₦airaland Forum

…NIS Acting CG Inept, Should Be Booted Out Now - COYAC Insists!

Since her appointment as Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Carol Wura-ola Adepoju has continued to court controversies that tend to not only put the Service in bad light, but also affect the service from achieving its mandate.

Under her watch, the public rating of the NIS has fallen so low. Her actions do not allign with the renewed hope agenda of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Mrs Carol Wura-ola Adepoju appears to be a clog in the wheel of progress at the NIS.

To the surprise and dismay of officers and men of NIS, the husband of the Acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has literally taken over the day-to-day running of the affairs of the NIS, as he is seen giving orders to, and beckoning on officers and men on a daily basis.

Mr Adepoju has gone the extra mile, by situating a permanent office for himself on the premises of the NIS Headquarters in Abuja, where he daily dishes out marching orders to officers and men. He is at the helms of affairs and runs the NIS, while his wife, Mrs Carol Wura-ola Adepoju (the Acting CG) is behind the scene.

It is on record, that the Acting CG has been bragging at every little opportunity to all and sundry that this is the turn of the Yoruba ethnic stock and that nothing can happen and that she is in control and, as such, threatens contractors alike, if any one of them refuses to tow her line.

She has nicknamed them “disloyal contractors.” She has, as well, boasted severally that, she will be confirmed as a substantive CG and given extension of service when, even the rank and file are aware that she has outlived her usefulness at the NIS.

It will be recalled that the Federal Character Commission (FCC) recently wrote a letter to the Ministry of Interior, informing the Ministry that she violated the Federal Character Commission’s extant rules of recruitment of candidates into the NIS and she has arbitrarily given employment to select people from her geo-political zone, not minding the query issued to her by the FCC..

It is in view of the above, that the attention of the Coalition of Youths Against Corruption (COYAC) and Good Governance Initiative (GGI) a prodemocracy, human rights and civil society group has been drawn to the unethical sharp practices been perpetrated currently by the leadership of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mrs Carol Wura-ola Adepoju, in the on-going recruitment of candidates into the service without due process; not following the Federal Character Commission (FCC) laid down rules of recruitment of candidates into the organization; the misappropriation of funds meant for foreign missions by the acting CG; the unethical procurement practices of spending tax payers’ money with her husband, particularly making sure that the husband is perpetually listed on the travel manual with her on every trip; approving unethical recruitment racketeering ring organized by one so-called Babangida and Nasiru, a self-acclaimed religious bigot always playing the religious card who sell out employment letters to cronies, friends and family members, instead of capable Nigerians seeking employment and enabling the bragging rights of the Acting CG who has consistently said she is going nowhere, whereas her three months extension has expired, despite knowing full well she is deficient in the management of the affairs of the NIS.

The Nigerian Immigration Service is a government agency mandated and saddled with responsibilities to control persons entering or leaving the country, issuance of travel documents to bona fide Nigerians at home and abroad, issuance of resident permits to foreigners in Nigeria, border surveillance and patrol and the enforcement of the above laws and regulations rests on its oars. Regrettably, since the advent of the incumbent administration under the leadership of Mrs Carol Wura-ola Adepoju, it has been observed by keen watchers that, the Nigeria Immigration Service has been bedeviled with poor leadership, cronyism, official high handedness, passport racketeering and poor border surveillance/patrol leading to the influx of illegal aliens exacerbating the poor security situation in the country.

In a press release made available to journalists in Lagos by the pressure group, the Coalition of Youths Against Corruption (COYAC) and signed by the President of COYAC, Mahmud Bello and National Coordinator (GGI), Com. Sani Ninjiba Sarki, the duo lamented that the Wura-ola Adepoju-led NIS has negated the core values of the organization by entrenching cronyism and sharing the slots of employments/recruitments to Nigerians between herself, a former Minister in charge of the Ministry of Interior and giving same to Mr Nasiru, an officer of the service to sell and use at will to favour some select few instead of making it available to majority of Nigerians.

Mahmud Bello and Com. Sani Ninjibi Sarki emphasized that “the Acting CG of the Nigeria Immigration Service has been entrenching her kinsmen and cronies in juicy positions at the detriment of quality service delivery and efficiency which was the hall mark of the NIS before she came on board as acting leader not long ago.”

COYAC also emphasized that the border patrol funds are not properly utilized for effective border management, but are going into private pockets, instead of government coffers and that there is lack of transparency in passports administration which has affected passport insurance to a lot of Nigerians across the country, which has also affected the Greater Washington levy to address verification for all passport clients. The non-functionality of operational vehicles across the country at various posts is giving officers and men cause for concern and worries which has also affected the lack of adequate facilities at the airports and sea borders.

Accordingly, we condemn in the strongest terms the procurement process presently on-going at the NIS which is poorly managed and coordinated. The due process regime are not followed for contracts, contractors and purchases which are also given to cronies without following the laid down rules and guidelines. The productivity of staff which was foremost and paramount then has now nose-dived as command and control of personnel deployments across the country is at the lowest ebb with low morale and low espirit-de-corps of officers and men. Narrating further, the group lamented and chided the poor management regime of Wura-ola Adepoju’s leadership, noting that it has engendered low morale in the service. The group added, that the spirit of oneness and discipline peculiar to the paramilitary organization has taken flight in the NIS, thereby reducing productivity and revenue generation for the country.

Duly, the group therefore “Passes a Vote of no Confidence” on the management for the low level of leadership and the factors mentioned above and hereby describe the scarcity of passports nation-wide and other travel documents, which it attributed to the evil machinations of a syndicate chaired by Nasiru and Babangida oiled by the Acting CG for her personal gain and the cabal she operates within the system.

COYAC and GGI have it on good authority, that the present led management is systematically destroying the legacies met on ground and witch-hunting those patriotic personnel and officers who are opposed to her machinations and therefore, “we ask Mr President to remove her immediately from office to pave the way for a more pro-Tinubu loyalist, effective, efficient and proactive officer who is determined to lead by example for the betterment of the NIS and to improve revenue generation for the total wellbeing of the nation.”

We further reiterate that the Accountant of the Civil Defence, Immigration, Fire and Prisons Board (CDIFPB) should be made to account for his stewardship for the past eight years he piloted the affairs of the Board as we have it on good authority, that there are a lot of financial infractions, fleecing and loopholes presently noticed on the Board as procurement procedures are not followed and due process abandoned totally in all ramifications.

The group is using this medium to also ask that the husband of the Acting NIS CG, should vacate the premises of the NIS. If not, “we would be forced to carry out a one million man-march protest to the National Assembly, Aso Rock Villa, ministry of Interior and the Office of the National Security Adviser as the husband is not an employee of the NIS.”

...as he plans to appeal tribunal verdict
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has made an urgent appeal to the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) to conduct a thorough investigation into allegations that Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State might be utilizing state funds to support his legal battle following his recent defeat at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, HURIWA expressed deep concerns regarding reports suggesting that Governor Sule could be tapping into the state’s financial resources to sustain his ongoing legal efforts aimed at challenging the tribunal’s verdict.

“This verdict decisively recognized the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), David Ombugadu, as the rightful winner of the highly contentious March 18 governorship election in Nasarawa State”. The tribunal, led by Justice Ezekiel Ajayi, found that Ombugadu had provided evidence that the election results were manipulated in favor of the APC and had the majority of valid votes”.

While HURIWA acknowledges the governor’s right to appeal the decision, it issued a warning against the potential misuse of state funds to finance the appeal and urged Governor Sule not to further deplete the state’s finances by funding a potentially fruitless appeal. Instead, the organization called on him to respect the tribunal’s verdict and uphold the principles of democracy.

HURIWA emphasized that the misuse of public funds for personal political battles is a form of corruption that undermines the principles of good governance and transparency. “Such actions represent a serious violation of the foundations of democratic governance and ethical conduct, posing a direct threat to Nigeria’s democracy and its essential principles of integrity and accountability”.

In response to these grave concerns, HURIWA called on the Independent and Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to initiate an immediate and comprehensive investigation into Governor Sule’s financial transactions and the utilization of public resources by his administration, stressing that the objective of the investigation is to determine whether state funds have been diverted to finance the governor’s legal campaign and take appropriate action if any wrongdoing is found.

Furthermore, HURIWA called for significant electoral reforms to address the issue of litigation arising from elections. The organization contended that the current practice, where sitting governors are allowed to use state resources to contest election results in court, is detrimental to the democratic process and can potentially lead to financial abuse of state resources.

HURIWA echoed the views of legal experts such as retired Justice Peter Ige of the Court of Appeal, proposing that the electoral process should be reformed to ensure that all legal disputes related to elections are resolved before the winners are sworn into office. This, according to the rights group, would pave the way for a more transparent and accountable electoral system. HURIWA suggested that incumbents temporarily hand over power to Chief Justices or Chief Judges, in the case of state governors, while election-related litigation is concluded.

“According to Justice Ige, concluding the post-election matters before the winners are sworn in, would be of mutual benefit to all the stakeholders in the electoral process and adjudication. He also stated that pre-election matters should be concluded before the general elections”.

Additionally, HURIWA recommended a two-tiered approach to handling election disputes, with the governorship and presidential polls being exclusively handled by the Appeal Court and Supreme Court, while other election-related matters are resolved at regular tribunals, terminating at the Appeal Court.

HURIWA concluded by emphasizing the need for these reforms to promote fairness, transparency, and the rule of law in Nigeria’s electoral processes just as it called on relevant authorities, including the National Assembly, to consider and implement these reforms to strengthen the nation’s democracy and prevent the misuse of public resources for personal political gain.

HURIWA recalled the opinion of an observer whose position was widely canvassed by many voters spoken to by a team from HURIWA that was embedded with groups of accredited observersand reporters during the poll, this learned observer said that Nasarawa State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate Hon. David Ombugadu, whom the State governorship elections petitions tribunal Monday declared winner of the March 18 governorship election in the state punctured the rigged results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for Lafia Local Government Area to prove he indeed won the election.

As aforementioned, the election petition tribunal had on Monday ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return earlier awarded the All Progressives Party (APC) candidate, Abdullahi Sule, and.hand same over to Ombugadu.

HURIWA learnt from the observer who preferred to remain anonymous that one of the most interesting witness’ testimonies at the tribunal was how APC’s A.A. Sule managed to poll 33,000 votes in Gayam and Ciroma wards in Lafia LGA when, according to INEC register, both wards had13,000 registered voters.

“There were four major contenders for the 2023 Nasarawa governorship election. David Ombugadu of the PDP; Abdullahi Sule of the APC; Abdullahi Yakubu Maidoya of the New Nigeria People’s’ Party (NNPP), and Mustapha Abubakar of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Of the quartet, Ombugadu was the only Christian.”

Recall that 24 hours after the election (March 19, 2023), INEC promised to declare the result of the governorship poll at 9am the following day (March 20, 2023). However, the state returning officer Professor Tanko Ishaya, emerged five hours earlier than promised (4am) and declared APC’s Sule winner. According to the INEC officer, APC’s Sule polled 347,209 votes to defeat PDP’s David Ombugadu he declared scored 283,016 votes.

The INEC officer’s declaration threw several citizens of the state into anger as many were expecting Ombugadu”s declaration as winner since he was leading with a comfortable margin in 12 of the 13 LGAs announced at the time. Giving the breakdown for Lafia LGA, INEC said Sule polled 107, 213 votes against Ombugadu’s 41, 494, a difference of 57,619 votes. This declaration has been legally invalidated.

A popular Kenyan lawyer and activist, Prof. Patrick Lumumba, has described the new wave of emigration of African talents abroad as modern-day slavery.

According to Lumumba, though the colonialists left Africa decades ago they are still indirectly exploiting Africa. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/10/04/modern-day-slavery-the-west-re-enslaving-africans-through-work-visas-says-lumumba/

Big Brother Naija housemate, Ilebaye Precious Odiniya, has won the All Stars edition of the reality TV show and will be going home with N120,000,000 and other prizes. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/10/02/10-things-to-know-about-bbnaija-all-stars-winner-ilebaye/

It was in 1959. Mammy Ode, a young girl from Jericho-Ugboju in the present Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State was married to Anthony Aboki Ochefu, a young Non-Commissioned military officer who had just been posted to Enugu from Abeokuta. They were quartered at the Army Barracks, Abakpa, Enugu. To beat idleness and perhaps earn some money to support her young family, Mrs. Mammy Ochefu established a soft drinks business. She prepared gruel, which is called umu or enyi in Idoma, or kunu in Hausa, for sale to soldiers. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/09/30/history-of-mammy-market/

NIGERIA IS FACING SERIOUS SECURITY CHALLENGES, SO IF YOU MUST DO AN INTER – STATE TRAVEL, PLS NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

Schedule it between 9am to 3pm. Don’t leave too early and don’t be caught in the late hours. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/09/28/insecurity-if-you-must-do-an-inter-state-travel-do-the-following/

Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has reportedly been locked inside his office by protesting workers who accused him of high-handedness.

The minister was said to have prevented workers who came to work late from gaining access into the Ministry.

The union members comprising the Housing and Works ministry decided to locked the ministry, blocking entry and exit and preventing the minister from leaving the office. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/09/28/he-must-go-workers-protest-after-minister-of-works-david-umahi-locked-them-out-for-resuming-late-for-work/

After his sudden exit as chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami went on to approve N6 billion as payments to several contractors and consultants. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/09/28/ex-firs-boss-muhammad-nami-approved-n11bn-suspicious-payments-after-his-sack/

Professor Aminu Mohammed Dorayi is a renowned educationist and adventurer that drove from London to Kano with his car.

The elder statesman is a Record-breaker, who broke a world record by driving his Peugeot 504 over a distance of about 4,000miles, in 24 days. Read more: https://newsdeskng.com

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC ) in the November 11 governorship election in Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, appears to be playing the ostrich in the Opu-Nembe (Bassambiri) community crisis.

Governor Douye Diri’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, while reacting to a statement credited to the former Bayelsa governor, in which he accused the incumbent governor of stirring crisis in Bassambiri, said His Excellency Chief Sylva was embarking on a futile mission to deflect attention from his own disdainful role in the protracted conflict.

It is a surprise that the former Minister of State for Petroleum Resources just found his voice one month after the current crisis broke in the community.

It is equally befuddling that Sylva was engaging in scape-goatism when virtually everyone in the state and beyond knew who the key instigator and agent-provocateur in the Bassambiri crisis was.

To claim that the governor had been silent, in one breath, since the current skirmish was ignited in Chief Sylva’s paternal community two years ago, smacks of either his poor analysis of the situation on ground or perhaps he is ignorant of the governor’s role in ensuring that peace returned to Bassambiri.

For the former governor to also turn around to accuse the incumbent governor of stirring crisis in the community, on the other hand, is an indication that Sylva had forgotten what a governor needed to do in such a circumstance and he therefore does not deserve the votes of the Bayelsa people on November 11.

Bassambiri is a community in Bayelsa State whose citizens deserve the protection of the state government just as the community deserves development like all its counterparts across the state.

The Prosperity Administration will therefore not shy away from its constitutionally-guaranteed mandate and responsibilities to people of the state, including those in Bassambiri community and the Nembe people as a whole.

It is doubtful if the Bassambiri people can recall any of Sylva’s legacies in their community, except perhaps the frequent conflicts instigated and perpetrated by persons known to him and who enjoy his protection.

However, the people of the Nembe communities of Bassambiri and Ogbolomabiri recall with relish how the Governor Diri administration constructed the Unity Bridge, which stands today as a symbol of their unity and oneness.

They can also recall how the administration, after almost 70 years, made possible the multi-billion naira Nembe-Brass Road project that is ongoing apart from several other projects being undertaken in both Nembe and Brass local government areas of the state.

Chief Sylva cannot now claim to love the Bassambiri people more than those who provided succour for the displaced persons and those chased away from the community as a result of the politics or election-induced crisis.

If he truly loves the community and desires peace to reign, Chief Sylva should rather toe the path of patriotism by joining hands with Governor Diri, the state government and all lovers of goodwill to resolve the crisis.

What is good for Bassambiri is not the current peace of the graveyard that Chief Sylva appears to celebrate but genuine peace and serenity. This is what Governor Diri has engendered across the state, devoid of any political interest nor consideration. Bassambiri ought not to be different.

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor

Kinsmen of former President Goodluck Jonathan from the Ogbia Kingdom have applauded the Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for his purposeful leadership of the state.

The Ogbia people led by their paramount ruler, the Obanobhan III, King Dumaro Charles Owaba, gave the commendation during a Thank-You-Visit to Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.

In an address presented by his legal adviser, Mr. Ernest Omiloli, the monarch said they were highly impressed with the governor for promoting good governance in the state.

He noted that the Ogbia people were particularly pleased with Senator Diri and his team for their passion in tackling issues of development as evident in infrastructure provision and other projects across the state.

He listed the achievements of the present administration in Ogbia kingdom to include construction and commissioning of the bridge and an adjoining road at Imiringi, construction of three important bridges and rehabilitation of Elebele community access road and construction of a psychiatric hospital at Ogbia town.

Other projects include rehabilitation of the Otuoke-Onuebum road and construction of a pavilion at Ogbia town.

They also expressed gratitude to the governor for actively participating in the 15th memorial celebration of the late sage, Chief Melford Okilo, the first civilian governor of old Rivers State as well as appointment of their sons and daughters into his government.

They however requested that when re-elected, the Prosperity Government should consider the construction of some roads in Ogbia local government area. They include the Akaba-Ogu road in Yenagoa local government area to Okodi in Ogbia local government area, Otuabagi-Idema-Emaguo-Okoroba-Akani road, Otakeme-Otakpein-Otuogidi road as well as the Ewoi-Otuabula 2 and Abobiri roads.

In his response, Governor Douye Diri thanked the Ogbia people for supporting his administration.

The state's helmsman however noted that the Akaba-Okodi road, which is one out of the roads on their request list, was already being constructed by his administration.

He assured that the administration was committed to spreading development to every nook and cranny of the state.

The governor stressed the need for the leadership of the area to focus on the issue of security and not condone acts of lawlessness.

He said: "We cannot continue to have criminals taking over our communities or using our communities to perpetrate crime.

"The moment you see your son or daughter drifting towards crime, it is your duty to check them. If they refuse, it is also your duty to report to the appropriate authorities. If you condone them with the belief that they are your children, one day you will be held responsible.

“When the Elebele bridge totally collapsed, that route was no longer in use. Today that bridge has been constructed, completed and inaugurated. And I'm always happy whenever l drive on it.

“For us as a state, our needs are different from that of others. What we spend here to construct a bridge is different from what is spent in other places to construct a similar bridge. But we are happy that by doing these projects, we are touching the lives of our people and changing the narrative about our state.”

Daniel Alabrah
Chief Press Secretary to the Bayelsa State Governor

The attention of Workers Rights Protection Network (WORP) has been drawn to the latest issue emanating from the Reps Ad-hoc Committee Investigating alleged job racketeering of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and Mismanagement of IPPIS, chaired by the Hon. Yusuf Gagdi and the utterances emanating from, the former Desk Officer and Protocol Officer of the IPPIS, running from pillar to post, seeking succor and begging for forgiveness from Dr Muheebat Dankaka.

The reason is, this is the same Chairperson he alleged that she had given funds to him running into millions of naira. This is also the same person he maligned and rubbished her reputation with his co-traducers and co-travellers.

According to the Network’s findings, since the unfortunate attendance of Kolo at the Ad-hoc Committee’s sitting, where he cast aspersions on the personality of Dr Dankaka, Kolo has absconded from all other meetings, especially as the two-star witnesses of the Ad-hoc Committee, Abdullahi Isah and Ali Muhammad Yero pointedly inform the committee during the interrogations that they singlehandedly gave funds to Haruna Kolo and do not know and have not met or dealt with Dr Dankaka and also denied all the alleged infractions heaped on Dr Dankaka by Kolo.
Kolo had attended the meeting that fateful day, making unsubstantiated allegations and subsequent sittings further revealed by the victims of the job scam perpetrated by Kolo exonerated Dr Dankaka, and since then, Kolo has been on the run from the authorities and security agencies.

After shunning several invitations by the Committee to appear before it, the Chairman, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi issued a bench warrant for his arrest due to our investigations and clarion call that Mr Kolo would jump bail and was used by fifth columnists particularly on that day of attending the first hearing he was accosted by three Federal Commissioners from the Federal Character Commission who were top accusers of the Chairperson and major sponsors of all the allegations against Dr. Dankaka.

Consequently, Haruna Kolo, the former Chief of Protocol and Desk Officer of the IPPIS Scheme at the Federal Character Commission, according to our investigations, who has been declared wanted by the orders of the House of Representatives probing the alleged job racketeering, is on the street running from pillar to post, asking for forgiveness from Nigerians that he was been used and dumped by the initiators and hatchet jobbers, and wanted Dr Dankaka to please, forgive him as the supposedly Commissioners have abandoned him in the lurch and trenches to sulk.

In a Press Release signed by the National Coordinator of WORP, Comrade Adio Wahab Salami, emphatically stated that these three Federal Commissioners have been on the jugular of the Chairperson, Dr Muheebat Dankaka, as they were all charged up to take up her job at the Commission and, as such, had to gang up and robe this innocent woman executive who was not aware of the nefarious plans and clandestine plot right from the onset and who are very keen to stop at nothing, to malign her office.

“We vehemently and steadfastly ask that these said people if found wanting must also be made to face the wrath of the law and severe punishment must be meted out to them to serve as deterrence to other officers and to stall such unethical acts unbecoming of any senior officials,” the Network stated.

As far as they are concerned, there is no iota of truth in whatever testimony Kolo gave at the Committee’s sitting. “For if it were not so, he would not now have been on the streets, where he now reveals that the people who instigated him to point accusing fingers on the Chairperson. An action he says he utterly regrets now,” said the Network.

It is on record and according to our further investigations, Kolo is actually on the run from security operatives, from one state to the other, visiting close friends, family and associates of Dr Dankaka, the Chairperson of FCC, seeking and begging for her forgiveness that he was being used to witch-hunt her and disgrace her from her exalted position in a bid to take over her seat.

“We have it also on good record,” the Network revealed, “that Kolo was at the Palace of His Royal Highness, the Etsu Nupe and other important and highly placed family members, course mates, alumni colleagues at different parts of the country, appealing to them to please intercede on his behalf, that he had been used and dumped.”

He was also sighted at the prestigious Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), the Alta Mater and ivory tower of Dr Dankaka, seeking the faces and mercies of the Chairperson’s former lecturers who were close to her, when she was a student, to speak to her and also very senior academic and non-academic staff who she respects, to beg them, to appeal to Dr Dankaka as he was a victim of hatchet jobbers and disgruntled people who are power drunk and eager to discredit the Chairperson and used him as a willing tool in order to achieve their self-serving agenda gone awry.

In view of the foregoing, WORP wonders “Why the agencies have not been able to arrest Kolo, knowing full well that a valid bench warrant has been issued against him.” This, as they rightly reasoned, is to make him face the wrath of the law, instead of going cap-in-hand to beg and seek for forgiveness from Dr Dankaka: “He should allow the Ad-hoc Committee to do their job and complete their investigations, instead of pre-empting theirs and going ahead to plead for mercy.

We authoritatively warn that Dr Dankaka will not forgive him, because she has been traumatized, vilified, and psychologically tortured by the media trials, name calling by Kolo and pointing of accusing fingers on the Chairperson’s image and reputation, which have almost made her a laughing stock in the country for standing up for her right and truth.”

Now, the question remains, “Who is going to pay for all the damages done her and the defamation by Kolo?” The Network, therefore, calls on all Nigerians should jettison Kolo and not listen to him, but he should make himself available to the authorities to face the wrath of the law. “He should be arrested to answer for his sins, for trying to damage the reputation of the Chairperson who was only exonerated by God Almighty.”

If this same Kolo is begging, what is he begging for, after all the humiliation caused Dr Dankaka, her family, associates and colleagues?

WORP can categorically state that “Haruna Kolo is going from pillar to post, criss-crossing from state to state without been arrested by security agencies, bringing to bear and question the security of life and property of Dr Dankaka who, by now, should be heavily protected to avoid any unforeseen attack on her person and family, pending investigations.”

“It is clear that Haruna Kolo has confessed to a lot of people, friends, former colleagues, and family, seeking their help to beg Dr Dankaka that he was being used to make the unsubstantiated claims against her; they have turned around to abandon him, after using him, he is now been left on his own. But he MUST answer for his sins,” WORP stated.

“Our further investigations and in previous press release, we made mention that, indeed, Kolo was seen in company of the three Commissioners before his first appearance at the hearing, which confirms his confession that he was used by some in the FCC and now dumped,” WORP said.

“We have stated for the umpteenth time that we will not accept any apology from Kolo publicly or in private to Dr Dankaka as friends and relatives are advising to do so. Even if he apologizes to Dr Dankaka and Nigerians, we still ask that he be arrested to face the wrath of the law, ignorance is not an excuse.

“We have it on good authority that, even his friends, family and relatives are looking for him also and wondering why he would allow himself to be used to try to destroy a notable and innocent Chief Executive Officer. Wherever he is, he should be fished out by the security operatives and tell Nigerians the truth, who sent him, so as to arrest the people, because Nigerians will not forgive him for the emotional distress and trauma, reputational damage and defamation to Dr. Dankaka,” WORP asserted.

When Timothy Uzodimma Nwala mobilised young Easterners after the Civil War to start Eastern Volunteer Youth Corps(EVYC) to help rebuild the war ravaged region he knew exactly what he was getting into, and that was to rehabilitate the environment and the people selflessly and give them hope to live again.

With the successes and acceptance they recorded in the region for their selfless service, he wrote a memo for national unity through the volunteer corps program to the then Head of State, Yakubu Gowon which the then Governor of East Central State took him and his team to the State House in Ikeja to deliver it. A memo the Head of State praised to high heavens and nationalised it immediately in 1973, and what we know today as NYSC WAS BORN!

Since 1973, the NYSC has played a critical role in fostering national unity, promoting patriotism, and instilling a sense of service among young Nigerians. These values are essential for the continued development of Nigeria as a nation.

It has helped young Nigerians to have the opportunity to live and serve outside their States, regions and ethnic groups to learn about the lifestyles of others beyond hearsay. Many have also been exposed to social and economic opportunities beyond their enclaves.

Furthermore, the NYSC has made specific achievements that are worth noting. For example, the program has helped restore peace in post-conflict areas. In Plateau State, the NYSC helped to establish peace clubs in schools and communities, provided training in conflict resolution and trauma counseling, and organized youth camps to promote peace and understanding. In Kaduna State, the NYSC collaborated with the state government to conduct peace seminars and workshops, organized community-based projects, and established a peace and conflict resolution committee. These efforts have had a positive impact on the communities and have helped to reduce violence and promote reconciliation.

Across the country, the NYSC through their Community Development Service(CDS), which is the core duty aside the job at Place of Primary Assignment(PPA) has trained and enlightened many Nigerians on social, health, economic and national developments. Some go as far as carrying out physical/infrastructural projects through their pet programs.

Through its programs, the NYSC has provided much-needed services to communities across Nigeria.

The NYSC's focus on service has not only benefited the communities it serves, but has also helped to build a sense of pride and purpose among the young people who participate in the program.

This dedication to service is something that other organizations can learn from and emulate. By putting the needs of the people first, organizations can make a lasting impact and build a stronger future for Nigeria.

The NYSC has remained committed to its founding vision and maintained integrity to date which is hard to see in many other public institutions in the country.

In 2017, the NYSC was faced with a scandal involving the falsification of its discharge certificate by former Finance Minister, Kemi Adeosun. Despite immense pressure to cover up the scandal, the NYSC acted with integrity and transparency, and took the necessary steps to ensure that the truth was revealed.

Fast forward to 2022/23, when the story of PDP's candidate for Enugu State Governorship Election, Peter Mbah who having submitted alleged forged NYSC discharge certificate broke in 2022, because the organisation through the Freedom of Information Act provided the Certified True Copy of the candidate’s document to an NGO that applied for it, Enugu people and indeed Nigerians waited with bated breath. Mbah denied the alleged forgery vehemently.

Determined to maintain its integrity, the NYSC remained unfazed, and issued the CTC the more to those who requested for it. On their 50th anniversary celebrations, the DG, a soldier of great character said on national TV that he told Peter Mbah that the certificate he was holding didn't come from them. Mbah took the agency to court, through its officers it appeared and gave very convincing evidence backed with documents to prove her case against him.
When the agency was subpoenaed to appear at the Enugu State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, it did and gave more evidences that Mbah’s discharge certificate didn't emanate from them. A strength of character rare to find among Nigerian public institutions today.

While we are on Mbah’s certificate issue as we PUT OUR EYES ON THE #JUDICIARY, Hannatu Musawa's case broke out, still NYSC stood her ground, taking sides with nothing but the truth, stating them clearly with evidence.

Remember also the case of former Minister of Youth Development, Inuwa Abdulkabir.

Now, can you compare NYSC with INEC, DSS or some other publicinstitutions?

This 2023 elections has almost completely eroded any trust the public, especially young Nigerians have on the two above.

From Abuja, to Enugu to Lagos and indeed across Nigeria, INEC seemed to have sold the elections to the highest bidders. This is the election with the higest number of petitions across the country since the history of Nigeria. Those who did "wetie wetie" or the acclaimed Nigerian Wild Wild West decades ago didn't see anything like what INEC did in 2023 yet they were angry. Imagine what would have happened if this level of electoral malpractices were carried out then.

In Enugu State, a local government, Nkanu-East to be precise with 15000 accredited voters produced over 30,000 votes and all INEC could do after money probably changed hands was to suspend collation of the results, go to Abuja, away from where the votes were cast, manipulated the figures instead of cancelling them according to the law, announced the fraudulent results and told any agrieved persons to go to court. Earlier in Abuja, while men slept they abandoned their own rules and like witches in the night declared APC winner of presidential election.

A very bad way to spend the public's money.

It is noteworthy that 355B Naira of taxpayers' money were given to Independent National Electoral Commission(INEC) and they used it to carry out this sleaze against the Nigerian people.

Talking about the Department of State Services, this is the country’s secret police that its duty includes investigating the credentials of people taking public offices.

Now, one may ask, how did they give clean bills of health to NYSC certificates of Peter Mbah, Inuwa Abdulkabir, Hannatu Musawa, Stella Oduah, Kemi Adeosun, Bola Tinubu’s exemption certificate allegedly written before NYSC started issuing such certificates to people above 30yrs on graduation among others?

What of those with dual citizenship yet occupying public offices that such are not allowed in Nigeria? What of numerous cases of forged school/degree certificates across many courts in Nigeria? How did those people escape their scrutiny and made it to public offices, then an individual or a group discovers that later and goes to court to challenge it? Does DSS carry out thorough investigation on poor and ordinary Nigerians only and follow INSTRUCTIONS only on "big men/women" with money and connections?

I was in court the day one Mr Ịsa Yahaya, a supposed DSS officer that should know better came to testify at the Enugu Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in favour of Peter Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate, a document that they didn't issue. His deposition and performance were hot slaps on the face of intelligence that the entire courtroom burst into laughter at some point before the Honourable Judges admonished everyone to be quiet.

Is NYSC the last public institution standing?

I pray and hope that the judiciary takes sides with justice in the numerous cases across the tribunals in Nigeria with right now and remain with NYSC on the table as the few public institutions Nigerians can still look up to.

Citizen Ezeakonobi(Ikpe Mara Eziokwu) wrote from Enugu.

‘… No One, Including Security Operatives, Has Ever Seen Haruna Kolo at FCC Chair’s Residence’


The attention of over 100 frontline anti-corruption civil society organizations (CSOs) comprising of rights activists and media executives, has been drawn to the unprofessional manner that the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee investigating Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Parastatals and Tertiary Institutions on Mismanagement of Personnel Racketeering and alleged Gross Mismanagement of the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) chaired by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi. That the employment racketeering midwifed by Haruna Kolo took place before Dr Dankaka assumed office and that Kolo as protocol officer did not work directly under the FCC Chairperson but with other commissioners under the IPPIS scheme.


The organizations raised serious objections and alarm on what they referred to as “the shoddy treatment meted out to the Executive Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), Dr Muyeebat Dankaka.” The group said the issue now looks like a witch-hunt, “because her organization has been hand-picked with different stories emanating from the Commission as a result of a gang-up of some Federal Commissioners and disgruntled former staff Haruna Kolo.


“We are compelled to react due to the fact that the FCC has been on media trial for the past three weeks with dirty linen from the Commission dished and served to the Nigerian public by the Ad-hoc Committee and arm-twisting the Management of FCC, not to address the press to rebuff and do a rejoinder of all the unhealthy, bias statements and mischievous fallacies dished to the public,” the CSOs asserted.


They further added: “We condemn, in the strongest terms possible, this lackluster attitude of the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee led by Hon. Yusuf Gagdi,” adding, “He who asks for equity must come with clean hands. You cannot lampoon and bastardize the hard-earned image of the Chairperson of FCC and, at the same time, not allowing her and her loyal and patriotic Commissioners at FCC to respond.”


The groups observed that such was “subjudice,” because the Committee is still investigating these allegations. “The Ad-hoc Committee should have known better, in the first instance, that it is investigating the issues and conduct itself in a professional manner, instead of the media trial the Commission has gone through, maligning the image and reputation of the Chairperson to high heavens all in a bid to give a dog a bad name in order to hang it,” the CSOs insisted.


Accordingly, the Coalition is enamoured and shocked that the Ad-hoc Committee did not take notice of the Federal Commissioners of Osun and Lagos ambushing Haruna Kolo when he arrived the premises of the National Assembly Complex and the threats, including inducement offered to the former disgruntled staff Haruna Kolo by the duo of Osun and Lagos states respectively.


These moves, the Coalition gathered, are aimed at influencing Kolo to go after the jugular of the FCC Chairperson. The Coalition also revealed that there was never a time that the relationship between an executive and a former staff had become so condescending to the level of the former, asking for cash transactions from the former protocol officer in whatever guise.


“We all know that, for any banking or PoS (Point of Sale) transaction, there must be an offer and acceptance, (i.e. there must be a receipt from any transaction), not to even mention the enormous funds involved,” the Coalition asserted.


It also continued: “Mr Haruna Kolo should produce all the receipts covering the transaction, including cash allegedly received by his former boss. This is because, there must be empirical evidence, so that the Ad-hoc Committee would not depend on mere hearsay: We believe there must be instructions to the later by his former boss either in documents or hard copy from Dr Dankaka to Haruna Kolo or vice-versa. This is to prove the veracity of Haruna Kolo’s claims against Dr Dankaka. It would further prove that the relation thus exists this far and official receipts also from the Point of Sales agent (PoS) to buttress the alleged facts at stake, instead of mere allegations and pointing of accusing fingers. It is not enough to merely assert that because the transfer of the huge sums of money was done through PoS, hence there is no documents to back up the claim.”



A press statement signed by the Coordinating Activist of the Coalition of Concerned Civil Society Activists, Comrade Ishaya Isa Saka and Spokesperson, Comrade Bamidele Akanbi, lampooned the manner the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee handled the issues thus far as “a calculated with-hunt deliberately orchestrated as if the Committee was only out to deal with Dr Dankaka in the midst of so many other MDAs that have been left in the lurch and the FCC singled out for these phantom dramas and fallacies.”



The Coalition continued, “In view of the foregoing, we therefore call on patriotic Nigerians, the Press and the entire members of the National Assembly (NASS), to disregard, discountenance these machinations in all ramifications. Let the Ad-hoc Committee in particular, or the National Assembly in general, not swallow these allegations line, hook and sinker. Already, a lot of damage has been done to the personality of Dr Dankaka, which has caused her trauma, psychological torture in the eyes of discerning Nigerians and her nucleus family.”


“Forcing her to swear on the Holy Quran with her photographs lavishly and prominently published by the press, alone is enough humiliation which should be stopped henceforth,” the Coalition avowed, adding that, “this is a calculated mischief carried too far to smear the Commission, in spite of the many infractions taking place on daily basis in other MDAs.”


The Coalition noted that “The huge sums of N38.5 million, as well as N75 million as proceeds of employment racketeering found in Kolo’s various accounts show that he is a real master-mind in consultation with the disgruntled few Federal Commissioners, and should face the wrath of the law by been arrested for when he came for the hearing. This is informed by the fact that he wilfully swindled innocent and unsuspecting Nigerians of their hard-earned money for a phantom and non-existent jobs. We earnestly yearn that Kolo should be arrested forthwith and forced to face the law for having such an amount in his accounts as a Public Servant, an action which is against the Service Financial Regulations and extant laws.”


The group has therefore posed these questions: “Why is the Federal Character Commission the main pre-occupation of the Ad-hoc Committee members, while they are supposed to be investigating other MDAs and Parastatals?” Again, “who has Dr Dankaka offended?” or “Who is afraid of her being in the saddle at the FCC?”


After a thorough investigation, the Coalition found out the following pertinent facts cannot be contradicted:


The investigation proved that Haruna Kolo has never been sighted at the residence of FCC Chairperson, Dr Dankaka.


That the speech read by Haruna Kolo when he appeared before the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Monday (August 7, 2023), was written for him by the Osun Commissioner who happens to be a Lawyer.


That on Haruna Kolo’s way into the Chambers, he was ambushed, ushered in, and teleguided on what to say to the Ad-hoc Committee.


That all the disgruntled and aggrieved Commissioners have special interest, because they have been those responsible for the racketeering when Dr Dankaka commissioned a disciplinary committee to look into the affairs of their underground dealings due to petitions from states and the Lagos Commissioner was involved.


The few aggrieved Commissioners are illiterates, that is why they are easily used by Osun and Lagos Commissioners.


Checks show that the letterheads used for their nefarious activities were letterheads used before Dr Dankaka assumed the mantle of leadership of the FCC. But immediately after she was on board, she changed the letterheads.


Haruna Kolo was a planted mole who had been in the FCC system for more than ten (10) years and the master-mind with few of his cohorts as racketeers/cabal.


Also, findings at the residence shows no one has ever seen or related with Haruna Kolo, even the security officers, comprising of the DSS (Department of State Services) and the Nigeria Police have never seen Haruna Kolo near the residence of Dr Dankaka for over four years they have been with her.


The Coalition has appealed to Nigerians to completely disregard these smear campaigns of calumny against Dr Dankaka’s person and called for support from Nigerian women, the youths and believers in good governance, to support Dr Dankaka in her efforts to rebrand the Commission.


In the period thereto, the Coalition asserted, “Through our painstaking investigation at the FCC, during Dr Dankaka’s rebranding efforts at the Commission, there was no recruitment of about 300 employees whatsoever nor any letters of appointment issued to such number of employees.”


The Coalition is therefore strongly convinced that Nigerians will attest that there was no advertisement in any Nigerian newspaper, nor were there any names published. All these so called figures, the Coalition came to understand, are in the imagination of the hallucinating Haruna Kolo, “who, in connivance with the Commissioners, are aggrieved and have an axe to grind with the Chairperson, and are ready to put the Commission in public ridicule and odium.”


“However, if there was any employment, it must have been carried out by the Federal Character Commission with Haruna Kolo, without the knowledge of Dr Dankaka,” the Coalition observed, using the old official letterheads of the Commission.“


From our investigations, no one has threatened the life of Haruna Kolo, because, he would have sought for the protection of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) or he would have written a letter to the authorities before now that his life was being threatened. Therefore, we refer to all of these as another figment of his imagination in a desperate bid to seek relevance. All the stories being peddled by Haruna are malicious lies, fallacies and fabrications laced with falsehood, but without documentary evidence,” the Coalition of CSOs asserted.


Also, “We have it on good authority that this mudslinging against the Commission is a calculated attempt by the Ad-hoc Committee, to discredit Dr Dankaka. Other conspirators include the Federal Commissioners and disgruntled staff, all these as part of the thick plot to bring Dr Dankaka to her knees, because of her avowed support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and her repeated stance not to open the treasury of the FCC to these hawks.”


According to the Coalition: “We condemn these malicious attacks on Dr Dankaka’s personality, religion and for the fact that she is a woman with no godfather and support base. And, as such, the conspirators are unjustifiably planning to make her a scape-goat.”


The Coalition states categorically that “We will resist any attempted blackmail or campaign of calumny, religious and gender bias against Dr Dankaka and descend heavily on untold and unwarranted attacks,” adding that “These orchestrated mudsling and smear campaign lack merit and not backed by empirical evidence and should be discarded and discountenanced by all well-meaning Nigerians, for this is hogwash and fake news. Therefore, these same Commissioners have had cause to threaten Dr Dankaka severally, that they will deal with her if she does not succumb to their blackmail tactics.”


So long as the Coalition is concerned, “Nigerians should not be surprised about the involvement of all used as pawns against Dr Dankaka for pecuniary benefits and a mesh of porridge.”


“We are opposed to Dr Dankaka being forced to swear by the Holy Quran as a last resort to prove her innocence. Therefore, if justice must be seen to have been carried out or done, the former Protocol Officer should have been arrested by now and the disgruntled, non-patriotic Commissioners would have been suspended for exposing classified documents and leaking official secrets to the public, against the Oath of Secrecy,” said the Coalition.


The Coalition further stated that they condemn the “gestapo and gangster approach orchestrated by the honourable members, stopping the Chairperson from telling Nigerians, through the press, her own side of the story as well as not to address the Press, while she is presently undergoing savage media trial.”


Subsequent upon the foregoing, therefore, “We call on the House of Represenatives Ad-hoc Committee to tow the line of professionalism and stop this with-hunt and media trial of Dr Dankaka forthwith,” for “she has the right to protect her office against savages and hawks who are vehement to share the so-called National Cake among themselves,” the Coalition warned.

The Middlebelt and Northcentral Association of Women Group (MNAW) has descended heavily on what it calls untold and unwarranted attacks on the person of the Chairperson of the Federal Character Commission (FCC), against whom they described as “our very own Ambassador and an Arewa woman leader, Dr Muheeba Dankaka.”

The group recalled that they have silently and diligently watched “these orchestrated campaigns of calumny by a few Labour Party (LP) committee members in connivance with some Commissioners from few states, represented on the FCC board.”

MNAW noted emphatically that “it behooves on well-meaning Nigerians to look carefully at the clandestine plots of the honourable members in seeking the assistance of disgruntled commissioners who are hell-bent on tarnishing the image of the Commission, all in a bid for stomach infrastructure and mesh of porridge.”

These, they noted, are displayed openly, by accusing the Chairperson of the FCC, simply because of her avowed support for the Presidency of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, “during the February 25, 2023 presidential elections.”

The Middlebelt and Northcentral Association of Women Group (MNAW) is miffed by the disloyal attitude and uncouth behaviourial pattern embarked upon by these “disgruntled elements” as unbecoming, as “these are coming from the backdoor, as ethical crimes are being committed, by hoarding and making internal documents available to fifth columnists and traducers, all in a bid to achieve their self-serving ordinate ambitions.” The Association wants to know " When has it become a crime to be a Woman " as this is definitely a gang-up against an executive officer who happens to be a woman Muslim, who has done all her best to transform the organization and we will not take it lightly. These same commissioners have threatened her severally that they will deal with her if she doesn't succumb to their blackmail and Nigerians are not surprised that they were used as pawns against the leadership for pecuniary benefits.

“We emphatically state that ‘enough is enough’ of these wild goose chase of the honourable members from the Southeast and their ilk, including Commissioners who are hell-bent on tarnishing the hard-earned reputation of not only the Commission, but that of Dr Muheeba Dankaka,” the group insisted.

They further averred that the entire women folks occupying government offices or positions of authority in the country have been affected and their psyche demoralized.

These, they went ahead to acknowledge, “is done with the full knowledge that Dr Dankaka has become a rallying point for women and youths as well as a role model for the disadvantaged young ladies across the Northern region.”

In view of the foregoing, “we vehemently castigate and condemn in the strongest terms, the entirety of these measures and pressures put on the Chairperson, including making her to swear by the Holy Quran under duress, and ambushing her in a gestapo style in a bid to paint her in bad light in the public domain.”

In a press release issue signed by the National Convener of the Middlebelt and Northcentral Association of Women Group (MNAW), and the General Secretary, Dr Onoche Agnes Agims and Madam Esther Tor respectively, the duo, on behalf of their group, condemned the gangster and gestapo approach orchestrated by the so-called “honourable members.”

They also warned against the disloyal attitude of the “honourable members” and their collaborators, “who, in agreement with the members, stole internal documents from the Commission.”

They also referred to the unruly, unethical attitude and approach against the Chairperson as “unheard of in the history of maltreatment meted out to a hard-working female executive, as well as the media trial clandestinely orchestrated by the ‘honourable members’ in consonance with the Commissioners, these all in a bid to cast aspersions on Dr Dankaka’s hard-earned personality.”

They therefore maintained: “We vehemently oppose the religious bias, gender maltreatment, blackmail tactics, including using the Chairperson’s religion as a tool to blackmail her to a pulp."The group added, “We condemn and discountenance these attitudes and call for an immediate halt of the investigation by the ad-hoc committee, because it has gone beyond the normal norm, as it is rather being used as a witch-hunt by aggrieved members of the Labour Party (LP) and disgruntled Commissioners who are only out to remove the Chairperson, so as to gain unfitted access to the treasury of the Commission.”

The group equally condemned all the allegations levelled against Dr Dankaka as “hogwash, fallacy and mischievous orchestrations, by drowning Commissioners and members who have an axe to grind, because they were not allowed or given what they have previously asked for, from the Chairperson.”
The association also asserted: “boldly say that these so called Commissioners have no moral standing and obligations to represent the Commission in whatever position, as they have grossly abused their offices and privileges, by dining and washing their hands, including putting sensitive documents in the public domain in a bid to bring down the organization.

“We have no hesitation to assert that these Commissioners have goofed and their decision taken too far as trying to malign the image of Dr Dankaka, who, according to pundits, have repositioned and rebranded the Commission, since coming on board,” they noted.

“We condemn in strong terms and in its entirety all the statements credited to the Commissioners as fake news, hate speech, falsehood, blatant lies and fallacies concocted to smear the image of Dr Dankaka and her leadership,” adding, “these statements, in question, by the so-called Commissioners have, no doubt, generated a lot of dusts and controversies,” and “we view the innuendoes created, the power-play and comments as undiluted bias, and unbecoming of Commissioners of their repute,” further emphasizing that “their utterances are hollow without specifics and parochial, that must not be taken seriously, by the leadership of the National Assembly and right thinking Nigerians,” the group insisted.

In view of the foregoing, “We equally agree that Dr Dankaka has followed the required due process in all her dealings with the Committee members and should therefore be accorded the respect she so deserves, instead of this mudslinging.”
The association further affirms that the Chairperson had redefined her office and repositioned it like never before in its annals.

Therefore, “We still make bold to ask this rhetoric question: ‘Who is afraid of Dr Dankaka’s rising profile and who is using ‘hand of Esau and Voice of Jacob’ to witch-hunt, blackmail and malign the irrepressible Chairperson of the FCC?” This, they insisted, is despite her patriotism and determination to change the status quo, that is known to all and sundry.

At this juncture, the group calls on the National Assembly leadership and well-meaning Nigerians to disregard, disparage and discountenance the campaign of calumny against Dr Muheeda Dankaka, whose legacies in the Commission are yielding dividends for the nation.

“We call on the disgruntled Commissioners and few Labour Party honourable members spearheaded by a woman of the Southeast extraction to be mindful of her clandestine plots that are already in the public domain,” as those “who live in glass house don’t throw stones,” as there is more to it than meet the eyes. This, the group insists are calculated ethnic, religious and gender coloration from the member’s perspective on this vexed issue.”

On this premise, the association avers that “these disgruntled Commissioners are ethnic and religiously bias.” Therefore, “these members have goofed, have equally become parochial, myopic, partisan, clannish,” whose behaviour is alien to the genuine sacrifices of Dr Dankaka in repositioning the Commission.

“We therefore pass a vote of confidence on Dr Dankaka’s sterling leadership of the FCC and kindly advise that she should be allowed to concentrate on her job and not be distracted by any person or authority,” because through our painstaking investigation, “we have discovered that these detractors are only out to milk and empty the treasury of the FCC as they do not have the interest of Nigerians at heart, but are only self-serving and hell-bent on destroying anyone who does not tow to their whims and caprices.”

The Arewa Professional Group (APG), comprising various professionals from all walks of life as well as elder statesmen and women of substance of Northern extraction have called on the leadership of the House of Representatives, the Senate of the Federal Republic and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to put an end to the ethnic profiling, gender abuse and religious bias that have been used against our very own Ambassador and an Arewa woman leader, Dr Muheeba Dankaka of the Federal Character Commission(FCC).

For the record, this is a female professional who has remained a bastion of Sir Ahmadu Bello (Sardauna of Sokoto); a role model of our women and girl-child in the North and who has consistently prided herself in the discharge of her duties effectively, right from assuming the mantle of leadership.



Nigerians and indeed, the management of the FCC will agree that before the presidential elections of 2023, even the lowest cadre of staff of the FCC, the leadership of the National Assembly and the various committees were adequately aware of the avid stand, body language and sincere campaigns embarked upon by Dr Muheeba Dankaka, who did not hide her genuine efforts. She showed her dexterity as a great mobilizer and avid supporter of the President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu's candidacy which, according to our investigation did not go down well with a select few from the Labour Party (LP) principally dominated by individuals from the Southeast geopolitical zone.


It will also be recalled that these elements embarked on a campaign of calumny and war of attrition against our very own, by going to the market square to dance naked and went as far as using all sorts of blackmail tactics, media bully and ambush tactics aimed at unseating her from her official seat.

Authoritatively, they have consistently called her several unprintable names; have as well tried inducing her so that she could chicken out and indulge in unethical practices at the commission, but she stood her ground, maintain that it was no longer business as usual.



They also made her to swear with the Holy Quran of her innocence in all the alleged and trumped-up charges by these disgruntled Southeast members of the Federal House of Representatives who were and are still hell bent on casting aspersions, and engage in smear campaign against her office and personality, just to ridicule and infuse her to public ridicule. All these calculated attempts were also aimed at her because, according to their myopic and parochial view, she is a woman without godfather, who is also a practicing Muslim that could not easily and willingly respond to their antecedents.

In a press release signed by the National Coordinator of Arewa Professional Group (APC), Dr Umar Bala Abdulkadir and Secretary, Comrade Nazanmi Dakingari respectively, the duo warned the Honourable members and their collaborators not to “misconstrue our golden silence for cowardice or granted as the so-called maltreatment given to Dr Muheeda was intended as maligning and dishumanising her, just because she is female from Northern Nigeria, as well as a Muslim,” for that matter.

They also cautioned that Nigerians are aware of a lot of government parastatals and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) that have blatantly refused the instructions and invitations of the House of Representatives (HOR) but until date, nothing has been heard of such organizations or MDAs.

The Arewa group therefore wants to know when it has become a crime for a person to stand and mobilize for whom she believes in “and that her only crime remains her doggedness, not to appease the gods and indulge in sharp and unethical practices, to favour the committee members who have resorted to blackmail her with all sorts names calling like job racketeering, gross mismanagement and other similar accolades, all in a bid to substantially blackmail her to do their bidding and even use her own staff against her, to show their desperation and sheer wickedness.”



Accordingly, the said innuendoes from the Labour Party (LP) and emanating from those from the Southeast extraction, are spearheaded by a female member who has audaciously pointed fingers at Dr Muheeda, that “I will deal with you and prove to you that Nigeria belongs exclusively to us” on repeated occasions, even in the public domain. All these were done because she vehemently refused to compromise her stance and not open the treasury and other unwarranted benefits-in-kind attached to her office to those disgruntled members.

These members therefore have resorted to using Mr Moses Anaughe, a Commissioner in the Commission who hails from Delta State, to malign, do media trial and cast aspersions on the Commission for mesh of porridge.

It will also be recalled that the few times the Chairperson of FCC was invited, she diligently honour the invitations and on other occasions, she was ill and had to send in a senior management staff to represent her who officially tendered a certified copy of a doctor’s report, but because of the nefarious and clandestine plot of the members, they went ahead to cast her in bad light in the public domain.

These actions ostensibly brought her untold pains, trauma and psychological torture and aspersions from close family and friends, associates, professional colleagues, as well as women groups, across the country, which also threw her in the bad books of unsuspecting public not knowing the real issues at stake.

But if truth must be told and upheld, Dr Muheeda Dankaka remains a stabilizing factor and a transformer of the first order, right from her assumption of office and mantle of leadership and she has gone, against all odds, to reposition, change the narrative like never before in the annals of the Commission. These were done, even as there were orchestrations by fifth columnists, traducers and avowed enemies of Nigeria’s progress and haters of the current President of the Federal Republic, whose only agenda are to line their pockets, cheat, blackmail the Commission into submission, so as to uncontrollably reap where they did not sow.

The Arewa Professional Group (APG) hereby calls on these enticed members, to henceforth “desist from heating the polity unnecessarily” and also “stop their clandestine plots against Dr Dankaka,” whose only crime remains, that she does not open the treasury of the Commission and pecks of office to them” and “they should as well stop forthwith their orchestrated campaign of calumny, but forcing her under duress to swear on the Holy Islamic Book, the Quran.

”If this kind and unsolicited advice is not adequately complied with, “we will be forced to take decisive steps, by calling on all our Arewa Honourable Members of the House of Representatives and Distinguished Senators, as the lovers of truth, to go after their own and fight for the collective good of the region, echoing “Enough is Enough! We would not accept the unethical narrative against our very own from the region and also maintain the rhetoric: ‘Who is a woman for that matter?’”

“We have also resolved to look at the traitor in Mr Moses Anaughe, and in due course, the Group will issue a statement on his person, which will wash his dirty linens in the public domain for well-meaning Nigerians to see the stuff he is really made of,” the Group vowed.

The Group equally maintains that they have the absolute trust and confidence in Dr Dankaka, in her ability to diligently deliver the duties of her office and would be ready to mobilize all Arewa stakeholders and the generality of the people, including women and youth groups to wake up from their slumber and fight for their common aspirations of our region.

This is done with the strong belief that “We all know the retrogressive plan of the Southeast Honourbale Members who vehemently wish to reduce the number of women from our region in the Federal appointments and to also coarse and hoodwink the young and youthful ladies from the region, aspiring to be like Dr Dankaka. Therefore, we have resolved to resist this hidden agenda with all our beliefs. The Federal Character Commission should be allowed to be run in a professional manner. Let Dr Dankaka have her peace, so as to continue to offer her quote to the progressive development of the nation. At the risk of repeating ourselves, since when has it become a crime to professional serve one’s fatherland?”

Elizabeth Jack-Rich, wife of a foremost businessman, philanthropist, and APC Stalwart, Jack Tein Rich has been honoured as a shining example of the values of education, entrepreneurship and service to community in London at the launch of the book "Beyond Beauty" written by award winning author Dr. Blessing Igbomhere.

At the event captioned "Read and Chill" which brought together dignitaries from the UK Parliament, and Nigerians in diaspora including political associates of the author, Elizabeth was described as a beacon of hope for the Nigerian woman who strives at all times to break boundaries in their careers and chosen eandevours.

A statement signed by the author of the book, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere said the honour bestowed on Elizabeth was part of the event to mark the launch of the widely acclaimed book; "Beyond Beauty" which was described by Lord David Taylor, Member of the House of Lords of the UK Parliament and the presenter of the Award to Dr. Elizabeth, as a masterpiece as it vividly captures the essence of the Nigerian woman who against all odds, strives to maintain excellence in all spheres of human endeavors.

Also given awards of honour for patriotism and contributions to nation building at the event which held at the prestigious Chesterfield Mayfair London are Dr. Martins Abhurimhen of Jose Foundation and Mrs Rose-Marie Chamchoum Chagoury, wife of the Nigerian born Lebanese business man, owner of Eko Hotels Lagos, Dr. Gilbert Chagoury.


Dr. Blessing Agbomhere
Author, Beyond Beauty

BY KENNEDY ONYEGBADO

Amid political controversies and legal battles, one issue has recently captured the attention of the nation – the alleged forged certificate of discharge in the possession of Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah

In an unfolding legal saga, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has taken a resolute stand on the alleged forgery of Enugu State Governor, Mr. Peter Mbah’s NYSC discharge certificate.

The NYSC’s unyielding insistence that the certificate is fake has attracted the attention of civil rights group Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA). At a recent press conference, HURIWA highlighted the NYSC’s firm stance on the matter, emphasizing the need for a transparent legal process to ascertain the truth.

The crux of HURIWA’s concern lies in the deluge of contradictory media reports from the election petition Tribunal, seemingly suggesting that the NYSC Management has accepted the validity of Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate.

The controversy surrounding Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate first came to light in February 2023 when the NYSC issued a letter, signed by Ibrahim Muhammad, the scheme’s Director of Certifications, disclaiming the certificate. According to the NYSC, the certificate in question was not issued by the Corps.

Responding to the NYSC’s disclaimer, Governor Peter Mbah took legal action, suing the NYSC for conspiracy, deceit, and misrepresentation of facts. He demanded a staggering N20 billion in compensation, making it clear that he vehemently disputed the NYSC’s assertion regarding his certificate.

In May, 2023, during a guest appearance on Arise TV, the NYSC Director-General stated that he had met with Governor Peter Mbah and was frank with him, informing him that the certificate in question was not from the NYSC. Despite this meeting, the NYSC maintained its unchanging stance on the alleged forgery.

The situation escalated further in July, when the NYSC presented documents before the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State. The documents indicated that Governor Peter Mbah had allegedly forged the NYSC discharge certificate he submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) during the 2023 general elections.

The tribunal, in response to a subpoena issued to the NYSC, heard evidence presented by the Labour Party (LP) and its candidate, Chijioke Edeoga, who had filed a petition against Governor Peter Mbah’s election.

Among the documents tendered by the NYSC were the alleged forged discharge certificate and the original discharge certificate that Governor Peter Mbah was expected to have obtained. Additionally, a letter from Oma and Partners, an Abuja-based law firm, was presented, indicating their request for the NYSC to scrutinize the discharge certificate submitted by the governor to INEC.

Throughout the unfolding legal drama, HURIWA, which has remained a vocal advocate for transparency and accountability, had consistently confronted the NYSC Management on the matter, calling for a fair and transparent legal process to ascertain the authenticity of Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate.

However, in response to the recent reports suggesting a change in the NYSC’s position, HURIWA took swift action. The association dispatched a delegation to the NYSC headquarters, demanding clarification and, if necessary, an apology from the NYSC’s Director-General to Governor Peter Mbah within 48 working hours.

Yet, the top management staff of the NYSC, who received the delegation, firmly asserted that the NYSC had not altered its claim and maintained that Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate was indeed fake and bore no connection to the organization. At the heart of HURIWA’s demands is the NYSC’s unwavering insistence that the certificate presented by Governor Peter Mbah is fake.

Again, media reportage plays a pivotal role in shaping public perception, and HURIWA stresses the need for journalists to exercise professionalism and objectivity in their coverage. The association calls for accurate, unbiased, and verified reporting, urging journalists to rely on proceedings officially conducted by the courts, not sensationalized or slanted narratives.

Nonetheless, HURIWA’s press conference emphasized that the association’s advocacy on this issue transcends political motivations. The group reaffirmed its neutrality and called on all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliations, to unite in the pursuit of truth and the preservation of democratic values.

In light of the NYSC’s unchanging stance on the alleged forgery, Governor Peter Mbah’s legal battle has intensified. The tribunal’s examination of the presented documents could hold significant implications for the future of the Enugu State Governor’s tenure.

As the legal proceedings continue, all eyes remain on the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Enugu State. The NYSC’s insistence on the alleged forgery, along with HURIWA’s calls for transparency, underscore the critical importance of a credible legal process in determining the truth.

HURIWA’s advocacy for transparency and accountability in this matter resonates with the broader public’s demand for justice. The NYSC’s insistence that Governor Peter Mbah’s certificate is fake has once again raised questions about the integrity of public officials and the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged forgery.

Therefore, it is essential to uphold the rule of law and preserve the integrity of democratic institutions. The NYSC’s firm stance on the alleged forgery is a testament to the importance of maintaining the credibility of public documents and the institutions responsible for issuing them.

As the nation awaits the tribunal’s verdict, the pursuit of truth and justice remains paramount. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly shape the future of Enugu State’s governance and will serve as a litmus test for the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic processes.

Generally, the unfolding saga surrounding Governor Peter Mbah’s NYSC certificate underscores the significance of upholding the rule of law and preserving the integrity of democratic institutions. The NYSC’s firm stance on the alleged forgery, as highlighted by HURIWA, brings to the fore the need for an impartial and transparent legal process to ascertain the veracity of the certificate in question.

As the legal proceedings continue, all stakeholders must demonstrate patience and respect for the judicial process. A fair and thorough investigation is necessary to establish the truth and ensure justice is served.

As Nigerians, we must collectively uphold the principles of transparency, accountability, and justice. The resolution of this case will undoubtedly have broader implications for the credibility of our institutions and the rule of law in the nation.

Onyegbado is a Public Affairs Analyst in Abuja

The Women Leaders Assembly of Nigeria (WLAN) is an umbrella body of women groups and female youths across the country, who are mainly youthful professionals, both in Nigeria and Diaspora. They are making the nation proud on daily basis as a result of their global exploits. The various groups under its umbrella have called for inclusivity, professionalism and the immense impact of youthful population in the new composition of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new administration. This, according to the group, is part of the efforts to bridge the skills gap amongst the present generation of Nigerians and the sixties politicians and jobbers who have persistently held the Nigerian state by the jugular politically.


WLAN, recently in a programme organized within the Southeast geopolitical zone, called for a trans-generational leadership “that will take the country to the promised land of our forefathers after the continuous failure of the present crop of politicians and leaders at our various organs of government.”



The organization said it has become a reoccurring decimal and antecedence of the present crop of leaders to line their pockets, thinking of self rather than the public good and the collective aspirations of Nigerians.“


As a woman pressure group worldwide, we call on the present administration under President Tinubu as he is about constituting his cabinet to be wary of these group of people, politicians and self-centred, so-called leaders who are daily hobnobbing and ambushing the President at every forum or event. That Tinubu should work assiduously with the women and youth population of Nigeria, not forgetting the 35 per cent Affirmative Action on Women in governance to which Nigeria is a signatory. They gave an example of Kogi State that has domiciled this affirmative action by Governor Yahaya Bello which, they described as indeed unique and worthy of emulation.



In a press release issued by the Convener, Dr Chichi Esther Ukamadu and Secretary, Hajia Maimuna Tahir, the duo said it is very important to bring to the fore the strategic importance of equipping both the female and youthful population with the required skills of knowledge, governance for employment and entrepreneurship, so that the old politicians can easily hand over the rein of power to the young generation seamlessly for productivity, so as to place the country in the pedestal of comity of nations, where nations that have been on the same pedestal over decades, can be found.



Accordingly, the group noted, the President’s renewed Hope Agenda has genuinely motivated, improved and renewed the hopes of Nigerians, including the less privileged and “anything short of using the women and youthful population with renewed energy, will be seen as a betrayal of the trust of Nigerians by the Tinubu administration.”


They also observed that a lot of the politicians seeking office once again are people with a lot of moral burden hanging on their necks, including graft issues with the various anti-graft agencies, bordering on corruption and official maladministration on their previous positions.



WLAN also noted that the critical component of Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration should be women and youth employability and the change of baton from the old generation to the new who are daily poised and ready to deliver the country from doldrums.


The group emphasized that Nigeria, as a member of the United Nations, signed and ratified the various relevant international instruments, treaties and conventions without reservation for the full implementation of the 35 per cent Affirmative Action and, as such, “it must be domiciled in the country as majority of women and the youth groups with the largest demographic population are the ones that voted the President in to office and, as such, they should be at the forefront of leadership positions.”


They affirmed that presently, a lot of women, and youths are doing very well in their various positions, including those that worked with previous administrations, that if not elevated to high offices, they should be retained to achieve their mandate so as to be an impetus to the highest youthful population and make Nigerian attain its desired greatness.


Also, as part of WLAN’s strategic partnerships and collaboration with multi-stakeholders and ICT professionals in the sub-region and Africa, especially blue-chip firms, agencies and organizations that are impacting humanity and have carved a niche for themselves in their chosen endeavours and have remained role models in the country. It is pertinent to state that WLAN is consistently looking at new ways, innovations, and initiatives to propel the needed change that will make the country a global hub for information and exchange of ideas for the betterment of humanity and overall socio-economic development of Nigeria.



The organization further noted that “as the world undergoes rapid technological, economic and social transformations, such organizations in the country like the Ministry of Youths and Sports, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons (NCFRMI) and few others who are daily basking in the euphoria as change agents should be encouraged to do more. WLAN therefore reiterates that the women and youthful population need the right skills, experience, network and must be at the forefront of Nigeria’s and global efforts needed to reposition not only this administration, but the entire continent, must be adequately captured as the current President is a change agent and needs change champions that are motivated and highly skilled.”

Shock awaits the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule as the Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in LAFIA admitted more election documents against him.

The Petitioners, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Hon. David OMBUGADU who are challenging the election of Gov SULE had through their Counsel, J. S OKUTEPA SAN and J. J USMAN, SAN tendered election documents and voters registers through an INEC Staff, Mohammed Ibrahim.


The Tribunal admitted these documents which show that election took place in the Polling Units which Sule and APC claimed there was no election.


Also, the petitioners had earlier caused subpoenas to be issued and served on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC to produce and tender certain documents in support of their petition before the Tribunal.


At the sitting of July 13, 2023, the Petitioners' legal team was led by J.S. Okutepa SAN and J. J. Usman SAN. The 1st Respondent's (INEC) team was led by Ishaka M. Dikko SAN, the 2nd Respondent's (Alhaji Sule Audu) team was led by Adebayo Adelodun SAN while Dr. Hassan Liman led the legal team of the 3rd Respondent (All Progressives Congress).

One of the subpoenas was issued by the Tribunal on the ICT Director INEC/any designated INEC Officer/Staff on 10th July, 2023 summoning INEC to produce and tender documents required for the Petitioners' case. Pursuant thereto, a representative of the INEC ICT Director produced CTC of BVAS Accreditation report and I-Rev copies of some polling units results (EC8As) which were tendered and marked as exhibits in the trial in line with the schedule of documents filed by the Petitioners.

The hearing continued on Friday, July 14th where another official from INEC, Lafia produced additional documents requested by the Petitioners including CTCs of identified INEC forms EC8As, EC8Bs among which were equally tendered and marked as exhibits by the Tribunal.

The 3rd INEC official who was in the Tribunal pursuant to another subpoena caused to be issued by the Petitioners however told the Tribunal that the outstanding documents requested by the Petitioners were not available. He however indicated that the documents will be made available at a later date.

Meanwhile, the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital has after the Saturday 15th July, 2023 sitting adjourned its next sitting to Tuesday 25th July, 2023 for continuation of hearing after admitting documents from subpoena witnesses during her three days sitting in a stretch.

It would be recalled that, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and it Governorship candidate, Hon. David Emmanuel Ombugadu had challenged the declaration of Alhaji Abdullahi Sule of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the March 18th Governorship election in Nasarawa state at the Tribunal, alleging irregularities, mutilation and inflation of election results in certain Polling Units and electoral wards of some local government areas of the state.

At the hearing of Saturday 15th July, 2023, after the preliminary introductions of appearance, all the counsels pledged their readiness for the business of the day. Therefore, the Petitioners’ lead counsel, J.S Okutepa (SAN) sought the permission of the Tribunal to invite a subpoena witness from INEC National Headquarters Abuja who on appearance at the witness box introduced self as the Deputy Director of Information/Communication Technology (ICT).

At the end of cross Examinations, the Petitioners’ counsel sought for the discharge of the witness from the box. Furthermore, J.S Okutepa (SAN) observed and sought the Tribunal to number Form EC8A code 011 of Ashige Ward, Lafia LGA which was tendered on 24/06/2023 for clarity and equally, pray that the BVAS Machines as stated yesterday be brought by the Nasarawa State INEC subpoena witness on the next adjourned date to facilitate quick dispensation of justice.

Finally, the Chairman of the three Man Governorship Election Petition Panel, Mr. Ezekiel Ajayi graciously adjourned the Tribunal sitting to 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th July, 2023 for continuation of hearing.

A book dedicated to the values of education, entrepreneurship, patriotism and community service as portrayed by notable Nigerian women such as Esther Agbomhere, Dora Akunyili, Stella Adadevoh, Ekaette Unoma Akpabio, First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, including young women in the country is set for public launch.

The book titled "Beyond Beauty" written by Dr. Blessing Agbomhere portrays the story of a young woman who, through the tutelage of her mother and society, realizes that beauty is more than what the eyes can see. With this understanding, she was formed into a great woman by believing in the values of Education, Entrepreneurship, Patriotism and community service while inspiring, guiding and telling others, most especially the younger generation, the secrets to achieving greatness.

The one hundred and twenty nine page book which is in the form of a play, will be launched at an event in London captioned "Come let's read and Chill" on Sunday the 23rd of July 2023 by 3pm at THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR, 35 Charles Street, Mayfair, W1J 5EB London.

According to a statement signed by the author of the book, Dr. Blessing Agbomhere, Special Guest of honour at the event would be Lord John David Taylor of Warwick, member, House of Lords, United Kingdom Parliament.

According to him, seat reservation can be made through the following WhatsApp numbers; +447985689755 or +2348066804040.

The event is packaged by RICHIERICH Global. Supported by: UBIIJUS, Pauline Long Show, National Oracle, Gatekeepers and The LAWSAN Board.

Dr. Blessing Agbomhere
(Author)
13/07/23

...calls for collective efforts to end menace 


...charges Igbo traders outside region  to live in peace with host communities


...makes case for reviving of Igbo apprenticeship system 



Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Friday, said that about N4 trillion has been lost to the stay-at-home problem in the south east region within the last 2 years.


Kalu also said that the situation observed every Monday in the region with the 5 States of Abia, Anambra, Enugu, Ebony and Imo has crippled businesses and also stifled opportunities for economic growth.


Delivering a keynote address at the "All Markets Conference 2023" with the theme: "Catalysing Partnership with Traders through Innovation, Technology, Analytics & Sustainability" in Lagos, the deputy speaker said the situation had forced potential investors out of the south east.


Kalu who noted that violence was alien to region therefore called for a collective efforts by all Igbo sons and daughters to end the menace.


He said, "The existential threat to Igbo entrepreneurship and businesses now is the insecurity and sit-at-home problem in the south-east. The mutation of this problem is largely unfathomable. It is becoming a cankerworm that is eating deep into our collective fortune as a people. We have to rise up to nip the problem in the bud. The first wave of the migration of Igbo businesses post-civil war was in the late 1980s and the 1990s, when, due to incessant kidnappings, thievery and a rise in occultism, Igbo businesses domiciled in Igboland moved en masse to other parts of Nigeria and the west & central African region to thrive. We are currently witnessing the second wave of such migration of Igbos businesses, this time around, due to the insecurity and the sit-at-home problem in our beloved region. Ummunnem, this is not us. We are not known for these. If I do not tell you these truths as your son, then it will be difficult for anyone in governance from Ala-Igbo to tell you. I am pained by what our dear land has become. We have to be honest and sincere with ourselves. In conclusion, I make a heartfelt plea to each and every one of you. 


"We cannot afford to retreat from our business endeavors. The stay-at-home order on Mondays has resulted in staggering losses of 4 trillion Naira in the last two years in the Southeast alone according to statistical data. This is also affecting the businesses of our brothers across Nigeria especially in the supply-chain. We must find lasting solutions to the security challenges in Igboland, addressing them collectively with innovative strategies. My brothers and my sisters. We must think and think again!"


Emphasizing that the constitution of Nigeria guarantees freedom of movement, Kalu however urged Igbo people resident outside their region to live in peace with their host communities.


"While we strive for success and growth, we must also address the threats faced by Igbo businesses across Nigeria. I want to emphasize here that our constitutional rights protect us. Section 41 sub-section 1 of the 1999 Constitution guarantees every citizen of Nigeria the freedom to move, reside, and trade anywhere within the country. This constitutional backing supports our business endeavors, as long as we contribute positively to our host communities and maintain peaceful and friendly relationships.


"In this spirit, let us remember the longstanding harmonious relationship

between the Yorubas and the Igbo, especially in Lagos and other parts of

the Southwest. We have come a long way together, both economically and

politically. We can draw inspiration from past collaborations, such as Sir

Louis Odumegwu Ojukwu's role as the founding president of The Nigerian

Stock Exchange in Lagos, and the partnership between Nnamdi Azikiwe

and Sir Herbert Badmus Macaulay during the glory days of the then National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC)", he said.


Kalu also called for the revival of Igbo apprenticeship system, a time tested practice which he said had produced successful business men and women, stressing that it should not be allowed to go into extinction.


"I want to draw your attention to a remarkable aspect of our economic history—the “Igba-Boi” Apprenticeship System otherwise called the Igbo

Apprenticeship system by Business and Economics experts worldwide. This time-honored tradition has played a pivotal role in the growth of capital formation in Igboland, especially during the challenging post-civil war recovery period.


"It is a system that has been studied extensively by renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School, with business cases dedicated to showcasing its unique merits in top business schools worldwide. Today, it stands as a shining example of excellent venture capital in the world. However, let us pause for a moment and ask ourselves a rhetorical

question: How many of us in this conference still have apprentices?

Perhaps a few. As we reflect on this, we must acknowledge that the "Igba-Boi” apprenticeship system is going into extinction, but we must be innovative in our approach to revive and sustain it. We cannot afford to let this invaluable heritage fade away, for it carries the seeds of our future prosperity. 


"This draws down to another important question we must ponder on - should we formalize the Igba-Boi Apprenticeship system? What I mean here is whether a national apprenticeship system should be set up that adopts the core element of the Igba-Boi apprenticeship system and combines it with the conventional education system in Nigeria to optimize the benefits for our teeming youth. This is why my office is open to you all umunnem! Please feel free to come and engage in this fruitful discourse as we look for the way forward to advance a core element of our rich economic and business practices and ensure that it is sustainable for future generations.


"Ummunem na Umunnam, Igbo bu Igbo, let me assure you that as the Deputy Speaker, working with my colleagues from the South East in the National Assembly are committed to this task in the next four years of the current administration. Together, we will work towards an inclusive and prosperous Nigeria", Kalu added.

…As NGO writes AGF, Head of Service, FCSC alleges Bola Audu’s unlawful reinstatement move


The Federal government has appealed Abuja High Court ruling that discharged and acquitted the suspended employee of government by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, Innocent Bola Audu, over his involvement in a trafficking related offence. 


Bala Audu and three others according to the Federal government appeal notice, were earlier charged and tried on allegation of “conspiracy to abuse of position of vulnerability and abuse of position of vulnerability contrary to Sections 13 (2) and 27 of the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015, but was acquitted. 


The appeal was filed through government legal representative, Liman, Liman & Co, Legal Practitioners & Notaries Public. 


Explaining the reason for the appeal, the Appeal notice said; “Appellant being dissatisfied with the ruling of the High Court of Justice of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja delivered on 18th day of April, 2023 in charge No. CR/080/2021 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Innocent Bola Audu & 3 Ors Coram: Hon. Justice O. C. Agbaza, FG doth hereby appeal to the Court of Appeal, upon the Grounds stated in paragraph 3 and will upon hearing of the appeal, seek the reliefs set out in paragraph 4.”


The notice also State that the appeal is against “The whole decision of the High Court which upheld the “No Case Submission” of the snd consequently discharge and acquit the respondents of the charges against them.  


The notice further said; “The appeal sought for an order setting aside the Lower Court’s decision, discharging and acquitting the Accuseds/Respondents.”


Furthermore, the appeal notice gave grounds on which it want the Court of Appeal to set aside the lower court ruling. 


“The Learned trial judge erred in law when in determining the No Case Submission of the Respondents went into the merit of the case as though the Appellant was required to have proved the case against the Respondents beyond reasonable doubt instead of a mere prima facile case thus plunging himself into an abyss of error and consequently occasioning a substantial miscarriage of Justice to the Appellant. 


“The learned trial Judge erred in law when he misconceived the charge against the Respondent to be that of an offence of Surrogacy merely because the word “Surrogacy” was mentioned in the cause of the trial thus plunging himself into an abyss of error and consequently occasioning a substantial miscarried of justice to the Appellant. 


“The Learned trial judge erred in law when he held that the Respondents where right to have challenged the validity of the charge upon which the are standing trial through their No Case Submission thus plunging himself onto an abyss of error and consequently occasioning a substantial miscarriage of Justice to the Appellant.”



Meanwhile, a Non-Governmental Organisation under the aegis of Anti-Corruption Outreach for MASS mobilization and Action Against Corruption, has raised alarm over an alleged move by some powerful individuals within the Office of the Account General of the Federation (OAGF), to reinstate Innocent Bola Audu into the Federal Civil Service despite his suspension because of the  ongoing criminal charges against him by the Federal government. 


In separate letters signed by its Executive Director, Ekwoyi Ochigbo,  addressed to the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission and the Accountant General of the Federation respectively, urged these principal Federal government offices to uphold the rule of laws and prevent any form of illegal process by any person or group of persons in name of reinstating a civl servant (Innocent Bola Audu), until he is cleared of all wrong doing by law. 


The letters in part read; We are a Non-Governmental Organisation whose mandate is the promotion of accountability, rule of law, probity in the public service. 


“We are bringing to your urgent attention moves being made by self acclaimed powerful individuals in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) with the condemnable intent to hood-wink Government officials at the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) into believing that the Federal Government of Nigeria has abandoned its criminal prosecution of Innocent Bola Audu with the ultimate aim of “helping” him back to the service in flagrant violation of extant provision of the Public Service Rules 030411(a) (i) and (ii). 


“The Federal Government of Nigeria, against the unfounded rumor, has not abandoned nor stopped the criminal prosecution of Innocent Bola Audu. As a matter of fact, the prosecution is ongoing and is pending at the Court of Appeal. Find attached a copy of the Notice of Appeal with Appeal No. CA/ABI/CR/704/23 and charge No. CR/0802021 dated 11th May, 2023 for your information, perusal and necessary action. 


“Members of this cult like group who are in the Disciplinary Department of the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and who pride themselves as influential, powerful and well-connected across MDAs have evidently assured Innocent Bola Audu not to worry that they have the wherewithal to circumvent checks and balances in the disciplinary process in the service through planned use of monumental deceit, blackmail, propaganda and other illegal methods to get Innocent Bola Audu suspension lifted and salary restored not withstanding that the criminal prosecution of Innocent Bola Audu by the Federal Government ofNigeria is ongoing at the Court of Appeal. 


“In view of the foregoing, and the urgent need to discourage the activities of the mafia like group who act like cult to protect their members in the Service we hereby demand: That the Honourable Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission should not fall for the ploy of this gang to restore Innocent Bola Audu back to Service in the face of his ongoing prosecution by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Doing so will violate the extant provision of the Public Service Rules 030411(a) (i) and (ii). 


“That the Honourable Chairman, Federal Civil Service Commission should initiate a novel process that will fish out Public Servants who are working tirelessly to shield Innocent Bola Audu from justice without due process. We anticipate that prompt action will be taken on our demands to forestall a nationwide protest which could erupt without any notice if Innocent Bola Audu is smuggled back to the service while he is undergoing prosecution by the Federal Government of Nigeria as being boasted by the mafia like group in the Office Of the Accountant General of the Federation.”

The Nigerian Pilot Newspaper has said it is set to expose all that transpired in the last governorship election of March 18 that also took place in Adamawa State.

A lot has been said and written about what happened during the election which led to Ahmed Dahiru Binani of the APC being controversially announced as the winner by the now suspended INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner.

Though, the announcement would later be reversed, but the Nigerian Pilot Newspaper said it had embarked on a special assignment over a long period of time to be able to tell the full story of what transpired.

According to the management of the Newspaper known for its painstaking investigations, the revelation of what happened in the North-Eastern State of Adamawa are "earth-shaking."

"The shocking details of what transpired within the Nigerian government, the former Humanitarian Affairs Minister and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have been assembled in the Nigerian Pilot.

"All these will be served you in our edition due out subsequently. It is another Nigerian Pilot exclusive," the News organisation stated.

A Cameroonian lady identified as Danny Zara has announced plans to embark on a 200-hour sex marathon. Read more on https://newsdeskng.com/2023/07/08/guinness-world-record-cameroonian-lady-announce-plans-to-embark-on-a-200-hours-sex-marathon/

The South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Dr. Blessing Agbomhere has cautioned aspirants seeking the ticket of the APC in the forthcoming governorship election in Edo state, not to waste their resources in pursuit of their ambition if they are not ready to abide by the party's zoning arrangement in the state.

In a statement which he personally signed, Agbomhere said complaints by any of the aspirants for failing to get the party's ticket will be seen as a waste of time and distraction to the party's drive to reclaim the Governorship seat in Edo state.

Agbomhere said the All Progressives Congress will ensure that the spirit of justice, fairness and equity is considered to foster the brotherhood that has existed between the Binis, Esans and Afenmais who have continued stand on a tripod all these years to ensure a united and peaceful state.

While admitting that it is the right of the Afemais in Edo North and Binis in Edo South to aspire to contest for the governorship seat, Agbomhere emphasized that it is only the people that can choose who they want as Governor. He said this time around, or to be precise, for Edo 2024, no one individual will seat in the comfort of his bedroom to impose a candidate on Edo people. Edo people will choose their Governor from among the aspirants, and the candidate to be chosen must have an untainted records of patriotism, sacrifice and service to community.

The APC South-South Zonal organizing Secretary reiterated that the party will give the Esans of Edo state the right of first refusal for the party's ticket in the 2024 Edo Governorship polls barring any last minutes changes in permutations.

Dr. Blessing Agbomhere
APC South-South Zonal organizing Secretary.

Leaders of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Etsako Central Local Government Area of Edo State have called for an immediate end to the recurring marginalisation of the area in appointments at the federal level urging the leader of the party in the State, Senator Adams Oshiomhole to intervene in the matter for the sake of equity, peace and justice.


Rising from an emergency meeting at the party's secretariat in Fugar, Etsako Central LGA, which was attended by APC leaders and stakeholders in the Local Government Area such as the APC South-South Zonal Organizing Secretary, Dr Blessing Agbomhere; the LGA Executives led by Chairman John Saliu; Zonal Leaders, Ward Leaders, Ward Chairmen and candidates for the local government elections, it was agreed that the systematic marginalisation of the area in terms of appointments will no longer be tolerated.

In a communique issued at the end of the meeting which is now known as the "Malotse Declaration (ITS OUR TURN)" the APC leaders in Etsako Central resolved that a committee of eminent leaders of Etsako Central should meet with the leader of the party in the State and the Senator representing Edo North Senatorial District, Comrade Adams Oshiomole to address the recurring injustice done to  members of the party in Etsako Central.

The APC leaders in Etsako Central observed that Etsako West that has the Senate slot also occupies various offices like Deputy Governor, Federal Road Management Agency, (FERMA), Benin Owena River Basin, Police Service Commission, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Ambassadorial slot while on the other hand, Etsako East has the House of Representatives slot just after eight years in the Senate and a Ministerial Slot, leaving nothing to Etsako Central.

The Etsako Central APC leaders  therefore insist on the need for inclusion of Etsako Central citizens in the first batch of federal appointments including the Ministerial Slot in the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

It was also resolved that the party should actively participate in the forthcoming Local Government elections in Edo State with the sole aim of clinching all the seats. To achieve the objective, it was agreed that a campaign council be formed after the councillorship and chairmanship candidates had been presented to the leaders.

Other APC leaders present at the emergency meeting were: Chief Richard Okozi, Hon. John Ughioke, Chief Richard Lamai, Mrs Geano Abdala, Alhaji Waziri Oshioma, Suleiman Bagudu, King Mayor Omoba, King Benji Igbadumhe, Elder Fred Alemho, Alhaji Aliyu Umaru, Alhaji Dr. Buddy Mustapha, Ms Vera Sado,  Hon. Oshiogbele, Pastor Osugbo, Hon. Ahmed Waziri and many others.

Signed:
APC Leaders (Etsako Central)
Edo State.
3/06/23

Wizkid recently talked about fatherhood and how it changed him as a person and a musician.

The singer during a recent interview with popular UK-based afrobeats podcaster, Shopsydoo said being a father has put a lot of love in his heart and it is the drive that keeps him going. Read more here: https://newsdeskng.com/2023/07/02/what-being-a-father-did-to-me-wizkid/

…describes them as imposters and fraudsters, pass a vote of confidence on CG.

The Conference of Harmonized Civil Society Organisations (CHSCON), a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) known for it’s integrity and objective operations towards ensuring sanity in governance has called on the general public to disregard a publication purportedly written by it’s National Coordinator, calling on Mr. President to sack and prosecute Mr. Abubakar Audi, the Commandant General of the Nigerian Civil Defence and Security Corps over some spurious, baseless and unfounded allegations. Read more on https://newsdeskng.com/2023/06/30/chscon-distances-self-from-media-attack-on-nscdc-commandant-general-2/

...Says Such Allegations Came From Sponsored Individuals To Malign His Person


Businessman and Chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Tein Jack-Rich has described as malicious, preposterous, unwarranted, distasteful, and unsubstantiated, online publications by one Jackson Udeh who claimed that he (Jack-Rich) has made a N500 Million bribe for a ministerial slot in the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a series of tweets, Udeh claimed that Jack-Rich was so desperate to be made a minister that he made available the dollar equivalent of N500M to Deolu, younger brother to the Chief of staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila to facilitate the move while also alleging of an amorous affair between his wife, Elizabeth and Seyi Tinubu, son of the President all in a bid to make the President's ministerial list.

Reacting to the allegations in a statement released on his behalf by his media team, Jack-Rich said there was no iota of truth in them as he had no need to bribe his way to be made a minister in a party which he had served diligently since 2014 when he joined the Political space of Nigeria and was even a Presidential aspirant in.

"The entirety of the allegations are not only unfounded and childish, but also depicts the nature and character of the persons and evil elements behind them; who are also well known by their political brigandage and desperation for political relevance. We are utterly shocked, that in their attempt to tarnish the image and reputation of Mr. Jack-Rich and
his family, Some of these political desperados will condescend so low to the extent of making statements that not only attack his personality, but also extending same to the hallowed and revered office of the Chief of Staff to the Presidency thereby trying so hard to smear his own reputation and by
extension, that of the Presidency." he said in the statement.

While vowing never to respond to the malicious allegations again as it will only make the individuals behind it more popular, Jack-Rich alerted the general public that the wicked political elements behind the allegations will stop at nothing to implement their plot of misinforming the general public against him and have perfected plans in the coming days to use concocted videos, voices, pictures and technology enhanced algorithm to score cheap political goals.

Jack-Rich described himself as an ardent and staunch believer in Mr. President and his shared vision of renewed hope for Nigeria and therefore urged all Nigerians to be steadfast and hopeful in the promise that he will deliver on all the stated goals of the new administration.


Tein T.S. Jack-Rich (CON)
Former APC Presidential Aspirant

The attention of the Guild of Civil Societies and Media Executives for Equity, Justice and Transparency in Nigeria (GOCMEJ) has been drawn to fake news and skewed narrative driven by a non-registered self-acclaimed NGO (Non-Governmental Organization), spearheaded by few self-serving private individuals.

The said “organization,” a few days ago, vehemently tries to cast aspersions and malign the hard-earned reputation of the management of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), when it said many unprintable things against this professionally run organization with the highest esprit-de-corps, as well as high morale of officers and men amongst paramilitary organizations in the country.

In a terse press release by the Guild’s Executive Director (Programmes), Comrade Mahmud Bello, and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Gabriel Gwajime, the organization lampooned the unregistered so-called NGO and its National Coordinator. The duo described the helmsmen as a political jobbers and willing tools of blackmail, who go about castigating one organization after another in a bid to settle scores on behalf of their bankrollers, thereby currying undeserved favour.

The organization descend heavily on these fifth columnists and agent provocateurs for their fake rumour-mill and candidly advised them to engage themselves in lucrative and progressive endeavours to earn a decent living, instead of going about telling tales without iota of facts or empirical evidence whatsoever.

The Guild emphasized that the so-called group and its promoters are mischief makers, former disgruntled staff of the NSCDC, whose new stock-in-trade is peddling of falsehood and circulating fake news, in order to drag the hard-earned reputation of the Corps into odium and public ridicule. As such, GOCMEJ warned Nigerians to disregard the innuendoes orchestrated against the management, especially as it concerns the strict application of its anti-corruption policy under the leadership of the current Commandant-General, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi, which ostensibly saw many old staff out of the NSCDC.

The Guild condemned in its entirety this malicious and mischievous skewed narrative by a self-serving non-registered organization and called on well-meaning Nigerians to disregard and discountenance contents of this lucid campaign of calumny.

Based on this, the organization conducted a painstaking independent investigation and hereby affirms that all the allegations levelled against the management of the NSCDC are clandestine, pedestrian and malicious, all orchestrated by a shadow group of disgruntled people who are self-serving and envious of the superlative performances of management. The Guild has also confirmed that this orchestrated blackmail by fifth columnists cleverly laced with blatant lies and without an atom of truth whatsoever.

The statement added that “As foremost champions and advocates of accountability, good governance and transparency in public service in Nigeria, these malicious ethnic coloration and casting of aspersions on management is not only detrimental to good governance practice, but as well a threat to the NSCDC management.”

The organization therefore advised that these malicious publications in reference, should be regarded as null and void and of no consequence whatsoever, and should be disregarded, disparaged and discountenanced by all well-meaning Nigerians.

The Guild added that the so-called group are vindictive, callous, wicked and repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience, and their intent is to distract and pull down the hard-working management of NSCDC.

At this juncture, after the Guild’s thorough investigation in all ramifications, it hereby calls on Nigerians to disregard these campaigns of calumny against NSCDC management. The Guild also emphasizes for the umpteenth time and calls on these political jobbers and blackmailers to be mindful of their unprofessional language and stop forthwith this charade due to NSCDC’s consistency and patriotism in safeguarding critical national infrastructure across the length and breadth of the country.

On this premise, the Guild avers that these fellows have goofed, have become parochial, partisan, clannish and alien to the genuine efforts by NSCDC management to rid the country of criminal elements, banditry, cattle rustling, as well as protect lives and property of Nigerians.

GOCMEJ attests that the giant strides so far achieved in spite of the daunting challenges are as a result of the strategic directions, policies and programmes of the present Commandant-General such as the commissioning of the Standard Curriculum for the NSCDC aimed at entrenching career progression, effective supervision and regulating of the private guard companies in Nigeria. The Guild also notes with satisfaction, the establishment of the Special Female Squad (SFS); creation of the Intelligence Squad under the CG’s office for effective monitoring and prosecutorial duties of the Corps.

The Guild notes that the Commandant-General is a key asset in the protection and safety of lives and property, including critical national assets, which operations are not in doubt. GOCMEJ also acknowledges the fact that the CG recently gave marching orders to Commandants of the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to ensure that they protect key assets within their jurisdiction during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, so as to reduce planned activities of trouble-makers, who foment and visit mayhem on innocent patriotic and unsuspecting public.

With nostalgia, the Guild asserts that the present transparent leadership of NSCDC qualifies the leaders to be referred to as ardent advocates of the change mantra to President Ahmed Bola Tinubu’s administration. This was arrived at, judging from these officers’ display of honesty, professionalism and patriotism to the core.

It is in view of the foregoing that the Guild hereby wilfully passes a “Vote of Confidence” on the management of NSCDC for the current institutional capacity building and repositioning that can best be compared with international best practices. GOCMEJ equally urges them to remain focused and undeterred in their efforts to rebrand the organization and provide best management practices to actualize President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s proactive agenda.

The Guild equally calls on the international community to as well support the efforts of this proactive management to enable it further its best for the good of the generality of Nigerians, as the Guild asserts that it has no hesitation in endorsing the CG’s transparent and prudent management of scarce resources.