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Press Statement.

I have a solemn and urgent duty today. It is to alert you to the danger that you are about throwing away our hard won democracy due to the culture of indiscipline, impunity and insensitivity that you have grown in recent years.

The Issue:

The issue is simple. The Constitution at section 134(2)(b) states that a candidate for the office of President at an election involving two or more candidates is deemed duly elected where the candidate obtains the highest votes at the election and at least 25% of the votes in each of two thirds of all the States and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja. Where no candidate meets this requirement, there should be a second election between the candidate with the highest votes and one out of the remainder who has a majority of the votes in the highest number of States. Where the requirement of spread is still not met, there should be a third election between the two which should be decided on a simple majority of votes. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not obtain the required 25% of the votes in Abuja but insists on being sworn in as President and Commander-in-Chief.

The Threat:
Section 1(2) of the Constitution prohibits anyone or group from taking control of the Government of the Federation or any part thereof contrary to the provisions of the Constitution. It is the responsibility of all Nigerians, including the military to safeguard the Constitution. Section 14(2)(a) of the Constitution expressly declares that the people are the true sovereign and the ultimate authority in the land from whom the Government derives the authority to govern through the Constitution.

The Constitution has therefore authorized each and every Nigerian in whatever position that he finds himself and with whatever means at his disposal to safeguard the Constitution by resisting any would-be impostor from power. The primary allegiance of our soldiers is to the Constitution, which is also the source of their own authority and standing as officers of the nation. They cannot be expected to give allegiance to anyone that is installed President contrary to the Constitution.

The upshot is that if we proceed to install Tinubu President and Commander-in-Chief under the present circumstances, we would be setting democracy up for overthrow. The intervention, ostensibly to restore the authority of the Constitution, and democracy, might mean that this country might not experience democracy again for a long time.

We have the experience of late Earnest Shonekan and the Interim National Government that he headed that was sacked by a Lagos High Court for lack of constitutional foundation for guidance and certainty regarding the point that every High Court in this country is empowered to interpret the Constitution and may therefore sack Tinubu, if installed, with a simple declaration. That would set the stage for extra constitutional actions that would be justified with the excuse of restoring the authority of the Constitution. It would be the death of democracy in the country.

The Solution:
We need to exercise discipline to obey the simple instruction of our Constitution. Section 134(3)(a) and (b) instruct us to proceed to a second election between Tinubu, as the candidate with the highest votes, and one of the other candidates that has the majority of votes in the highest number of States. We should embark on that in earnest.

May 29th 2023 and after:

We are faced with neither the prospect of a vacuum in the office of President nor that of constitutional crises if we put off the planned inauguration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the Constitution expects us to do. His Excellency, Muhammadu Buhari GCON, has the authority, nay, the order of the Constitution to remain in office to guard and guide the action while processes for the due emergence of his successor continue until that successor takes the oath of office. If we proceed to install Tinubu unconstitutionally, the Constitution would still continue to regard President Buhari as the President and Commander in Chief. Anything that is done contrary to the Constitution is a nullity. Four years as a tenure under section 135(2)(a) would become an issue only when there is a due successor available to take the oath of office.

We implore the Chief Justice of Nigeria, the President and Commander in Chief, the security chiefs and all other officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria not to be complicit in the overthrow of the Constitution by lending their support for the installation of Tinubu as President of this country on May 29th or any other day under the present election results.

The Presidential Election Petitions Tribunal:

The PEPT as presently engaged has no constitutional basis. It is only when there is a valid declaration of a winner of the election that its jurisdiction can be invoked. The grounds for invoking it under section 134 of the Electoral Act are (1) non-qualification of the winner (b) invalidity of the election, and © failure of the declared winner to obtain majority of the votes. The issue of failure to secure 25% of the votes in two thirds of all the States and the FCT is not one of the conditions. It is left out because it is a constitutional issue that should be resolved before the PEPT is constituted. The Constitution demands a second election at the present time unless any petitioner before the PEPT can satisfy it that he fulfilled the requirements of section 134(2)(b) of the Constitution and should have been declared winner.

Conclusion:
We call on the intentional community not to encourage the overthrow of democracy and the possible institution of anarchy in the Nigeria with their support for the unconstitutional installation of Tinubu as the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on the 29th of May 2023.

Chuks Nwachuku Esq.
Solicitor to Abuja Residents and Voters.

By: Musa Musawa

The leadership of the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN, North East zone has said that that major challenges affecting the economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management.

The group through its organizing secretary, Amb. Ibrahim Dangata Inuwa, during a press conference which held in Abuja and copy of the text made available to newsmen in Kaduna, hailed Admiral Dr. K. M Bushi following his recent book launch titled; “fundamentals of Nigerian public finance and accounting, stressing that there is no better time for the unveiling of the book than now because of the dwindling revenue Nigeria has been confronted with in the recent time.

According to Inuwa, the book will contribute immensely to the Society and the entire body of knowledge in Nigeria, adding that It is a fact that one of the “major challenges affecting economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management”.

The Youth group also stressed that Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources but there is nothing much to show due to lack of effective management of revenue generated from exploration and exploitation of those resources.

They said, “the leadership of National Youth Council of Nigeria North-East Zone wish to use this medium to felicitate with Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi over the Unveiling of the book titled ‘’Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting’’. There is no better time for the unveiling of the book than now because of the dwindling revenue Nigeria has been confronted with in the recent time.

“There is no doubt that this book will contribute immensely to scholarly Society and the entire body of knowledge in Nigeria. It is a fact that one of the major challenges affecting economics development and growth in Nigeria is ineffective and inefficient financial resource management.

“Nigeria is blessed with abundant mineral resources but ironically there is nothing much to show due to lack of effective management of revenue generated from exploration and exploitation of those resources.

“We are very much excited with the unveiling of this book because of the timing. Over time, government revenue has drastically dropped down and the only way out is to embrace some of the far reaching recommendations made by Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi in his book titled ‘’Fundamentals of Nigerian Public Finance and Accounting”.

“Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi has distinguished himself in several respects. In the military, he has carved a niche for himself as a disciplined and integrity personified officer. He has conducted himself with dignity and respect.

“He is exemplary, he is an embodiment of Knowledge, he is a scholar per excellence, a role model, a prolific author, a beacon of hope to we the younger generations, a detribalized individual, a benefactor to underprivileged, a compassionate individual, a patriotic Nigeria to the core, a humble man to a fault.

“In short, we are short of words to describe this exceptional gentleman. His contribution to societal development cannot be over quantified. It takes a lot of sacrifice, tenacity of purpose and dedication for him to have put this important idea into a book. Despites his tight schedules as Chief of Naval budget and account, he is able to achieved this meritorious and praiseworthy feat in scholarly society.

“Although, we are not surprise because we are familiar with his antecedents as a goal getter and a resilient individual. We will ever be supremely and immensely proud of him. The entire youth of North east, particularly Taraba State where he hails from will continue to look up to him as a mentor, father and a role model.

“The leadership of National youth council of Nigeria North east zone will continue to identify with admiral Dr. K.M Bushi for a number of reasons. Chiefly amongst the reason is his unconditional beliefs in youth development and empowerment. He is a pacesetter in youth development in Nigeria. We are very much proud of his exemplary contributions to humanity and the body of knowledge especially in public finance in Nigeria.

“In conclusion, we are using this medium to call on high government officials both within and outside the military to emulate the sterling qualities of Admiral K.M Bushi. Government officials must brace up and wake up to their official responsibilities. They must lead by example if we must get it right.

“There is no doubt that admiral K.M Bushi has paid his Due as far as evolution of modern Nigeria is concern. No wonder he has several awards to his credit. We urge governmental officials at all level to live by example and be a role model like admiral Bushi. We appeal to Nigerian government to utilize human resources like Admiral Bushi for the overall benefit of the country.

“Finally, we are using this medium to thank profusely the chief of Naval staff, Admiral A.Z Gambo for his untiring support to Admiral Dr. K.M Bushi. We humbly urge him to sustain the support.We are calling on Nigeria Government at all level to procure this book titled “fundamentals of Nigeria Public Finance and Accounting for all government revenue generating agencies, Tertiary institutions libraries, Directors of finance and accounting and government auditors.

“This is because the core issues considered in the book encompasses budgeting and appropriation, financial recording and accountability, sources of public revenue, public expenditure management and controls, public financial reporting system, Taxation, pension and gratuity, public debt management, auditing and lastly public sector financial reforms in Nigeria”.

ENDS

Comrade Elliot Afiyo is the National President of the Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF), the umbrella Organisation of 42 Northern youth groups founded in 1994 by the Northern Traditional, Military, Political and Religious leaders to propagate and protect the northern political and economic interest within the national interest.

Comrade (Dr) Elliot Afiyo is also the Secretary – General of the Association of West African Monarchs (AWAM), the umbrella body of Traditional Rulers in West Africa. In this interview with Journalists in Abeokuta, Comrade Afiyo bares his mind on the 2023 general elections.

Questions;

Comrade sir, since 1999, your Forum secured victories for Candidates you endorsed and supported at all levels since 1999. But in the last presidential elections, former vice president Atiku lost in spite of all your support and endorsement. What went wrong Sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

Thank you very much. I want to tell you categorically that Atiku did not lose the 2023 presidential election because there wasn’t any candidate that meets up with the constitutional requirements to be declared the winner of the 2023 presidential election. It was a conspiracy in dietriabe to declaring Tinubu as the winner of that election for fear of a rerun. 2023 presidential election was full of betrayals, conspiracies and deceptions

Questions;

But your Forum couldn’t make the difference like the previous elections since 1999.

Comrade Afiyo;

Our Forum performed the best ever since 1999. For the first time, our Forum faced the toughest and most challenging election and came out with good results especially in the North- East and North- West geopolitical zones.

Questions;

How tough was the election sir?

Comrade Afiyo;

You see, I held a press conference in Kano two weeks to the elections and drew the attention of our presidential candidate of an organised deception and betrayals. All the APC governors that promised to work for Atiku changed their minds three days to the elections because of the senseless and leucitic statement made by one of the Atiku’s campaign spokesmen that Atiku will investigate and jail them.

Secondly, the statement made by Atiku that he was going to restructure the country even at the detriment of his life, made the Fulani elites to work against him.

Thirdly, 85% of the people Atiku made as PCC members also betrayed him because the dollars given to them for logistics and mobilization, was only shared amongst and between them. They had erroneous and lithifying confidence that with or without mobilization, Atiku will win.

Fourthly, the people that were sincerely and honestly working for Atiku were side lined, barricaded, excluded and isolated. Thanks to some our patrons who saw all these things and decided to mobilise us and also gotten some assistance from international Organisations. These mobilisations coupled with our determination and commitments made the difference in the voting outcome.

We saw ourselves fighting against the collective decision of the Northern Governors, Fulani Elites and the Religious leaders from both the Islamic and Christian religions.

The Imams were heavily mobilised with millions of dollars while the statement made by Governor El-Rufai about the northern Christians population also encouraged and gingered the Christian clerics to mobilise Christians to waste their votes for Obi so as to prove El-Rufai wrong and teaches him and his cohorts a protogenetic and dangerous lesson. The ethnic angle was also given priority in some States like Kogi, Kwara and Niger. You can now see the forces NYLF faced and still ensured that Atiku won in the North.

Question;

Why Niger State?

Comrade Afiyo:

Whether you believe IT or not, Asiwaju has a link with the Nupes.

Question

Are you saying Tinubu did not win the 2023 Presidential election?

Comrade Afiyo;

I am telling you without fear of contradiction that Tinubu did not win the election that meets up with the constitutional requirements even after results were doctored. Prof Yakubu knew it and he made up his mind to announce a rerun. Thirty minutes to the announcement, he was summoned and the decision was changed. Alterations and doctoring of results were made, that is why he reluctantly staged a podiatric coup against democracy and Nigerians, by going ahead and announced Tinubu as the winner at about 4:am

Questions;

Sir, are you saying that Prof Yakubu staged a coup?

Comrade Afiyo;

Prof. Yakubu is a learn tic Coupist by every reasoning. Coups are normally announced at early hours of the day and that what was he did. I will not be surprised if Prof Yakubu is arrested and tried for treasonable felony in the nearest future.

Question;

But the Northern Elders Forum and the Arewa Consultative Forum supported Atiku?

Comrade Afiyo;

All these pressure groups are constituted for political relevance and financial patronage. They are far from translating to political victories. Unfortunately, the Aspirants and the Candidates patronize them at the detriment of the Youth groups. Some of these Individuals are not known in their localities. And if they are known, they cannot command political fellowship and followership which will translate to political voting and by extension, political victories.

Questions;

Sir, so you agree with Governor El-Rufai that they don’t control votes?

Comrade Afiyo;

I totally agree with him because he said nothing but the truth. How many of these Elders will secure a political victory for their Councillors not to talk of President? The Governors and the Youth Leaders control and determine the direction of voting in the North. The clerics are far politically better than these Elders.

The only aspect that I disagree with EL-Rufai is denigration and localisation of the elders by calling them ‘so called elders’ and his statement on the Northern Christians which has caused major division among the Northerners. If care is not taken or more awareness created, it will be very difficult for a Northerner to win presidential election in the nearest future in a free and fair elections unless that Northerner is a Muslim and must come from one of the minority tribes.

Question;

President Buhari said that Atiku lost the election because of over confidence and complacency

Comrade Afiyo;

That’s very true, over confidence in the sense that PCC members were doing what they feel like. Even the presidential Candidate and his running Mate were deliberately ignoring some stakeholders. The support groups were ignored and downgraded. The G5 Governors were termed and considered inconsequential. The Governor of Bauchi who is very popular and influential in the country especially the Northern Youth, was isolated not until I decided to take an action that maybe so devastating, before he was visited and invited for negotiation.

Let me tell you the truth, most of the key members of PCC of the PDP worked against Atiku because they have interest in 2027 and Atiku winning this election will block them. This is more reason why they pocketed the dollars, thereby frustrating the genuine efforts of Atiku’s supporters.

Another factor that causes complacency was the appointment of his spokesmen who were caucus members of the APC. These were people verily known with Tinubu, whatever they said were not given any serious consideration.

You can see Senator Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to PDP in 2015. The same Dino saying ALLAH YA ISA to APC in 2019 and 2023. Spiritually, any Candidate that Dino becomes his or her Spokesman under PDP or APC, will never wins the election because he has used the same tongue to curse the Parties.

Question;

Sir, we read in some National Dailies prior to the elections that some Emirs threatened to assassinate you if Atiku wins the election in their States. How true is this statement?

Comrade Afiyo;

Absolutely true, two of them told our Co-ordinators that they will assassinate me if Atiku wins in their States. I personally called them to confirm the story and they affirmed it. These threats made me to relocate to one of the States and informed the Emir that I was in the State to ensure that Atiku wins in all the States. I called some of our Patrons who mobilised funds for us. When Atiku won in the State, I placed a call to the Emir who later invited me for a dinner in his palace. After the Dinner, he looked at me said “shege Batta jo”, and I smiled and said mi yeti barkama walla aibe”. And that was all.

Question;

Sir, we were also told that Tinubu’s camp is making overtures for you to join the team.

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, I will not join them until the final pronouncement by the Supreme court. In fact, the Northern Youth will never recognize Tinubu as President of Nigeria even after the swearing – in until the final pronouncement by the Supreme Court.

Question;

Are you saying that the inauguration ceremony should be stopped?

Comrade Afiyo:

Under common sense or literal reasoning, the inauguration should have been done after final pronouncement by the Court. But in a situation like this, one should not expect that to happened. Seriously, it is a major set- back to our Country. But I am quite sure that God’s will would prevail very soon.

Question

There was a story in one of the daily newspapers that you led a Team of investigation from UN and EU to visit the six geo- political zones and the Team was sponsored by one of your patrons.

Comrade Afiyo;

The Team was a fact-finding Team. I was just privileged to guide them.

Question;

What do we expect from you and your Forum from now?

Comrade Afiyo;

For now, let us allow the will of God to prevail. This is our only country that we can call our home. Enough of crisis and shedding of innocent blood. Let us all be law abiding and give maximum support to the security agencies. Sooner or later, Nigerians will definitely rejoice.

By : James Magaji

A group of purpose-driven youths from the North East Sub-region has vowed to resist the attempts of what it described as some selfish political elite from the Northeast have begun clandestine moves to scuttle the confirmation of the newly appointed Board management of the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Most especially the MD of the Commission and other new appointees of the board.

The group operating under the aegis of the North Eastern Youths Advocacy for Peace and Development (NEYAPAD) in a statement jointly signed by the national leadership of NEYAPAD comprising of Alh. Safiyanu Ya’u Existing, Hon. Abner Shittu, Hon. Tukura Kwayi, Engr. Suleiman Bakafada and Amb. Salahuddeen Shuaibu Planner in Gombe state noted that the move is not only unacceptable but a coup plot against the Nigerian Youths community.

The group said having followed meticulously the glowing antecedents of Engineer Hashidu right from his days at the Kano electricity distribution company (KEDCO) and until recently the Yola Electricity distribution company (YEDC) they are convinced that the accomplished technocrat now public servant has the needed skill and the know-how to drive the pilots seat in the efforts to restore the lost glory of the beleaguered North East Sub-region.

The group was also full of praises and adulations for the Executive Director of Humanitarian Affairs Hajiya Suwaiba Baba who they noted is a worthy ambassador of the women folk from Taraba state expressing optimism that the service-oriented Amazon will not falter in her new assignment.

While reaffirming its support to the new NEDC Management Team, the leadership of NEYAPAD Noted that the new management composition compromises of some of the best Brains in Nigeria’s private and public sector.

Speaking further the Leaders of the group vowed to activate the affiliate bodies of the organization which includes the National Youths Council of Nigeria to ground any politician or group of politicians from the sub-region further urging the Senate to rise to the occasion and not allow itself to be involved in the political war of any politician or group.

The Apex Youths organization dedicated to the Peace and Development of the geo-political zone reiterated its commitment to the growth, stability, prosperity, and peace of the sub-region calling on the political leaders not to involve themselves in acts and conducts that are inimical to the development of the society.
The group urged all aggrieved individuals to sheath their swords and give these energetic young men the chance to display their potential which will no doubt propel the region from its currently ravaged status to a revived developed region that will not only reunite displaced persons but attract investors from length and breadth of the world.

A Group Known as Professional for good governancen(PGG) has said With May 29, 2023 a few days away, and the inauguration of brand new State Executive Governors in 28 States of the Federation, they are concerned about the quality of leadership and the prospects before Nigerians.

Engr. Ogbonna Nwaiwu spokes person of the group while wishing the incoming Chief Executives the best and said It is trite to state that the group keenly followed the entire electoral process leading to the February 25th Presidential and National Assembly elections, and the March 18th Governorship and State Assembly elections and x-rayed the manifestos of the candidates and assessed their preparedness to improve the lot of the people, and to make their States better.

Engr Nwaiwu further stated that one of the candidates exuded an uncommon preparedness and clear-headedness throughout the period of Campaign, and has continued to inspire great hope even after the election.

He said the Governor Elect of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah comes to the Party with a bag full of ideas. And wished him well.

Part of the statement reads. ” Indeed, his extraordinary disposition to the task ahead was manifest from the start, from his campaign manifesto to the grasp of the issues and the challenges facing Enugu State; from his commitment to berthing a New Enugu State to the passion that saw him through the electoral process; and from his promise to light up Enugu, and provide Pipe borne within the first 180days of his stewardship, Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah offers renewed hope to Ndi’Enugu.”

“There is a fervency in the land that calls for responsible and responsive watchmen at different leadership strata, it is that fervency that inspires our group to search out and align with Leaders who are ready to lead right. We are committed to supporting the prepared to do justice to the letters of their manifesto, whilst challenging those who apparently may not be very prepared to take a cue from those who like Barrister Peter Mbah shows the readiness to hit the ground running from the moment he takes the Oath of Office.”

“Clearly Ndi’Enugu are set for a new dawn, a new deal and a new day in leadership. It is palpable, we feel it, and we can see so much happening even before the Swearing-In of the incoming Governor of Enugu State Barrister Peter Mbah.”

“Are you aware that at his personal cost, facilities and materials necessary for the lighting up of strategic areas in the State, and materials relevant for the Pipe borne water he promised within his first 180 days are being assembled?”

“Are you aware that he has assembled a Team of Experts, Technocrats, Eggs heads, Professionals and Ideologues to give life and proactive strategic input to the details of his manifesto, a document he respects as proof his social contract with Ndi’Enugu?”

“Are you aware that Barrister Peter Mbah is not just a Technocrat in Politics, but a Lawyer, an accomplished Businessman and one who has the requisite governmental experience necessary to take Enugu State to a new pedestal. Are you aware that he is Competent, that he has the Capacity, that he is Credible, that he is Compassionate and that he has the Commitment necessary and relevant to build an Enugu State that works for all?”

“As the Peter Ndubuisi Mbah era beckons we wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that the Almighty grant the incoming Governor the candour and the composure to deliver, and to make real the elaborate promises and projections he has on paper.”

“We wish Ndi’Enugu the best, and pray that across the States of the Federation leaders become responsible and responsive to the people.”

“As Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah takes over as the Governor of Enugu State on the 29th of May, 2023, we wish him well. And say Congratulations to Ndi’Enugu.”

One woman is reportedly dead following the invasion of Gbagyi Villa in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State for demolition by KASUPDA, acting on the directive of Kaduna State government under the leadership of Gov Nasir El-Rufai just less than seven days to the end of his tenure, despite that Gbagyi Villa community has judgement from a court of competent jurisdiction in their favour against Kaduna State government, KASUPDA and their agents.

When KASUPDA invaded Gbagyi Villa with fully armed uniform men, the youths both from Gbagyi Villa and environ came out in large number to resist the demolition, since there is a court judgment in favour of the community.

Then the uniform men started shooting to scare the resilient youths away. On hearing the news of the demolition and the gunshots, a woman simply identified as Sarah reported collapsed as her blood pressure was believed to have shot up, since she was said to have blood pressure (BP) issues. She was rushed to the hospital for medical attention, but unfortunately she couldn’t make it, as the report reaching Arise News247 has it that she has given up as at the time of filing this report.

However, youths that massively came out vowed to take their lives into their hands to defend the community and defend the court judgement if the authority that supposed to defend the judgement is now rising against the community in total disobedience to the judgment.

Though some houses had been demolished while the youths were resisting, but eventually the resilient youths prevailed and KASUPDA with their security men retreated with a promise to return on a surprise attack, perhaps at night.

One of the residents who simply identified himself as Haruna who spoke with Arise News247 correspondents lamented that “the same government that imposed hard time on the masses is now out to round off by causing more havoc in destroying the little roof we have over our head.”

Adding that following the court judgment in favour of Gbagyi Villa community, “El-rufai asked us to fill a form for regularization at the cost of N20,000 and majority had done that.

“Again just about ten days ago, KASUPDA brought a letter that El-rufai had ordered that all building approval obtained before the court case is null and void, asking us to go and start fresh building approval processes from beginning, with new building plan reading date not earlier than the month of May, 2023. He gave us sixty days to start the process through KASUPDA and we are ready to comply; as we have visited the KASUPDA to commence the fresh process of approval for our houses including those who had prior approval, but KASUPDA officials said the forms are not yet ready.

“It is not yet sixty days based on the notice KASUPDA gave us and we didn’t even say we are not ready to abide by the obnoxious policy just to keep peace. They are the people that are not even ready with the forms needed: yet this afternoon the same Kaduna State government through the same KASUPDA invaded Gbagyi Villa and started demolition of houses, if not that we took our lives into our hands and resisted with the support of youths from the other communites around. Though they still vowed to come back for the demolition exercises.

“See now an innocent law abiding woman, managing her BP had been sent to her untimely grave! Why? Why? Why? Must APC just be about inflicting unbearable pains on the masses?” he concluded.

When Arise News247 correspondents spoke with one of the KASUPDA officials he declined to make any comment more than that they are under authority and “acting on order from above.” In fact he refused to mention his name.

It’s of note that at the begining of the tenure of El-rufai in 2015 he invaded Gbagyi Villa and vowed to demolish the over 3,500 houses and 40 churches already built in the community. The landlord association took the matter before a court of competent jurisdiction and won the case after about Seven years in court. Also many Organizations both within and outside the country including but not limited to Amnesty International intervened on the side of the community. Even House of Representatives committee also intervened on behalf of the community. But unfortunately this is happening again at the end of the tenure of El-rufai, provoking the unprovoked peaceful people of Gbagyi Villa, few days to handing over when government supposed to sue for peace considering the tension in the country.

Arrangement have been concluded for final interment of the remains of late Mama Asabaru NUHU Kure, mother to the Vision Pioneer Throne room Trust Ministry and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Salama Radio and Media Limited, Kafanchan.

A statement by the family on Monday, revealed that Mama Kure will be buried on Tuesday, May 23rd, 2023 at her country home, Zutrung Mago, Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State after Church Service at Baptist Church Zutrung Mago.

Late Mama Asabaru NUHU Kure died on Saturday at the age of ninety five after a protracted illness.

She is survived by her husband, 6 children, relations and many great grand children.

Aminu Musa

…

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to convoke a panel to investigate all bribery allegations labeled against the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The call is coming in the face of a recent claim by the Zamfara state governor, Bello Muhammad that the anti-graft Czar demanded $2 million bribe from him.he agency had invited the governor on allegations of N70 billion fraud, against which Muhammad told the EFCC to also investigate the Presidency officials on corruption-related cases.In reaction, the EFCC confirmed that it is investigating the Zamfara state governor for alleged N70bn fraud.Ever since, there has been a constant flow of allegations of misconduct against the EFCC and its Chairman.

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, in a statement by its National President, Okwu Nnabuike, mailed to ASHENEWS on Sunday, said in parts that Zamfara Governor’s allegation “… opens limitless opportunities for corrupt bargaining and self-enrichment by the operatives of EFCC under Bawa’s watch.”

“Based on the foregoing, it is time for Bawa to pack his luggages and step aside as the Chairman of the EFCC. We even expected that he should have resigned on his own volition judging by some weighty allegations against him,” the Youth Council stated.

“In the past couple of days, we in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide have watched with dismay the drift currently going on at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC.”Needless to say that we are not so surprised owing to the fact that in the not so distant past, we had raised the alarm that the EFCC czar, Abdulrasheed Bawa, was merchandising the anti-graft commission.

“This came to the fore when he unleashed the commission on Senator Ike Ekweremadu, a victim of circumstance, who was then facing charges in the United Kingdom. The EFCC under Bawa has never charged Ekweremadu for any crime, but while the lawmaker was in far away UK, he rushed and misled a Nigerian court to confiscate all his properties.

Thank God that the court later reversed itself. This is just one of the major unholy and sponsored jobs of the EFCC under Bawa.”In the history of the EFCC, no chairman of the commission has ever come under public scrutiny in such a short period of time like Bawa. The same goes for many of the staff under him, justifying the aphorism, ‘like father like son’.

A few days ago, it was even reported that two of the staff members killed another colleague while they were fighting for exhibits. This shows how dirty the commission has become.

“Since the Zamfara State governor, Bello Matawalle’s recent outburst exposing corrupt practices against the Abdulrasheed Bawa, more damning allegations also crept up that some of the Commission’s officials simply negotiate with suspects, get assets and cash retrieved and do plea bargains.

This opens limitless opportunities for corrupt bargaining and self-enrichment by the operatives of EFCC under Bawa’s watch.”We are also aware that EFCC is undertaking a selective invitation to outgoing Governors in Nigeria while exempting other government officials who have loads of petitions against them, while also being unable to deal with the corruption going on within its own workforce.

“Apart from the corruption fight taking a nosedive under Bawa, it is also no longer news that the EFCC under him has totally become a tool for political witchhunt, it is now merely being used to settle political scores.”Based on the foregoing, it is time for Bawa to pack his luggages and step aside as the Chairman of the EFCC.

We even expected that he should have resigned on his own volition judging by some weighty allegations against him.”However, since he is obstinate about towing the path of honour, we advise President Muhammadu Buhari to do the needful by purging his government of all the ridicule brought upon his avowed anti-corruption stance by Bawa and the EFCC under him.”We join the call for Bawa to leave office and face investigations in accordance with the standard practice globally for officials who had been accused of gross misconduct to step aside while investigations were conducted to ascertain the veracity of the allegations the way his predecessor Ibrahim Magu did.

“We insist that all allegations must be thoroughly investigated by a technical Commission of Inquiry to dig into the modus operandi of EFCC investigations in the last three years by thoroughly analysing records of arrests, investigations, outcomes and final closure of each incident and individual suspects and how the matters were eventually dispensed with.

“But should Buhari fail to do so, the President-elect, Bola Ahmed Tinubu should consider it as one of his very first assignments- to make Bawa step aside and face investigation.

This is the only way Nigerians would rekindle their hope on the anti-graft commission,” Ohanaeze said.

Mr Nkem Asogwa Spokes Person for Concern Enugu Citizens (CEC) has said the Friday 19th of May, 2023 Arise TV outing by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Brigadier General Yushau’u Dogara Ahmed despite a 20b naira Legal Suit filed by Attorneys to the Enugu State Governor Elect Barrister Peter Mbah against the Agency and it’s Director of Corps Certification Ibrahim Muhammad smacks not only of contempt of Court and flagrant disrespect for the Rule of Law, BUT shows that the Agency is being tele-guided by political forces for political end.

Asogwa Spokes in a press statement said the NYSC must raise its operations beyond the manipulation of political interests and partisan demagogues. The NYSC and the DG in charge must understand that Nigeria and Nigerians crave a new deal in governance where the best hands are allowed to serve.

Asogwa further said the service must therefore remove from allowing manipulative forces deploy it into settling political conflicts and power debacles. The time to shield our politics from the devious control of subversive forces is now. And we must urge those who superintend Parrastatals and Agencies of Government to be above board.

Part of the statement reads “The question about the Authenticity of the NYSC discharge Certificate of Barrister Peter Ndubuisi Mbah Governor-Elect of Enugu State is before the Courts, and has become the subject of litigation, therefore the action of the DG of the NYSC is not only reprehensible but lampoon-able.”

“We are aware that sufficient investigation regarding the details of the said NYSC Certificate of Barrister Peter Mbah shows that the said certificate was validly issued by the NYSC, to have a DG who resumed office recently and has not grappled with the full details of the matter speak on National TV on a matter which is albeit sub- judice is worrisome and troubling.”

“We the forum of CONCERNED ENUGU CITIZENS hereby implore the National Youth Service Corps NYSC, her DG and the Management to stay off partisan waters and allow the Rule of Law take its course.”

“We also must state without equivocation that our Governor Elect is a law abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and that his commitment to building a vibrant, prosperous and great Enugu State is unassailable.”

“Peter Mbah cannot and will not be pulled down or dragged into the ignoble list of those that have been destroyed by Politicians using the instrumentality of the NYSC as a witch-hunt.”

“The NYSC must stay true to its pristine responsibility of serving the cause of National Integration, Orientation, Brotherhood and Oneness, and must rise above the partisan debacles of devious politicians.”

“Finally, if the meddlesome-ness of the NYSC management in a matter presently before the Court does not abate, we shall be compelled to petition the Agency as well as prevail on the Courts to take serious steps to forbid the Service from further actions that border on contempt of Court.”