Buhari To Legislature: Let’s Avoid Bitterness In Using Check And Balance

August 31, 2020

“I am a firm believer in the doctrine of the Separation of Powers, which is fundamental to our constitutional democracy. But our practice should be harmonious checks and balances devoid of bitterness and petty rivalry.’’

These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari today, August 31 when he inaugurated a Tripartite Consultative Committee of the Executive, Legislature and Leadership of the APC at the presidential villa, Abuja.

He said that enhanced consultation within the governing political party, All Progressives Congress, will strengthen its internal democracy, and improve chances of winning elections.

The President said that amicable resolution of conflicts in the party through regular consultations will create more understanding.

“Let me welcome all of you to this first Consultative Committee of the APC, our members of the National Assembly and the Executive.

“Our party commands a clear majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives. The Vice-President, the distinguished Senate President, the Right Honourable Speaker and I all belong to APC and the working relationships between the Executive and the Legislative have been excellent so far. Our joint responsibility is to keep things that way and see where we can improve our communication and coordination.

“But we must admit to ourselves that our party has been too often embroiled in bitter and on occasions, totally unnecessary squabbles costing us seats in legislative and gubernatorial elections. These never should have happened. We are here to make sure such occurrences do not happen again. We must now ensure regular consultations between the party and the Governments.’’

The President advised members of the committee to further align objectives of the party and be alive to electoral promises, reminding party members of the need to always move the country forward.

The President said that he had great faith in the Consultative Committee to help improve governance and achievements of the party, assuring them of his support.

Members of the consultative committee are: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, Chairman; Senate President, Ahmed Ibrahim Lawal; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila; Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege; Deputy Speaker, Ahmed Idris Wase; Governor of Yobe State/Chairman, APC Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni; Senate Majority Leader, Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi and House Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa.

Others include: Attorney General/Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Gida Mustapha; Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim A. Gambari and Secretary, APC Caretaker Committee, Sen. Akpan Udoedehe.

Gov Yahaya Bello Cruises To Final Victory At Supreme Court

Greenbarge Reporters

August 31, 2020

Governor Yahaya Adoza Bello of Kogi State has finally cruised to victory as the Supreme court, highest court in Nigeria, dismissed the appeal filed by the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) appeal against him.

The Court said today, August 31: “Appeal lacks any scitilla of merit, it is dismissed.”

Details soon…

The Hypocrisy Of Igbo Political Leaders, By Fredrick Nwabufo

Editorial staff

August 30, 2020

File photo of a cross-section of Ohaneze Ndibo

The so-called Igbo struggle is an enterprise. Individuals from the south-east, who find themselves in position of political influence, hawk the ‘’Igbo agitation’’ as merchandise in self-seeking ventures. These politicians pursue personal gains robed in the collective agenda. And this is largely because of the people who have become addlepated by barbiturated sentiments, conspiracy theories, and nerve-raising nothings.

There are 15 lawmakers from the south-east at the senate and more of this number at the house of representatives, but no single region-centred legislation has reached fruition. In March 2020, these lawmakers in league with their colleagues approved the $22.7 billion loan request of President Muhammadu Buhari unfettered.

But a week after some public-spirited Nigerians raised the alarm that the south-east was excluded in the projects the loan was meant for, these lawmakers in caucuses retreated to playing to the gallery and lacquering their action. They resumed the accustomed showmanship and grandstanding in the face of an obvious fait accompli. Nothing happened afterwards.

Also, most of the lawmakers from the south-east are members of the opposition — the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) — but clearly, they have failed in providing leadership in opposition. Some contentious bills were passed right under the stoned watch of these lawmakers. Currently, there are two anti-citizen bills – on hate speech and social media. But these lawmakers do not think they are worth advocating over. These are bills targeted at garrisoning the civic space, the media and the populace.

Considering the disaffection of a section of the south-east with the Buhari administration and juxtaposing that with those who have been operational in their dissent against the administration, is it not logical that the opposition secure the fort of varied voices by working to extirpate these gag bills?

Perhaps, the bills when passed will put a hedge around them – to protect them from minatory probes by their constituents whom they have been remiss in representing. The legislation serves them.

There is now an exhumation of the interred National Water Resources Bill which reposes control of the country’s water resources – both over and underground – in the executive, and which requires Nigerians to get a licence before drilling a borehole (in a nation that cannot provide pipe-borne water for citizens). This legislation, with implications of slavish proportions, is already at an advanced stage at the house of representatives – where there are lawmakers from the south-east — which will be maximally impacted by this bill when passed. This is where Igbo political leaders, particularly those in the national assembly, should be leading the charge. Whatever development we want in the south-east must proceed from the law; so, change must begin from parliament.

Why have I zeroed in on lawmakers from the south-east? Well, because they are the representatives of the people of the region and they form a bulk of the opposition in the legislature. Naturally, they should wear the shoes of the commoner in the region and feel his pain. They should be the voice of the region. They should be in the vanguard of whatever the people are agitating for provided it is within the remit of the constitution. I have no doubt that whatever they set to achieve for the region in parliament, regional and national consciences will be mobilised in support as long as the agenda is not jaundiced.

But these politicians have commoditised the Igbo interest, blaring hot air on issues affecting the region. They know the people are very emotive and unthinking, so they flagellate the usual marginalisation slant and other conspiracy theories to thrust themselves into public consciousness. And they remain there by constantly reinventing the wheel and stroking the people sore with sentimental nothings.

Some unarmed young men were mowed down by guilty bullets in Enugu a few days ago. Though the DSS said two of its operatives were killed in an encounter with some Biafra agitators. This incident, no doubt, deserves a thorough investigation and the culprits punished at the end of a credible hearing. We cannot keep losing citizens to summary executions. I believe this is a matter on which the voice of lawmakers from the south-east should be loudest. They should not only speak up when it is politically convenient to do so.

I have been threatened by these agitators, but I strongly believe it is against natural propriety if my voice is muted out of grudge on this case. Every Nigerian deserves to live; even if there is an offence, the law must take its course. Summary executions are a reprise of the military era; they have no place in a democracy.

Really, the biggest adversary of the Igbo is not the Hausa, the Yoruba or the Fulani, but fiendish leaders of the ethnic group who secrete their interest in the ‘’Igbo agenda’’; who pit the people against their neighbours and other groups, and who flagellate ethnic emotions for insular ends.

Fredrick Nwabufo is a writer and journalist Twitter: @FredrickNwabufo

Money, Evils Now Rule Most Churches In Nigeria, CAN President Laments

Editorial staff

August 30, 2020

President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Rev. Samson Ayokunle has lamented that the pursuit of money and other evils such as sexual immorality, gluttony and financial impropriety now rule most of the churches in the country.

Rev. Samson Ayokule, who spoke today, August 29, at the ongoing virtual convention of the Nigerian Baptist Convention (NBC), attributed the sad developments to lack of discipline, adding that it is sad that money has become the god of many Christians, especially church leaders.

The CAN boss, who is also the President of the NBC, stressed that there is no more difference between Christians and unbelievers with the development.

“The church is in a state where lack of discipline has led to many instances of sexual immorality, gluttony, financial impropriety, laziness, court cases, etc.

“The name of the Lord is being maligned in our society today because of the way Christians are behaving. Obscene dressing and all forms of impurities are happening in our midst.

“Some Christians cannot be trusted for any noble assignment. There appears to be no difference between them and the unbelievers.

“Money, in particular, has become the god of some (if not many) Christians, including Church leaders! What a shame to the Church!

“The Lord of the Church is sad concerning the state of the Church. We are robbed of our powers and molested by the children of Satan because of our careless living!

“It is through discipline that we would remain holy and enter the kingdom of God! Hence this year’s Convention is a call to self-examination as individuals, family, church, Convention.

He made a clarion call to church leaders to be more disciplined in areas where “we have shown discipline and exercise discipline in areas where we lack such.”

President Buhari Mourns Death Of Attah Igala In Kogi

Editorial staff

August 29, 2020

Late Attah Igala, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni

President Muhammadu Buhari expressed profound commiserations with the family, friends and associates of His Royal Majesty, Attah Igala, Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II, over the transition of the Paramount Ruler of Igala Kingdom and President, Kogi State Council of Chiefs.

The President also condoled with the Kogi State Government, describing the late royal father as a “man of peace who devoted his life and reign to the unity and progress of not only his people, but also the state and country.”

In a statement today, August 29, by the senior special assistant to the President on media and publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, the President said that the 27th Attah Igala will be greatly missed for his wise counsels and reputation for honesty, urging the people of his domain to sustain his achievements during his eight-year rule.

The President prayed that God will console the family of the revered foremost traditional ruler and all those who mourn him, and grant his soul eternal rest.

The President’s condolence message came against the backdrop of a statement today from the Attah’s legal team that the media announcement of the death of the monarch was a taboo in Igala culture.

President Trump Refers To Biden, Democrat Candidate, As Low IQ Individual

Greenbarge Reporters

August 29, 2020

“If Biden wins, which I honestly can’t believe would happen, I will have lost to a low IQ individual.”

This was the verdict of President Donald Trump of the United States of America, who is running for a second term on the platform of the Republican.

Trump, who addressed party supporters at Manchester-Boston Regional Airport, as he continued with campaign, remarked: “the only way we’re going to lose this election is if this election is rigged.”

President Trump resumed campaigning for reelection as though the coronavirus pandemic was a thing of the past, rallying hundreds of supporters at an airport hangar.

But with the virus looming over the race, the president for the first time, acknowledged even the theoretical possibility of defeat.

The president’s supporters stood shoulder to shoulder, most of them not wearing face masks that health experts say can help prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has killed more than 181,000 Americans.

Yesterday, August 28, more than 45,000 new cases were reported in the U.S.

Yet Trump seemed eager to pack more people into his rally.

He boasted that on his approach to the airport that he had seen “thousands and thousands” more supporters lined up who were denied entry out of health concerns, a twist on his usual rally mantra, that “fire marshals” had limited the size of his audience.

“Sir, we couldn’t let them in,” Trump said, recounting what he said an aide had told him, to which he said he responded, “Why not? Let ’em in.”

Attah Igala Never Dies, He Lives In Perpetuity, Palace Lawyers Warn Media

Editorial staff

August 29, 2020

Solicitors to His Royal Majesty, Dr. Michael Idakwo Ameh Oboni II and Igala Area Traditional Council have faulted the announcement of the demise of the monarch that was published in media across the country this week, saying that it runs contrary to the culture and tradition of the people.

Consequently, they are seeking the immediate withdrawal of such announcements and presentations by all the media platforms.

In a statement issued yesterday, August 28, asking the media to immediately withdraw such announcement, Chief Festus Oguche and Dr. D.D. Makolo representing the royal legal team, said that the whole idea of the announcement were however predicated on certain fundamental misconception of the underpinnings of the Igala culture and tradition.Unfortunately, they said, some of the purveyors of the falsehood are Igala sons who should have known better.

“It is utmost dismay that we noticed the peddling of certain information both on social and mainstream media announcing the demise of the Attah Igala.

”We state here categorically the whole idea of this announcement is predicated on certain fundamental misconception of the underpinnings of the Igala culture and tradition.

“Unfortunately, some of the purveyors of this falsehood are Igala sons who should have known better.

”Firstly, Attah Igala Never Dies. He lives in perpetuity.“Secondly, the incumbent on the throne being a mortal person may pass on, but the fact about his demise or death remains in abeyance.

”If at all it does happen or whenever such happens , it remains in abeyance until it is formally announced from the palace in accordance with the dictates of Igala culture and tradition.

“It does not lie on the media to announce the death of an Attah , without confirmation from the royal stool. Doing that is tantamount to the desecration of the whole essence of Igala culture and tradition.

”Suffice to mention that Attah Igala stool is a sacred one imbued with a high level of traditional paraphernalia and the act of announcing the demise in a speculative manner is a grave desecration of the ancient traditional stool.

“From the foregoing, we humbly seek the immediate withdrawal of such announcement by all media platforms in obeisance to the requirement of traditions and the rights of the good people of Igala Kingdom.

”We therefore expect a high level of responsibility from the media as the tradition of the Igala people is a recognisable one and consistent with the practice globally in monarchical systems.“

Nigeria Warns Ghana: Further Attack In Any Guise Will No Longer Be Tolerated

Editorial staff

August 28, 2020

Nigerian government has sent a stern warning to the government of and authorities in Ghana that it would no longer tolerate further attacks on Nigerians in that country under whatever guise.

“Nigeria has time after time demonstrated its fidelity to the long cordial relations with Ghana. But indications, especially in recent times, are that Nigeria’s stance is now being taken for granted and its citizens being made targets of harassment and objects of ridicule. This will no longer be tolerated under any guise.”

Reacting today, August 28, to the recent series of attacks on Nigerians in Ghana, the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed asked Nigerians in Ghana to remain law-abiding and avoid engaging in self-help, despite their ordeal, saying that the issues are being addressed at higher levels.

Lai Mohammed stressed that Nigeria will no longer tolerate harassment of its citizens in Ghana.

He said that the government is deeply concerned over the progressive acts of hostility towards the country by Ghanaian authorities, “and will no longer tolerate such.”

He said that the federal government is urgently considering a number of options aimed at ameliorating the situation.

“The Federal Government has been documenting the acts of hostility towards Nigeria and Nigerians by the Ghanaian authorities. These include Seizure of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 10, Barnes Road, Accra, which the Nigerian Government has used as diplomatic premises for almost 50 years. This action is a serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

Demolition of the Nigerian Mission’s property located at No. 19/21 Julius Nyerere Street, East Ridge, Accra, another serious breach of the Vienna Convention.

Aggressive and incessant deportation of Nigerians from Ghana. Between Jan. 2018 and Feb. 2019, 825 Nigerians were deported from Ghana.

Closure of shops belonging to Nigerians. Over 300 Nigerians shops were locked for four months in Kumasi in 2018; over 600 Nigerian shops were locked in 2019 and currently, over 250 Nigerians shops have been locked.

Residency permit requirements, for which the Ghana Immigration Service has placed huge fees, far higher than the fees charged by the Nigerian Immigration Service. These include the compulsory Non-citizen ID card (US$120, and US$60 for yearly renewal); Medical examinations, including for COVID-19 which is newly-introduced, at about US$120), and payment for a residency permit (US$400 compared to the N7,000 being paid by Ghanaians for residency card in Nigeria) and outrageous stipulations in the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act.

When the Act was initially promulgated in 1994, a foreigner was required to invest at least US$300,000 by way of equity capital and also employ 10 Ghanaians. This Act has now been amended twice, with the 2018 GIPC Act raising the minimum capital base for foreign-owned businesses to US$1m.

Though targeted at foreigners, it seems GIPC’s definition of foreigners is Nigerians. The GIPC Act also negates the ECOWAS Protocol.

“The negative reportage of issues concerning Nigerians resident in Ghana by the Ghanaian media is fuelling an emerging xenophobic attitude towards Nigerian traders and Nigerians in general. The immediate fallout is the incessant harassment and arrest of Nigerian traders and closure of their shops.

“Harsh and openly-biased judicial trial and pronouncement of indiscriminately-long jail terms for convicted Nigerians. There are currently over 200 Nigerians in the Nsawam Maximum prison in Ghana alone.

“The Federal Government will like to put on record the fact that even though over 1 million Ghanaians are resident in Nigeria, they are not being subjected to the kind of hostility being meted out to Nigerians in Ghana.

“Also, Even though the main reason given for the seizure of Federal Government property at No. 10, Barnes Road in Accra is the non-renewal of lease after expiration, the Ghanaian authorities did not give Nigeria the right of first refusal or the notice to renew the lease. By contrast, the lease on some of the properties occupied by the Ghanaian Mission in Nigeria has long expired, yet such properties have not been seized.

Buhari, Tinubu Sympathize With Families Of Lagos Helicopter Crash

Editorial staff

August 28, 2020

President Muhammadu Buhari and the national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu have sympathized with the families, friends and associates of victims of the Bell 206 helicopter operated by Quorum Aviation which crashed into a building in Opebi, Lagos State today, August 28.

In a statement by the presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President said that while the nation awaits report of investigation into the accident by aviation regulatory agencies, he prays that God will console the bereaved families, grant peace to the souls of the dead and speedy recovery for the injured.

Asiwaju Tinubu also expressed sympathy to the families, relations and friends of those who lost their lives in the crash even as he called on the aviation authorities to investigate the causes of the crash.

In a statement by his media office, Asiwaju prayed that Almighty Allah consoles the families of the victims of the crash and grant the deceased eternal rest.

He wished the survivor of the crash soonest recovery.

Gov. El-Rufai Saga: Northern Version Of Nigerian Bar Association Emerges

Editorial staff

August 28, 2020

The Northern version of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) known as New Nigerian Bar Association, (NNBA) has emerged.

A statement from the group, signed by two Northern lawyers who are the Conveners, Nuhu Ibrahim and Abdulbasit Suleiman, said that the formation of the new group was informed by the recent developments in the Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA) which had plunged iit into crisis following the disagreement on the invitation of Kaduna State Governor, Mallam El Rufai as a Guest at the NBA conference.

In the statement, termed Nigerian Bar Association, (NBA), “peddling

of sectional interests” the group said that the recent rumblings from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) is leaving much to be desired within the ranks of Concerned Lawyers especially from Northern part of the Country.

“What has been happening recently has exposed the inability of the NBA to manage and contain the heterogeneity of it’s members as well as their various interests. It’s penal powers has been deployed discriminatively on the basis of ethnicity and regionalism.

“As a body of Lawyers who have undergone training towards ensuring the promotion and protection of Human rights and liberties, the NBA is supposed to live above sentiments, regionalism and discrimination on any basis and of any kind. Therefore, the NBA cannot afford to be seen not to be upholding the rights and freedom of its own members if at all, it should be seen to be practicing what it preaches. As the Hausa saying goes: ‘Idan Kura tana maganin zaho, ta yi ma kanta’ (If Hyena has cure for diarrhoea let her use it for herself).”

The statement said that The New Nigerian Bar Association had been watching the activities of the NBA, an association “we all looked forward to joining with high hopes before being called to the Nigerian Bar, forcing idiosyncrasies of few on the majority of its members especially in recent times.

“No wonder, NBA NEC, which is the highest decision-making organ of the Association failed to uphold the fundamental principles of fair hearing which in itself, is the fundamental aspect of Rule of Law, on the allegations against the Executive Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai as were contained in a petition by Chidi Odinkalu Esq. a long time foe of His Excellency and a Lawyer of Eastern extraction, but the NBA failed to extend the same treatment to Southern invitees who were also petitioned and are also alleged to have committed similar or more human rights abuses than those alleged against Mallam El-Rufai.

“It is pertinent to state that the NBA membership as currently constituted can be termed ” Mandatory Membership Association which, for all intents and purposes, is against the provisions of the Constitution since the grundnorm recognises freedom of membership of every Association.

Section 40 of the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria,1999 provides as follows:

”Every person shall be entitled to assembly freely and associate with other persons, and in particular he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any Association for the protection of his interests.”

The New Nigerian Bar Association members, the group said, gleaning from the above Constitutional provision “feel that their interests are no longer taken into consideration in major decisions of the NBA hence the formation of this Association. A cursory chronicle of the membership composition of major organs of the NBA would reveal lopsided representation despite having large numbers of Lawyers from all parts of the Country and especially Northern Nigeria who have diligently paid their Bar practicing fees and have distinguished themselves in the legal profession.”

According to the group, the

New Nigerian Bar Association feels that, Lawyers, as professionals like Doctors and Accountants should have more than one Association regulated by the General Council of the Bar.

“The Legal Practitioners Act (LPA) which regulates the legal profession in Nigeria did not establish the NBA. In fact, the NBA was established as an Incorporated Trustee by Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). It is no longer gainsaying that a group of Lawyers can freely join any lawful Association for the protection of their rights and interests as Lawyers and citizens of Nigeria pursuant to the above cited Section 40 of the Constitution.

Even Section 1of the Legal Practitioners Act, which seemingly conscripted all Lawyers in Nigeria to Mandatory Membership of NBA is, for all intents and purposes, at loggerheads with Section 40 of the Constitution which makes the former null and void and of no effect whatsoever,” the group stated.

It argued that the Constitution remains the supreme Law of the land to which all other laws including the LPA are subject.

Section 1(3) of the Constitution states that:

“If any other Law is inconsistent with the provision of this Constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other Law shall to the extent of the inconsistency be void.”

“On the basis of the foregoing, the group argued, some Lawyers of like mind and duly called to the Nigerian Bar have decided to form New Nigerian Bar Association with the aim of protecting their interests as encapsulated under Section 40 of the Constitution”

The NNA said members of the group have commenced consultations with very Senior Lawyers of Northern Nigeria extraction and those practising therein with the view to constituting the Trustees and for purposes of fixing date for formal inauguration of the Association.

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