₦airaland Forum

LAGOS - Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) has disassociated Muslims in the country from the recent bomb blasts in Jos where several people were killed, describing it as barbaric and inhuman.


Similarly, the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) which described the crisis as political but with religious connotation, condemned the killings in totality and called on relevant authorities to fish out the perpetrators and bring them to book without further delay.


While describing an Islamic group which claimed responsibility for the incident as fake and not fighting on behalf of Muslims, MSSN also challenged the group to come out openly and show themselves to the world with their aims and objectives.


Addressing the media on the state of the nation in Lagos yesterday the Amir (President) of the MSSN, Alhaji Qasim Badrudeen declared that Islam does not even permit harassment of other religious faithful, let alone killing and maiming them on the excuse of fighting for Islam.


According to him, “Islam does not permit killing or maiming. No reprisal attack. If members of the so-called group have any grievances, they should follow legal way and not killing innocent people under the guise of Jihad”.


“Every war fought during Prophet Muhammad life time were defensive wars to protect themselves and families from the attack and this kind of massacre called jihad is never allowed by Islam”, he said.


He added, “MSSN is not in any way in support of these incessant killings of innocent people, just on the excuse of fighting for Islam.


“Let them come out to show us on the pages of Quran where it is permitted to kill human beings”.
“We advocate peaceful co-existence of all religious groups in the country, no more harassment, maiming and killing again”, he remarked.


Meanwhile, NIREC has lamented the failure of the government to carry out proper investigation, and arrest of the perpetrators and punish them, so as to serve as deterrent to others.


At a joint press conference addressed by the Sultan of Sokoto and President- General, Nigerian Supreme Council for IslamicAffairs, Alhaji Muhammad Saád Abubakar, the President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Ayodele Oritsejafor in Lagos, NIREC emphasised that if government had properly investigated the past crisis, arrest, expose and punish the perpetrators, similar incidents should have been prevented.


They noted that the crisis is political with heavy dose of religion, saying “there are some politicians who don’t want election in the country and so they want to make the nation ungovernable”.


The council noted that although, lots of things have gone wrong, “but violence is not the solution. Killing people is a big crime in Nigeria.



We urged the government to send in experts to investigate, fish out, expose and bring the perpetrators to book”.


“Nigeria has the political will to solve the problem. The people who are behind the act don’t want election. Let us talk to God sincerely to help us stop this mayhem.


NIREC called on people to fast on 1st January 2011 and the beginning of other months, with prayer that God should expose the perpetrators.


It also called on religious leaders to commence preaching of peace in their respective sermon in both churches and mosques nationwide, adding that this will go a long way to discourage people from evil intentions.


While calling on federal government to increase the number of security in Jos, NIREC also called for adequate compensations to the affected people who lost beloved ones and property


“On the forthcoming election in 2011, we want Nigerians to come out fully to register during the registration period, select who they want to be their leaders or representatives, vote and protect their vote by staying nearer to the polling booth”.


http://nigerianobservernews.com/29122010/news/news%201.html

SSS or what is that una numerous names! here is a tip.i hope you make good use of it.

My friend,you are a bloody fool !!!! for even saying such nasty and un-islamic things.Insha Allah you will not prevail and Allah will not let you see the end.You go about killing innocent people and call it jihad.what defines your target a defenceless person or xtians that you are at peace with.In your opinion, muslims support you!i say i will rather remain in peace with my xtian neigbour if there is not treat from him/her and report you to the authorities where i see or hear you.crap!it will not work i repeat.Nigeria is strong and will crush you.nonsense!!!

This what the prophet said about people like you.
Also prophet Muhammad (peace upon said) the following meaning:
"Seven persons are such that Allah (God) will not look at them on the Day of Judgment , and Allah (God) will enter them into the Hell, except for those who repent. As those who repent Allah will accept their repentance.

1.
A person who masturbates.
2.
A person who performs the act of sodomy.
3.
The person upon whom the act of sodomy is performed.
4.
A perpetual drunkard.
5.
The person who hits his parents so much that they appeal for help.
6.
The person who harms his neighbors so much so that they curse him.
7.
The person who commits adultery with his neighbor's wife. "

"Worship Allah and join none with him (in worship); and do good to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, the poor, the neighbor who is near of kin, the neighbor who is stranger, the companion by your side, , "

^^^ with your silly group's action where do you place yourselves!!!!! taking care of your neigbour?

This is what the quran says about some xtians and by your action i didn't see you distinguishing!!!!!

"Of the people of the Book are a portion that stand (for the right); they rehearse the Sings of Allah all night long, and they prostrate themselves in adoration. They believe in Allah and the Last Day; They enjoin what is right, and forbid what is wrong; and they hasten (in emulation) in (all) good works: They are in ranks of the righteous. Of the good that they do, nothing will be rejected of them; for Allah knows well those that do right." Nobel Qur'an (3:113-115)

Left for me what ever your reason i don't care.You should be hunted down like your stupid leader and perverted slowpoke yusuf and brought to our kinda justice!!!! we have survived maitasine and so many others!!!

Accept jumbo pay reduction, Buhari tells Senators, Reps – The Punch

The Congress for Progressive Change presidential aspirant, Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has appealed to the National Assembly members to accept any move to slash their controversial jumbo salaries and allowances.

Buhari, who also described the endorsement of President Goodluck Jonathan by most Peoples Democratic Party governors as ‘a boardroom affair,’ said the last 12 years of democratic rule had been terrible for Nigerians.

He spoke at a ceremony where a factional National Chairman of the Progressives Peoples Alliance, Mr. Larry Esin, was inducted into the CPC in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on Thursday.

Buhari, who is also a former head of state, lamented that there was nothing to show for the huge revenue that had accrued to the federation since 1998.

Leadership of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) led by its national leader and Chairman Board of Trustees (BoT), General Muhammadu Buhari, is scheduled to storm Uyo, the capital of Akwa Ibom State today in support of its gubernatorial candidate for the April 2011 polls, Mr. Larry Esin.

Esin, who had earlier declared his intention to contest the 2011 gubernatorial election at different fora, was yet to state categorically on which platform he intended to execute his aspiration until now.

Expected at the declaration are notable bigwigs like the presidential flag bearer for the 2011 elections, General Muhammadu Buhari, the Director General Buhari Campaign Organisation, Malam Sule Yahaya Hamma.

Others include members of the BoT, Chief Mike Ahanba (SAN), Hadi Sirika, Joy Okunnu, and Mr. Buba Galadima. Others include the national chairman of the party, Senator Rufai Anga, the national secretary Engr Badmos Mutallib, national vice chairman south south Hon. Abinye Alex Hart, amongst others.

A statement credited to the Larry Esin Campaign Organization (LECO) stated that this action jumpstarts the campaign of Mr. Esin, which would see him touring the 31 local government areas and councils. According to LECO, Esin’s desire to serve was born primarily out of the yearning to give back to the people of Akwa Ibom what they truly deserve.

“Akwa Ibomites are the men and women that make up a critical component of Nigeria’s wealth equation, but who continue to lack the basic necessities of life. Therefore, the time has come for leadership that seeks partnership, that pursues progress, serves the people and not its own selfinterest. It is on these values, Mr. Esin is running for the office of governor of Akwa Ibom State in 2011.

MONEY MONEY MONEYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!
it's a rich mans world.

I do know one thing the truth will set us free and will surely come.About the entire thing,i am not surprised at all.GEJ is not a straight person.Why?show me your friends and i can tell you who you be!PDPPPPPPP, !
Anineh,Obj,TY danjuma etc
men forget it.with him PDP and the real cabal/MEND we stand no chances except we all stand up just like SNG
@beaf
learn to call a spade a spade!lastly because you own the oil simply does not give you a f**king right to screw up.Men take the oil and let him head home to you guys so he can rule you alone.what in hell do you mean.so we should lay low and let him rule because una get oil or because he could screw the country and still pay goons to do his bid.enough is enough.You can have your oil and land.We too can keep ours an decide who should rule us.
That change has come we will try to change our path, where need be for the better.whether na ciroma or GEJ or Atiku or Obj.i don't fucking care.All screw ups must go period.you say fresh i say stinking!

Mr Ojukwu may God almighty grant you better health!I am from the North and my prayers are with you sir! get well soon.
This naija people sef na wah! haba person no well and you continue to wish him bad things.really sad the kind of wicked people that live amongst us.Especially in NL.
Above all God is greater than you and you should also know your life too will definitely come to an end someday.

Kobojunkie:
Politics no be by force.

yeah no be by force but on the other hand i think it is African mentality.To relegate women to the back ground.In most cultures even in Nigeria women are treated as second class.Both religions in Nigeria never see man & woman as equals.

chyz:
Buhari wants vote.He actually think women are going to believe that from a guy who supports sharia.

That sounds like your myopic views.lastly you people live alot on fallacies.Build the story and live it! no facts and no credits.

Tony Okafor, Awka

FORMER Head of State, Gen. Mohummadu Buhari (rtd), wants more women to participate in politics.

According to the newly-elected Anambra State Chairman of the Congress for Political Change (CPC), Chuba Ikeagwu, who disclosed this during the state executive congress of the party in Anambra at the weekend, the general wondered why women who participate en masse to cast their votes during elections could not vie for elective positions.

In a statement issued by Ikeagwu and the Publicity Secretary, Nwafor Okafor, at the end of the state congress held at King David Hotel Awka, the state captial, the party said the adoption of Buhari as its presidential candidate had become necessary to save the country from further plunge into the abyss of mismanagement.

It recalled how the retired general instilled discipline in Nigerians while serving as head of state through his War Against Indiscipline (WAI) programme.

He described Buhari as the one man in the country that can instill discipline and purposeful leadership.

The congress thanked the people of the state, especially CPC members, for according the party the desired cooperation and peaceful environment during the congress, and urged them to go out en masse to register in the forthcoming voters’ registration exercise slated for between 15 and 29 of January next year.

It also stressed that a free and fair election must begin with credible registration and mass participation of the people in voters registration exercise.

Sky Blue:
Interesting write up. The part about possibly using up a whole tenure to fight past corrupt leaders makes sense and at the same time doesn't. All he needs to do is to create an empowered and non biased EFCC, and not get involved. At least he has made it clear he is determined to fight corruption but not focus on going after past leaders. I prefer knowing that now than voting for someone who makes noise about fighting corruption and then does nothing about it when he get in but actively starts a campaign of shielding corrupt past leaders (like the previous president). . .

Gbam

^^^^
you get your view

Kaduna — Former Head of State and presidential aspirant of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday took the world by surprise when he declared that he would not prosecute past corrupt leaders if elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The two-time presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), however assured that his administration would tackle corruption in all its ramifications, stressing that there would be no sacred cows.

Buhari also assured Nigerians that he would not approach any court of law should he lose out at the general elections slated for 2011.

This was contained in an interview Buhari granted the BBC Hausa which was monitored in Kaduna where he repeated that both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were incredible and below standard.

Laying bare his plans, he said: "In this country everybody knows what is happening. The greatest problem is insecurity; everyone in Nigeria must be secured. People who are responsible for our woes are suddenly, beginning to think that they are untouchable. They don't obey our laws, they don't operate within the law, but I promise you that by the grace of God, we shall deal with them."

Speaking on the restiveness in the Niger Delta region, General Buhari said: "We will sit and dialogue with the parties involved based on the constitution of Nigeria but I tell you, all the predicaments we are facing in this country is a result of corruption and indiscipline."

On why he would not prosecute past leaders, he explained: "I will not investigate those that betrayed Nigeria because what Nigeria has faced in this 12 years of democracy is such that If I decide to investigate past leaders, my tenure will elapse and nothing will be achieved.

"What I will do is to draw a battle-line with the parliament to make sure that anyone found guilty of corruption, is charged. So, no matter how untouchable you think you are, you will face the full arm of the law, particularly those that feel they are above the law.

"We will not compromise. If we don't fight corruption, looters will continue to ruin us; they won't leave a dime for our national development."

Former Head of State and presidential aspirant of Congress for Progressives Change (CPC) General Muhammadu Buhari yesterday took the world by surprise when he declared that he would not prosecute past corrupt leaders if elected president of the Federal Republic of Nigeri.

The two-time presidential candidate of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), however assured that his administration would tackle corruption in all its ramifications, stressing that there would be no sacred cows.

Buhari also assured Nigerians that he would not approach any court of law should he lose out at the general elections slated for 2011.

This was contained in an interview Buhari granted the BBC Hausa which was monitored in Kaduna where he repeated that both the 2003 and 2007 presidential elections were incredible and below standard.

Laying bare his plans, he said: "In this country everybody knows what is happening. The greatest problem is insecurity; everyone in Nigeria must be secured. People who are responsible for our woes are suddenly, beginning to think that they are untouchable. They don't obey our laws, they don't operate within the law, but I promise you that by the grace of God, we shall deal with them."

Speaking on the restiveness in the Niger Delta region, General Buhari said: "We will sit and dialogue with the parties involved based on the constitution of Nigeria but I tell you, all the predicaments we are facing in this country is a result of corruption and indiscipline."

On why he would not prosecute past leaders, he explained: "I will not investigate those that betrayed Nigeria because what Nigeria has faced in this 12 years of democracy is such that If I decide to investigate past leaders, my tenure will elapse and nothing will be achieved.

"What I will do is to draw a battle-line with the parliament to make sure that anyone found guilty of corruption,  is charged. So, no matter how untouchable you think you are, you will face the full arm of the law, particularly those that feel they are above the law.

"We will not compromise. If we don't fight corruption, looters will continue to ruin us; they won't leave a dime for our national development."

On his defection from the All Nigeria Peoples Party, (ANPP) Buhari said that the actions of the ANPP following the 2007 presidential election is the major reason he dumped the party. "Yes, many people have been wondering why I'm still contesting the presidency of this country, having contested in 2003 and 2007. But Nigerians know that both the 2003 and 2007 elections were not sincerely conducted because there were injustices.

"There were cases of oppressions, which election experts and observers across the world confirmed. And to prove us right, three judges upturned the election, while three agreed that although there were flaws, the results should be maintained for national peace and stability.

"The Chief Justice agreed with them and it became four against three. If I don't get it this time I won't go to court again, because we have told Nigerians that if they want true democracy, if they want true public officers, they must replicate what the people of Bauchi, Kano and Lagos did via their votes. There is nothing I can do."

He also called on Nigerians to protect their votes at the polls until results are announced. "We should vote, protect, escort and ensure that our votes count and that they are intact because of the election flaws we have recorded in this country.

Nigerians were subjected to all kinds of electoral manipulations; some were beaten, while others were still on queue to cast their votes when the results were announced over the radio so you can see the situation we have found ourselves."
Comparing the crises in the CPC to that of the ANPP, he said: "The crisis in the CPC and ANPP are different. Take for instance what happened in 2007; after the election I went to court for 30 months. They insisted that I go to court, I agreed and got my lawyer and they got theirs.

Midway, they deserted me without recourse to the party's hierarchy and caucus. They joined the PDP government which undermined our party's democracy, and put themselves in the mainstream of the government, and that is why I quit. But in the CPC the usual lawlessness we experienced in ANPP will not be taken for granted.

There are some chairmen of CPC who met and took a decision on their own and we took several disciplinary actions against them, for going contrary to the laws governing our party. Today we have temporary leaders in CPC from states to LGAs and wards," Buhari explained.



Me thinks you is right because the nation is there need of help first!!!!

2011 elections will determine Nigeria’s future – Buhari
News Dec 19, 2010

Congress For Progressive Change (CPC) presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari declared yesterday that next year’s elections would determine Nigeria’s future

Speaking in a statement in Abuja, Buhari said, “I am doing this (contesting for President) not for myself alone but for many millions who have hope in me and my colleagues, and in our programmes for change that will save Nigeria. I shall continue on this course whatever the outcome of the coming elections”

Consequently he gave what seemed like a pact saying, “I stand by the people for better or for worse; I stand with my supporters through thick and thin; I stand shoulder_to_shoulder with my followers and I will take the rough with the smooth; I will never abandon them no matter how long or how hard the going is.

“After a dozen years of bad governance, Nigerians deserve a change. We (CPC) are offering that change. We are offering a better alternative to PDP. I am humbled by the spontaneous support I have received since the formation of the CPC.

Based on this tremendous support which has shaken other parties we are confident of victory during the coming elections”. Recalling the treachery of the ANPP leadership under whose banner he ran for President in 2007 and how they sold out to the ruling PDP, Buhari said, “Let explain briefly why it was necessary for my supporters and I to leave ANPP and form another party”.

“ANPP leadership from 2003 to the 2007 elections had exhibited very unprincipled behavior in handling party issues. The leadership did not adhere to party rules, did not reciprocate loyalty to me as its candidate and appeared to be tele_guided by the PDP. The same PDP which in the course of 2003 and 2007 elections organized its thugs to intimidate, maim and kill many of our supporters”.

“And through the misuse of law enforcing agencies, PDP agents stole ballot boxes and stuffed them with illegal votes. In addition, PDP party thugs burnt houses and offices of ANPP supporters and finally forced INEC to rig the elections in the most blatant manner. Yet ANPP leadership decided to join the government which perpetrated these crimes against its supporters”.

“When we went to court on the insistence of the party, ANPP leadership later abruptly withdrew their case at the courts challenging the results of the rigged elections and provided no support whatever to hundreds of ANPP candidates who went to court. Moreover, they jumped ship and joined the Government of National Unity (G.N.U.) for a mess of pottage. They left their supporters to their own devices”.

“Our duty as member of CPC is to: Get registered, Cast our votes and cast them early, Watch and guard our votes, Escort the votes to the collation centres, Ensure true results are announced. We are, through our manifesto and mission statements soliciting the votes of Nigerians to bring about this Change For Good. Our manifesto has been widely circulated and the main thrust of our policies is people_oriented and designed to attack our problems from the roots”, he said.

“Let us again, remind ourselves that this is a country blessed with dynamic people, abundant natural resources, a good spread of rainfall which makes it possible for every party of the country to produce bountiful harvests to feed its people. All that Nigeria needs to realize its dream of a rich and powerful nation is good purposeful leadership to lead us to the future that surely awaits us” he concluded.


can't wait for elections !!!

slap1:
Because they see us as namas (cows).

Not really but because of the police enforcement tool/symbol, baton!!!!!

i believe it has nothing to do with tribe.I believe if you meet the bad ones you may have being waxing another song.All people have the good and the bad.IF Jah bless ya with the right one,emela !

In hausa they are called "yan-sanda".literally it would mean "son of stick".just wondering why they got that name ! obviously i see now 

happy birthday !!!!

chyz:
Ok. should make your posts readable. Well guess what? your wish of Atiku being tried is going to come true! Isn't it great!

yeap! if others are not ignored abi!!!

chyz:
You all are cowards.whenever your opposition has the weaponry to fight back all you all do is run.Lol. what fight? People who couldn't even beat the Igbo by themselves want to come and face the whole south. . You better learn how to fight in the court of law!

You should read your history books again.the foot soldiers were mostly northerners and alot more officers than any other region.lastly i dare you.Action speaks louder than words.it's only when you try it that you will be able to know better.I think you are more cowards than we are any day any time. The weaponary get monopoly?guy let it start first then we will know.

chyz:
Answer the question.

read what i posted before you ask me to repeat again.

When did you notice,until after the president remarks abi?SSS u will always be the president Lap dog and forget your national role.

another bullshit.na only you guys sabi fire!get out abeg.Are we suppose to be scared because you crest yourselves some idiotic names.Lets see when the fight comes if you can do shit.For me you can always keep your oil.nonsense.keep your region sef. personally i don't care but let me tell you the day you cross your stupid boundaries again to do nonsense you guys will know the truth.

jason12345:
@ haka nai and harem

the way you northerners think is soo wierd . one of you is threaten violence and the other is trying to justify treasonable acts na wa for you northerners ooo! why are you guys hell bent on taking us to the 15th century when we are in the 21st  do you not want us to progress  is it not halal to progress why do you guys refuse to get educated or remove your leaders do you all think its only the north that is violent prone?  anyway, we shall see who blinks first

same way you southerners think mr. i do not agree with alj harem violence stance and am not an advocate.To think i justify Atiku's action is not what i am saying.I am saying if the president sees this treasonable then we should have more names regardless.Others have done it before them and records are out there start with them and move up.fairness.don't always make it look like you goons are always right even when you screw up.cause for me the thing is anytime a southerner screws up the country it is said he needs more attention and all that cheap PR thing.If a southern or Northerner messes up regardless the justice system should really be blind to sides.
About education or removing our leaders.I am educated (80% of my family is am from the core north) and about the leaders,same crap like yours.so asking me is like asking yourself.The south is also violent prone i know.people will go to new dimensions to defend themselves.I hate the violence and will not condone any.As such count me out.Not that i am afraid of you or your treat but because i have friends amongst the southerners and i believe taking a life unjustly is wrong.

chyz:
So if Adamu Ciroma and Tanko Yakassai are charged for treason along with Atiku, then the decision is fine right?

let me refresh your mind small
Vanguard


Dokubo threatens to kill Judge
By Ise-Oluwa Ige
Posted to the Web: Tuesday, February 06, 2007




*Says: “I am sorry for you. Your family will weep when it happens. They will cry and cry. Your family members cannot escape too. I know where they live and Obasanjo will not be able to protect you.”


ABUJA — “STUPID man! Stupid judge! You want to adjourn this matter again? You want to send me back to the underground cell again? I am sorry for you. Your family will weep when it happens. They will cry and cry. Your family members cannot escape too. I know where they live. And Obasanjo will not be able to protect you.”

These were the exact words of the leader of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force (NDPVF), Alhaji Mujahid Asari-Dokubo to Justice Peter Olayiwola of the Federal High Court, Abuja trying him (Dokubo) for treason.

The entire proceeding which lasted less than 45 minutes was tension-soaked with some people running out of the courtroom for fear of being hit by possible stray bullets.
This was shortly after the trial judge who himself was not comfortable with curses and insults heaped on him and the general unruly behaviour of Dokubo ordered the police to take him out of the dock.

The militia leader, in the presence of his wife, children, supporters said nobody including the ploice could move him from the dock and that he was ready to die.
In fact, some of the policemen drafted to the courtroom advised all journalists to leave because, according to them, there could be need to use force to take Dokubo out of the dock.

Before Dokubo was brought to court at about 8:00 a.m, policemen with their vans were sighted at the entrance to the Federal High Court premises located on the OAU, Maitama in Abuja .

But the policemen were, comparatively, not many and the security was relaxed as those entering the OAU Quarters housing the Federal High court were not frisked.
In fact, unlike before, Dokubo’s supporters, friends and relations were freely allowed into the high court premises including the courtroom such that at about 8:20a.m, the court was already filled.

At about 8:25 a.m., supporters that came in their dozens into the high court premises were seen in groups, discussing that the militia leader would be released yesterday.

Some of the lawyers on Dokubo’s defence team joined and even gave life to the rumour to the effect that President Olusegun Obasanjo, at the weekend, had agreed with elders and opinion leaders from the Niger Delta to release Dokubo. The lawyers added that a plane had been chartered to airlift him from Abuja to the creek immediately he regained his freedom

At the time the rumour was making the rounds, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr Salihu Aliyu, who usually arrives court early and other members of the prosecution team were nowhere to be found.

The Director of Public Prosecution was eventually driven into the court premises at about 9:40a.m with other members of the prosecution team. He was asked to confirm the rumour but he said he was not aware of it. Aliyu later left the courtroom on the excuse that he wanted to go and robe but he was seen outside making several calls. He later came in with a motion paper at about 10:20a.m which he served on the lead counsel to Dokubo.

Initially, it was thought that the application was to drop charges against the militia leader but upon enquiry, it was discovered that the motion was praying the court to grant an order dispensing with his presence in the criminal trial in view of his alleged unruly behaviour in court in the past.

The fresh motion that was served eventually rested the speculations that the Federal Government had agreed to release him yesterday.

But some of the supporters and members of the Niger Delta People’s Volunteer Force who were in court said they had already given the Federal Government till 4:00p.m yesterday to release him or risk further attack in the creeks.

About three minutes after the DPP served Keyamo with the motion paper, both of them entered the judge’s chambers on invitation where the trial judge asked for their views on the fresh motion.

According to Keyamo who spoke with newsmen, he told the judge that he was not going to oppose the application excluding him (Dokubo) from trial because his client, Dokubo, had, indeed, been very rude to the judge in the past and because there was need to protect the integrity of the court.

But he said he told the judge that there was need for government to obey the court order which directed that Dokubo be kept in police custody and treated well and that until the order of court was complied with, they would oppose the application.
He said he assured the judge that both parties would assist in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary.

Keyamo also revealed that the judge himself was worried by the failure by the Federal Government to comply with its order. He said the court confided in them that he had written to the presidency, the SSS but that the right response was not coming.

Dokubo in court

Dokubo was driven into the court premises at exactly 11:44 a.m. in a dark blue 15-seater police bus marked NPF 4077B. He wore a white, round-neck, shirt atop a dark blue jeans.

As he stepped out of the bus and saw his supporters, Asari, who had lost considerable weight, lifted his hands up and started shouting, condemning President Obasanjo’s government, saying: “We must rise against this dictatorship. We must rise up against this dictator.”

As he tried to speak further, one of his five wives in court, Mujahidat Dokubo, did not allow him to say more than this as she moved closer to him, begging him not to shout even as she was shedding tears.

She tried to lay her head on his chest, weeping and begging him not to make any trouble but the militia leader pushed her away and continued shouting, condemning Obasanjo’s government.

As Dokubo moved into the court complex, his wife followed him, begging him to stop the attack on government, reminding him that there was an on-going reconciliation process.
But the militia leader who seemed to have lost his patience with Mujahidat fired a few rhetorical questions at her: “Leave me alone. Am I fighting for you? Why are you complaining? Leave me alone.”

Dokubo inside the courtroom

Dokubo was led into court-room number 5 where his trial was to kick off yesterday. And as he stepped into the courtroom, he saw his supporters, some of them hugged him while some were weeping and wiping their tears with handkerchiefs, Dokubo became charged once again and started shouting:

“I am not going to beg Obasanjo. I am not going to beg him. This struggle will end one day. And this dictatorship will be brought down. This is not democracy. There is no semblance of democracy anywhere. Six months after the court had ordered that I should be kept in police custody, have access to my lawyers, relations and doctors, this government has not complied with the order. Today I was brought from the SSS headquarters to the police headquarters. They were deliberately delaying me. They did not want to bring me to court. They delayed me for more than two hours. Many people who are missing in the country today should be traced to the SSS.

Thousands of people are there, chained to the ground. Many people were taken out today. Nobody knew where they are being taken to. No one knows whether they have died or not. I can give you names: People like Mohammed Ashafa, Mohammed Adams, Yahaya Isah, Useni, Mudashiru, Ishmail, Yusuf and many others. They have been there for more than two years, in chains. No trial. Their families are not aware of their conditions. And we are calling this a democracy. Is this democracy? I have been in confinement for six months. Although I am not kept under chains but what about others?

“What sort of democracy are we talking about. Is this the democracy we fought for? Is this the democracy that many laid their lives down for? The democracy that murdered its people. The democracy that impoverished its people. A democracy where people cannot talk. A democracy where people are in chains. A democracy where somebody will say this is what will be and that is what will be. Is this the democracy we fought for?

The choice of the people have become useless. We no longer have the right to choose whom we want to rule us. It is he who Obasanjo wants to rule that will rule. Is this democracy?

“Abacha regime was 10 times better than this. This is a man who claims to be fighting corruption. We must investigate this man. We must investigate all the evil he has committed against our people. The evil he has committed against all of us. We must bring down this evil system. We must not allow this to continue.”

Immediately he stopped speaking, members of his organisation surrounded him to enable him remove the white shirt he wore to court and wear a black, round-neck shirt which they brought for him. The shirt bore the picture of Isaac Adaka Boro. He was also given a traditional cap to wear.

Dokubo in the dock

At 11.48 a.m, he was docked and the proceedings commenced. Mr Aliyu representing the Federal Government told the court that he had an application seeking to go on with Dokubo’s trial without him being present because of his trendy unruly behaviour.
He said he had already served it on Mr Keyamo, counsel representing Dokubo and that he was ready to move the application.

Although Keyamo confirmed that he had been served, he said: “We will not on our honour oppose this application if the order of this court made in respect of my client has been complied with.

“Although we accept, on our honour, that the accused person has overstepped his boundary and we also are of the view that for the sole reason of the protection of our court, we do not intend to oppose this application but even as we are desirous to protect the dignity of the court, the Federal Government seems not to be bothered. We feel it should be the business of both parties in this case,” he said.

Keyamo further said in view of his explanation, he wanted an order of the court to be complied with first before the government could move its application.

Justice Olayiwola said he appreciated the two issues raised by Keyamo including disobedience to court order and his reaction to the pending application but that he wanted him to respond to the one on the Federal Government application first.
Justice Olayiwola said he would listen to Keyamo on the issue of disobedience to court order after dispensing with the Federal Government’s application.

Keyamo saw the position of the judge as a trap as he said he would not allow that application to be moved except and until the issue of disobedience was thrashed out. He told the judge that there was a pending committal application and that he would want that application taken first.

But when the judge seemed not to show interest in that, Keyamo said he would want to react by way of counter-affidavit to the application brought by the Federal Government. He said he would list the number of times the Federal Government had disobeyed court order as reasons why the application could not be heard.

He added that he needed about 24 hours to respond and that he could come today for the hearing of the application. The judge said he was entitled to respond by way of counter-affidavit and that he would adjourn the case on that account.

It was at this juncture that Dokubo became furious, facing the judge and asked as if to confirm what he heard that the matter was to be adjourned again. He said he was not interested in adjournment and that he was also not interested in any judicial proceedings that would make the judge pronounce that the case should be heard in his absence but that trial must go on.

But when the judge was asking lead counsel in the case to suggest a date for the hearing of the application, Dokubo faced the judge once again and said: “This decision to adjourn this matter again is like toying with my life, my ambition, my dream. I tell you, all these sufferings that Obasanjo is inflicting on me today, I will inflict, times ten on everybody that participates in this proceeding.”

Immediately, both the DPP and Keyamo suggested a date in February which the judge said was not convenient for him, Dokubo faced the judge again and said: “It is not convenient for you? But what sort of justice is this? Is this justice? You are toying with my life.”

Looking at the judge who was smiling, he added: “You are laughing? When it will happen, your family will cry. They will cry and cry. I am just restraining myself. Your laughter will soon turn to tears.”

The trial judge hardly allowed him to finish when he charged back at him, saying: “What is the meaning of this? This is not a Gestapo trial.”
He motioned to the DPP and the police and said: “Get the police to send him out of this court,” to which Dokubo said no way.

This was the beginning of the drama as the police moved towards Dokubo, some of them with their AK 47 rifle. Some of the policemen who were earlier outside the court room entered to assist their colleagues.

When Dokubo saw them, he re-positioned himself, raised his two hands up, held the dock and paced round it, saying: “No way. Nobody can remove me from here. Come, come. Nobody. I say, nobody can remove me from here.”

The judge was watching from the bench as Dokubo continued his drama in the dock.
At this juncture, the policemen ordered journalists and all others in court to move out of the court-room even as they moved towards Dokubo to drag him out of the court-room.
In fact, some journalists ran out almost immediately for fear of being hit by stray bullets in case of any accidental discharge.

When the judge realised that the development could degenerate into a dangerous one, he told the policemen to leave him alone.
It was at this juncture that Dokubo faced the judge again, threatening: “I have stayed in the underground cell for six months. You are toying with my life. Okay, when your people start visiting mortuary and cemetery, this joy will turn to sadness.

“I know where your family live. And I know they will not escape. Your family will weep when it will happen. I will see how Obasanjo will protect you. Stupid man. Stupid judge.
“Let me remind you? Has Obasanjo been able to protect the expatriates that he will now protect you. I tell you, your family will weep when it happens,” he added. At this juncture, the atmosphere was charged.

Although counsel were able to agree on February 19, 2007, the judge hurriedly read a brief ruling adjourning hearing of the application till March 6, this year.
Immediately the matter was adjourned till March 6, Dokubo became charged again, saying may be before the adjourned date, “when you look at the grave, you will be found there,” he added.

Immediately after the court rose, he was led out of the courtroom.
He asked to meet with his family members. He was allowed to do so in the courtroom of Justice Binta Murtala Nyarko.

He came out later to vilify the government further, saying: “I have not taken any medication for six whole months. I was put in underground cell. Even Mandela was not incarcerated in an underground cell for six months. Obasanjo is a wicked man. Mandela did not stay in solitary confinement for six month. My weight was 139 kg when I was in police custody but now, I am 93 kg. This is a democracy where a court cannot enforce its order. This man is so evil.”

He was eventually led into the waiting bus that brought him into the court premises.
He was driven out of the court premises at 12:45pm, singing a chorus which his supporters joined him to sing thus: “one more river to cross, Niger Delta freedom fighter, one more river to cross.”


The police on Tuesday arrested the leader of the Niger Delta Volunteer Force, Alhaji Mujaheedeen Asari Dokubo, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

His deputy, Mr. Takuro Beeson, who claimed to have accompanied him to the state police command headquarters on a “friendly invitation,” added that the NDVF leader had been taken to Abuja.

Although he said he could not explain why Dokubo was arrested, our correspondent gathered that it might not be unconnected with the rising tension in the Niger Delta.

A group, the Ijaw Youth Council, had on Friday threatened to attack Britons and British facilities in the Niger Delta if the British Police failed to release the Bayelsa State Governor, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, who was held in London on Thursday for alleged money laundering.

The threat forced the Presidency to put security agencies in the area on the alert.

Some of the multinational oil companies in the region were said to have withdrawn their British employees, especially those in Bayelsa State.

The NDVF is at the forefront of groups agitating for the control of oil resources by the Niger Delta people.

Narrating how the NDVF leader was arrested, Beeson said, “By 12pm today (Tuesday) the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Sam Adetunji invited him to his office. When we arrived, he said his attention was needed in Abuja.

“The two of us went to honour the invitation but when we got to the commissioner of police, I was asked to excuse them. Later, the commissioner put him in a car with siren and they took him away in my presence.”

He condemned the arrest, warning that the NDVF members had resolved to disrupt oil exploration in the Niger Delta if the Federal Government failed to release Dokubo within 24 hours.

He said, “We are going to shut down all the flow stations in Port-Harcourt and in the whole of the Niger-Delta if we don’t see him within 24 hours.

“As I am talking to you, all our members have been mobilised for that purpose”.

He absolved the NDVF of any blame any crisis in the Niger Delta, saying, “Nothing has been happening in Port-Harcourt, nothing. Alhaji did not do anything to anybody.”

A source close to authorities in Rivers State said the decision to “invite” Dokubo was to extract a promise from him that his group would not engage in any act that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the Niger Delta.

When the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Adetunji, was contacted at 2.29pm, he asked our correspondents to call back. Subsequent calls indicated that his phone had been switched off.

The Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Ireju Barasua, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, could also not be reached.

However, a senior police officer said that Dokubo was arrested due to his position as a former president of the IYC.

Also on Tuesday, the Peoples Democratic Party in Bayelsa State said the arrest of the governor was a national disgrace.

Consequently, the party asked the Metropolitan Police to investigate the allegations thoroughly and make its findings public.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Mr. Kikile Esuene, told our correspondents that if the allegation was true, it would have made nonsense of the clamour by the Ijaw for resource control and fairness in the running of the affairs of the nation.

Esuene, who condemned the threat by the IYC to attack Britons in the Niger Delta, however, said the governor should be treated fairly.

Also, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Magaji Dambatta, said the arrest should serve as a deterrent to corrupt public office holders in the country.

Meanwhile, the Shell Petroleum Development Company and Chevron Nigeria Limited have advised their staff in the region to be cautious “in line with worldwide standards.”

THE PUNCH, Wednesday, September 21





starting from the pioneers.I mean the so called what ever in the south that have used similar words to bully the country.
About your question on Atiku and co.for me they should be tried.but not excluding the others.

Beaf:
Dude, live above sectionalism and ethnic jingoism. JTF is in the ND already, so stop tending toward bigotery.
Ciroma and Atiku are vultures of the same clan. Both must be tried for treason.

maybe you should stop the hypocrisy and chip propaganda and deal with the reality at hand.Compared to the south, ciroma and Atiku na small thing.where all those your silly elders spewing shiit every little thing.war or division.Even you have in some post instigated the arming of groups unlawfully to challenge others.
FREEDOM FIGHTers may ring a belll!!!!! JTF my foot
No police and other security formations in north.why you have JTF is largely because of kidnapping,bunkering and sabotage outside that  don't see a mandate for treason.why you always have likes of Dokubo and Okah threaten Nigeria.Hold everyone to ransom.

Nsiman:
@ haka-nai, shut up that dirty mouth of urs, those u claim make statements are they aspiring 4 d presidency, or the MEND u are trying to link with foul talk do their 'job' nationally or in N.D only?

No foam for mouth abeg Mr man .the law did not specify category in treason.treason is treason.unless where we can acertain MEND and co are lunatics or insane.treason has nothing to do with age,sex,region,reason or crap.don't give flimsy excuse for your brothers.Na today!
There actions from beginning to end smells and spells treason all over.
Worst of they took arms against the state and yet people say na arms struggle.we need an interpretation of the law with regards to this issue.typical example is why the select a few cases like Okah and co.read the charges!treason is what they are answering to. Okah,Dokubo etc should have being hanged by now.they killed FG troops and boost of it.they attacked the state infrastructure to sabotage her.what else?

chyz:
so let me get this straight, what atiku said isn't treasonable?

My guy don't get me wrong.you can't ignore others and treat others specially. has the president being deaf or blind when all the other utterances/actions/treat were flying around.from his people and others.
I don't really care about who gets tried but it has being long over due to tackle this grouse abuse on the nation and her dignity.it should have being nipped in the bud.not to say if i touch this group of boys or criminal Nigeria will have no peace.send the message so everyone knows you can't be on Nigerian soil atleast and insult her.we don't care the reason,your support ,who you are or what you claim you can do! the law must take it's place!!!

This most be dealt with generally, no scared cow.lastly if i have not fogotten. i know it is clearly spelt out in the SSS objectives,to arrest people that make such remarks as to present Nigeria in negative ways or encourage any act against her unity.I believe as usual SSS is comatose period other wise by now seun for they explain why he is hosting a site with alot of enemies of progress and not censoring them appropriately.
By now dokubo and alot more people including those Biafra activist go dey enjoy sanko!

Beaf:
Hmmmmm! There is a reason why the JTF is in the ND. No?
I agree that charity begins at home, so lets send the equivalent of the JTF after Atiku.

last time i checked they were all in Aso villa distinguishing real from fake.i mean i watched Dokubo out rightly reject amnesty and attack the FG treasonably on AIT.Even the presenter had to systematically caution his utterances.He is still there and laughing in short from the last report JTF get selective target.they will not touch Dokubo or tompolo or dagogo even if they spew crap.why because it is only the anti GEJ forces in the ND that there mandate targets.
When you mention treason it means anything,action or utterances that attack the Entity Nigeria or FG etc. to cause anarchy,disunity etc in this case right? last i checked people like Dokubo and clark still had some words or two about Nigeria going to war if GEJ was not allowed to continue and alot more ND people tell Nigeria that requirement for peace is if GEJ continues.okay that aside after GEJ was confered do you know while he was consulting to know if he should run,una people told him not to come back unless he declared.there by threatening the president and intimadating him.lastly who attacked his home.I mean are this people being hunted or in jail somewhere.Nonsense charity most begin with this people then ciroma before Atiku now!

it has always being a gimmick and i bet you it can never happen.unless the donkey grow horns.which nonsense! how many leaders dey naija wey don steal,we no catch na ex-VP of USA!!!! guys EFCC when we say work, we talk say make you over perform like that oooo!!!!!

guy talk about how he lived rather than how he died