On Sunday residents of Dapchi, headquarters of Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, could not hold Eid prayers as majority of the people spent the night in the bush and nearby villages over fears that Boko Haram may attack the town again.
People from a nearby village hinted that Boko Haram militants in a convoy of 11 Hilux vehicles and heavily armed were approaching Dapchi but suddenly changed direction and took the road towards Gumsa.
A resident told SaharaReporters that at the moment Dapchi was almost empty as only a few people remain in the town, which was also attacked six days ago by Boko Haram.
“Town is empty now, all of the people have run yesterday into the bush. Some returned this morning but news of sighting Boko Haram in nearby village created fresh panic and people fled again.
“Today is supposed to be Sallah (Eid) day of happiness but we are here running for our lives, fleeing danger. No one is even talking about Sallah celebrations,” a resident said.
T Pumpy Concept Limited, developers of T Pumpy Estates, Guzape, Lugbe, Karasana, Abuja, are currently offering residents of Abuja, its environs and Nigerians at large the opportunity to own a plot of land for N1.75m with a 50 per cent slash in price.
The promo, the company said, was done to encourage Nigerians to own their houses due to the effect of Coronavirus pandemic on the livelihoods of many Nigerians.
Although T Pumpy has 22 housing estates spread across Kyami, Kasana, Kuje, Lugbe, Gwagwalada and other places in the nation’s capital, the ongoing promo is however, exclusive to their property along the Airport Road.
They are government approved estate plots suitable for 4 or 5 bedroom duplex, 4 or 5 bedroom penthouse and 3 bedroom bungalow.
The land and building plans are approved, authentic and highly verifiable.
Speaking on the development, MD/CEO of the company, Akintayo Adaralegbe, said the slash in price became imperative following the economic effects of COVID-19 globally of which Nigeria was not isolated from.
He said, “Imagine owning a standard 600sqm plot of a duplex, a penthouse or a bungalow for as low N1.75m. We are doing this because of the economic effects of the coronavirus on the people.
“It is every man’s dream to own a house and that is why T Pumpy Concept Limited wants to make sure make actualize that dream for them.
“The market worth of the land is N3.5m but we are giving it out at this price just to encourage Nigerians at this critical time. Our lands are verifiable and authentic; they are government-approved. This promo will end on June 30.
“We sell and develop all types of estate lands for residential, educational, commercial and recreational purposes. There are lands for bungalows, penthouses, duplexes, with corresponding land sizes and amount. Crèches/nursery school plots are also available.
“Our expertise in building to the highest quality standards is evident throughout our complete line of estates. Our Estates are constructed in a factory environment and our building materials are never exposed to the elements and every aspect of the building process is closely monitored to ensure high-quality standards.
“We also undertake feasibility and viability studies of real estate development projects.”
T. Pumpy Concept Limited is a progressive property developer that prides itself on its proven track records, passion and commitment to deliver superior value in design, quality and services in our developments to our customers.
T. Pumpy Concept is a registered company that deals majorly in the sales of lands and estate plots. The company has been in existence since 2009, and it’s totally committed to making its utmost contribution in the development process of our environment in the aforementioned area, for the betterment of all Nigerians.
The T-Pumpy Concept team has decades of providing industry-acclaimed off-site home design and construction. Whether you’re interested in a manufactured home or an innovative modular design, the T-Pumpy Concept team continues to deliver what home buyers are looking for in their new homes along with the quality construction they expect and deserve.
Call us today: Corporate Office address: No. 12, Monrovia Street, Off Aminu Kano Crescent, Wuse II district, Abuja.
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Tiger Woods, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Phil Mickelson raised $20m for coronavirus relief efforts in The Match: Champions for Charity.
The Nigerian Government has fined British aviation company, Flairjet, for illegally conducting commercial flight operations into Nigeria During the lockdown order put in place to curb the spread of Coronavirus.
Hadi Sirika, Minister of Aviation, made the announcement on Sunday via his Twitter handle.
He said, "Flairjet was found to violate our Civil Aviation Regulations IS 1.3.3(a) Table 2(IV)7(a) and IS 1.3.3 (a) Table 2(VIII)(4).
"The maximum penalty for each is N500,000. We caused them to pay and reported their callous misdemeanour to UK CAA, MFA and the UK High Commission."
Flairjet were found to violate our Civil Aviation Regulations IS 1.3.3(a) Table 2(IV)7(a) and IS 1.3.3 (a) Table 2(VIII)(4). The maximum penalty for each is N500,000:00K. We caused them to pay and reported their callous misdemeanor to UK CAA, MFA and the UK High Commission.☹ï¸Ã°Ÿ˜¡Ã°Ÿ‡³Ã°Ÿ‡¬
Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, has accused Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Pantami, of telling lies despite being an Islamic scholar.
She said staff were not even allowed to take their property after the armed men sealed the office.
In response, Pantami described Dabiri-Erewa's allegation as “a big fat lie”.
He said, “This is a fat lie from her. The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directive to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, and I have no one.”
THIS IS A FAT LIE FROM HER: The owner of the building @NgComCommission has faulted her lies on their social media platforms. The minister has never given that directives to any gunman. We need to be very objective in reporting. I have never sent any gunmen there, & I have no one https://t.co/SUi3n4Qs4E
— Isa Ali Pantami, PhD (@DrIsaPantami) May 24, 2020
Responding to Pantami’s comments, Dabiri-Erewa said the minister did that to her because she was a woman.
She said, “An Islamic scholar should not lie hon minister (Phd). You did that to me because I am a woman. Your disrespect for women is legendary. Left the ugly incident behind me since February.
"But pls release all our office equipment. Public office is transient."
An Islamic scholar should not lie Hon Minister .( Phd😂😂)You did that to me cos I am a woman .Your disrespect for women is legendary Left the ugly incident behind me since Feb. But pls release all our office eguipment.Public office is transient .@DrIsaPantamihttps://t.co/sdcu2tBmtL
The Peoples Democratic Party has said it has proof that the 2019 Kogi State governorship election was rigged by Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress.
Kola Ologbodiyan, spokesperson for the PDP, in a statement on Sunday said it would appeal the decision of the Election Petition Tribunal which affirmed Bello as winner of the election.
The PDP said the ruling by the tribunal was, "an alarming miscarriage of justice".
The statement reads in part, "Our party was able to lay incontestable evidence of over-voting, massive thumb printing, voter intimidation, thuggery, violence and other malpractices used by the APC and compromised Independent National Electoral Commission officials to rob our candidate and the people of Kogi State of their mandate. APC vs PDP cartoon
"The PDP expressed shock that despite the overwhelming evidence before the tribunal, proving that Governor Yahaya Bello did not win the election, justice was thwarted to the disappointment of the people of Kogi State and generality of Nigerians.
"In fact, the lull and despondency that have enveloped Kogi State since the tribunal's flawed verdict is an indication that the judgment failed to uphold justice in the genuine aspiration of the people of Kogi State in the election.
"The fact remains that the evidences are clear that our candidate is the genuine choice of the people and our party is confident that the Court of Appeal will uphold justice in this matter.
"The people of Kogi State now look up to the Appeal Court to reverse this injustice endorsed by the tribunal, given the evidence laid, as affirmed by the courageous verdict of Justice Ohimai.
"The PDP commends Justice Ohimai for his fearlessness in upholding the truth and showing that there is hope in the institution of the judiciary, which our party is confident, will be further established by the Appeal Court in this matter.
"Our party is confident that the Appeal Court will address the substance of the case, which the tribunal overlooked in rendering its defective judgment.
"The people of Kogi State deserve a government elected by them and not one imposed by enemies of democracy and compromised officials at INEC."
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Okochi Obeni, pastor of God’s Descendants Assembly, Amasiri, Afikpo North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, has said he was tortured and forced to drink gutter water for criticising council Chairman, Ogbonnaya Oko Enyim, over his failure to construct a road as directed by the state governor.
The cleric, who is currently hospitalised at the Alex Ekwueme University Teaching Hospital in Abakaliki, while narrating his ordeal to PUNCH, said he was tortured beyond his imagination for speaking out on social media at the instance of Enyim.
He said, "I’m a social media activist. Both of us are from Amasiri community, so he is the chairman of my local government area. As a social critic, I criticise bad governance and people in power not doing well. The perceived negative relationship I have with him started when he was asked to build a kilometre of road like his counterparts in other local government areas of the state. Pastor Okochi ObeniPunchng
"The governor told them to construct a kilometre of road anywhere in their councils. He was unable to do that. It took him quite some time to take action as regard the road construction. So, I wrote about it. I criticised it. So, when he was seeking re-election, I wrote again that any local government chairperson who could not build a kilometre of road in their council was not worthy of being re-elected. It was from that point that I started having problem with him.
"He started hurting me, using different means. He reported me to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Nigeria Police, saying I was attacking him on social media. I went there and my statement exonerated me. I told them I did not have any personal issue against him and that I was only trying to hold him accountable as a public office holder.
"I was expecting to be treated badly by these people, but I did not envisage it would take that form. That day, I was called by one Amadi Julius Nyerere, who is a nominee of the chairman and a Technical Assistant to Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi.
"He called and said the Essa age grade chairman wanted to see me. I thought the plan was to reconcile me with the council chairman, so I went there. On reaching there, I discovered that all the aides of the council chairman, Isi Oru age grade members, and Essa age grade chairman (who is related to the council boss), and his executives, were all there. It dawned on me that there was a plan already on the ground that was being followed using all means available since their plan to use policemen in Ebonyi State Security Neighbourhood Watch had failed.
"So, they resorted to attacks. I never experienced the kind of ugly treatment they gave me. They tied my hands behind my back and up till this very moment, I can’t make use of my hands. I can’t hold any object; you can see how I’m struggling to hold my phones. They forced me to drink gutter water and did all sorts of things to me. They put my body through all manner of inhuman treatments, aside from flogging me 36 times.
"As I said earlier, my hands were tied behind my back. Those people made to stay on my knees for over two and a half hours inside a gutter. So, to be honest with you, my strength was failing me and I needed freedom. I lost consciousness twice. All I needed was freedom. I noticed blood was not flowing through my veins anymore. Whatever anyone told me to say at the point to regain my freedom, I would say. If you watched that video, you would hear where in my dialect, I was begging them to loosen the knot in the rope used to tie both my hands together."
Pastor Obeni said his medical condition has since degenerated and could lead to permanent paralysis if not urgently treated.
He said, "A doctor examined me and discovered that most of my veins and nerves had been damaged because of the long hours that my hands were tied and I was beaten. He said the health challenges could become permanent if I didn’t treat them quickly. He said it could lead to paralysis. They further advised that I should be moved to the physiotherapy centre of the hospital and that’s where I am currently. I have been receiving treatment here but I still can’t hold any object. I can’t easily close my hands or open them. I still feel so much pain all over my body, but it is better than how I felt on the day of the incident."
He called on Nigerians to demand justice on his behalf by asking that all those who took part in his arbitrary arrest, detention and torture are arrested and made to face the law.
I am writing to extend warm greetings to all Muslims across the country on the occasion of Eid-el-Fitr, being aware this message may come as a surprise to many of you.
But it should not, especially for those who understand the history of humanism and atheism in the country. Humanism is not against Islam. Atheists are not against Muslims. Almost all members of the humanist/atheist community are very well versed in Islamic, Christian and various other religions. Most of us have religious ties. We have connections to Muslims; as friends and family members as parents and children; as husbands and wives; as brothers and sisters; as uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews; as colleagues and bosses; as business partners, as tenants and landlords, and as fellow teachers and students - but more importantly - as fellow citizens of Nigeria. We cherish these connections and want them preserved and celebrated, not destroyed. Nigeria being a nation that is religiously diverse is a country of believers and non believers, theists, polytheists, pantheists, atheists, and people who identify as none of these. Nigeria is a country of traditionalists, Christians, Muslims, religious minorities and also the non-religious. It is important that we as citizens be mindful of diversity in our everyday dealings.
I know that the past weeks have been the one of the most tense periods in the history of the relationship between the muslim community and the humanist/atheist non religious community in the country. The post that Mr Mubarak Bala reportedly made on Facebook and the reactions by muslims; his arrest and detention without access to a lawyer, have tested and strained that relationship. But know this all muslim friends and fellow citizens of Nigeria, we have had similar incidents in the past that tested the relationship between Muslims and Muslims, Muslims and Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. And just as we overcame those and continued to live in peace and tolerance with one another, we shall overcome the current crisis. Leo Igwe
Atheists and Muslims will once again begin to live side by side in peace and harmony. Atheists and humanists do not seek conflict with Muslims in this country, whether in the North or in the South. This country has had enough mindless religious violence and bloodletting. We cannot afford to spill any more blood in pursuit of a needless religious vendetta. Humanists and atheists want to live and relate with Muslims in a way that is marked by equality, dignity and respect; in a way that ensures their right to freely express their thoughts and beliefs. To this end it is important to underscore the fact that people are bound to say things that could annoy or provoke. In fact atheists/humanists say things that Muslims deem insulting, and disrespectful as in the case of Mubarak Bala. Muslims make declarations which some atheists and humanists may consider offensive or disrespectful. Please try to understand that offensive comments are not justifications for death threats, such as we have witnessed in the case of Mr. Bala.
So let us all, as Muslims and atheists learn to tolerate offensive remarks. Let us learn to live in peace and harmony with one another. Once again, warm Sallah greetings. Eid Mubarak.
Leo Igwe holds a doctoral degree in religious studies from the University of Bayreuth in Germany and chairs the board of trustees of the Humanist Association of Nigeria.
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Some civil society organisations have raised the alarm over what it describes as an orchestrated plot to thwart corruption charges against oil giants associated with OPL 245 scam in Nigeria.
In a statement on Sunday signed by Antonio Tricario for Re-Common, Nicholas Hidyard for Cornerhouse, Simon Taylor for Global Witness and Olanrewaju Suraju for HEDA, the CSOs asked the Nigerian media to protect public interest by ensuring professional ethics is adhered to when reporting the scam associated with OPL245.
It accused a section of the media of being partisan, providing inaccurate and misleading commentary aimed at influencing the outcome of a trial before it has run its full course.
It reads in part, "The OPL 245 is one of Africa's richest oil fields handed over to an obscure company, Malabu Oil, that had only few days earlier registered in 1998 under the military regime of late Gen Sani Abacha.
"It later witnessed a string of dirty deals spanning 20 years. Italy’s Eni and Royal Dutch Shell currently face corruption charges in Italy in their various activities linked to the bid for the rich oil field.
"ThisDay’s article misleadingly focuses on a few minutes in one hearing nearly 18 months ago to allege that the prosecutor hid key facts relating to Mr Adoke’s mortgage. In fact, the prosecutor has been entirely candid. Evidence relating to mortgage repayments was included in the prosecutor’s file submitted to the court when the trial opened and additional evidence has been filed during the trial.
"They observed that most recently, on 29 October 2019, the prosecutor submitted extensive documentation received through a Mutual Legal Assistance request to Nigeria.
"It is our understanding that this included (inter alia) full details of money flows into and out of Mr Adoke’s account at Unity Bank, the internal Unity Bank documentation relating to the mortgage and property records relating to Plot no 3271 Cadastral Zone 06, Maitama, Abuja."
The group therefore criticised attempts to rubbish the progress achieved by the investigation launched by anti-graft agencies into the case.
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Femi Onifade, an artisan based in Ondo State has been apprehended for allegedly defiling his two daughters.
Officials of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps arrested Onifade over the weekend in Akure, the state capital.
SaharaReporters gathered that the welder defiled his two daughters aged seven and nine at No 27 Liberty Hospital Road, Oluwatuyi, Akure.
Philip Ayuba, Commandant of the NSCDC in the state, said Onifade had been having disagreement with his wife for a long time due to constant molestation and maltreatment.
He added that the man usually capitalised on his wife’s absence to harass his two daughters sexually.
According to him, the suspect always bought a bottle of soft drinks and mixed it with powdery substance before giving it to the kids to drink.
Ayuba further disclosed that residents in the neighbourhood raised the alarm after hearing the wailing of the children in the night
He said, "So, medical examination from Federal Medical Centre Annex in Akure revealed that the two daughters have lost their hymen and private parts deeply opened."
The NSCDC boss said the suspect would be charged to court for justice to take its course.
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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is requesting for interrogation three officials of Rivers State Government, who are implicated in the alleged illegal withdrawal of N118bn public funds.
According to The Nation, their action is said to be a contravention of the Money Laundering Act.
The cash was allegedly withdrawn by the Director of Finance, Government House, Fubara Siminalayei, Tonye Uranta, and Harisonba Princewill over the counter in suspicious manner.
The newspaper said one of the officials allegedly withdrew over N70bn in cash about 129 times over a period of three years. EFCC operatives
The Rivers State Government is alleged to be shielding them from reporting to the EFCC for interrogation.
The state government cites a perpetual injunction obtained in 2007 barring the EFCC from probing its accounts.
It was gathered that the cash withdrawals were made between 2015 and 2018 with Siminalayei alone allegedly collecting over N70bn over the counter about 35 times in 2016 and 94 times in 2017.
The same suspect allegedly withdrew N16.297bn from the bank in cash in 2015.
Some of the withdrawals from the counter include the following cash payments by Siminalayei: N750m((9/1/16); N830m(11/4/16); N930m(11/7/16); N980m(10/11/16); N850m(7/11/2016); N980m(10/11/16); N550m(11/11/16); N700m (13/1/17); N680m(7/3/2017); N630m (12/5/17); N800m (2/1/2018);N500m(15/5/17); N750m(18/1/18); N760m(22/1/18); and N925m(3/2/2018) among others.
Suspicious withdrawals linked to Uranta are: N522m on May 9, 2016; N1.3b (9/6.16); N500m (20/9/16); and N600m (22/9/16).
About N150m cash withdrawal was traced to Princewill on May 31, 2017.
A source said all the withdrawals were beyond the threshold set for cash transactions in the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
The source said the huge cash payments were made from the Government House account and the Federation Account Allocation remittances account domiciled in a second generation bank.
Investigation revealed that Fubara Siminalayei was the Director of Finance in Government House when all these transactions took place.
The EFCC had requested for the accounts of the state government and profiled all those involved.
A top official of the EFCC, who spoke with The Nation said, “We went to the houses of these three officials to serve them invitation letters but they refused to collect it. The security guards in their personal residences said they were under instructions not to collect any letter from EFCC.
“Our team has been searching for them but we are yet to locate them.”
Asked why the officers have not reported for interrogation, the source added: “The state government has been referring to the March 23, 2007 ruling by Justice Ibrahim Nyaure Buba who granted all declarative and injunctive reliefs sought by the State Government.
“Rivers State claimed that the court order was explicit that the EFCC cannot probe the accounts of Rivers State Government and its officials. The state has remained adamant in its decision not to release the three suspects. It also claimed that it has filed a suit in court against the EFCC over the ongoing investigation.
So far, our investigation continues. We are probing whether or not the bank made Suspicious Transaction Report in line with Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act 2011.
The Act reads in part, “Special surveillance on certain transactions.
“6. (1) Where a transaction –
(a) involves a frequency which is unjustifiable or unreasonable;
(b) is surrounded by conditions of unusual or unjustified complexity;
(c) appears to have no economic justification or lawful objective; or
(d) in the opinion of the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution, involves terrorist financing or is inconsistent with the known transaction pattern of the account or business relationship, that transaction shall be deemed to be suspicious and the Financial Institution involved in such transaction shall seek information from the customer as to the origin and destination of the fund, the aim of the transaction and the identity of the beneficiary.
(2) A Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution shall within 7 days after the transaction referred to in subsection (1) of this section –
(a) draw up a written report containing all relevant information on the matters mentioned in subsection (1) of this section together with the identity of the principal and where applicable, of the beneficiary or beneficiaries;
(b) take appropriate action to prevent the laundering of the proceeds of a crime or an illegal act; and
(c) send a copy of the report and action taken to the Commission.
(3) The provisions of subsections (1) and (2) of this section shall apply whether the transaction is completed or not.
(4) The Commission shall acknowledge receipt of any disclosure, report or information received under this section and may demand such additional information as it may deem necessary.
(5)(a)The acknowledgement of receipt shall be sent to the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution within the time allowed for the transaction to be undertaken and it may be accompanied by a notice deferring the transaction for a period not exceeding 72 hours.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a) of this subsection, the Chairman of the Commission, the Governor of the Central Bank or their authorized representative shall place a Stop Order, not exceeding 72 hours, on any account or transaction if it is discovered in the course of their duties that such account or transaction is suspected to be involved in any crime.
(6) If the acknowledgement of receipt is not accompanied by a stop notice, or where the stop notice has expired and the order specified in subsection (7) of this section to block the transaction has not reached the Financial Institution or Designated Non-Financial Institution, it may carry out the transaction.
(7) Where it is not possible to ascertain the origin of the funds within the period of stoppage of the transaction, the Federal High Court may, at the request of the commission, or others persons of authority duly authorized in that behalf, order that the funds, accounts or securities referred to in the report be blocked.
(8) An order made by the Federal High Court under subsection (7) of this section shall be enforced forthwith.
“Limitation to make or accept cash payment.
1.No person or body corporate shall, except in a transaction through a financial institution, make or accept cash payment of a sum exceeding –
(a) N5,000,000.00 or its equivalent, in the case of an individual; or
(b) N10,000,000.00 or its equivalent in the case of a body corporate.
(1) A transfer to or from a foreign country of funds or securities by a person or body corporate including a Money Service Business of a sum exceeding US$10,000 or its equivalent shall be reported to the Central Bank of Nigeria, Securities Exchange Commission or the Commission in writing within 7 days from the date of the transaction.
(2) A report made under subsection (1) of this section shall indicate the nature and amount of the transfer, the names and addresses of the sender and the receiver of the funds or securities.”
No fewer than 50 bandits on Saturday reportedly attacked Yankara Village under Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, kidnapping a bride-to-be and her best friend 48 hours to her wedding Fatiha.
An eyewitness said the bandits carried out the attack on the village in the area at about 11:30 pm and rustled some cows.
He said they stormed the village on motorbikes at night when most villagers had gone to bed, went to the family house of the bride-to-be and demanded for her and best friend.
Governor Aminu Masari had said COVID-19 was not an issue for the people of the state but banditry.
Over 100 residents of the state had been killed by bandits in the last one month.
Because I know Professor Ibrahim Agboola Gambarirather well, I had initially decided not to participate in the conversations marking his taking of the office of Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari.
But I know Nigeria even better, and it would be wrong to pretend that the former Minister, former Ambassador and former United Nations Under-Secretary-General does not factor very much in the evolving Nigerian story.
Some people say that Mr. Gambari is too old for the position of CoS. While Buhari is clearly uncomfortable with younger people, I do not think that the issue with Gambari’s choice is age. He is an older Nigerian, but there are many younger people he could have chosen who would not have had the preparation that Gambari brings.
The question is WHY Gambari took the job and whether he will bring to it his patriotic intellectual and administrative best—and perhaps his final flourish—as a public servant.
As someone who, 20 years ago, spent a considerable amount of time with him from a distance lamenting over the Nigerian situation, the question is why he walked through those gates into Aso Rock.
Because I know he knew that to many, the news he was taking the position was not going to sound good. Going back to the Sani Abacha era, he has not enjoyed a good image domestically.
His subject was “The Challenges Of Nation Building: The Case Of Nigeria,” of which he identified five. The fifth, in a case of saving for the last the most important, was: leadership.
I quote him:
“Leadership is a critical factor in nation-building and it should be understood in two important but related ways. Firstly, there are the personal qualities of integrity, honesty, commitment, and competence of individual leaders at the top. Secondly, there are the collective qualities of common vision, focus, and desire for development of the elites as a whole.
“The standards for recruitment and the performance of our individual leaders over the years have left much to be desired. We do not need leaders who see themselves as champions of only some sections of our population. We do not need leaders who do not understand the economic and political problems of the country, not to talk of finding durable solutions for them. We do not need leaders who are more interested in silencing their opponents, than in pursuing justice. We do not need leaders, who preach one thing, and do the exact opposite. We do not need leaders who place themselves above the constitution and the laws of the country, but leaders who lead by upholding and respecting the law. We do not need leaders who have no sense of tomorrow, other than that of their private bank accounts.
“If we are to succeed in nation-building, we must have a leadership that is committed to the rule of law and has a demonstrable sense of fairplay and democratic tolerance; a leadership with ability and integrity; above all else, we must have a leadership that can see beyond the ostentatious pomp of office. We must have leaders who have a vision for a Nigeria better than the one they inherited; leaders who will lead by deeds and not by words; achievers, not deceivers…
“Leadership is not everything, but it is an extremely important factor. Unless we have leaders with ability, integrity, commitment, and vision, we cannot succeed at nation-building…
“When a Nigerian leader, by words and deeds, is able to convince a large enough section of the Nigerian elites and the wider public about a vision for a greater tomorrow, then Nigeria will truly be on the way to national greatness…nations are built by men and women who have the will and vision to accomplish greatness, not for themselves, their immediate families and friends, but for their country…”
It is this definition of the concern that makes me hopeful that perhaps Gambari did not stumble out of sleep into Aso Rock.
As backup for this evaluation, I cite what appears to be his evolution in the 10 years that followed the Justice Akanbi lecture, in his considerably more sarcastic tone during the 10th Wole Soyinka Centre Media Lecture Series in Lagos in 2018.
He described Nigeria’ ruling class as “audacious hypocrites,” pointing out how they proclaim the values of truth, accountability, transparency and anti-corruption but do not practice them, and outlining theattributes of good governance.
That was just two years ago, and he clearly was also referring to the leadership he opted to join just weeks ago. Could he have made the decision merely to become one of them, or to inspire a nation that has been extremely good to him?
The key, for me, is in his preliminary observation at that Justice Akanbi lecture, where he noted: “In today's world, skills, industriousness, productivity, and competitiveness are the determinant factors of national greatness. Not even the possession of the nuclear bomb is enough to make a nation great without reference to the industriousness and creativity of its citizens. Since the time of Adam Smith, every serious nationalist and politician has come to know that the wealth of a nation is not based on the wealth and opulence of its rulers, but on the productivity and industriousness of its citizenry.”
I have no doubt that Gambari believed in what he was saying, and that he was right.
Which leaves only two problems. The first: whether, in his new role, and knowing this government has three years left and lacks credibility, he arrived with a plan to steer his principal in that direction, and quickly.
Because Buhari, we know, neither shares this perspective nor does he believe in merit.
The second is the carnivorous Nigerian elite. Carnivorous because it eats for breakfast talent—alias industriousness, creativity and productivity—unless it comes in the shape of its own son or daughter.
In the years in which I have had the terrible fortune of meeting many members of this so-called elite, I haverarely encountered any with genuine concern for the talented Nigerian unless he can be exploited, and the failure of governance is easier to understand. Away from the cameras or the microphone, they have no compunction taking the milk bottle from the baby. If it dies, it dies.
These are the reasons why talented Nigerians rejected at home often become celebrities abroad. And why, if any example was required, coronavirus has taken it upon itself to point out how porous our health sector is after 60 years.
So, is it a coincidence that the most important job in Buhari’s government became vacant during the coronavirus pandemic, and on the edge of the first anniversary of Buhari’s declaration that he would conquer poverty in 10 years?
I don’t know. But Gambari is about to strap into presidential jet travel.
Maybe that talented Nigerian child will get his chance.
[This column welcomes rebuttals from interested government officials].
Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State says the peace deal signed between his administration and leaders of repentant bandits in the state has not collapsed.
Matawalle said he would continue to honour the agreement reached with the bandits, who chose the path of peace, but would confront those, who reneged with the full force of the law.
The governor stated this on Saturday in Gusau while condoling families of those attacked by bandits in some villages in the state last week.
He sympathised with families affected by the recent wave of banditry in the villages of Unguwar Rogo, Karda, Bidda and Kajera under Tsafe Local Government Area as well as Kabaje of Kaura-Namoda LGA.
The attacks in the affected villages left no fewer than 10 persons dead and several others wounded before the arrival of security agents.
“We have assurances from the leaders of Fulani groups who have embraced our peace overtures that they will reach out to the recalcitrant groups responsible for the attacks and persuade them to accept our peace pact.
“While we are committed to our dialogue and reconciliation initiative, we will spare no effort in enforcing the security of lives and property of our people.”
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Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State says the peace deal signed between his administration and leaders of repentant bandits in the state has not collapsed.
Matawalle said he would continue to honour the agreement reached with the bandits, who chose the path of peace, but would confront those, who reneged with the full force of the law.
The governor stated this on Saturday in Gusau while condoling families of those attacked by bandits in some villages in the state last week.
He sympathised with families affected by the recent wave of banditry in the villages of Unguwar Rogo, Karda, Bidda and Kajera under Tsafe Local Government Area as well as Kabaje of Kaura-Namoda LGA.
The attacks in the affected villages left no fewer than 10 persons dead and several others wounded before the arrival of security agents.
The governor said, “I have been working round the clock, having sleepless nights, holding meetings with the security chieftains and other stakeholders.
“We have assurances from the leaders of Fulani groups who have embraced our peace overtures that they will reach out to the recalcitrant groups responsible for the attacks and persuade them to accept our peace pact.
“While we are committed to our dialogue and reconciliation initiative, we will spare no effort in enforcing the security of lives and property of our people.”
InsurgencyPoliticsNewsAddThis : Original Author : Saharareporters, New York Disable advertisements :
https://ift.tt/2XmQs3O
President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit have been asked to investigate Lagos State House of Assembly Speaker, Mudashiru Obasa, over gross financial misconduct, criminal breach of public trust, abuse of office and likelihood of money laundering.
The petition was sent to President Buhari and NFIU following the discovery of over N1bn in one account linked to Obasa.
The group is asking the President to order a probe of the Lagos Assembly Speaker to curb cross-border corruption. Lagos speaker, Mudashiru Obasa
The petition reads, “Subsequent investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission based on the letter from the National Crime Agency led to discovery of over N1bn in a single account belonging to Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa within the first year of his assumption of office as Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly.
“We are writing the petition requesting thorough investigation into corrupt practices involving Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa with a view to stopping further abuse of office, economic and financial pillaging as well as to restore sanity to the legislative arm of the government of Lagos State.”
SaharaReporters had in recent weeks revealed series of corrupt activities by Obasa and his allies in the Lagos Assembly.
The online news medium had previously exposed how Obasa awarded contracts to himself using different companies owned by him and how he got the Assembly to approve N258m for printing of invitation cards for the inauguration of lawmakers two months after the event held.
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