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The boy had been sleeping inside a campervan when a dingo came and dragged him away.

Walter Onnoghen, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has appealed his conviction for fraudulent assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

On Thursday, having found Onnoghen guilty, the three-man panel of the tribunal chaired by Justice Danladi Umar removed him from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

It also said Onnoghen is to forfeit the money in his five bank domiciliary accounts that were not declared to the Nigerian Government because they were acquired illegally, and as well barred him from holding public office for the next 10 years.

However, in a notice of appeal filed at the Registry of the tribunal shortly after the judgment, Onnoghen faulted the judgement on 16 grounds, and urged the Court of Appeal to set it aside.

He asked the Court of Appeal to hold that the CCT lacked the jurisdiction to hear the charge and that the tribunal ought to have recused itself from the trial.

He also prayed the Appeal Court to set aside all the orders made by the tribunal in the judgment, including that of forfeiture of his five domiciliary accounts to the Nigerian government.
 
“The lower tribunal erred in law when it refused to recuse itself from the proceedings in view of the open declaration by the Chairman of the tribunal that he is only accountable to the President, who appointed him and nobody else, because he is not a judicial officer and thus, occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice,” he said.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant confessed to the charges framed by admission and used that as a basis to hold that the appellant did not declare his assets from the year 2005 when he became a justice of the Supreme Court and thus occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant is guilty of counts 2 – 6 of the charge in view of the fact that the appellant made an admission that he did not declare the Standard Chartered Bank account numbers in the 2014.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant made false statement by the omission to declare the account numbers in Standard Chartered Bank in 2014 declaration, the same way he did in the 2016 declaration and held counts 2 – 6 to be proved.”

Earlier, Okon Nkanu Efut, Onnoghen’s lead counsel, had reacted to the judgment by branding it “unconstitutional and out of order”.

“The journey has ended today because everything that has a beginning must have an end. So this day, we have heard that the Chief Justice of Nigeria has been convicted and sentenced,” Efut had said.

“The conviction is out of order, it is unconstitutional. It is a breach of fair hearing because before this day, on the January 23, the same judgement had been passed before now, removing the CJN without a fair hearing. So it was a fait accompli, it was premeditated gas judgment had been passed before today.

“So today’s judgement is just a formality and we hold the view that the tribunal has not only breached the constitution of Nigeria, it has breached the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

“It has not only not been able to pass judgement, it has convicted for an offence that was never charged and this is an erosion of the fundamental principles of our constitution. Until some questions are answered, for instance, why is it that the due course of justice was not allowed to flow? Why was judgement passed on January 23 before today, removing the CJN?

“Why is it that today, even after the CJN had tendered his notice of voluntary retirement and the NJC has taken a position, why is it that the tribunal has gone ahead to pass a judgement in total disregard of the independence of the NJC, in total disregard of the powers of the Senate in this matter?

“We hold a view that the tribunal in reversing itself in the case of Ngwuta, has breached the principle that hold us together. This is a sad day in our nation’s democracy and we know that all is not over with this matter. The wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely. This is not a matter that will end here.

“We shall avail ourselves of all the processes, the hierarchy of the judiciary and we know that the judiciary will redeem itself even though seriously battered and bruised. The judiciary will do justice. Justice has not been done today, but it will surely be done tomorrow. If not by the tribunal, but by our God. Justice will be done by our God.”

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Walter Onnoghen, former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), has appealed his conviction for fraudulent assets declaration by the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT).

On Thursday, having found Onnoghen guilty, the three-man panel of the tribunal chaired by Justice Danladi Umar removed him from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC).

It also said Onnoghen is to forfeit the money in his five bank domiciliary accounts that were not declared to the Nigerian Government because they were acquired illegally, and as well barred him from holding public office for the next 10 years.

However, in a notice of appeal filed at the Registry of the tribunal shortly after the judgment, Onnoghen faulted the judgement on 16 grounds, and urged the Court of Appeal to set it aside.

He asked the Court of Appeal to hold that the CCT lacked the jurisdiction to hear the charge and that the tribunal ought to have recused itself from the trial.

He also prayed the Appeal Court to set aside all the orders made by the tribunal in the judgment, including that of forfeiture of his five domiciliary accounts to the Nigerian government.
 
“The lower tribunal erred in law when it refused to recuse itself from the proceedings in view of the open declaration by the Chairman of the tribunal that he is only accountable to the President, who appointed him and nobody else, because he is not a judicial officer and thus, occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice,” he said.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant confessed to the charges framed by admission and used that as a basis to hold that the appellant did not declare his assets from the year 2005 when he became a justice of the Supreme Court and thus occasioned a grave miscarriage of justice.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant is guilty of counts 2 – 6 of the charge in view of the fact that the appellant made an admission that he did not declare the Standard Chartered Bank account numbers in the 2014.

“The lower tribunal erred in law when it held that the appellant made false statement by the omission to declare the account numbers in Standard Chartered Bank in 2014 declaration, the same way he did in the 2016 declaration and held counts 2 – 6 to be proved.”

Earlier, Okon Nkanu Efut, Onnoghen’s lead counsel, had reacted to the judgment by branding it “unconstitutional and out of order”.

“The journey has ended today because everything that has a beginning must have an end. So this day, we have heard that the Chief Justice of Nigeria has been convicted and sentenced,” Efut had said.

“The conviction is out of order, it is unconstitutional. It is a breach of fair hearing because before this day, on the January 23, the same judgement had been passed before now, removing the CJN without a fair hearing. So it was a fait accompli, it was premeditated gas judgment had been passed before today.

“So today’s judgement is just a formality and we hold the view that the tribunal has not only breached the constitution of Nigeria, it has breached the fundamental principles of natural justice, equity and good conscience.

“It has not only not been able to pass judgement, it has convicted for an offence that was never charged and this is an erosion of the fundamental principles of our constitution. Until some questions are answered, for instance, why is it that the due course of justice was not allowed to flow? Why was judgement passed on January 23 before today, removing the CJN?

“Why is it that today, even after the CJN had tendered his notice of voluntary retirement and the NJC has taken a position, why is it that the tribunal has gone ahead to pass a judgement in total disregard of the independence of the NJC, in total disregard of the powers of the Senate in this matter?

“We hold a view that the tribunal in reversing itself in the case of Ngwuta, has breached the principle that hold us together. This is a sad day in our nation’s democracy and we know that all is not over with this matter. The wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely. This is not a matter that will end here.

“We shall avail ourselves of all the processes, the hierarchy of the judiciary and we know that the judiciary will redeem itself even though seriously battered and bruised. The judiciary will do justice. Justice has not been done today, but it will surely be done tomorrow. If not by the tribunal, but by our God. Justice will be done by our God.”

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Goodluck Jonathan, former President, has urged Nigerians not to give up on their nation.

Jonathan said this on Thursday evening in his Easter message to Christians.

“Easter is a time Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who offered Himself as a sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the world. Christ's resurrection as a testimony of the new covenant is the justification for Christians’ commemoration of the triumph of life over death, freedom over bondage and hope over despair, at this time,” he said in a brief statement he released on his official Facebook page.

“I, therefore, urge us not to give up on our ourselves and our nation no matter the challenges that confront us today. At all times we must remain resolute on our love for God and our nation and work towards building a country that we can all be proud of.

“Through our faith and collective actions, we will overcome the tempests of violence, misery, and insecurity that threaten our nation. We are more than conquerors and the future of our nation is bright, if we work as one.

“May God fill our homes with peace, love, and joy even as we enjoy the abundance of Grace that Easter brings. Happy Easter! –GEJ”

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Goodluck Jonathan, former President, has urged Nigerians not to give up on their nation.

Jonathan said this on Thursday evening in his Easter message to Christians.

“Easter is a time Christians celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ who offered Himself as a sacrifice for the remission of the sins of the world. Christ's resurrection as a testimony of the new covenant is the justification for Christians’ commemoration of the triumph of life over death, freedom over bondage and hope over despair, at this time,” he said in a brief statement he released on his official Facebook page.

“I, therefore, urge us not to give up on our ourselves and our nation no matter the challenges that confront us today. At all times we must remain resolute on our love for God and our nation and work towards building a country that we can all be proud of.

“Through our faith and collective actions, we will overcome the tempests of violence, misery, and insecurity that threaten our nation. We are more than conquerors and the future of our nation is bright, if we work as one.

“May God fill our homes with peace, love, and joy even as we enjoy the abundance of Grace that Easter brings. Happy Easter! –GEJ”

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About one 164 newly-elected lawmakers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in House of Representatives have expressed support for the speakership ambition of Femi Gbajabiamila, who is the party leadership's choice for the position.

According to the members, it would be diffficult to go against the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The members said it would be lopsided for the North to produce the President, the Senate President and also demand the Speaker of the lower chamber.

The lawmakers-elect, who  formed a group known as the 'Forum of newly elected APC members of the House of Representatives', said the South must produce the Speaker for the sake of fairness.

In a statement jointly released to newsmen by Hon. Tunji Olabunmi Ojo and Hon. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain,  the Chairman and Director-General of the Forum, respectively, the forum said: "APC zoned President to the North, the Vice President to the South, Senate President to the North and now the Speaker to the South. It would be difficult to go against the wishes of the party and President, Muhammadu Buhari."

It added that  those from the North-Central agitating for the speakership were insincere, as the North cannot produce the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives at the same time.

"Every member of the party is a product of the party; the party gave everybody the platform to contest and apart from giving the platform, the party also gave assistance to members before, during and after elections," the group said.

“So, it is expected that as a loyal party members, we are supposed to toe the line of the party and now that the party and Mr. President have spoken that Femi should be supported for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we expect every party faithful to toe that line and support Gbajabiamila to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We believe he has the experience; more experience than other people that are contesting the position. It is not just enough for you to bring out posters. Femi is very qualified, eminently qualified more than any other person. Let's just forget about geopolitical zone; we are talking about competence; we are talking about Nigeria; we are talking about the interest of the downtrodden.

“Femi would be able to articulate policies that would benefit the generality of the Nigerian masses to compliment the next level agenda of Mr. President. Right from the time, it has always been North/South. The Presidency is zoned to the North, while the Vice President is to the South.

“Now, Senate President has been zoned to the North and speakership to the South and when it comes to the South we decide where it should go. Politics in this country is played along the line of North and South. North Central is North, North West is North and North East is North.

“So, the speakership has been zoned to South. When we zoned the Presidency to the North, North West produced the President. So, for those talking about zoning, zoning in this country is done North/South."

On the influence of the forum to install the Majority Leader as the next Speaker, it  said: “Well, the Forum of the newly elected APC members has 164 representatives; then we have members of other political parties who are also affiliated to this Forum of new members irrespective of their political parties.

“Some of them were originally APC but because they could not get ticket during the primaries to contest, they moved to other parties.

"So, we have the same ideology, they are just there because they went to look for a platform to contest. They are all with us in this struggle to make sure that Femi emerges as the Speaker of House of Representatives.”

The group claimed the election of Gbajabiamila would prevent what happened in the 8th Assembly, where the policies of the government and that of the party were frustrated.

“We want to ensure that what happened in the 8th Assembly would not repeat itself, where party loyalty was thrown to the dustbin. People went there to fight for their individual pockets," it said.

“We are in this 9th Assembly to fight for the interest of Nigerians. Nigerians are suffering. How can Mr. President present a budget and for 7 months the budget was still being kept on hold — frustrating the good policies of Mr. President, frustrating the good policies if the party?”

While the backing of the Forum will be good for Gbajabiamila, the group still does not hold the power to wholly ensure he gets the position, as its number, 164, is well short of half the required votes in a chamber comprising 360 members.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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About one 164 newly-elected lawmakers of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in House of Representatives have expressed support for the speakership ambition of Femi Gbajabiamila, who is the party leadership's choice for the position.

According to the members, it would be diffficult to go against the party and President Muhammadu Buhari.

The members said it would be lopsided for the North to produce the President, the Senate President and also demand the Speaker of the lower chamber.

The lawmakers-elect, who  formed a group known as the 'Forum of newly elected APC members of the House of Representatives', said the South must produce the Speaker for the sake of fairness.

In a statement jointly released to newsmen by Hon. Tunji Olabunmi Ojo and Hon. Dunkwu Nnamdi Chamberlain,  the Chairman and Director-General of the Forum, respectively, the forum said: "APC zoned President to the North, the Vice President to the South, Senate President to the North and now the Speaker to the South. It would be difficult to go against the wishes of the party and President, Muhammadu Buhari."

It added that  those from the North-Central agitating for the speakership were insincere, as the North cannot produce the Senate President and Speaker, House of Representatives at the same time.

"Every member of the party is a product of the party; the party gave everybody the platform to contest and apart from giving the platform, the party also gave assistance to members before, during and after elections," the group said.

“So, it is expected that as a loyal party members, we are supposed to toe the line of the party and now that the party and Mr. President have spoken that Femi should be supported for the Speaker of the House of Representatives, we expect every party faithful to toe that line and support Gbajabiamila to emerge as Speaker of the House of Representatives.

“We believe he has the experience; more experience than other people that are contesting the position. It is not just enough for you to bring out posters. Femi is very qualified, eminently qualified more than any other person. Let's just forget about geopolitical zone; we are talking about competence; we are talking about Nigeria; we are talking about the interest of the downtrodden.

“Femi would be able to articulate policies that would benefit the generality of the Nigerian masses to compliment the next level agenda of Mr. President. Right from the time, it has always been North/South. The Presidency is zoned to the North, while the Vice President is to the South.

“Now, Senate President has been zoned to the North and speakership to the South and when it comes to the South we decide where it should go. Politics in this country is played along the line of North and South. North Central is North, North West is North and North East is North.

“So, the speakership has been zoned to South. When we zoned the Presidency to the North, North West produced the President. So, for those talking about zoning, zoning in this country is done North/South."

On the influence of the forum to install the Majority Leader as the next Speaker, it  said: “Well, the Forum of the newly elected APC members has 164 representatives; then we have members of other political parties who are also affiliated to this Forum of new members irrespective of their political parties.

“Some of them were originally APC but because they could not get ticket during the primaries to contest, they moved to other parties.

"So, we have the same ideology, they are just there because they went to look for a platform to contest. They are all with us in this struggle to make sure that Femi emerges as the Speaker of House of Representatives.”

The group claimed the election of Gbajabiamila would prevent what happened in the 8th Assembly, where the policies of the government and that of the party were frustrated.

“We want to ensure that what happened in the 8th Assembly would not repeat itself, where party loyalty was thrown to the dustbin. People went there to fight for their individual pockets," it said.

“We are in this 9th Assembly to fight for the interest of Nigerians. Nigerians are suffering. How can Mr. President present a budget and for 7 months the budget was still being kept on hold — frustrating the good policies of Mr. President, frustrating the good policies if the party?”

While the backing of the Forum will be good for Gbajabiamila, the group still does not hold the power to wholly ensure he gets the position, as its number, 164, is well short of half the required votes in a chamber comprising 360 members.

Politics News AddThis :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2II1g99

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has faulted the kind of democracy practised in Nigeria as a system that cannot bring about the best in all spheres of our national interest. 

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2nd Annual Lecture of a media outfit, Freedom Online, held at the Alvan Ikoku Hall, Radisson Blu, Ikeja on Thursday, Daniel lamented that Nigeria is still operating a system that has been in practice since 1960 without a change which, he opined, cannot bring about any meaningful development. 

He argued that no nation can thrive on a static ideology especially in this modern age with its attendant global evolution in all indices of development.

"That is why our democratic system has to be reviewed by way of restructuring or else it will give more room for constitutional crisis, inequity, mediocrity, injustice and corruption," he said.

With the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the dropping of the Iron Curtain, the former governor said doors were closed against communism and socialism as political ideologies opening a new vista in the socio-political economy of the respective countries which paid off as their economies rose tremendously. Even China, he stated, has joined the fray and is now about the biggest economy in the world. 

"What I am saying in essence is that if we continue to practise democracy without a drastic change, it cannot work," he said.

"It will only make people poorer and hopeless. This is why the progressive minded politicians like myself and political pundits are clamouring for restructuring, which will address the challenges facing us as a nation and proffer meaningful solutions for the betterment of the people."

On his retirement from partisan politics, he stressed that he thought it was better to leave the stage early enough for the younger generation to come up with fresh ideas and contribute their own quota towards developing the nation instead of the older ones sitting tight and counting years, which most African leaders have been accused og.

Daniel said he thought he should be praised for this bold step but was surprised when people reacted by saying he shouldn't go into retirement that soon. 
 
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by Akin Oyebode (Jnr.), delivered the lecture titled 'Fixing The Economy, Less Politics More Substance', while former Governor of Abia State and Senator-elect Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu was the Chairman.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was the Guest of Honour, while auniversity don, Professor Akin Onigbinde, delivered the keynote address.  

Dignitaries at the event, hosted by the publisher of Freedom Online, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, include the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,  Oloye Gani Adams; former Minister of Special Duties, retired Navy Captain  Caleb Olubolade; Mr. Dotun Oladipo and Nollywood actor, Bolaji Amusan among others.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
http://bit.ly/2GuzHyD

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has faulted the kind of democracy practised in Nigeria as a system that cannot bring about the best in all spheres of our national interest. 

Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the 2nd Annual Lecture of a media outfit, Freedom Online, held at the Alvan Ikoku Hall, Radisson Blu, Ikeja on Thursday, Daniel lamented that Nigeria is still operating a system that has been in practice since 1960 without a change which, he opined, cannot bring about any meaningful development. 

He argued that no nation can thrive on a static ideology especially in this modern age with its attendant global evolution in all indices of development.

"That is why our democratic system has to be reviewed by way of restructuring or else it will give more room for constitutional crisis, inequity, mediocrity, injustice and corruption," he said.

With the collapse of the Berlin Wall and the dropping of the Iron Curtain, the former governor said doors were closed against communism and socialism as political ideologies opening a new vista in the socio-political economy of the respective countries which paid off as their economies rose tremendously. Even China, he stated, has joined the fray and is now about the biggest economy in the world. 

"What I am saying in essence is that if we continue to practise democracy without a drastic change, it cannot work," he said.

"It will only make people poorer and hopeless. This is why the progressive minded politicians like myself and political pundits are clamouring for restructuring, which will address the challenges facing us as a nation and proffer meaningful solutions for the betterment of the people."

On his retirement from partisan politics, he stressed that he thought it was better to leave the stage early enough for the younger generation to come up with fresh ideas and contribute their own quota towards developing the nation instead of the older ones sitting tight and counting years, which most African leaders have been accused og.

Daniel said he thought he should be praised for this bold step but was surprised when people reacted by saying he shouldn't go into retirement that soon. 
 
The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, who was represented by Akin Oyebode (Jnr.), delivered the lecture titled 'Fixing The Economy, Less Politics More Substance', while former Governor of Abia State and Senator-elect Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu was the Chairman.

Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina, was the Guest of Honour, while auniversity don, Professor Akin Onigbinde, delivered the keynote address.  

Dignitaries at the event, hosted by the publisher of Freedom Online, Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo, include the Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland,  Oloye Gani Adams; former Minister of Special Duties, retired Navy Captain  Caleb Olubolade; Mr. Dotun Oladipo and Nollywood actor, Bolaji Amusan among others.

Politics News AddThis :  Featured Image :  Original Author :  SaharaReporters, New York Disable advertisements : 
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In response to the judgment delivered by the Code of Conduct Tribunal convicting Walter Onnoghen, the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to Dr. Muhammed Isah, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), urging him to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently provide information on specific details of asset declarations submitted to the CCB by successive presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999".

SERAP is seeking information on “details of asset declarations by successive presidents and state governors between 1999 and 2019, including details of declarations made immediately after taking offices and thereafter, and for those who have left public offices, at the end of their term of office".

"Information is also sought on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, by the Bureau," SERAP added.

Onnoghen, who was standing trial over allegations bordering on fraudulent declaration of assets, was convicted on Thursday after he was found guilty of the offences.

He was removed from office as CJN, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). Onnoghen will also forfeit the money in his five bank domiciliary accounts that were not declared to the Nigerian Government because they were acquired illegally.

The tribunal also barred him from holding public office for the next 10 years.

The FOI request, dated April 18, 2019, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP Deputy Director, read: “While we welcome the judgment by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Justice Walter Onnoghen, we now urge the CCB to extend its mandates to enforce constitutional provisions on asset declarations by public officers to cover elected officers and to vigorously pursue the prosecution of any such officers who use their powers either as presidents or state governors over public funds to enrich themselves.

“While judicial corruption is bad, the level of corruption involving many politicians since 1999 and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators is equally appalling. Publishing the asset declarations of elected public officers since the return of democracy in 1999 to date would improve public trust in the ability of the Bureau to effectively discharge its mandates. This would in turn put pressure on public officers like presidents and state governors to make voluntary public declaration of their assets.

“SERAP is concerned that many politicians hide behind the fact that members of the public do not have access to their asset declarations to make false declarations, and to cover up assets illegally acquired in corruption or abuse of office. The CCB can use the opportunity presented by the Onnoghen judgment to increase the accountability of politicians through the asset declaration provisions if it is not to be accused of witch-hunting the judiciary.

“The grim condition of many of our citizens since 1999 has been worsened by the deterioration of public services, whereby access to clean water and affordable health-care has become a pipe dream and the supply of electricity became epileptic and irregular due to years of grand corruption by many politicians at the highest level of government."

Issuing an ultimatum to CCB, SERAP added: “We would be grateful if the requested information is provided to us within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal action under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.

“The persistent refusal by successive presidents and state governors to make public their asset declarations is entirely inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the 1999 Constitution, and has been particularly harmful to the country and its people, especially given the widespread evidence of grand corruption among politicians holding public offices in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) seeks to prevent corruption and abuse of office through its provisions on the declaration of assets not just by judicial officers but by all public officers including elected officers like presidents and governors.

“Nigerians can longer accept the excuse by high-ranking government officers that declaring their assets before the CCB is enough, as such pretext is not supported by the oaths of office by elected public officers. The failure by successive presidents and state governors to voluntarily make public their asset declarations would seem to suggest that they have something to hide.

“Given that many public officers being tried for or convicted of corruption are found to have made a false declaration of their assets, the CCB should no longer allow politicians to undermine the sanctity and integrity of the asset declaration provisions of the Constitution by allowing them to continue to exploit legal gaps for illicit enrichment.

“SERAP believes that while elected public officers may not be constitutionally obliged to publicly declare their assets, the Freedom of Information Act 2011 has now provided the mechanism for the CCB to improve transparency and accountability of asset declarations by elected public officers.

“Asset declaration forms are public documents within the meaning of section 109 of the Evidence Act, and therefore, Nigerians are entitled to have access to such information. SERAP urges the CCB to vigorously push for change in law to provide penal sanctions for politicians that fail to make public their asset declarations.

“By Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on the asset declarations by elected public officers since the return of democracy in 1999.

“SERAP notes that provisions on the declaration of assets by all public officers in Nigeria are entrenched in the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. The primary objective is to prevent corruption and abuse of office and to ensure transparency in public officers.

“SERAP also notes that public officers for the purposes of the Code include the president and the vice-president of the federation, state governors and their deputies; the President and Deputy-President of the Senate, the Speaker and Deputy-Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers, the Chief justice of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, the President and justices of the Court of Appeal, and other judicial officers and all staff of courts of law.”

SERAP therefore urged the CCB to: 

"Disclose, including by publishing on a dedicated website, details of asset declarations submitted by presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999;

"Disclose details on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Bureau;

"Immediately take cases of false asset declarations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for effective prosecution of suspects, and include banning the politicians involved from holding public offices for at least a period of 10 years and seeking refund of stolen public funds as part of the reliefs to be sought before the Tribunal."

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In response to the judgment delivered by the Code of Conduct Tribunal convicting Walter Onnoghen, the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request to Dr. Muhammed Isah, Chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), urging him to use his “good offices and leadership position to urgently provide information on specific details of asset declarations submitted to the CCB by successive presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999".

SERAP is seeking information on “details of asset declarations by successive presidents and state governors between 1999 and 2019, including details of declarations made immediately after taking offices and thereafter, and for those who have left public offices, at the end of their term of office".

"Information is also sought on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be in breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, by the Bureau," SERAP added.

Onnoghen, who was standing trial over allegations bordering on fraudulent declaration of assets, was convicted on Thursday after he was found guilty of the offences.

He was removed from office as CJN, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). Onnoghen will also forfeit the money in his five bank domiciliary accounts that were not declared to the Nigerian Government because they were acquired illegally.

The tribunal also barred him from holding public office for the next 10 years.

The FOI request, dated April 18, 2019, and signed by Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP Deputy Director, read: “While we welcome the judgment by the Code of Conduct Tribunal on Justice Walter Onnoghen, we now urge the CCB to extend its mandates to enforce constitutional provisions on asset declarations by public officers to cover elected officers and to vigorously pursue the prosecution of any such officers who use their powers either as presidents or state governors over public funds to enrich themselves.

“While judicial corruption is bad, the level of corruption involving many politicians since 1999 and the entrenched culture of impunity of perpetrators is equally appalling. Publishing the asset declarations of elected public officers since the return of democracy in 1999 to date would improve public trust in the ability of the Bureau to effectively discharge its mandates. This would in turn put pressure on public officers like presidents and state governors to make voluntary public declaration of their assets.

“SERAP is concerned that many politicians hide behind the fact that members of the public do not have access to their asset declarations to make false declarations, and to cover up assets illegally acquired in corruption or abuse of office. The CCB can use the opportunity presented by the Onnoghen judgment to increase the accountability of politicians through the asset declaration provisions if it is not to be accused of witch-hunting the judiciary.

“The grim condition of many of our citizens since 1999 has been worsened by the deterioration of public services, whereby access to clean water and affordable health-care has become a pipe dream and the supply of electricity became epileptic and irregular due to years of grand corruption by many politicians at the highest level of government."

Issuing an ultimatum to CCB, SERAP added: “We would be grateful if the requested information is provided to us within 14 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, the Registered Trustees of SERAP shall take all appropriate legal action under the Freedom of Information Act to compel you to comply with our request.

“The persistent refusal by successive presidents and state governors to make public their asset declarations is entirely inconsistent with the letter and spirit of the 1999 Constitution, and has been particularly harmful to the country and its people, especially given the widespread evidence of grand corruption among politicians holding public offices in Nigeria.

“The Nigerian Constitution of 1999 (as amended) seeks to prevent corruption and abuse of office through its provisions on the declaration of assets not just by judicial officers but by all public officers including elected officers like presidents and governors.

“Nigerians can longer accept the excuse by high-ranking government officers that declaring their assets before the CCB is enough, as such pretext is not supported by the oaths of office by elected public officers. The failure by successive presidents and state governors to voluntarily make public their asset declarations would seem to suggest that they have something to hide.

“Given that many public officers being tried for or convicted of corruption are found to have made a false declaration of their assets, the CCB should no longer allow politicians to undermine the sanctity and integrity of the asset declaration provisions of the Constitution by allowing them to continue to exploit legal gaps for illicit enrichment.

“SERAP believes that while elected public officers may not be constitutionally obliged to publicly declare their assets, the Freedom of Information Act 2011 has now provided the mechanism for the CCB to improve transparency and accountability of asset declarations by elected public officers.

“Asset declaration forms are public documents within the meaning of section 109 of the Evidence Act, and therefore, Nigerians are entitled to have access to such information. SERAP urges the CCB to vigorously push for change in law to provide penal sanctions for politicians that fail to make public their asset declarations.

“By Section 1 (1) of the Freedom of Information (FOI) Act 2011, SERAP is entitled as of right to request for or gain access to information, including information on the asset declarations by elected public officers since the return of democracy in 1999.

“SERAP notes that provisions on the declaration of assets by all public officers in Nigeria are entrenched in the Code of Conduct for Public Officers, contained in Part I of the Fifth Schedule to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution. The primary objective is to prevent corruption and abuse of office and to ensure transparency in public officers.

“SERAP also notes that public officers for the purposes of the Code include the president and the vice-president of the federation, state governors and their deputies; the President and Deputy-President of the Senate, the Speaker and Deputy-Speaker of the House of Representatives and Speakers, the Chief justice of Nigeria, justices of the Supreme Court, the President and justices of the Court of Appeal, and other judicial officers and all staff of courts of law.”

SERAP therefore urged the CCB to: 

"Disclose, including by publishing on a dedicated website, details of asset declarations submitted by presidents and state governors since the return of democracy in 1999;

"Disclose details on the number of asset declarations so far verified by the CCB and the number of those declarations found to be false and deemed to be a breach of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers by the Bureau;

"Immediately take cases of false asset declarations to the Code of Conduct Tribunal for effective prosecution of suspects, and include banning the politicians involved from holding public offices for at least a period of 10 years and seeking refund of stolen public funds as part of the reliefs to be sought before the Tribunal."

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Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has suspended 12 local government chairmen for their failure to attend official state functions.

Announcing the sanction through a statement released by his office, Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, said the suspension took effect immediately.  

"Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has suspended 12 Local Government Council Chairmen. The suspension of the council Chairmen is with immediate effect," he said. 

Those affected are chairmen of Okrika, Emohua, Abua/Odual, Degema, Khana, Gokana, Ahoada East, Ikwerre, Eleme, Andoni, Omuma and Ogu/Bolo local government areas.

The suspended council chairmen are Philemon Kingolo, Okrika LGA; Tom Aliezi, Emohua; Daniel E.O. Daniel, Abua/Odual; Tony Phimoore, Degema; and Lahteh Loolo, Khana.

Others, according to the statement, are Paul Kobani, Gokana; Ben Eke, Ahoada East; Samuel Nwanosike, Ikwerre; Philip Okparaji, Eleme; Paul L. Paul, Andoni; Christian Nwaiwu, Omuma; and Erasmus Victor, Ogu/Bolo.

Meanwhile, Wike has notified the Rivers State House of Assembly of the suspension of the 12 council chairmen.

In a letter to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly titled, ‘Notice of Suspension of the Chairmen of 12 local government council chairmen,’ he premised his action on Section 64 (3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

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Nyesom Wike, Rivers State Governor, has suspended 12 local government chairmen for their failure to attend official state functions.

Announcing the sanction through a statement released by his office, Simeon Nwakaudu, Special Assistant to the Governor on Electronic Media, said the suspension took effect immediately.  

"Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has suspended 12 Local Government Council Chairmen. The suspension of the council Chairmen is with immediate effect," he said. 

Those affected are chairmen of Okrika, Emohua, Abua/Odual, Degema, Khana, Gokana, Ahoada East, Ikwerre, Eleme, Andoni, Omuma and Ogu/Bolo local government areas.

The suspended council chairmen are Philemon Kingolo, Okrika LGA; Tom Aliezi, Emohua; Daniel E.O. Daniel, Abua/Odual; Tony Phimoore, Degema; and Lahteh Loolo, Khana.

Others, according to the statement, are Paul Kobani, Gokana; Ben Eke, Ahoada East; Samuel Nwanosike, Ikwerre; Philip Okparaji, Eleme; Paul L. Paul, Andoni; Christian Nwaiwu, Omuma; and Erasmus Victor, Ogu/Bolo.

Meanwhile, Wike has notified the Rivers State House of Assembly of the suspension of the 12 council chairmen.

In a letter to the Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly titled, ‘Notice of Suspension of the Chairmen of 12 local government council chairmen,’ he premised his action on Section 64 (3) of the Rivers State Local Government Law No. 5 of 2018.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Justice Rita Ofili Ajumogobia on an 18-count charge preferred against her and Godwin Obla (SAN) before Justice Rilwan Aikawa sitting in Federal high court Lagos. 

EFCC is accusing the embattled former judge of money lundering and conspiracy alongside former EFCC prosecutor Obla. 

The anti-graft agency, through it's counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, alledged that the defendants conspired to indirectly conceal, procure and retain the sum of N18m, $170,000 in Diamond Bank account no, 0032091183.

The agency said defendants ought to have known that the sum formed part of proceeds of unlawful activities, punishable under Section 15 (3) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

Justice Jumogobia pleaded not guilty to all the 18 counts charge pressed on her

She was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with one surety in like sum. 

The court said the surety must have a landed property in Lagos and must also not be below Grade Level 16 in the federal or state civil service.

The presiding judge, Justice Rilwan Aikawa, also held that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia should deposit her passport with the Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR) of the court on/or before 6pm today (Thursday) and that the DCR should make himself available to receive same.

According to the judge, Ofili-Ajumogobia has 10 days to fulfill the bail conditions or have the bail revoked.

It is believed that because of the Easter holidays, she will be released to her lead counsel, Wale Akoni (SAN), on Thursday, should she fulfill the bail conditions.

Ruling on Obla, the second defendant who was not present in court, the judge made an Order for the Issuance of Summons compelling him to appear before the court on May 15, 2019, for the purpose of the trial.

Consequently, the court adjourned proceedings on the matter till May 15.

Ofili-Ajumogoboa's rearraignment came after the EFCC rearrested her on Tuesday soon after an Ikeja High Court struck out a previous charge of money laundering levelled against her by the commission.

The Ikeja High court had struck out the EFCC charges over lack of jurisdiction.

But in the fresh charge numbered FHC/139C/19, EFCC accused Ofili-Ajumogobia and Obla, a former EFCC prosecution counsel, to have conspired on May 21, 2014, to indirectly conceal N5 million in the Diamond Bank account of Nigel & Colive Ltd., which they “reasonably ought to have known formed part of proceeds of unlawful act”.

It argued that the alleged offences contravened Sections 15 (2) (a) and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2011.

The anti-graft agency further accused the former judge of indirectly concealing N12 million in the same account, adding that she wrongly claimed that the money was payment for a sold property.

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Justice Raphael Ajuwa, Chairman of the Gombe State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has granted the prayers of Lamido Umaru Chikaire, candidate of the People Redemption Party (PRP) in the election, to withdraw his petition against Danjuma Goje, candidate of the All Progressives Congress who was declared winner of the Gombe Central senatorial election. 

Granting the prayers of the petitoner, Ajuwa said: “Going by the date for election petition and having heard the pleas of lawyers of the litigants, this panel will grant the motion for the withdrawal of this petition." 

Mohammed Babangida and A.M Inuwa, lawyers to the petitioners, had cited three reasons for the withdrawal: that the petitioners filed the petition on grounds as stated in the petition, that the petitioner was summoned to a family meeting during which his uncles pressurised him to withdraw this petition and focus on his business, and that the petitioner heeded this advice hence this application to withdraw.

Goje and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were the respondents in the case.

The  petitioners had asked the tribunal to overturn the results of the election, which INEC had declared Goje the winner of.

Reacting to the withdrawal, Haruna Luka, lawyer to the respondents, said: "The case was vague. This has once again cemented the victory of Danjuma Goje, who got overwhelming votes."

INEC declared Goje winner for the Gombe Central National Assembly election, saying polled 110,116 votes to defeat Chikaire who garnered 8,397 to place a distant 3rd.

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Justice Raphael Ajuwa, Chairman of the Gombe State National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal, has granted the prayers of Lamido Umaru Chikaire, candidate of the People Redemption Party (PRP) in the election, to withdraw his petition against Danjuma Goje, candidate of the All Progressives Congress who was declared winner of the Gombe Central senatorial election. 

Granting the prayers of the petitoner, Ajuwa said: “Going by the date for election petition and having heard the pleas of lawyers of the litigants, this panel will grant the motion for the withdrawal of this petition." 

Mohammed Babangida and A.M Inuwa, lawyers to the petitioners, had cited three reasons for the withdrawal: that the petitioners filed the petition on grounds as stated in the petition, that the petitioner was summoned to a family meeting during which his uncles pressurised him to withdraw this petition and focus on his business, and that the petitioner heeded this advice hence this application to withdraw.

Goje and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) were the respondents in the case.

The  petitioners had asked the tribunal to overturn the results of the election, which INEC had declared Goje the winner of.

Reacting to the withdrawal, Haruna Luka, lawyer to the respondents, said: "The case was vague. This has once again cemented the victory of Danjuma Goje, who got overwhelming votes."

INEC declared Goje winner for the Gombe Central National Assembly election, saying polled 110,116 votes to defeat Chikaire who garnered 8,397 to place a distant 3rd.

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Ayingba Rebecca Michael, A 100-level student of the Kogi State University (KSU), committed suicide on Wednesday after her lover broke up with her.

The deceased was a fresh student in the university's Department of Philosophy.

She was reported to have ended her life by taking sniper, an insecticide, when the lover, said to be a famous disk jockey (DJ) in Lokoja, informed her that he was no longer interested in the relationship. 

According to a source, she committed suicide in their 200 housing unit residence, in Lokoja, the state capital.

All efforts to save her life after taking the poisonous substance turned vain, as she was certified dead on getting to Federal Medical Centre Lokoja, where she was taken for medical intervention.

She was later buried on the same day at the Lokogoma Cemetery, Lokoja.

The late Rebecca was in her 20s.

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Walter Onnoghen, the sacked Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), caused quite a stir at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) on Thursday with a remark just before the commencement of the judgement that caught everyone’s attention.

The tribunal found him guilty of false declaration of assets in breach of the provisions of the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for public officials. 

Delivering its judgement, the three-man panel chaired by Danladi Umar said the prosecution proved Onnoghen's guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

Therefore, it convicted him and removed him from office as Chief Justice of Nigeria, as Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC), and as Chairman of the Federal Judicial Service Commission (FJSC). It also said Onnoghen is to forfeit the money in his five bank domiciliary accounts that were not declared to the Nigerian Government because they were acquired illegally, and barred him from holding public office for the next 10 years.

I Hope You Are Not Taking My Pant, Onnoghen Asks Photojournalists In Court

Moments before then, though, Onnoghen, sat in the front row, smiled as numerous photojournalists beamed their cameras on him. However, when he noticed a particular journalist was bending down while taking his shots, Onnoghen jokingly asked him: “I hope you are not taking my pants.”

It was a remark that sent many in the court into fits of laughter before a policeman came to drive the journalists away.

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President Muhammadu Buhari has signed the bill approving N30,000 as the new national minimum wage into law.

The billed was passed by both chambers of the National Assembly before the general election, the House of Representatives in January and the Senate in March.

However, presidential assent was still outstanding, prompting the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) to give Buhari until May 1 to complete the signing.

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Adamu Abdulrahman, a middle-aged man, was on Thursday denied bail by a magistrate court in Yola, Adamawa State, for defiling two boys and infecting them with HIV.

He was arraigned on April 4, 2019, before the magistrate court for allegedly Kidnapping and repeatedly raping Sani Fidelis and Martin Cosmos, 14 and 13 years respectively, through the anus.

According to Police First Information Report (FIR), Adamu allegedly abducted his victims with intent to commit culpable homicide and wrongful confinement on 4/4/3019.

The FIR, which SaharaReporters obtained, further reads in part: "One Sani Fidelis of Muchalla in Mubi South LGA of Adamawa State reported to the Police that sometime in March 2019, at Unguwa Magaji Ward in Yola town, (one Adamu Abdurahman) abducted him and Cosmos Martins to an unknown destination and offered them intoxicated drugs and had carnal knowledge of them through their anus. 

"Few days later, Sani Fidelis was found sick and admitted into the Specialist Hospital in Yola, while Martins Cosmos is missing. Adamu Abdurahman was arraigned in court on 10/4/2019.

"The boys met their ill-fated encounter with randy Adamu, after travelling about 100 miles from their Muchalla village in Mubi South Local Government Area, to Yola, the state capital, for greener pasture."

Recounting their ordeal in hausa parlance, Sani told SaharaReporters: "We left our village, Muchalla, in Mubi South and came to Yola, the state capital, to fend for themselves.

"We had no particular destination, so we unfortunately landed at a neighborhood called Anguwan Magaji, where we were to be offered a place to pass the night. While we waited for our prospective host, a man came by, pretending to be the head of the neighborhood and took us in with him.

"He offered us some drugs, explaining that the tablets would help take care of the pains we incurred during our long journey. But in the night, he pounced on us through the anus, alternating between us throughout the night."

"After like a week, he went out with Martin and returned alone. When I enquired about Martin, he explained that he took him to our village but I didn't believe him."

Corroborating his claims, Phillip Wasa, a resident of 'Anguwan Magaji, confirmed that someone drew his attention to the ugly sodomy, and in turn he alerted community leaders who eventually invited the Police to arrest Mr. Adamu.

"Officers from the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) later took the victim for medicals and a case of rape through the anus was diagnosed, sadly also HIV screening conducted on him showed the boy is positive," he said.

At the court sitting attended by our correspondent, Adamu's bail application was rejected by the magistrate, Hon. Jummai Ibrahim, who upheld the objection of the prosecution Counsel, ASP Abdullahi Abubakar.

She held that the offences allegedly committed by Adamu were capital ones, and therefore ruled that the bail application was rejected.

Meanwhile, the actual whereabouts of the second victim, Martin Cosmos, is unknown.

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Barely six months after seven management staff of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited (BASL), operators of Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, including its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Capt. Jari Williams, were compelled to resign from their various positions, its Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr. Olayinka Olatunji, has also been laid off.

This is as a source close to the terminal operator confided in our correspondent that the newly employed Head of Corporate Communications, Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos, Mrs. Eniola Ade-Solanke, resigned last Friday following the “harsh working environment".

SaharaReporters gathered that Olatunji was set to retire from the company later this year when he clocks 60, but he was forced to resign by Mr. Wale Babalakin who was still smarting from the October 2018 picketing of the terminal by industry unions.

Back in October, two weeks after the picketing of the terminal for five days, seven senior management staff were forced to resign from their various positions for allowing the unions have their way.

Some of the senior management staff aere Captain Jari Williams, the CEO; Head of Corporate Communications, Chief Stephen Omolale; Head of Internal Audit, Mr. Olakunle Tiamiyu; Head of Human Resources and Procurement, Mrs. Ikeoluwa Erinoluwa and Head of Space, Ms. Alake Macaulay.

Also, it was learnt that Ade-Solanke, who succeeded Omolale as the Head, Corporate Communications, in December, “voluntarily threw in the towel last Friday over harsh working environment”.

It was gathered that since Ade-Solanke took over the management of the communication department of the company, she had not given the freedom to operate, as all press statements must go through Babalakin.

Besides, apart from those who resigned from their different positions in recent times, there are indications that two more management staff of BASL are to be exited as soon as Babalakin secures replacements for them.

The source said: "As it is, there is no one that is sure of his or her future in Bi-Courtney. Some of us who are still in the system are only waiting for us to get the signal to tender our resignation letters. There is no future for us in this company, again.

“There have been sustained attempts to exit all the old hands and experienced management staff of BASL and replace them with some favoured outsiders. So, the picketing of MMA2 by labour unions was just being used as a facade.”

Mr. Tunde Osowe of the media unit of BASL declined to comment on the issue when contacted by our correspondent.

It would be recalled that the industry unions had kicked against the management of Bi-Courtney in October for sacking 29 staff for joining the unions.

The sack of the workers led to the picketing of the terminal for almost a week. The terminal operator claimed to have lost about a billion naira to the closure, as some of the operating airlines relocated to General Aviation Terminal.

After management reached an agreement with the unions, Babalakin, the Chairman of Bi-Courtney, was said to have been peeved by the closure and took a drastic action against some top management staff.

After the sack, the company also recalled some of the staff, but it declared them redundant and issued them exit cheques.

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The report contains enough potential red flags to spur congressional scrutiny of the president.

Danjuma Goje, a senator and former Governor of Gombe State, has received the backing of the North East Consultative Forum (NESF) and five other groups in the geopolitical zone in his quest to become President of the ninth Senate.

The five groups are the North East Elders Mobilisation Forum, APC National Youth Caucus, Borno Discussion Circle, Gombe Political Associations and North East Youth Awareness for Good Governance.

Rising from an emergency meeting held at the Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi, on Wednesday, the six groups encouraged Goje to immediately declare for the position. This is despite the decision of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Yobe North senator, Ahmad Lawan, should be elected to the office.

The groups, comprising representatives of each of the six states that make up the North East geopolitical zone, said they had done “a thorough assessment of the three contenders” for the Senate Presidency from the region.

Therefore, at the end of the meeting, they wrote Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party, to intimate him with their decision, imploring him to immediately review the party’s preference for Lawan.

“Following very wide consultations among stakeholders, party members and North East Consultative Forum and after careful assessment of his contribution to the party and Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration, we hereby present to you, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje as the choice of the people of the North East for the Senate President of the 9th Assembly,” they said in the letter.

“Senator Goje is eminently respected among members of the National Assembly and the country for his immense contribution to the success of the APC in 2015 and 2019 general election. The landslide victory of the APC in Gombe State in the just concluded general election is a sure testimony of his gallantry loyalty and commitment to APC.

“It will serve the best interest of the party if Your Excellency and the party review your stance on the choice of Sen Ahmad Lawan and allow for a level playing field for all aspiring candidates from the North East zone to showcase themselves to their colleagues. We, therefore, urge Sen Danjuma Goje to come forward and declare his interest to vie for the position of the President of the Senate in the ninth Assembly.”

Goje serve two terms as Governor of Gombe State, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), between 2003 and 2011. He has similary served two terms at the Senate, having been elected to represent Gombe Central in 2011 before securing reelection in 2015.

However, he defected from the PDP to APC in 2014 alongside Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central), Sha’aba Lafiagi (Kwara North), Magnus Abe (Rivers South East), Wilson Ake (Rivers West) and Ali Ndume (Borno South).

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Danjuma Goje, a senator and former Governor of Gombe State, has received the backing of the North East Consultative Forum (NESF) and five other groups in the geopolitical zone in his quest to become President of the ninth Senate.

The five groups are the North East Elders Mobilisation Forum, APC National Youth Caucus, Borno Discussion Circle, Gombe Political Associations and North East Youth Awareness for Good Governance.

Rising from an emergency meeting held at the Zaranda Hotel, Bauchi, on Wednesday, the six groups encouraged Goje to immediately declare for the position. This is despite the decision of the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that Yobe North senator, Ahmad Lawan, should be elected to the office.

The groups, comprising representatives of each of the six states that make up the North East geopolitical zone, said they had done “a thorough assessment of the three contenders” for the Senate Presidency from the region.

Therefore, at the end of the meeting, they wrote Adams Oshiomhole, National Chairman of the party, to intimate him with their decision, imploring him to immediately review the party’s preference for Lawan.

“Following very wide consultations among stakeholders, party members and North East Consultative Forum and after careful assessment of his contribution to the party and Muhammadu Buhari’s led administration, we hereby present to you, Senator Muhammad Danjuma Goje as the choice of the people of the North East for the Senate President of the 9th Assembly,” they said in the letter.

“Senator Goje is eminently respected among members of the National Assembly and the country for his immense contribution to the success of the APC in 2015 and 2019 general election. The landslide victory of the APC in Gombe State in the just concluded general election is a sure testimony of his gallantry loyalty and commitment to APC.

“It will serve the best interest of the party if Your Excellency and the party review your stance on the choice of Sen Ahmad Lawan and allow for a level playing field for all aspiring candidates from the North East zone to showcase themselves to their colleagues. We, therefore, urge Sen Danjuma Goje to come forward and declare his interest to vie for the position of the President of the Senate in the ninth Assembly.”

Goje serve two terms as Governor of Gombe State, on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), between 2003 and 2011. He has similary served two terms at the Senate, having been elected to represent Gombe Central in 2011 before securing reelection in 2015.

However, he defected from the PDP to APC in 2014 alongside Bukola Saraki (Kwara Central), Sha’aba Lafiagi (Kwara North), Magnus Abe (Rivers South East), Wilson Ake (Rivers West) and Ali Ndume (Borno South).

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