attempts by some politicians and people of vested interests towards pushing the country dangerously to the edge of the slope, particularly the promotion of ethnic and religious divisions among Nigerians.

The communique said, in line with genuine concerns among informed Nigerians, "Conference restates that a convict, as Mr. Bawa is seen to be currently, according to the judgment of a court of competent jurisdiction,  which has not been vacated, cannot continue to preside over an important law enforcement agency like the EFCC established to fight corruption."

Delegates from the 158 organisations also alleged that Bawa's actions as a public officer had been high-handed, prejudicial, contemptuous of Nigerian courts and oppressive to the human rights of persons under the EFCC investigation, while also condemning, in its entirety, his "deliberate disobedience of court orders."

"Conference expressed gross dissatisfaction with the Naira redesign policy of the Central Bank of Nigeria which in the last three months has crippled economic activities and put Nigerians under unprecedented and untold hardship due to the scarcity of the local currency as well as the incessant failure of the online banking system," the communique stated, adding that there must be consequences for the needless hardship Nigerians were made to contend with in the face of a policy that was not well thought out.

On anti-corruption efforts, the communique said,
"Corruption undermines growth, erodes trust in governments, fuels support for extremism and hinders the fight against poverty and inequality. Therefore, we as Nigerians, have a responsibility to prevent, detect and expose any form of corruption. In fighting corruption, we cannot, but also be mindful of the dictates of our laws, as a country under a democracy.

"The war against corruption in the country, particularly under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, has its milestones, prospects and challenges, hence, the need for us to consciously review same, while also setting an agenda for the incoming administration in the country. The subject of corruption and the war against it is of crucial importance to us, as stakeholders, in the Nigerian project."

The organisations also demanded that states and other tiers of government must set up genuine machinery towards cooperating and consolidating the efforts of the Federal Government in tackling the various security challenges presently facing the country.

They admonished the incoming administration to work hard to ensure that Nigerians remain united in peace and justice to all.

The National Conference was convoked to discuss the State of the Nation, covering several fundamental issues, especially as they affect education, security, corruption challenges and other general interests.

The All Progressives Congress, Kogi State chapter, has approved the suspension of a member of the National Working Committee of the party, Murtala Yakubu (Ajaka) by the executive members of Ajaka Ward 1 of the party.

Yakubu, who is the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the party, had been suspended by the entire executive members of APC, Ajaka Ward 1, Igalamela/Odolu Local Government Area of Kogi State, in a letter dated March 20, over alleged anti-party activities, insubordination, gross misconduct, unguided statement, running parallel party structure and encouraging factionalism in the party.

Reacting to the action of the ward executives, the leadership of the party in the state, in a statement signed by the State Secretary, Hon. Joshua Emmanuel, affirmed Yakubu's suspension, saying that, consequently, he had been barred from participating in all party activities.

The statement, titled, "Approval and implication of the suspension of Hon. Muritala Yakubu (Ajaka) by the APC", reads in part, "The Kogi State Executive Committee (SEC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) received a Notice of Suspension of Hon. Muritala Yakubu (Ajaka) from the IGALAMELA/ODOLU Local Government Area Executive Committee which acted on the basis of his suspension by the Ajaka Ward 1 Ward Executive Committee.

"The Kogi State Executive Committee of the APC, having perused the facts as alleged and established both the veracity and the gravity of the anti-party activities made out against him, has approved the disciplinary action, ie. suspension, meted to him by the appropriate organs below.

"For the avoidance of any doubt, we reiterate that the Ajaka Ward 1 Executive Committee and the Igalamela-Odolu Local Government Area Executive Committee of the party acted in accordance with Article 21 and other relevant provisions of the APC Constitution in the entire circumstances of this matter, and we uphold the same.

"In view of the foregoing, we hereby wish to notify the Zonal and National Executive Committees of our party as well as the general public that consequent upon his suspension, Hon. Muritala Yakubu (Ajaka) is now barred from participating in all party activities.

"The foregoing for your information, records and next actions."

The Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, may be in for fresh trouble as over 250 Constitutional and Human Rights lawyers have called on the National Judicial Council to direct all courts in Nigeria not to entertain cases brought before them by the EFCC. 


The lawyers, who said this was part of the resolutions reached at the end of their Annual Conference, with the theme: "Democracy and the Rule of Law", held in Abuja between March 20 and 21, 2023, said it would only be appropriate for Nigerian courts to entertain EFCC cases when Bawa must have purged himself of contempt by obeying all subsisting Court orders binding on him. 


They made the call during the presentation of their annual communique on Tuesday just as they called on political parties in Nigeria and their candidates to be conscious of the need to preserve Nigeria's democracy by adhering to the provisions of the law guiding post-election matters. 


Reading the communique, the newly elected President of the Judicial Integrity Lawyers (JILAW), Barrister Idoko Godwin, said, "Politicians were advised against sponsoring crises across the nation to demonstrate their grievance as sponsoring post-election crisis will negate the supremacy clause of our constitution as stated in Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution. 


"Rather, every aggrieved individual or groups of individuals who which to govern nigeria or any part thereof should give total consideration to  Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution and anything to the contrary will amount to subversion of the supreme law of the land. Thus any aggrieved individual should seek judicial redress as enshrined in the constitution." 


The lawyers observed that the timing of the conference was of great importance, considering the fact that the nation was still battling with the fallout of the various elections, adding that many salient issues regarding the place of the rule of law in Nigeria's "struggling democracy" had been thrown up. 


They noted that the persistent abuse of power by public officials in Nigeria was an aberration, which had attained notoriety as part of the fabric of the Nigerian society, insisting that equality before the law was the only true protection against the spectre of oppression and undue influence that those in positions of authority would otherwise dangle over the heads of ordinary Nigerians. 


About 25 lawyers, representing the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria jointly presented the communique on behalf of the over 250 lawyers in JILAW. 


The communique stated, "You will recall that it took the direct intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to obey a lawful judgement of the Supreme Court, the highest Court in the land, on the naira redesign policy of the CBN. This was after the flagrant disobedience to the preliminary judgement of the same Supreme Court before the presidential elections were held. 


"Even now, our meeting agreed that the Federal Government has not fully complied with the judgement with regard to other aspects of the policy, which has continued to put Nigerians through untold hardship." 


On the EFCC boss, the lawyers maintained that an official whose conviction was made by an order of a Court or Courts of competent jurisdiction, was not considered fit to continue presiding over the affairs of a law enforcement agency, especially one constitutionally set up to fight corruption. 


"Our over 250 members have therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, within the limited time left in the life of his administration, urgently address the dangerous culture of disobedience to the rule of law, assault on our Judiciary and ultimately ensure appropriate sanctions for the violators of the dictates of our constitution," they said. 


The Communique read in part: "In conclusion, we are stating that a country that has no regard to the decisions of its court is heading toward anarchy. Hence, we call on the National Judicial Council to direct all courts in the country to henceforth not entertain any cases brought before them by any agency of the government that disobeys court orders, especially EFCC, until the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, has purged himself by obeying all subsisting Court orders binding on him. 


"As an official whose conviction was made by an order of a Court or Courts of competent jurisdiction, we do not consider him fit to continue presiding over the affairs of a law enforcement agency, especially one constitutionally set up to fight corruption. You cannot use the corrupting influence of power to enforce anti-corruption laws. 


"We consider it a ridiculous aberration that a convict would be in charge of getting others convicted when he should be serving time for contempt of Court and when there has been no superior judgement against the conviction." 


The lawyers seized the opportunity to announce the constitution of a new leadership thrown up after the JILAW election held on Monday. 


They are: Barrister Idoko Godwin, President; Barr. Suleiman Gwamba, Vice President; Barr. Gaius Inalegwu, Secretary; Barr. Genesis John, Publicity Secretary; and Barr. Ann Ikwuta Onyeke, Welfare Officer, among others.

FULL TEXT 





Dear Colleagues, 


Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, 


Gentlemen of the Press. 



We want to formally welcome you to the Post-Annual Conference press briefing of Judicial Integrity Lawyers. 


JILAW is a group of over 250 Constitutional and Human Rights lawyers who have, over the years, distinguished themselves in the defence of constitutional and human rights within the confines of Nigerian law. 


Over the past few years too, Nigerians have looked forward to our interventions and positions, on several salient national issues, prominent among which, are issues regarding the laws of our lands, and our roles as legal practitioners. 


The timing of this conference is of great importance, considering the fact that the nation is still battling with the fallout of the various elections, from Presidential to National Assembly, Governorship and the State House of Assembly polls. Accordingly, many salient issues regarding the place of the rule of law in our struggling democracy have been thrown up. 


At our meeting, which started around 8pm on Monday and ended in the early hours of today (Tuesday), the need to protect the integrity of the Judiciary as aggrieved political parties and their candidates approach the courts was top on the agenda bearing in mind the fact ours is not a perfect society but our imperfection can be corrected by the strict adherence to the rule of law especially the decisions emanating from our courts.   


Other issues raised were the need for candidates and political parties to be conscious of the need to preserve Nigeria's democracy by adhering to the provisions of the law guiding post-election matters. Politicians were advised against sponsoring crises across the nation to demonstrate their grievance as sponsoring post election crisis will negate the supremacy clause of our constitution as stated in section 1(2) of the 1999 constitution. Rather, every aggrieved individual or groups of individuals who which to govern nigeria or any part thereof should give total consideration to Section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution and anything to the contrary will amount to subversion of the supreme law of the land. Thus any aggrieved individual should seek judicial redress as enshrined in the constitution.  


The worrisome trend of disobedience of court orders by officials saddled with the responsibility of piloting the affairs of the nation at different levels was also discussed at our meeting. 


The Nigerian Constitution is the fon est origo of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and our legal system and the foundation of its government. To this end, its provisions are believed to be sacred and binding on all authorities and persons throughout the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 


In addition, Section 9 of Part 1 of the Fifth Schedule of the Nigerian Constitution states clearly that “A public officer shall not do or direct to be done, in abuse of his office, any arbitrary act prejudicial to the rights of any other person knowing that such act is unlawful or contrary to any government policy.” 


The above provision of our constitution  points to the fact that the Nigerian constitution specifically bars public officers from acting in ways that may be oppressive to a citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The constitution also, without prejudice to specific public office or officer under reference, bars public office holders from acting in ways that may be considered unlawful and contrary to any government policy. 


Further more, one of the cardinal tenets enshrined by the constitution is the principle of separation of powers where each arm of government - Legislative, Judiciary and Executive - is an equal partner in the running of a successful nation. 


It is for this reason that we are constrained to speak, on some recent actions of subversion of the principle of separation of powers, and the rule of law by some agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria, some of which, have attracted the fury of Nigerians across the Civil Society, Media and even eminent senior lawyers, who consider the act of the disobedience to the rule of law, particularly the orders of our courts, as an assault on our constitution, that the President and every appointees of the government, in Nigeria, have sworn to uphold and defend. 


We believe, that the persistent abuse of power by public officials in Nigeria is an aberration which has attained notoriety as part of the fabric of our society. We wish to state that equality before the law is the only true protection against the spectre of oppression and undue influence that those in positions of authority would otherwise dangle over the heads of ordinary Nigerians. 


You will recall that it took the direct intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari for the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to obey a lawful judgment of the Supreme Court, the highest Court in the land, on the naira redesign policy of the CBN. This was after the flagrant disobedience to the preliminary judgement of the same Supreme Court before the presidential elections were held. 


Even now, our meeting agreed that the Federal Government has not fully complied with the judgement with regard to other aspects of the policy, which has continued to put Nigerians through untold hardship. 


Another disturbing example of one of those institutions that have become notorious for totally disregarding the sanctity of our Courts and continuously infringing on the human rights of citizens, is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 


The implications of the continued disregard for Nigeria's Judiciary and disobedience to our laws, are beyond individual victims or the integrity of these agencies. Both at home and abroad, this badge of shame stains our collective national consciousness and makes a daily mockery of Nigerian laws. 


Our over 250 members have therefore urged President Muhammadu Buhari to, within the limited time left in the life of his administration, urgently address the dangerous culture of disobedience to the rule of law, assault on our Judiciary and ultimately ensure appropriate sanctions for the violators of the dictates of our constitution. 


In conclusion, we are stating that a country that has no regard to the decisions of its court is heading toward anarchy. Hence, we call on the National Judicial Council to direct all courts in the country to henceforth not entertain any cases brought before them by any agency of the government that disobeys court orders, especially EFCC, until the Chairman of EFCC, Mr. AbdulRasheed Bawa, has purged himself by obeying all subsisting Court orders binding on him. 


As an official whose conviction was made by an order of a Court or Courts of competent jurisdiction, we do not consider him fit to continue presiding over the affairs of a law enforcement agency, especially one constitutionally set up to fight corruption. You cannot use the corrupting influence of power to enforce anti-corruption laws. 


We consider it a ridiculous aberration that a convict would be in charge of getting others convicted when he should be serving time for contempt of Court and when there has been no superior judgement against the conviction. 


Finally, we wish to use this opportunity to announce the constitution of a new leadership for the Association, which is to be led by Barrister Idoko Godwin, President, Barr. Suleiman Gwamba Vice President, Bar. Gaius Inalegwu, Secretary, Bar. Genesis John Publicity Secretary and, Bar. Ann Ikwuta Onyeke as Welfare Officer. 


Nigeria is under a democracy, and all forms of impunity must be tackled by those who genuinely love our country and are interested in the survival of our democracy. The rule of law cannot be selectively applied. 


Thanks and God Bless

Parental or self development and readiness and commitment towards aspiration.

Ewatomilola.

It is no more news that one of the candidates in the 2023 Lagos Gubernatorial election Gbadebo Rhodes-vivour cannot communicate in the language of his people, the people he wants to govern.

Lagos is known to be a Yoruba state, her people speak the popular Yoruba dialect. GRV, as he is fondly called, has been showcased in many footages battling to even greet or communicate properly in his people's language.

I will describe Gbadebo as an undetermined, ill-mannered, proud, disrespectful, and insensitive guy due to his regular style of crediting his inability to communicate fluently in his father's language to exposure, and also non challantly exposing his unreadiness to be better.

He has severally referred to Lagos as a cosmopolitan state, hence why his communicating in his father's tongue isn't important to him. Where is the place of self development if you can't get all from your parents?

There are many Gbadebos out there, with different mixed ethnic parents. His mother isn't Yoruba; so we don't expect her to speak Yoruba as her first dialect or even at all.

I will be referencing another young individual who is of Gbadebo's age bracket and was intentional about improving himself and preparing for his political aspiration, Bankole Wellington, popularly called Banky W. Just like Gbadebo, both parents of Banky aren't Yoruba. He's from a Yoruba father, and he also schooled abroad. Banky contested for House of Reps for the first time in Eti-osa 2019 under an unpopular party. I guess one of the challenges he faced then was his inability to speak Yoruba or fluently. He wasn't out there abusing and disrespecting the culture and his people, he engaged the services of an Oba-ile, Akure-born Olalekan Fabilola, olukoni Yoruba lori ero ayeluraja (an online Yoruba teacher) and it took him months to learn and improve his Yoruba speaking skill. He didn't relent until he became a better person.

That's how to know someone who is truly prepared to lead. A leader is never tired of learning. A leader learns daily and is always ready to improve and become better than yesterday. A leader is humble and doesn't pride in ignorance.

On the other hand, Gbadebo has contested in three different elections, two before now, in three different political parties. Yet, he never made the slightest effort to get better.

Our parents may not get to teach us everything, if we are privileged to get the basics, it's our duty to be intentional about developing ourselves and be better daily.

Gbadebo in 12 years of seeking public office couldn't improve his ability to communicate with his people in the language they understand. Such character isn't fit to lead the same State.

He should forget about this election, go back to the basics and make himself better prepared for the next contest in four years time when Sanwo-Olu would have completed his second term.

. Allege 'Bawa's modus operandi causing serious concerns among Commission's officials'

. Ask President to direct IGP to effect his immediate arrest

. Uncover EFCC's plan to sponsor launch of 'attack organisation' against perceived enemies



Scores of Anti-corruption Organisations and constitutional lawyers in Nigeria, on Thursday, submitted a petition to President Muhammadu Buhari, protesting what they described as brazen disobedience of court orders by the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa; alleged reckless politicisation of the Commission under his watch and his continued stay in office, in spite of a court order committing him to prison for contempt.

In a press statement signed by Spokesperson for the over 130 CSOs, including more than 20 Constitutional lawyers, Olufemi Lawson, the activists disclosed that they had also submitted a copy of the petition to the Inspector-General of Police.

This, according to them, is "to intimate the Police authorities that a convict cannot be allowed to be walking freely without being reined in as ordered by the Courts."

They called on President Buhari to immediately suspend Bawa to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime; direct the IGP to effect his arrest in line with a court order; and commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the agency.

The activists said, being anti-corruption crusaders themselves, they could not stand by while the EFCC boss allegedly makes a mess of Nigeria's anti-corruption agency, noting specifically that his modus operandi in the Commission was reportedly "causing serious concerns and disgust among the top hierarchy of the Commission."

In the petition, a copy of which was made available to the press, the activists stated, "It is on the basis of the continued perpetration of illegality in the EFCC, that we promptly alerted the Nation to it, issuing a 7-day ultimatum to the Inspector-General of Police to effect Bawa’s arrest and make him face justice.

"It is worrisome that weeks after we issued this ultimatum, Bawa is still walking free, continuing the perpetration of illegality that has become the identity of the EFCC."

They listed the alleged unruly activities of the EFCC under Bawa to include "arrests without valid warrants, detention of suspects beyond the duration allowed by the courts, seizure of properties belonging to suspected persons before any such declaration by a court of competent jurisdiction, rascally handling of suspicions of financial crime that appear like witch-hunting, and brazen disobedience of court orders, among others."

"Aside from the above, the EFCC under Bawa is also quickly becoming a cesspool of internal corruption with several reports of corrupt practices going on within the Commission.
There are allegations of age falsification to remain in office beyond the statutory limit of civil service regulations, involving very senior officers of the commission.

"If a government agency expected to fight crime is found going about its business in a manner that mimics witch-hunt and rascality, while also being unable to deal with corruption going on within its own workforce, we fear that the Nation may slide into some real crisis of confidence in our systems," the petition said.

The anti-corruption activists also disclosed that they had uncovered plans by the EFCC to sponsor the launch of a faceless organization, led by "discredited activists", for the purpose of laundering Bawa's tainted image before the incoming administration takes charge.

"At the said launch of the organization, the plan is to call on the Commission to seek the services of INTERPOL to harass perceived opponents of some political godfathers and other unpatriotic government officials, to whom we believe Bawa defers," they said.

They recalled that, upon his nomination for the position of the Commission’s chairman in 2021, several groups of Nigerians had opposed the appointment of Bawa, based on what was described as his antecedents.

According to the petition, the Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), in a letter dated 18th February 2021, had asked the National Assembly to reject Bawa's nomination as EFCC chair, based on several controversies that characterised his tenure in previous positions in the EFCC, giving the grave implication of such, on the exalted position.

In the light of the aforementioned, the anti-corruption CSOs urged President Buhari to: "Direct the Inspector-General of Police to immediately effect the arrest of Abdulrasheed Bawa in compliance with a subsisting order of the court and make him face the full consequences of his actions, based on court orders that we are sure he is aware of, but has refused to act upon.

"Commission an enquiry into the workings of the EFCC, its present engagements and happenings within the commission.

"Immediately suspend Mr Bawa as head of the Commission to restore confidence in the capacity of the commission to truly fight financial crime and purge itself of bad elements while discharging its job.

"Order an immediate overhaul of the commission and where necessary lobby the National Assembly to amend the EFCC Act to make the structure less prone to high-handedness and make the Chairmen answerable to the laws of the land."

The 'Bawa Must Go' protests, which continued on Tuesday are being led by CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.

Barr. Mogbojuri Kayode of the Citizens Rights Advocacy Group (CRAG), is also leading over 20 constitutional lawyers in the protest.






PRESS STATEMENT
(16-03-2023)


BAWA NOT FIT TO REMAIN EFCC CHAIRMAN


In continuation of our advocacy for the maintenance of the sanctity and inviolability of the rule as related to our nation's judiciary, we have submitted a petition to the office of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, today, March 16, 2023, in Abuja, to further drive home the point that impunity cannot be allowed to thrive at any level of governance institutions.

A copy of the said petition has also been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police in order to intimate the Police authorities that a convict cannot be allowed to be walking freely without being reined in as ordered by the Courts.

For the umpteenth time, we wish to reemphasize that our primary interest is in protecting our Judiciary from heads of government agencies with anarchist mentality of reckless impunity. Such opprobrious indiscretions have no place in a democracy. 

It is in this regard that we appreciate and commend President Muhammadu Buhari for his decisive action on the recently contrived complications vis-a-vis the Supreme Court judgment on the Naira swap policy. Mr. President's exemplary stand against purveyors of impunity in his government shows him as a true Democrat and an astute statesman.

It is in this same wise that we call on him to ensure that all renegades against the rule of law in his government are firmly reined in, the latest example being the outgoing Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa, who seems to be totally oblivious of the workings of governance with regard to separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary while his modus operandi with the Commission is allegedly causing serious concerns and disgust among the top hierarchy of the Commission. 

We are not unaware of the targeted sponsored attacks by the Commission against our patriotic interventions, including the planned launching of a faceless organization, led by discredited activists whose stomachs are their God, for the purpose of continuing to launder Bawa's tainted image. At the said launch of the organization,  the plan is to call on the Commission to seek the services of INTERPOL to harass perceived opponents of some political godfathers and other unpatriotic government officials, to whom we believe Bawa defers.

As veteran credible activists, no amount of threats or compromising overtures can dissuade us from the genuine cause that we have embarked on to ensure that our Judiciary is not rubbished by power in the service of political machinations, and to ensure that politics has little or no space in the discharge of EFCC's duties.

Frontline Anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) numbering over 130, have resumed their call for the sack of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, over alleged politicisation of the Commission, Disobedience of Court Orders and Infringement on Human Rights of Nigerians, among others.

The activists who were joined by over 20 Constitutional lawyers, led by Barr. Mogbojuri Kayode of the Citizens Rights Advocacy Group,
noted that the desperation of Bawa to save his face after dishonourable acts in office had taken a laughable turn, insisting that no amount of "purchased CSOs' vote of confidence" would cover the truth about the abnormalities being condoned in EFCC under its current leadership.

They spoke at a joint press conference in Lagos on Tuesday.

According to them, the EFCC has become so desperate to launder what they called a rapidly diminishing image of Bawa, to the extent that the Commission's spokesman laughably signed a Press Release, recently, informing Nigerians that a Civil Society Organization had passed a vote of confidence in its chairman.

"Isn't it the job of the media to see that and independently report?" they asked.

The leaders of the struggle said it was a thing of honour that, despite the immense pressure mounted on leaders of the "Bawa Must Go" protests to abandon their objective cause, over 120 of the main actors had remained resolute while more had joined in the interest of the rule of law.

The Anti-corruption activists, however, commended President Muhammadu Buhari for bailing the country out of what they described as a Judicial quagmire "by dissociating the Presidency from any act of disobedience to court orders and making the Central Bank of Nigeria comply with a Supreme Court order that extended the validity of old naira notes till December 31, 2023."

"As this is expected to ease the pain of the masses, we hereby call on the President to also wade into the seeming fixation of the EFCC on certain individuals and the desperation of the Chairman of the Commission to score cheap political goals through unwarranted media trials of non-convicted individuals in the country. He should direct Mr. Bawa to step aside until he purges himself of contempt as ruled by a High Court," Spokesperson for the Coalition, Olufemi Lawson, said in a speech delivered on behalf of the activists.

Chairman, Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, Debo Adeniran, specifically noted that his organisation had, from the outset, alerted the National Assembly to the fact that Bawa was unfit for the post of EFCC chairman, over alleged corrupt practices and his rumoured relationship with the Attorney-General of the Federation who was believed to have masterminded the travails and eventually removal of Bawa's predecessor, Ibrahim Magu.

According to him, Bawa's alleged misconduct in office is a confirmation of CACOL's fears of his being a misfit for the position.

Adeniran, who made copies of CACOL's initial objection to Bawa's appointment available to the press, said, "Up till now, he (Bawa) has not cleared himself of all the allegations against him and he has been made to catch other people who committed offences that are not as grievous as the ones that he has been accused of. And on top of all of these, he has been behaving as if he is an authority to himself. And we are now saying that, no matter how highly placed you are, no matter how influential you are, you still are duty-bound to operate within the confines of the laws of our own country. That is the Constitution.

"Nobody is above the law. Everybody should be equal before the law. If we don't allow the rule of law to govern our society, then we are plunging our society into that kingdom where anarchy rules, where there will be chaos and where there will be no control over who does what, and that would be a disorganised society.

"This man has been convicted about two times for flagrant disobedience of court orders. The Inspector-General of Police has been lagging behind in the performance of his duty in this regard, may be because of what they believe should be esprit de corps. Gradually, other agencies would not want to obey the rule of law.

"This would only draw back the gains we have made over the years when we thought that we had struggled ourselves out of the stranglehold of the Military. This is not expected of a born-again democrat that our President now claims to be. For how long will our President allow impunity to govern our society before he knows that he has to exercise his enormous power to insist that the rule of law that he has relied upon over the years holds sway?"

"Those in authority are duty-bound to ensure that judgements of any court, even if by a drunken judge, are implemented by the Police Force. And if the Police Force refuses to implement it, the President is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He should call them to order, instruct the Inspector-General of Police to implement the order. If the President also refuses to insist that the rule of law should be held sacrosanct, then there would be protests without end.

"We are just observing a break now as a result of the elections which we must all partake in. We will continue until the rule of law is obeyed. Everybody should be equal before the law," the CACOL chairman stated.

Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun, wondered why some people, in the name of CSOs would allow themselves to be used to reinforce failure, contrary to what genuine CSOs stand for, noting that in spite of pressure from different quarters, patriotic activists refused to be bought over.

"The issue of Bawa did not start today. When he was in the Port Harcourt division of the EFCC, he had allegations of misconduct around seized property hanging around his neck. These are allegations that were not cleared because he was forced upon the agency.

"We are repeating that we are not against the fight against corruption. But if the successes of the EFCC must stay, we cannot continue to have an ignoble personality like Abdulrasheed Bawa heading that agency. So we are not just asking the incoming government not to inherit him, we are saying he should be removed from office even before the expiration of the term of President Muhammadu Buhari," he declared.

The anti-corruption CSOs maintained that the Commission had become synonymous with all kinds of scandals, saying, "There are allegations of age falsification to remain in office beyond the statutory limit of civil service regulations. An organization fighting against corruption should not be found enmeshed in such a scandal with the alleged active connivance of the Commission's leadership.

"We call on the IGP to immediately swing into action and thoroughly investigate these allegations and ensure that all culpable personnel face the full weight of the law, including their facilitators."

"We are also not unaware of some sponsored campaigns for the incoming administration to retain the services of Mr Bawa as the head of the EFCC. While we concede that it is the exclusive preserve of the President to appoint whoever is deemed fit to head the EFCC and other similar agencies of government, we cannot but as stakeholders state that Mr. Bawa has become deficient in character and as such should be the least considered by any administration determined to truly fight corruption for such a sensitive position which demands not only professional competency, but also high moral value," they stated.

The 'Bawa Must Go' protests are being led by CACOL Chairman, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.

Over 20 vibrant constitutional lawyers have also joined the protests.




JOINT SPEECH (FULL TEXT)


Bawa's Desperation Taking a Laughable Turn; A Call On The Inspector-General of Police to Effect Court Order on Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa.



It is a well-known fact that, as credible Civil Society Organizations and activists, we came out en masse for seven consecutive days against the Politicisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Disobedience of Court Orders and Infringement on Human Rights of Nigerians, under the outgoing Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa.

Rather than act honourably and step aside in view of his status as a convicted official, Mr. Bawa has continued to act as if Nigerian laws are made differently for different Nigerians. He has continued to approach the courts to secure convictions in alleged criminal matters even when he has remained defiant to the judgments of the same courts.

To the best of our knowledge, the judgment committing the EFCC Chairman to Kuje prison for contempt has yet to be upturned by any higher court in the country. Our position therefore remains that the subsisting Court orders must be obeyed before any further actions can be considered by Mr. Bawa.

Recall that at the last town hall meeting of this Coalition, we requested through a seven-day ultimatum, that the Inspector General of Police enforce the order of the court and ensure the arrest of Mr Bawa as ordered. Today, we are here to restate that the Inspector-General of Police is duty-bound as directed by the court to produce Mr Bawa in order to ensure that he serves his prison term.

We want to, on this note, commend President Muhammadu Buhari for bailing the country out of a Judicial quagmire by dissociating the Presidency from any act of disobedience to court orders and making the Central Bank of Nigeria comply with a Supreme Court order that extended the validity of old naira notes till December 31, 2023.

As this is expected to ease the pain of the masses, we hereby call on the President to wade into the seeming fixation of the EFCC on certain individuals and the desperation of the Chairman of the Commission to score cheap political goals through unwarranted media trials of non-convicted individuals in the country. He should direct Mr. Bawa to step aside until he purges himself of contempt as ruled by the High Court.



Furthermore, as the country looks forward to a new leadership, in the next few months, under the administration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is our view, as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, that priority must be given to the restructuring of several agencies in our country, key among which is the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, as presently constituted.

Today, the commission has become synonymous with all sorts of scandals, including those involving senior personel of the commission. There are allegations of age falsification to remain in office beyond the statutory limit of civil service regulations. An organization fighting against corruption should not be found enmeshed in such a scandal with the alleged active connivance of the Commission's leadership. We call on the IGP to immediately swing into action and thoroughly investigate these allegations and ensure that all culpable personnel face the full weight of the law, including their facilitators.

We are also not unaware of some sponsored campaigns for the incoming administration to retain the services of Mr Bawa as the head of the EFCC. While we concede that it is the exclusive preserve of the President to appoint whoever is deemed fit to head the EFCC and other similar agencies of government, we cannot but as stakeholders state that Mr. Bawa has become deficient in character and as such should be the least considered by any administration determined to truly fight corruption for such a sensitive position which demands not only professional competency, but also high moral value.

Let us also use this opportunity to remind those, who are being used to cheaply blackmail this Coalition of veteran anti-corruption CSOs that we have a history. We have pedigrees. We have credibility. We have a genuine cause we are pursuing to save the sanctity of our Judiciary - the last hope of the common man, and we cannot be bought. We cannot have an EFCC chairman who will be sentenced every other week for contempt. That's corrosive corruption.

Right from inception, most of our Coalition partners have been collaborating with the EFCC. We have stood by the Commission when corrupt power mongers attempted to blackmail it. We have written tons of petitions to the Commission exposing corrupt public officials and have defended same severally.

It must also be noted clearly, that we are not opposed to the Commission's mandate to fight corruption, but we are opposed to the seeming politicisation of the agency under Mr. Bawa, its clear fixation on certain individuals in the society, needless media trial, corruption within the agency, and the manner in which EFCC officials act above the law by corrupting our judicial processes with impunity.

There is no greater corruption than trampling on the institutions that mediate among citizens and between them and the State.

In the desperation to launder a rapidly diminishing image of Bawa,  it is laughable that, recently, the Commission's Spokesman signed a Press Release informing Nigerians that an unknown Civil Society Organization passed a vote of confidence on its chairman after our protests. Isn't it the job of the media to see that and independently report?

The 7-day ultimatum given to the IGP to effect the Court's orders expired weeks ago. The President must direct that the EFCC boss obey court order first before appealing.

It is on this basis that we stand by our call for Bawa to go until he purges himself of clandestinely disobeying our courts. 

God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

On aluta for justice we stand.



Signed:

CACOL'S Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran;

Barr. Mogbojuri Kayode, Executive Director,  Citizens Rights Advocacy Group;

Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude;

Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem;

Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson;

Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun;

Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihekhaire;

Gbenga Soloki,  CDHR

Ahmed Balogun, Media Rights Concern, among over 120 notable leaders of Anti-corruption CSOs.

A business mogul, Adeyeri Stephen has earnestly implored his loyalists to give him more time to contemplate on the next line of action in his political odyssey, saying plans are afoot, but it must be confined to painstaking logical reasoning before an audacious step can be taken.

The staunch supporters of the former Ondo APC Chieftain had expressed displeasure over their principal's prolonged muteness after dumping the ruling All Progressives Congress a few months back.

Led by a close associate, Mr. Adeolu Igbede, the loyalists who mandated Adeyeri to disclose his political standpoint before 14 days, also advised him to critically explore three options such as —rejoining the APC, rally support for PDP’s candidates in Akoko South West or join the Labour Party.

Adeyeri, however, prevailed on his supporters to keep calm in a statement he personally signed on Tuesday, noting that he had set up a think-tank with a view to providing invaluable recommendations on which path to tread ahead of the 2023 general election.

The statement partly read, “I acknowledge the fact that you all are concern about which way to go ahead of the 2023 general election, indeed this is a sheer show of selfless love that shouldn't be fiddle away for any reason”

“It is too worthy to sidestep the atrocious and unruly behaviors exhibited by preposterous naysayers while in our former abode. With all these experiences, it is imperative to meticulously take decisions so as to eschew bitter internecine feud that denied us our divine mandate.

“Please give me more time, I can't just take a unilateral decision that will plunge us off the bridge of politics. After careful cross fertilization of ideas, I will announce my next plan by December 16, 2022”

“I want to thank you all for your firm support from time immemorial, I won't downplay your implicit love. And I assure you that I won't rescind on my strong drive to ensure you enjoy the gains attached to politics, he said.

Interim government campaigner, Rev Chris Okotie has warned Nigerians not to get carried away by the crowds they see at political rallies.
In his latest bulletin released from his media office in Lagos,by his media adviser, Ladi Ayodeji, Okotie said the presence of the mixed multitude at campaign rallies is no indication that a presidential candidate enjoys the support of the people.

Rev Okotie,who is promoting his Aboriginal Democracy agenda as an alternative to the current system of government, said crowd-renting is mainly responsible for the crowd we see at rallies, which is why we sometimes find same people at different rallies.

He explained that some people attend these rallies purely out of curiosity or to catch a glimpse of the political leaders or to be part of the action.

Speaking further on the 2023 election in interview with Kaftan TV's Funmilayo Osho -Kumolu, on the programme, Daybreak Africa,State of the Nation, the Reverend argued that Aboriginal Democracy is the only concept that could produce the change Nigeria needs, not an election as being pursued.

Okotie said:'Nigeria's second attempt at democracy has failed us as a nation.'
He insists that an interim government is required to fashion a new, effective constitution that would be acceptable to all the federating units, before a realistic election could be conducted.

'The present constitution is a unitary one and is inconsistent with our cultural realities being a product of retrogressive elements', he said.
Okotie concluded that those who are opposed to restructuring are benefiting from the current system of recycled leadership, which has produced the present economic stagnation.

By Adeboye Ado

Following the resignation of a former House of Representatives Aspirant, Hon. Adeyeri Stephen, from the Ondo State All Progressives Congress, his supporters have asked him to reveal his next line of action.

The staunch loyalists who demanded the former APC Chieftain to hint the public on his next plan, told Adeyeri to critically explore three options such as —rejoining the APC, rally support for PDP’s candidates in Akoko South West or join the Labour Party.

Hundreds of Adeyeri's supporters who converged on Saturday in a meeting tagged “ASK Team: The Way Forward” at Iwaro-Oka in Akoko South West Local Government Area of the State, unanimously issued him a 7- day ultimatum to address the press and reveal his political standpoint to the public.

Speaking at the meeting, his close associate, Mr. Adeolu Igbede, said their Leader had kept them on tenterhook without any hope of ease on which way to go, adding that the sole purpose of the meeting is to make available options for him.

“We are very loyal to our Leader, Hon. Adeyeri Stephen Kunle and we won't rescind on our firm support for him, but we want him to covertly and overtly tell us his next line of action, we can't to be under suspense anymore”

“Adeyeri is a big gun in Ondo State political vortex. He has done so much despite the fact that he wasn't given the fair platform to continue his philanthropic gestures”

“In view of this, it is imperative for him to tell us which way to go because we so much believe in his political strength and drive to win election, hence I suggest he takes us back to APC”, Igbede said.

Another leader, Oluwaseun Pius, argued that rejoining the All Progressives Congress would amount to going back to a former abode ladened with unsettled crisis.

“I want our principal to go back to the Peoples Democratic Party, infact the opposition party is booming again with defectors so I suggest PDP, we can't stay without joining a political party, APC is troubled crisis”

Contrary to the afore-stated opinions,
an ardent supporter from Akoko South East LG, Mrs. Grace Ogidan, noted that owing to the growing popularity of the Labour Party and its Candidate, Peter Obi, she further suggested that Adeyeri should join the LP.

“I believe LP is okay, given by what we are hearing about the party and Obi, we believe we are good to go, Mimiko brought the party and he won twice as Governor, so I suggest LP”

However, Hon. Bolorunduro Emmanuel, said if the former Reps Aspirant failed to comply with the issued ultimatum, he might risk losing his huge supporters.

As at press time, efforts to reach Adeyeri for comments were unsuccessful

. In Kogi, every kobo works for the state – Auditor-General
 
Kogi State in North Central Nigeria has won the World Bank’s Awards of Excellence in three categories - Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Debt Sustainability and Domestic Revenue Mobilisation.

The significant awards were conferred on Kogi State at the Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Dinner with Governors/Award Night, held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Monday evening.

The objective of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Program is to promote focus and attention of Nigerian States towards improvement of their PFM systems, processes and institutions, a statement on Tuesday, signed by the Commissioner for Information and Communications in Kogi State, Kingsley Fanwo, said. 

The Auditor-General of Kogi State, Yakubu Okala, who spoke to journalists after the award ceremony attributed the celebrated success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability to self-discipline, as well as the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.

“The State is blessed with an incorruptible Governor who also provides leadership from all fronts, a professional to the core that has surrounded himself only with persons that have the capacity to deliver. 

“The philosophy of the Governor of the State, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, is making every single kobo available work for the entity of the State, hence he has instituted self-discipline, as well as transparent and accountable governance system from day one of his administration. 

“He does not condone any form of abuse or misuse of the state’s resources at the disposal of every responsible officer,” the state AuG said.

SFTAS is aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency to help build trust in government, facilitating accountability in public resource management and ensuring sustainability in the participating states.

The National Programme Coordinator, Ali Mohammed, who signed the invitation letter to states, said, “The SFTAS programme has achieved important milestones with remarkable improvement in fiscal transparency and accountability; increased domestic revenue mobilization; increased efficiency in public expenditure; and strengthened debt management.”

The dinner was therefore organized to celebrate the acievements of SFTAS since inception.

Recall that the World Bank, in July 2021, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).

The commendation was conveyed in a letter of appreciation, signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, describing the step as a sign of good leadership.

According to the World Bank, the Governor’s action made it possible for the organisation to extend its projects to other states facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.
 

Signed:

Kingsley Fanwo
Hon. Commissioner for Information
And Communications,
Kogi State
15-11-2022

The Kogi State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists has called on journalists in the State to "guard against being used by unscrupulous politicians who may be out to run down the government of Kogi State under Governor Yahaya Bello for whatever reasons."

The Council urged journalists to let the ethics of the media profession take the center stage in their practice, noting that falsifying reports was criminal and that Governor Bello had performed very well.

Chairman of the Council, Comr. Adeiza Momohjimoh, who made the call at the 2022 NUJ Press Week in Lokoja, on Thursday, emphasized the importance of truth in journalism practice.

While saying that it was unprofessional to report a story from only one perspective, the Chairman described false media reports as "criminal and very ungodly".

I urge our colleagues not to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous politicians who may be out to run down the Government of Kogi State for whatever reasons. The Governor has done very well. We celebrate him.

At the ceremony, the Union recognised the efforts made by the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello, especially in the health and education sectors, and bestowed an award of exemplary performance on the Governor.

Discussing how the Governor earned the award, the Chairman said, "We did not just decide to celebrate Governor Yahaya Bello, some steps led to it. As a team, we embarked on a tour of public projects in education and health; we visited State-owned universities; we visited CUSTECH and the GYB Model Schools, and the members of the union were all very impressed with what we saw in terms of infrastructure.

"The next day, we visited Kogi State Specialist Hospital and we saw the impact the government has made in terms of infrastructure. We saw the remodeling of the hospital, the administrative block and other units put in place by the Yahaya Bello administration."

Further justifying the decision of the NUJ to bestow the award on the Governor, the NUJ Chairman explained, "What fascinates the NUJ executives and its members is the state of the art reference hospital in Okene and the General Hospital in Gegu – projects initiated by the GYB administration in its second term."

According to him, the only way to register the commendation of journalists in the state is to publicly bestow an award on him for infrastructure revolution in health and education sectors in Kogi State.

By Adeboye Ado

Adeyeri Stephen Kunle, a business magnate, has urged all Muslims to love one another more and to pray for stability and advancement of the nation.

Adeyeri, in a congratulatory message issued to journalists in Abuja, said the occasion of the celebration of the birth of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) should be used to pray for peace, progress, and unity of the country, especially at this era of challenges facing the country.

“It is the time to remember to celebrate to be proud. I wish all Muslims many joyous moments on Mawlid al-Nabi and may Prophet’s Teachings Guide You Always”

“Attend as many Mawlid gatherings as you can and learn about the beauty, character, kindness, compassion and habits of the Beloved”

“No doubt, it has been a hard struggle but there is a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel, however it is imperative we keep praying for our dear country”

The businessman, however, encouraged Muslims in Akoko South West/South East Federal Constituency to live by the traits and teachings of the Holy Prophet.

By Adeboye Ado

A former Commissioner for Natural Resources in Ondo State, Mr Idowu Otetubi, has described Sen. Bola Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the best presidential candidate come 2023 election.

Otetubi said this while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Akure.

“Tinubu remains the best for the country. In Tinubu, we have an astute political strategist, an economist and administrator, whose contributions to democracy resonates across the country and beyond.

“I want to appeal to all Nigerians to embrace Tinubu project and work assiduously for the success of our great party, the APC in 2023,” Otetubi said.

Otetubi added that Tinubu remained committed to changing the narratives and would surpass the expectations of Nigerians.
“He has said it at several fora that he has the foresight to identify Nigeria’s problems and solve them headlong.

“Tinubu transformed Lagos to what it is today. Let him reenact the feat at the national level,” he said.

The former commissioner noted that Tinubu in his political journey, had never lost an election, saying that he would not lose the presidential bid come 2023.

“I urge all our party members and Nigerians to rally support for Tinubu to emerge as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, come 2023.

“He has the capacity, intellect and above all ,he has been tested and trusted,” Otetubi said