OCTOBER 16: Oguntade Lola Celebrates 'WORLD FOOD DAY' With Less privilege.

 BY ADEPOJU ADEYEMI

The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) and Agriculture and Food Organization (FAO) celebrates World Food Day today, October 16. The goal of the organizations is to fight world hunger.

Mr. Bolajoko fadipe, Chief Executive Officer of Food clique Nigeria, a non-governmental organization committed to end hunger with a specific time frame as political leaders, NGOs, Profit making organizations and Individuals to join hands in achieving a world without hunger.

In the 2015 report on food insecurity, the WFP says 795 million people suffer from hunger today. It is fewer than 10 years ago. But U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon said the goal is to end hunger by 2030.

” There is a lot of talk now about metal detectors and gun control. Both are good things. But they are no more a solution than forks and spoons are a solution to world hunger.” - Anna Quindlen.

Mr. Fadipe and his team which Ms. Lola Oguntade happens to be one of the team joins the world to celebrates ’World Food Day’ with people living in slum of Lagos. The organization visited three communities which includes; Oko baba, Makoko and Surah in Lagos State, Nigeria. Below shows the pictures of the campaign against hunger held on October 16^th, 2015.

#‎Worldfooday‬#makoko#foodclique#2015#volunteering#humanityservice#givenbacktosociety#youth#makokolagos#spiritoflagos#

Boko Haram: Why Every Nigerian Must Support Our Troops

Lt. General Tukur Buratai

Deji Adeyanju
“We sleep safely at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would harm us.”
–– Winston S. Churchill

Ijust watched the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Tukur Buratai on Channels TV after he visited troops in Geidam Community of Yobe State, as a result of the attack by Boko Haram militants who over-ran the military, killed 3 soldiers, carted away many weapons and ammunition abandoned by the military on the run and looted mostly food and petroleum products from the popular Wednesday market.

I was particularly touched by the honesty of General Buratai who was obviously angry with the troops who had run away from Geidam town. In his words, the COAS said: “How can you allow these criminals over-run you? How can you run away from this rag-tag and untrained criminals? You allowed them to operate here for 12 hours unchallenged. You refused to come back until they withdrew.”

On the surface, the words of COAS Buratai are very hurtful to the image of the Nigerian Army but this is the painful reality today. The Nigerian Army seems to be overwhelmed and demoralized. The image of the Nigerian Army has suffered so much damage in the eyes of Nigerians and the international community mainly because of the way they have handled the war against Boko Haram in the past 3years. Boko Haram has repeatedly for over two years embarked upon massive propaganda using social media to demonize the Nigerian Army.

They have through so many of its online propaganda campaigns portrayed our army as a weak and a cowardly army that cannot stand to fight.  Many online media and personalities helped the insurgents to achieve their propaganda campaigns either intentionally or otherwise.  All wars are fought both on ground, air, sea, land and in the minds of all parties involved in the war and most importantly in the psyche of the citizens. To win this war against Boko Haram, we must conquer the minds of Boko Haram with fear, win over our allies and friends by convincing them our army is capable and reliable and also boost the confidence of our troops through citizenry support since the morale of our troops are boosted when they know the citizens of their country are solidly behind them.

The Nigerian Army and our other security agencies are our last line of defense against these barbarians since we cannot defend ourselves against their satanic attacks. If not for the efforts of the Nigerian Military and our other security agencies, these barbarians would have taken over the entire nation, enforced their barbaric and misguided religious tenets on all of us, restricted us to their false Sambisa sharia law system, forced our sisters into sex slavery like they have done to the Chibok Girls and make us live in perpetual fear of terror. If not for the Nigerian Army and other security agencies, many Muslims and Christians across our country would not be able to go to the mosque on Fridays or the church on Sundays.

Boko Haram seeks to destroy Christianity and Islam and do not wish any of us well, Nigerians, irrespective of religious consideration, party affiliation and tribal affinity, must realize that Boko Haram are our common enemies and not just the Nigerian Army’s. The Army means well and are doing their very best to protect us all despite the overwhelming odds, they need our support at all times.

This was what the opposition party in the days of President Goodluck Jonathan was admonished with but they refused to listen. They politicized everything. They politicized the attempt by the former president to list Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO); they politicized the procurement of arms to prosecute the war; they politicized appointments of service chiefs; they politicized State of Emergency in the North East; they politicized Chibok and turned it into a campaign tool against Jonathan, the PDP-led Federal Government and the Nigerian Army which for inexplicable reasons, they chose to see as an appendage of the PDP rather than the federal government. El-rufai and many leading APC chieftains then referred to the Nigerian army as Jonathan’s army. They politicized everything as regards the fight against the deadly sect. At some point in time, their presidential candidate now President Muhammadu Buhari called an attack against Boko haram an attack against Northern Nigeria.

If the political class and all Nigerians had supported the then Federal Government and our security agencies in the fight against Boko Haram, may be we would have long won the war. The politicization of the war against Boko Haram caused more damage than good on the whole nation. Those who saw the war against Boko Haram as an avenue for them to keep scoring needless and cheap political points in the North sabotaged the efforts of our security agencies. They got the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) to be issuing press releases kicking against the ban on Boko Haram and the plan of the then FG to list Boko Haram as an FTO which was needed to get arms from our allies to effectively prosecute the war.

And finally, when Boko Haram was listed as an FTO, they began another campaign against the army saying former Chief of Army staff, Lieutenant General Ihejirika was also a sponsor of Boko Haram and was the one supplying arms to Boko Haram on the orders of former president Jonathan. Their allegations were so scary and consistent that our allies became skeptical of supplying us with arms, and the United States and Israel refused selling arms to us to fight the deadly sect. We had to turn to Russia for help.  As if that was not enough, the former governor of Adamawa State, Murtala Nyako even did the unbelievable, accusing the Federal Government of genocide against Northern Nigeria and suggested that federal troops were the ones dropping arms for Boko Haram with helicopters.

Furthermore, it was Mallam Nasir El-Rufai now governor of Kaduna State that built a propaganda foundation which suggested former President Goodluck Jonathan was the one sponsoring Boko Haram against the North. He also tried to bring in the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Ex-Niger Delta Militants and others as possible sponsors of the terrorist group. El-rufai ensured he poisoned the minds of young people from the North and many of his followers on social media against the then president Jonathan by maintaining this lie.

The questions all Nigerians must now begin to ask those who refused to support the former administration of Goodluck Jonathan and our security agencies in their fight against Boko Haram then and who are suddenly supporting the Federal Government and the army now is, what has changed? Is Goodluck Jonathan still the one sponsoring Boko Haram with the help of his Niger Delta ex-militants? Is CAN still the one sponsoring Boko Haram? Explanations were offered to APC on why they should see the battle against the terrorists as a national issue rather than treated as a political one just for parochial and mundane reasons, that where national security is concerned, we must not play politics with it but they did not listen. They threw caution to the wind and were playing loudly to the gallery. Now see where that has gotten us to, in just 120 days of president Buhari taking over, the deadly group has killed more than 1,300 Nigerians and bombed Abuja twice.

The message here is this: the enemy is Boko Haram, not the Federal Government, not President Buhari, and definitely not our ever caring Nigerian Army and the security agencies who daily spend their days in the heat and their nights in the cold while the rest of us spend times with families in the comfort of our homes. The military deserves our respect and support as they remain in the forefront in the fight against these barbarians.

–Adeyanju writes from Abuja. He can be contacted on Twitter @adeyanjudeji or via dejiadeyanju_1979@yahoo.co.uk

Femi Fani-Kayode at 55: Celebration of a Gentle Volcano

By Jude Ndukwe

When on the 16th of October , 1960, Chief Victor Remilekun Fani-Kayode and his delectable wife, Chief Mrs Adia Adunni Fani-Kayode gave birth to a son after their royal lineage and named him David Oluwafemi Fani-Kayode, little did they understand the enormous divine implications and assignment they placed on the shoulders of their lovely son.

For like King David of biblical days, Femi Fani-Kayode has been destined to fight a good fight of faith, stand up to foes, betrayers, man-slayers and vampires wherever they can be found, no matter how powerful, highly-placed, wealthy, connected or even influential they are especially those who want to ride roughshod over the weak and the oppressed, or even those who have taken it as their stock-in-trade to traverse with reckless abandon and impunity over others who are considered second class citizens even in their own country.

As it was with David, Femi Fani-Kayode has fought many battles, living up to his name by winning all of them except none. Not even the giant, Goliath, described as a champion of war could withstand David. No, not even the bear and the lion! He defeated all of them and liberated both his sheep and his nation from the insolent defiance of oppressive elements.

The trait of a fighter for justice, equity and fairness in him did not come to many as a surprise as this was only an inheritance from his father’s inclination who was used to fighting against the oppressed even if they are not directly related to him or even if he would have no benefits accruing to him in such a struggle.

It is not many people that know that Femi Fani-Kayode’s father was the one who, in 1957, led the team of Action Group lawyers who represented and fought for the people of the Northern minorities at the Willinks Minorities Commission in their quest for the creation of a middle belt region which would have been carved out of the old Northern Region of Nigeria.

FEMI FANI KAYODE

Many would ask, “wetin concern this man with northern minorities?” But that is how the Fani-Kayode’s have been divinely wired: to spot oppression anywhere and fight against it everywhere! Little wonder FFK, as he is fondly called, has since continued from where his father stopped.

A graduate of the prestigious Cambridge University among other equally prestigious institutions of learning, Femi started his life humbly despite having been born into royalty, fame and wealth. After his graduation at the Nigerian Law School, he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985 from where he proceeded to work in the law firm of the legendary Chief Rotimi Williams after which he joined his father’s law firm, Fani-Kayode & Sowemimo.

His foray into politics was long expected and overdue. With the pedigree of his father as the Deputy Premier of the then Western Region of Nigeria among very senior positions he held and as the one who successfully moved the motion for Nigeria’s independence in July 1958, FFK’s success in politics was easily predictable.

Although he had held political positions since 1989 when he was elected the National Youth Leader of the Nigerian National Congress, his earliest most prominent political elevation came when he was appointed as the Senior Special Assistant (Public Affairs) to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003 from where he was promoted to Minister of Culture and Tourism and then later, Minister of Aviation, all as a result of his hard work, tenacity, loyalty and dedication to duty.

Like every successful person, Femi Fani-Kayode has had his own fair share of challenges which started on the 1st of July, 2008, when he was arrested and arraigned over trumped up allegations of corruption. Throughout his period of trial, Femi remained calm and believed that God would never ever allow the innocent to suffer no matter how powerful those who are ganging up against him are.

This belief saw him through the trying period, and like a man who has a divine destiny to fulfil, it was significant that he was discharged and acquitted of all the 47 count charge of corruption brought against him on the 1st of July, 2015, exactly the same day it marked seven years his trial and ordeal started.

For those who are interested in the workings of God, this could not have been a mere coincidence; God’s hand was seen all over it. It is then not surprising that after his victory at the courts, FFK changed his name from Fani-Kayode to Olu-Kayode the latter meaning that it is God who has brought us joy!

Although he joined the All Progressives Congress, APC, some time in his political career, their workings did not suit him, his belief or dream for the common man and the nation. He left the party and went back home to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), where he was eventually appointed the Director of Media and Publicity of the PDP and Jonathan/Sambo Campaign Organisation even as he was still facing trial at the courts.

Although the challenge of his new assignment was enormous as the PDP, prior to Femi’s emergence at the political scene, had been swept underground and the opposition had a field day feeding half-truths, outright falsehood and propaganda to the populace. The PDP publicity machinery just sat down and looked as if what was happening did not matter and Jonathan’s rating among the public fell flat. But all that changed, not just that it changed, it changed drastically with the appointment of Fani-Kayode into the PDP campaign organisation.

He challenged the well-oiled publicity machinery of the APC singlehanded. He took them to the cleaners and stood them shoulder to shoulder, face to face and eyeball to eyeball until they balked and issued one empty threat after the other just to cow him, but he is not a man to succumb to threats from any quarters. The more they threatened, the more he hit them.

Finally, even the APC and their supporters agree that FFK was one man with the strength of seven giants put together. In fact, it is believed that the 12.5 million votes former President Jonathan was able to garner at the 2015 polls was a result of Fani-Kayode’s hardwork in conjunction with the team he worked in. But for him, the APC would have won the polls with landslide victory.

Little wonder then many believed that if Femi had been involved in the PDP publicity machinery for up to just six months, his work had the capacity of delivering PDP the second term ticket to Jonathan; for if he could do what he did during the campaigns only for three months (January – March, 2015), six months would have been more than enough to hand PDP victory.

Apart from the above, the celebrant is well known to be a humble, loyal, kind-hearted and public-spirited man whose generosity to the less privileged and needy, though usually unannounced, is legendary.

At 55, Femi must not rest on his oars. Just like the Lord told Joshua in the book of Joshua 13:1 “You are growing old, and much land remains to be conquered”, Femi knows that there is still more land to conquer as the reign of wickedness over the land must be totally obliterated and we all need someone like him to stand in the gap for us all.

It is in light of the above that we must all with gladness and a loud ovation wish this enigma, this gentle volcano, a happy birthday, many happy returns of the day, long life and prosperity. God bless Chief Olufemi Olu-Kayode.

Jude Ndukwe, writes via j r n d u k w e @ y a h o o. c o. u k

Boko Haram: Army Dismisses Brig-Gen. Ransom-Kuti

Brig-Gen. Ransom-Kuti

Senator Iroegbu in Abuja

The Nigerian Army has dismissed Brig-Gen. Ransome-Kuti, and as well as sentenced him to six months imprisonment through General Court-Martial (GCM), due to the alleged offences committed during his command of military operations in Baga early this year.

The Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Col. Sani Usman, confirmed this yesterday upon enquiries regarding the judgement passed by a GCM on Thursday at Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja.

Usman said that the sentence pronounced on him on by the military court was not due to acts of cowardice, which was struck out but hinged on several other others offences that depicts unprofessional conducts.

He said: "I wish to confirm that one of the accused persons, Brigadier General E. A Ransome-Kuti was awarded the following punishments on the various count charges against him as follows:
"The first count charge which was Cowardly Behaviour, was struck out but was found guilty on count charge number two, which was Failure to Perform Military Duties and was dismissed from the Nigerian Army."

The Army Spokesman said that Ransom-Kuti "was equally found guilty on count charge number three, which was Miscellaneous Offences Relating to Service Property and was awarded six months imprisonment".
Recall that Ransome-Kuti was accused of dereliction of duties, which allegedly led to the capture of Baga and newly acquired weaponry by the Boko Haram terrorists.

The dismissed senior officer who was represented by the former Chairman of West African Bar Association, Femi Falana (SAN), was also alleged to have upon investigations, failed to account for the arms and ammunition under his supervision.
The sentence by the GCM is however expected to be challenged by the Ransom-Kuti at the appellate court.

‘Dear Baba’: Jonathan Writes Obasanjo, Seeks Blessing For New Foundation

The letter was written on a letterhead which says “The Office of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, President, Federal Republic of Nigeria 2010 and 2015.”

In it, he informs Chief Obasanjo that following his handing-over of power to President Muhammadu Buhari, he proceeded on a “long deserved break.”

“Now well-rested, I am back to work to continue to serve and dedicate my life to promoting peace and prosperity for all,” adding that he has set up an office in BayelsaState where he can be reached, and his staff are prepared to serve Chief Obasanjo and respond to his enquiries at any time.  

Letter from Goodluck Jonathan to Olusegun ObasanjoSahara Reporters Media

“Furthermore, I will be devoting the rest of my life and energy to making the world a better place.  I am currently finalizing efforts to set up The Goodluck Jonathan Foundation.  More details on the work of the Foundation will be available at the launch, which I believe should take place by the 3rd quarter of 2016.”

Letter from Goodluck Jonathan to Olusegun ObasanjoSahara Reporters Media

He said he looked forward to Mr. Obasanjo’s continuous support, counsel and cooperation.

Given the bad blood that governed the relationship between both men towards the end of Mr. Jonathan’s presidency, the letter seemed to be an attempt at rapprochement with the former president.

SaharaReporters learnt, however, that Mr. Obasanjo responded to Jonathan with a terse letter saying he wishes him good luck in his future endeavors.

Obasanjo and Jonathan had a public falling-out before and during the Presidential elections earlier this year. The acrimonious relationship led the former president to tear his party card openly.

Ministerial screening: Amaechi fights back

 Posted By: Yusuf Alli, THE NATION

…writes Saraki, Senate panel  •Says I’m innocent until proven otherwise by court

A former Governor of Rivers State, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, has written three letters on why the Senate should not stop his screening as a ministerial nominee.

He said the allegations against him were not only false but also made malafide with the intent to “solely irritate, embarrass and tarnish his hard-earned reputation.”

He said he should be presumed innocent until the contrary is proved.

He said since there are pending cases at the Federal High Court, Abuja and the Court of Appeal, any action by the Senate will be subjudice.

He asked the Senate to preserve its Standing Order which bars it from dabbling in any matter pending before a court.

Amaechi broke his silence in three separate letters to the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki,and Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions.

The letters were written by his solicitor, Edward E. Pepple.

In the letters, he asked the Senate to “discard” the  petition against him by the Integrity Group  and the report of the Justice G. G. Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

Citing the case of ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Amaechi said the Supreme Court had emphasized  that an indictment by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry or Administrative Panel is not an “indictment” or sufficient for the purpose of preventing a person from holding a public office.

The October 12 letter to Saraki (EW/GC/CRA/15/012) reads in part: “ It has informally come to our client’s attention that the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Governor of Rivers State, Chief/Barr. Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, to judicially investigate our client and probe into some transactions of the Rivers State Government undertaken during the tenure of our client has purportedly come up with a report based on which the Governor and Government of Rivers State have supposedly also issued a White Paper, wherein it has proposed that certain steps and actions should be taken against our client.

“Of course, this is clearly in defiance of the pending suit at the Court of Appeal on the issue.

“It is important to mention that our client only became aware of this situation through a news bulletin aired on both the Channels Television and the Independent African Television (AIT). Apart from those, no other form of communication has been sent to our client, whether directly or indirectly.

“As had been mentioned in our earlier letters, our client is challenging the competence and validity of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and its powers to make any valid or binding decision or pronouncement as it relates to him.  The matter is pending at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division, in suit No. CA/PH/342/2015; Between Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (claimant/appellant) and the Governor of Rivers State; Attorney General of Rivers State; Judicial Commission of Inquiry and 7 others (defendants/ respondents).

“On the 14th of July 2015, our client caused to be issued an originating summons against the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of Rivers State, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and 7 others before the High Court of Rivers State, presided over by Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi in suit No. PHC/189/2015 between Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi vs. The Governor Of Rivers State & 9 Others, wherein he challenged the competence and powers of the Hon. Justice G.O. Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry to carryout judicial function of investigating him and making pronouncements thereof, instead of the authorities established by law to do so. However, Hon Justice S.C. Amadi on the 20th of August 2015 dismissed the suit on very spurious and unjustifiable grounds. This led to the appeal referred to above.

“Much as we do not intend to canvas our arguments at the Court of Appeal before the Distinguish Senate, it is pertinent to highlight some salient provisions of the law and pronouncements of the Supreme Court of Nigeria on this issue and the rationale for our client’s challenge of the competence of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

“ The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the grundnorm upon which every other law derives. Therefore, any law that is inconsistent with the Constitution is to the extent of the inconsistency void. Section 6 of the Constitution establishes the judicial powers of a state, which is vested in the courts, being courts established for a state pursuant to the Constitution. Section 272 of the Constitution provides for the jurisdiction of the High Court of a state, in this case, Rivers State. See the provisions of sections 1, 6, 36, 251 and 272 of the Constitution on the above propositions of the law.

“On the other hand, the summary of the provisions sections 7 (b-f), 12, 13, 14, 17, 18 and 21 of the Commission of Inquiry Law (Cap 30), Laws of Rivers State 1999 is to the effect that the commission under that law has the power to summon, issue warrants of arrest, impose fines, commit for contempt and summarily convict and impose terms of imprisonment. This is contrary to the express provisions of the constitution. These are obviously powers exercisable by the courts.

“This position of the law has been upheld and reaffirmed severally by the Supreme Court of Nigeria. In the case of Doherty V. Balewa (1961-1962) NSCC (page 248) at 257, lines 35-50, the Supreme Court in a similar situation with the instant case held as follows:

“The power of the commission to impose imprisonment is clearly contrary to the provisions of Section 20, and this was not disputed by the Attorney-General. This must also apply to the power to impose a fine, which is enforceable by imprisonment. In these circumstances, we would hold that Sections 8, 15 and 18 are invalid to the extent that they purport to empower a commissioner to inflict a punishment of a fine or imprisonment that the Sections should be ‘read down’ accordingly.”

Earlier in an October 9 letter to Saraki and the Senate Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions (EW/GC/CRA/15/011), Amaechi said the petition against him by Integrity Group was heinous.

He said: Sir, following the receipt of the letter for and on behalf of the Distinguished Senate (Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions)which was graciously served on our client today (9th October, 2015) with a copy of the petition, accordingly inviting him to appear before the committee, we wish to furnish you and the committee with some further and better particulars, hence this letter.

“ We make bold to say that as grievous, heinous and worrisome as the contents of the petition may seem on the face value, it is as malicious, dubious and libelous as it is falsehood.

“As we had stated in our earlier letter, whereas our client is very desirous of defending himself of these allegations made against him, we are sincerely afraid that he is, in this case, constrained and unable to do so before the distinguished Senate at this moment. This is because the subject matter of the petition is subjudice, being issues pending and subsisting before courts of competent jurisdiction. The cases include:

1.   Suit No: CA/PH/342/2015; Between Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi (claimant/ appellant) and the Governor of Rivers State; Attorney General of Rivers State; Judicial Commission of Inquiry and 7 others (defendants/respondents), pending at the Court of Appeal, Port Harcourt Division. (ANNEXURE 1)
2.   Suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15; between Advante Consulting & Mgt Co Ltd; Result Import Export Co Ltd; Capital Index Ltd (plaintiffs) and Livingstone Wechie (for and on behalf of the Integrity Group), The Sun Publishing Ltd, Leaders and Company Ltd and Guardian Newspapers Ltd (defendants), pending at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. (ANNEXURE 2)

“Sir, at the Court of Appeal, our client is challenging the competence and validity of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and its powers to make any valid or binding decision or pronouncement against him.

“The issues for determination before the Court of Appeal therefore relate and pertain to the ‘wrongful allegations of corruption and corrupt practices’ levelled against our clients and the unlawful and unconstitutional procedure adopted by his accusers and indicters (which in this case includes the Governor and Government of Rivers State, the Petitioner, Mr. Livingstone Wechie, and the Judicial Commission of Inquiry) in what may seem as an attempt at establishing the ‘purported wrongful doings’ against our client.

“On the 14th of July 2015, our client issued an originating summons against the Governor of Rivers State, the Attorney General of Rivers State, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry and 7 others before the High Court of Rivers State, presided over by Hon. Justice S.C. Amadi in suit No. PHC/189/2015 Between Tr. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi vs. The Governor of Rivers State & 9 others, wherein he challenged the competence and powers of the Hon. Justice G.O. Omereji Judicial Commission of Inquiry to carry out judicial functions of investigating him and making pronouncements thereof. However, Hon Justice S.C. Amadi on the 20th of August 2015 dismissed the suit on very spurious and unjustifiable grounds. This led to the appeal referred to above.

“  In suit No. FCT/HC/CV/2677/15 that is before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the issues relate directly and specifically to the contents and subject of this petition. The petitioner, Mr. Livingstone Wechie, between 3rd and 4th August, 2015, using the title ‘Looting of Rivers State Treasury’ caused to be published the same contents of this petition in some national newspapers (Thisday, The Guardian, Daily Sun, The Nation, etc), wherein he published that our client and Messers Advante Consulting &Mgt Co Ltd; Result Import Export Co. Ltd; Capital Index Ltd were involved in corrupt practices.

“He did, as in this present petition, also allege that the said companies were fraudulent and not registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). Aggrieved by the libelous publications, these juristic persons (the companies) approached the court to challenge the veracity of the contents and subject matter of this petition and to seek damages for libel against the petitioner for the falsehoods published and circulated against them and our client. Find attached the bundle of court processes; including Writ of Summons, Statement of Claim, Order for Substituted Service on Mr. Livingstone and other defendants, etc.

“Mr. President, this suit is still pending and subsisting at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The court in order to come to the conclusion that the contents of that publication are false and libelous, for which damages should be paid must make findings and resolve some issues, including for instance:

1.   whether or not our client was involved in any form of corrupt practices as alleged, be it stealing, unlawful enrichment and laundering of public funds through the plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15
2.   whether or not the companies (Plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15) are registered with CAC, fake or authentic;

iii.    whether or not there are glaring cases of corruption, criminal breach of trust, unlawful enrichment and wanton conversion of funds as it relates to the transactions between the Rivers State Government under our client and the plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15.

1. whether or not our client approved the sale of the Gas Turbines to NG Power-HPS Limited, and if he did, whether it was for the said amount and whether the proceeds were diverted by our client
2. whether or not there was any transactions between the Rivers State Government under our client and the plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15, and if so, whether there was any corrupt practices in the said transactions.

“ Mr. President, we have no doubt that the Senate being an Arm of Government established under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria verily appreciates the general principle of the rule of law, hence the invitation extended to our client to respond to the petition.

“Whereas we appreciate the commitment of the Senate to be fair and just, especially in offering our client an opportunity to state his side of the matter, however we need to state, and most regrettably too, that our client is unable to comment or respond in specific terms to the allegations contained in the said petition, as that would amount to commenting on the subject matter before the court of law.

“Sir, we are afraid that there is no way the distinguished Senate can effectively, successfully and conclusively investigate and determine the allegations in this petition without making findings, decisions and pronouncements, one way or another, on the issues listed below, which would be substantially the same issues that the court needs to resolve.

“Some of the issues that this Senate would have to resolve for instance will include:

1.   whether or not our client was involved in any form of corrupt practices as alleged, be it stealing, unlawful enrichment and laundering of public funds through the Plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15;
2.   whether or not the companies (plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15) are registered with CAC, fake or authentic;

iii.    whether or not there are glaring cases of corruption, criminal breach of trust, unlawful enrichment and wanton conversion of funds as it relates to the transactions between the Rivers State Government under our client and the plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15;

1.   whether or not our client approved the sale of the Gas Turbines NG Power-HPS Limited, and if he did, whether it was for the said amount and whether the proceeds were diverted by our client;
2.   whether or not there was any transactions between the Rivers State Government under our client and the plaintiffs in suit No: FCT/HC/CV/2677/15, and if so, whether there was any corrupt practices in the said transactions; and several others.

“Just as the general principle of law is that commentaries and other forms or outside-the-courtroom discussions should not be encouraged or engaged in relation to the subject matter of any judicial litigation, so as not to prejudice and prejudge a matter before a court, we have also realized that this distinguished Senate has not only adopted this principle of law, but has also made it a written code in its Rules and Standing Orders, which is the compass for the proceedings of the Senate.

“The Senate by so doing has debarred distinguished Senators from considering matters which are rightly or wrongly subjudice for the sake of ensuring the much-desired separation of powers and preventing possible loopholes that may exist or be created in an attempt at short-circuiting the process of justice and circumventing the stringent application of the laws of our land.

“Mr. President, needless to emphasise that it is one of the cardinal pillars of fair hearing that an accused person is presumed innocent until the contrary is proved. Again, this position is strengthened and reinforced by section 36 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as Amended) (hereafter simply referred as the Constitution).

“As our client has indicated, the allegations are not only false, they are also made mala fide with the intent to solely irritate, embarrass and tarnish the hard-earned reputation of our client and maliciously represent him as a person not fit and proper to occupy public office.

14.   Sir, this intention is borne out clearly from the conduct and restless activities of the petitioner who has expressly stated in his petition to the Senate that he had written same petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence Commission (ICPC), the two foremost institutions in the country vested with the authority to prosecute financial and corrupt practices related offences. Except to speculate that the petitioner has no confidence in both the EFCC and ICPC, one would have thought that the petitioner should have awaited the outcome of the investigation of his allegations by these institutions. He did not do so because he has one goal, one mission: to malign and discredit the person of our client before the Nigerian people.

“Mr. President, we wish to resist the temptation of delving into the subject matter so as not to fall foul of the law and prejudice the case before the court.

“ In the circumstances, we most respectfully urge the Senate to invoke its powers and the Rules and Standing Orders to protect our client from commenting on the subject matter of the petition and any issues relating to or arising from the judicial commission of injury and/or the purported White Paper issued thereto.”

Assets declaration trial: Appeal Court rules on Saraki Monday

 Posted By: Eric Ikhilae, THE NATION

Saraki

The Court of Appeal in Abuja will on Monday decide whether or not the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) could proceed with the trial of Senate President Bukola Saraki on charges of false asset declaration.

The appellate court yesterday chose Monday for judgment in an appeal by Saraki, after taking arguments from parties in the case.

Saraki, who was arraigned last month before the CCT on a 13-count charge of false asset declaration, is appealing the tribunal’s decision to assume jurisdiction over his trial.

Listed as respondents in the appeal are the CCT, the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB), the Federal Ministry of Justice and a lawyer in the ministry, Muslim Hassan.

Arguing the appeal yesterday, Saraki’s lawyer, Joseph Daudu (SAN), urged the appellate court to set aside the entire proceedings before the CCT, including the charge before it.

He argued that the CCT was not properly constituted when it assumed jurisdiction to entertain the charges because it was made up of two members as against three, which is provided for in Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution.

Daudu contended that the provision of Section 28 of the Interpretation Act relied upon by the respondents to argue that the tribunal could validly sit with its Chairman and one other member, was a contradiction of the three-member provision in the Constitution.

He also argued that the tribunal, not being a superior court recognised by the Constitution, could not exercise criminal jurisdiction.

Daudu said the CCT lacked the power to exercise the power of “a court to enable it to do some of the things they did which were exclusive preserve of a court with criminal jurisdiction.”

Daudu contended that an earlier decision of the Court of Appeal (per Justice Aboki in the case by ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar) on which the CCT relied to assume jurisdiction over the case, was wrong.

He argued that the appellate court’s pronouncement in the Atiku case, to the effect that proceedings at the CCT were “criminal in nature,” was a mere obiter (a non-binding opinion).

Daudu also argued that the CCT is an inferior court to the Federal High Court, and ought to stay proceedings and await the determination of the fundamental rights enforcement suit filed by Saraki before the Federal High Court, Abuja.

In a counter-argument, respondents’ lawyer, Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the suit on the grounds it was based on “misconception and wrong interpretation of the law.”

He faulted Daudu’s prayer for the dismissal of the charge on the grounds that the panel of the tribunal was not properly constituted because two of its three members are currently sitting.

“Their prayer is at large. If they are contesting the proceedings of the tribunal of September 18, how does it affect the charge before the tribunal,” he said.

Jacobs argued that two out of the three members of tribunal could validly conduct proceedings by virtue of the provisions of Section 28 of the Interpretation Act recognised by the Constitution in its section 308(4).

He argued that the provision of Paragraph 15(1) of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution dealt with the establishment and composition of the panel, it was silent on the number of the panel members that formed its quorum.

He faulted Daudu’s position that the argument that the Court of Appeal’s decision in Atiku Abubakar’s case was an obiter.

“The decision of this court (the Court of Appeal), cannot be an obiter. The Court of Appeal ruled that the case at the Code of Tribunal was purely criminal and Justice Aboki who read the judgment said I so hold, meaning that it is a finding of fact,” Jacobs argued.

Jacobs described as misconception, the argument by the appellant that without a sitting Attorney-General of the Federation, the CCB could not validly file a charge against anybody.

Earlier, Justice Moore Adumein, who presided, struck out the appellant’s application for stay of proceedings pending the determination of the appeal.

Justice Adumein said going ahead to hear the motion and write a separate ruling on it would amount to “a waste of judicial time” since the substantive appeal which would effectively decide the entire suit had been heard

Seven killed as suicide bomber hits Borno mosque again

Less than 24 hours after a suicide bomber attacked a mosque in Maiduguri and killed 42 worshippers, another bombing occurred in the Borno State ca[pital city yesterday, leving seven people dead.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed yesterday that death of the seven people resulted from an early morning attack on a mosque at Molai, a settlement on the outskirts of Maiduguri, by three female suicide bombers.

The attack also left 17 people injured.

The spokesman of NEMA in the North East, Abdulkadir Ibrahim, said in a short SMS he sent to our correspondent: “At Umarari Bayan Waya, at some minutes past 5 am today (yesterday), the suicide attack was carried out by three female suicide bombers.

“Seventeen casualties were taken to specialist hospital, seven deaths including the suicide bombers,” Abdulkadir informed.

In his account, the village Head of Molai , Alhaji Balama Bako, said the female bombers walked confidently into the mosque at about 5.30 am and detonated the IEDs, killing seven, including the three of them.

Gov. Kashim Shettima with the Director General of NEMA, Sani Sidi, went on a sympathy visit to Molai community and other parts of the metropolis to visits the victims of terror.

No fewer than 42 worshippers were killed Thursday when two suicide bombers blew themselves up in another mosque in the northeastern Nigerian city.

All the people in the mosque were said to have died.

Posted By: Duku JOEL

We’re not half-way there in comedy, Ali Baba warns

By Kehinde Ajose

Nigeria’s king of comedy, Ali Baba has revealed that though the comedy industry is growing, we are yet to explore all the sectors in the industry. He made this statement in a recent interview.Ali Baba

“The value proposition and the dynamics of the comedy industry right now is still booting. We have not engaged all the sectors in the comedy industry. We are growing .

“We need to have sitcoms on TV, we need to have a lot of talk shows, we need to create a lot more platforms.

“This is one reason I started Alibaba’s Spontaneity. I believe with time we will get there. If it were like a computer system, I will say we are 40 percent booting, but we will get there.”

Festac robbery: Lagosians react

Esther Onyegbula & Ebere Aham

A staggering forty-four heavily armed robbers, last Tuesday, stormed two second generation banks in Festac area of Lagos State, and carted away huge sums of money whose estimate is yet to be made public. The bandits who were reportedly dressed in army camouflage uniforms operated freely for over two hours without police intervention.

Festac-robbery

During the operation, three persons including a woman and her 2-year-old baby were killed by stray bullets from the dare-devils who attacked from a nearby waterway and escaped also, through the same canal.

Scores including bank officials and their customers were also seriously wounded during the stampede that ensued.

Shockingly, a few minutes after the bandits escaped with their massive loot, a team of policemen arrived the scene and members of the public reacted angrily by booing them for not responding promptly to the distress call while the deadly operation lasted.

The Police at Festac were specifically indicted for negligence and lack of commitment to their responsibilities.

Perhaps, in a swift response to the incident, Police authorities re-deployed the Area Commander and former Force Spokesperson, Frank Mba to Oshogbo, Ondo State and quickly drafted a replacement from Ibadan, Oyo State. As at press time, the fate of the Divisional Police Officer in charge of the area was yet to be known.

That notwithstanding, there is still palpable rage over the ugly development. Crime Guard went to town to feel the pulse of Lagosians over the development and crime situation in the state generally.

Excerpts:

Festac Robbery: vox-pop

Mr. Tola Noibi, Chairman, Aramyde Communications, Lagos

The Festac incident was very unfortunate. I will blame it on electioneering campaigns where youths were used and dumped irresponsibly.

The leaders of the country need to restructure the economy especially with human empowerment backed up with functional and effective recreational training. Security stipend of about N50,000 should be provided for the unemployed monthly.

It should, as a matter of urgency, be paid to cushion the effect of mental and fiscal challenges of the jobless. Most crimes in the society often emanate from frustration and nonchalant attitude from leaders who flaunt their ill-gotten wealth irresponsibly.

Our Police also needs to be empowered mentally, physically and financially. Most of them, at the level of rank and file, are not encouraged and disciplined. The ratio of policemen in the society is below expectations and needs serious improvement.

Comrade  Ayodele Adeniyi-Adelen, immediate past Chairman, Amuwo-Odofin LGA

I don’t have anything to say concerning robbery attacks in Festac because when I was talking about it, you saw what I went through and nobody cared. I forewarned that time, that it would get to this level but nobody cared. I was attacked in my office.

I would suggest President Buhari and Governor Akinwunmi Ambode set up a committee to investigate the criminality and what is happening in Amuwo Odofin LGA, especially Festac. That is the way forward. They must set up a panel to come up with a white paper where stakeholders would discuss these issues.

Mr Okechukwu Nwanguma, National Coordinator, Network on Police Reform in Nigeria (NOPRIN)

Government should show greater commitment to police reform. Government should also adequately fund and equip the Police to enhance their morale and operational capability to effectively discharge their functions of providing public safety and security.

Miss Chiamaka Ajeamo, student

The crime rate in Lagos now is very high. It is as if the Governor is not doing anything at all about security in Lagos. That of Festac is so alarming that the residents are scared of their lives and property. How can a robbery attack take place in the same street where a police station is located and they could not do anything?

For crying out loud, there are only three entrances and exits in and out of Festac, and they could not block them before they escaped through the waterway. On the long run, innocent lives were wasted. I think the Lagos State Government should tighten up security.

Mr Chidi Emmanuel, generator technician

Instead of the government spending money unnecessarily, they should take care of us and provide for us. Government should set up trust funds for children as soon as they are born, so that they can have somewhere to begin from when they graduate from school. This will reduce crime rate.

Mrs Hilda Fadeyi, teacher

Crime rate in the state is quite alarming. It is sending a message that the citizens should be seriously at alert because they are not safe any more.  At any time, you should expect anything to happen.  One of the ways government can help is by properly equipping the Police. The state should  get them better equipped than they are already. And citizens should be educated.

Mrs Gloria Egbuji, Executive Director, Crime Victims’ Foundation

The Police should put more efforts at building good relationship with the public so that they can provide intelligence to police when necessary.

Mr Chika Okafor, mini-mart ownerThe government needs to be friendly to us and reinforce the Police. A lame man does not go to the battlefield with a wooden spoon. It is not only Festac that is suffering from this. Even Oke-Afa. The IG of Police is trying his best to make sure that there is security. The masses should be encouraged to talk to the Police when they notice anything too.

Mr Isaac Adeniyi Ajayi, commercial motorcyclist (okada-rider)

There is nothing the government can do than give us security in this very insecure Lagos. We need better security. It can help curb the armed robbery attacks. Police should always be around. At least,when armed robbers see police, they will have a change of mind and do something better.  The police is good but most times, they do not do their jobs. How could robbers rob banks in broad daylight and police in that area were nowhere to be seen?

Mr Nchege Johnson, lecturer

Over and over again, it has been suggested that government should equip our uniformed men, engage them in serious military trainings and sophisticated practicals.  Government can also increase the security manpower posted to areas in Lagos.

Mr Elijah Famakin, commercial driver

In the past, there was Operation Sweep. Is there no way to bring it back? We are not even safe in our homes. Before going out in the morning, you don’t even know if you will still be alive in the evening after work. The Police that are supposed to save us are non-nonchalant in their dealings.

James Ojo Adakole, student

The recent robbery in Festac has again brought to the fore the fact that it is not only raining woes in our security system; it is pouring. The first, considering a metropolitan city like Lagos which is the hub and epicentre of business activities, religion, investment and a hunting ground for most Nigerians, its security ought to be at the peak. However, the reverse is the case.

The government should increase the number of policemen in the state following the UNESCO recommendation of one policeman to 122 people. More so, the security agencies should be given the necessary tools to do the job. It is no gainsaying that our policemen lack the sophisticated weapons to combat such robbery attacks.

Security agencies should be given the orientation, tactics and managerial wherewithal to combat robbery in the state.  According to reports, the Police were alerted about the unfortunate incident when it was taking place but because they lacked the tactical approach, they could not apprehend those robbers.