Siasia sues FIFA over ban, demands refund of $54k fine
August 03, 2021. 20:50
by James Ojo
Samson Siasia, former Super Eagles player and coach, has sued FIFA over the federation’s earlier decision to hand him a life ban from all football-related activities.
In 2019, FIFA had found Siasia “guilty of having accepted that he would receive bribes in relation to the manipulation of matches”.
The world football governing body had said the offence violated its code of ethics while the ban was also accompanied by a 50,000 Swiss francs ($54,000) fine.
On June 21, the sanction was however reduced to a five-year ban at the Court of Arbitration for Sports (CAS).
The court had also ruled that the life ban handed to the Nigerian was “disproportionate” to the offence he was said to have committed.
But in a dramatic twist, Siasia filed a suit at a federal court in New York on Monday, challenging his initial conviction by FIFA.
In the suit filed through Nitor V. Egbarin, his counsel, the coach, who is also a US citizen, claimed his conviction by FIFA was a breach of his constitutional rights.
The football gaffer also contended that the federation lacked the powers to sanction him, adding that only the United States has the legal backing to charge him for the bribery offence.
Buttressing his point in the suit, Siasia argued that FIFA had relied on the Swiss bribery law to effect his conviction, adding that “Georgia does not criminalize commercial bribery.”
“In convicting Siasia of bribery, FIFA relied on Swiss bribery law. If any crime was committed, only the FBI or Georgia State Police could investigate and bring charges of commercial bribery,” the suit partly read.
Siasia also claimed that FIFA did not follow due process in its investigation into the allegations against him before his eventual conviction for bribery.
“Siasia was not aware of the bribery charge for which that FIFA indicted him until FIFA published to the whole world in or around Aug. 16, 2019, FIFA’s conviction and imposition of a life ban on Siasia from using the coach license issued under the laws of the United States,” the suit added.
He said that FIFA’s fine and the decision to revoke his license constituted “cruel and unusual punishment” which, he claimed, “violated provisions of the eighth amendment of the US law.”
In the suit, Siasia demanded among others, the overturning of his earlier conviction, a refund of the 50,000 Swiss francs ($54,000) fine handed to him, and a reversal of his five-year coaching ban.
The former Nigerian international also demanded that FIFA pays him damages for allegedly violating his civil rights and bringing his reputation into disrepute.
LASG ANNOUNCES DIVERSION OF TRAFFIC ON APAPA-OSHODI EXPRESSWAY FOR REPAIRS OF AIRPORT FLYOVER BRIDGE
The Lagos State Government has announced the diversion of traffic on Apapa-Oshodi Expressway for repair work on the Airport Flyover Bridge by the Federal Ministry of Works from August 9 to October 3, 2021,
A statement signed by the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, explained that the Oshodi-bound lane would be barred from vehicular movement from midnight on 9th August, 2021 and reopened partially on the midnight of 14th August, 2021 for the first phase of repairs.
He stated that the second phase will commence immediately for a duration of \seven weeks to hasten the rehabilitation works, stressing that motorists will be diverted from the main carriageway to the service lane of the Oshodi bound lane for the first five days.
Oladeinde also revealed that traffic heading towards Oshodi-bound lane will be diverted to the service lane at Ladipo, while those heading to Mile 2 will be diverted to the Airport Road, adding that two lanes on both Oshodi and Mile 2 roads will equally be open to vehicular movement to ease traffic.
The Commissioner assured that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will manage the flow of traffic and minimise inconveniences that will arise as a result of the rehabilitation work on the bridge, stating that alternative roads have been identified and fixed in preparation for the traffic diversions.
He appealed to motorists to drive with caution and forbearance as this will help ameliorate the traffic gridlock that may arise during the rehabilitation period, affirming that the safety of Lagosians is a top priority of the Lagos State Government.
Recall the inferno that occurred in January 2021 on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway as a result of the explosion of a PMS loaded tanker, affecting the structure of the Airport Flyover Bridge at Toyota on Oshodi/Isolo Expressway.
New pictures of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu surfaced today. The pictures were shared by Governor Sanwo-Olu's special assistant on new media.
LASG PRESENTS CHEQUES TO DECEASED FAMILIES OF RRS OFFICERS
The Lagos State Government has presented cheques worth N15million to three families of deceased Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Police officers who died in active service.
Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde, presenting the cheques, expressed the State Government’s gratitude for the contribution of the dead officers to the safety and security in Lagos.
He commiserated with the families of the officers and the Police, assuring them that the government will not forget the fallen officers. Appealing to officers in the State Police Command not to relent in their efforts, Ayinde reiterated that security and safety of the people remained one of the focal objectives of the State Government.
He promised that Lagos would continually embrace measures to motivate and encourage officers of the command to perform their duties diligently.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Office of the Chief of Staff, Mr. Olawale Musa noted that the State Government will always remember officers who contribute to humanity and prayed for repose of the souls of the departed officers.
Responding on behalf of the families, Mr. Richard Olufemi appreciated the State Government for the kind gesture and support, promising that the money will be judiciously spent to cater for the dependants left behind.
The late police officers, whose families received cheques, were Mr. Olufemi Odeniyi; late Mr. Ajibola Adewale Olatubosun and late Mr. Oluwashina Olamide Omisore.
#LASG #ForAGreaterLagos
CAPTION:
Pix: The Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Tayo Ayinde (5th right); the Permanent Secretary, Office of Chief of Staff - Mr. Olawale Musa - with others at the presentation of cheques to three families of deceased Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Police Officers at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
LASG ANNOUNCES TRAFFIC DIVERSION AT MARINA FOR LAGOS RAIL MASS TRANSIT (BLUE LINE)
The Lagos State Government has announced the diversion of traffic along the National Theatre/Marina axis from Monday, 9th August 2021, for a duration of 221 days.
Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde, who made the announcement through a release issued on Tuesday, assured that a robust Traffic Management Plan (TMP) has been prepared to ensure the safety of motorists and construction personnel during the exercise.
He said the TMP will address the impact of construction work on traffic and subsequently eliminate traffic-related issues.
Oladeinde explained further that the construction will involve both sides of the road respectively, pointing out that some of the work will be done simultaneously due to the nature of a few aspects of the construction project.
He also stated that motorists will be diverted during the construction work to the descending ramp of Ebute-Ero to link Marina Ring Road through a diversion point, hinting that traffic would also be diverted to Chapel Street along Apongbon to access Broad Street.
The Commissioner gave an assurance that traffic signs and temporary barriers will be mounted along the affected axis to guide motorists on movement during the course of the construction, revealing that the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) will be available to ensure the safety of motorists and easy access to their destinations.
While commending Lagosians for their endurance and cooperation during the execution of various ongoing projects in the State, Oladeinde maintained that the exercise will result in transportation that is conducive for seamless commercial activities and the existence of relevant infrastructure to meet the needs of road users.
Picture 1 and 2) Fela created a political party called Movement of the People in order to fight against the suffering of Nigerians. FEDECO refused to register it but he held a protest march to TBS/launched the party in 1978 and these are pictures of the march/rally.
Picture 3) Professor Olikoye Ransome-Kuti, Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Dr Beko Ransome-Kuti leading a protest march after the death of their mother
Many leaders as you see dem Na different disguise dem dey oh Animal in human skin Animal e put u tie oh Animal e wear agbada Animal e put u suit u
These disguising leaders oh, na wah for dem Dem hold meeting everywhere, dem reach America
These disguising leaders oh, na wah for dem Dem hold meeting everywhere, dem reach America
Dem call the place United Nations Hear oh another animal talk Wetin united inside United Nations? Who & who unite for United Nations? No be there Thatcher & Argentina dey No be there Reagan & Libya dey Israel versus Lebanon Iran oh versus Iraq-i East West Block versus West Block East No be there dem dey oh United Nations Dis "united" United Nations One veto vote is equal to 92...or more, or more What kind sense be dat, na animal sense
Dem go hold meeting oh, Dem go start yap human beings Animal talk don start again Dash dem human rights
Dem go hold meeting oh, Dem go start yap human beings Animal talk don start again Dash dem human rights Give dem human rights
How animal go know say dem no born me as slave? How animal go know say slave trade don pass?
And, they wan dash us human rights Animal must talk to human beings Give dem human rights
I beg e oh, make you hear me well-u well I beg e oh, make you hear me very well Human rights na my property So therefore, you can't dash me my property Human rights na my property Dey wan dash us human rights
Some people say why I dey talk like dis No be talk like dis dem take to carry me go prison ee-oh" No be me dey talk, na Prime Minister Botha dey talk ee-oh No be me dey talk, na Prime Minister Botha dey talk ee-oh
Him say, this uprising will bring out the beast in us This uprising will bring out the beast in us
Him say, this uprising will bring out the beast in us This uprising will bring out the beast in us
Ke ji keke My argument
Botha na friend to Thatcher & Reagan Botha na friend to some other leaders too And together dem wan dash us human rights Animal wan dash us human rights Animal can't dash me human rights Animal can't dash us human rights
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti - Beast Of No Nation live at the Zenith in Paris in 1984.
Brilliance, humour and logic from beautiful madness. That's one of the things I loved about him.
From "Movement Against Second Slavery" (MASS), this is Alhaji Alhaji (Stranger).
♪I
naptu2: Our government go sell us away. Selling the continent to make us slaves again
Dem come go Europe, white man wey dey for west, bring am come-o, Bringing the religion Christianity to go chop us away, Dem go Arabia, white man wey dey for east, Bring am come-o Bringing the religion Islam to dey chop us away.
Islam and Christianity bring wars to Africa, To this-e continent In the centre of the world, Dem go bring confusion To the centre of the world Wetin dis government dey do no be for talk Na for cry-o Time don reach for us to call alhajis so . . . I don travel many places This the first time I don hear about. I never hear "alhaji" as title Only in the country Nigeria You hear somebody be alhaji "Alhaji so-so-and-so . . ." We cannot talk about what these governments do-we can only cry
CHORUS: Ye, ye, ye!
Brothers, come and hear this one: "Alhaji" na Arabic language The meaning of "alhaji" na "stranger" .
(Fela) I Alhaji Umaru Dikko (Response) Stranger Umaru Dikko!
This na revelation. Revelation of our ancestors. Offender must point at himself. Brothers and sisters hear me. This is a revelation A revelation of our ancestors. The offender must point at himself. Brothers and sisters hear me:
Mothers and fathers hear me. Na stranger dey rule our country!
(Response) For inside police. For inside air force. For inside navy. For inside government
(Fela) Dem dey control am! Mothers and Fathers
♬
naptu2: This song is also known as "Alhaji Alhaji". I'm going to post two versions of the song. The beginning of the first video is 18+ (L).
It sounds like the audio in the second video was recorded at Shrine and you know what happens at shrine . As usual a brave (or stupid) fellow yabbed Fela and Fela focussed his attention on the guy and yabbed his life away. The yabbis is also 18+ (L).
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti - Music Against Second Slavery (MASS).
There are 4 absolute super legends of African music that blazed the trail for Africans on the world stage. They are Fela Anikulapo-Kuti of Nigeria, Hugh Masekela of South Africa, Manu Dibango of Cameroon and Mariam Makeba of South Africa. This post is about two of them.
naptu2: South African jazz musician Hugh Masekela had not seen his good friend Fela Anikulapo-Kuti for many years, so when he came to perform in Nigeria, he took the opportunity to visit his friend & the following conversation ensued.
Hugh: I heard you got married to 27 women, where are they? I want to see them.
Fela: (Hisses) I divorced them.
Hugh: You divorced them? Why?
Fela: My girlfriends were jealous
Here is Hugh Masekela's cover of Fela's song, Lady.
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti passed away 24 years ago.. Post Your Favourite Fela Lyrics And Quotes Here.
I'll go first.
From "Overtake Don Overtake Overtake" (ODOO)
My friend wan come buy fan Him dey sweat when him dey sleep for room Him dey for level of 03 The fan na seventy-five naira
My friend him dey for low salary Him dey try to save and save and save Every time he nearly buy the fan Government go add ten naira more Every time he nearly buy the fan Government go start one activity Till the fan reach two hundred naira My friend nearly die, he never die
My friend he no wan die Die-die no dey for him dictionary For where? Huh... Him dey try to save and save again Him save for one year and six months
Inside cupboard Under pillow Under, under cooking pot Inside socks Under carpet Him dey on his way to buy the fan When alarm come blow
Wiiiiiaaaaaaaa!
Government announce second tier Everything come tear to pieces Everything come expensive Even water become expensive
Second bass, jare... pop!
Fan don become seven hundred naira Me and my friend start to look ourselves He remain small make my friend dey cry Na laugh laugh he catch monkey Na now he come understand him life Enjoyment can never come him way Na now him life dey go reverse In Africa, him fatherland One more time..
Chorus
I get my money Plan my plan finish Start to go for market Start to go for shopping Before I reach market nko o? Government show don enter My plan don spoil o Government show don enter My plan don spoil o
Overtake don overtake overtake Heiya Overtake don overtake overtake
Fela Anikulapo-Kuti - Overtake Don Overtake Overtake (1988).
In our series of letters from African writers, Nigerian journalist and novelist Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani writes about the disturbing reality behind some of the "unclaimed" bodies sent to the country's medical schools.
Medical student Enya Egbe fled his anatomy class crying after being disturbed by the corpse he was asked to work on.
This was not the squeamish response of a naïve young man.
The 26-year-old still vividly recalls that Thursday afternoon seven years ago at Nigeria's University of Calabar, converging with fellow students around three tables with a cadaver laid out on each.
Minutes later, he screamed and ran.
The body his group had been about to dissect was that of Divine, his friend of more than seven years.
"We used to go clubbing together," he told me. "There were two bullet holes on the right side of his chest."
Oyifo Ana was one of the many students who ran out after Mr Egbe and found him weeping outside.
"Most of the cadavers we used in school had bullets in them. I felt so bad when I realised that some of the people may not be real criminals," Ms Ana said.
She added that early one morning she had seen a police van loaded with bloodied bodies at their medical school, which had a mortuary attached to it.
Mr Egbe sent a message to Divine's family who, it turned out, had been going to different police stations in search of their relative after he and three friends were arrested by security agents on their way back from a night out.
The family eventually managed to reclaim his body.
Mr Egbe's shocking discovery highlighted both the lack of corpses available in Nigeria for medical students and what can happen to victims of police violence.
Between the 16th and 19th Centuries, different laws in the UK granted the bodies of executed criminals to medical schools - a punishment that also advanced the cause of science.
In Nigeria, a current law hands "unclaimed bodies" in government mortuaries to medical schools. The state can also appropriate bodies of executed criminals, though the last execution took place in 2007.
More than 90% of the cadavers used in Nigerian medical schools are "criminals killed by shooting", according to 2011 research in the medical journal Clinical Anatomy.
In reality, this means they were suspects shot dead by security forces. Their estimated ages are between 20 and 40 years, 95% are male, and three out of four are from the lower socio-economic class. There are zero body donations.
"Nothing has changed 10 years later," said Emeka Anyanwu, a professor of anatomy at the University of Nigeria, who co-authored the study.
'Ambulance duty'
Last year, the Nigerian government set up judicial panels of inquiry in different states to investigate allegations of police brutality.
This was in response to the #EndSars protests sparked by the viral video of yet another young man allegedly shot dead by the police's Special Anti-Robbery Squad (Sars) in the southern state of Delta.
Many of those testifying before the panels have spoken of relatives arrested by security agents and never seen again.
The police have in most cases defended themselves by saying that those missing were armed robbers killed in an exchange of gunfire, while police spokesman Frank Mba told me he was not aware of any case where the police had dumped bodies with anatomy labs or mortuaries.
In written testimony presented to the judicial panel in Enugu state, 36-year-old trader Cheta Nnamani said he had assisted security agents to get rid of the bodies of those they had tortured or executed during his four months in the custody of Sars in 2009.
He said that one night, he was asked to load three corpses into a van, a task known in detention parlance as "ambulance duty".
The police then chained him inside and drove to the nearby University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), where Mr Nnamani offloaded the bodies. They were taken away by a mortuary attendant.
Mr Nnamani told me that he was later threatened with the same fate.
In the south-eastern town of Owerri, the privately-owned Aladinma Hospital Mortuary stopped accepting bodies of alleged criminals because the police rarely provided identification or notified relatives of the deceased.
This used to leave the mortuary stuck with the maintenance costs of the unclaimed bodies until every few years the government eventually granted permission for mass burials.
"Sometimes, the police try to strong-arm us into accepting bodies but we insist that they take them to a government hospital," said Ugonna Amamasi, the administrator of the mortuary
"Private mortuaries are not authorised to donate bodies to medical schools but government mortuaries can," he added.
A senior lawyer, Fred Onuobia, said relatives were entitled to collect the bodies of lawfully executed criminals.
"If no-one shows up after a certain length of time, the bodies are sent to teaching hospitals," the advocate said.
But the situation is worse with extrajudicial killings, as relatives never get to know about the deaths or are unable to locate the bodies, he said.
Divine's family managed to get some of the officers involved in his killing sacked"
- Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani Nigerian novelist
It was only by chance after all that the family of Mr Egbe's friend, Divine, was able to give him a proper burial.
Nigeria's association of anatomists is now lobbying for a change in the law that will ensure mortuaries obtain full historical records of bodies donated to schools, and also family consent.
It will also set out ways to encourage people to donate their bodies to medical science.
"There will be a lot of education and a lot of advocacy so people can see that if I donate my body, it will be for the good of the society," said the association's head, Olugbenga Ayannuga.
As for Mr Egbe, he was so traumatised by seeing his friend's body that he abandoned his studies for weeks, imagining Divine standing by the door each time he tried to enter the anatomy room.
He ended up graduating a year after his classmates, and now works in a hospital lab in Delta state.
Divine's family managed to get some of the officers involved in his killing sacked - scant justice but still more than that experienced by many other Nigerians whose loved ones were the victims of police violence and may also have ended up in medical schools around the country.
JEWELofHELL666: Lol, it's not fake news.. Read the tweet. The excuse he made for Onyeama is that he's a private citizen. And don't forget the subject matter is "extradition"...
Reno should reread his tweet.
https://twitter.com/renoomokri/status/1421516544199233545?s=19[/quote]How is "extradition" the subject matter when extradition was not mentioned in his tweet? He did not say that "Allen Onyema was not extradited because he is a private citizen". What he said is that Buhari's supporters are now remembering Allen Onyema, but Allen Onyema is a private citizen, while Abba Kyari is a public official.
Sports › Siasia Sues FIFA Over Ban, Demands Refund Of $54k Fine by naptu2(op): 6:59pm On Aug 04, 2021
. As usual a brave (or stupid) fellow yabbed Fela and Fela focussed his attention on the guy and yabbed his life away. The yabbis is also 18+ (L).
