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Disgrace: In under pants, smoking, ECOWAS Parliament conducts sitting

ECOWAS Parliament in session

It was a bizarre scene at the online second ordinary session of the ECOWAS parliament as some lawmakers were seen dressed in underwears and the other smoked with flagrant impunity.

It seemed fellow lawmakers tacitly gave their nods to these social anomalies but journalists invited to the parliamentary session voiced against the indecent behaviour of the lawmakers, VANGUARD reports.

They also called on the Speaker of the Parliament, Sidie Tunis to address the lawmakers on virtual meeting etiquette before the commencement of any other meeting.

One of the journalists who spoke on anonymity said, “The most annoying one I saw was when Hon Wahab Suhiyini Wumbei was in his panties dressing up on camera as if he was acting a movie.

“Also, Hon Diemimetou busy cooking. This is unacceptable. Any of the MPs that is not ready to participate in the virtual meeting, should wait and finish what he or she is doing first before he joins the meeting,” the journalist advised.

Another journalist said, “I have never seen a thing like this, where someone is participating on a virtual meeting of a magnitude like this, he is smoking and making noise at the same time not minding what is going on.

“At the end of the day, these same MPs will be asked to send their account details for payment. If I may ask, payment for making noise or payment for indecent behaviour while virtual meetings are going on? ”

It is hard time we tell our selves the truth, the parliament should have some rules and regulations during such meetings and anyone who does not obey these rules, should be sanctioned,” he said.

With COVID-19, dressing for work seems to have lost its relevance among the lawmakers.

“A Zoom video meeting is still a meeting, and regardless of if we are at home or in the office, projecting professionalism has never been more important.

“In a world where human connection and interaction has changed from handshakes to virtual introductions, it is the one opportunity you have to build a sense of who you are.

“It has never been more important to tell your story through what you are wearing and how you present.

“When it is via a video meeting, your audience is looking right at you. They are up close and personal, probably a little nosey and likely analysing your backdrop, hair and outfit,” one of the journalists said.

▪︎ By VANGUARD

How Air Force chiefs knifed N3bn from NIMASA

A prosecution witness in the ongoing money laundering trial of a former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (retd) and others,  Okechukwu Akubue, Tuesday narrated before Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke of a Federal High Court Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos how N3billion credited by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, to the Nigeria Air Force, NAF Special Emergency Operations Account domiciled in Zenith Bank, was diverted to personal use under Amosu.

The EFCC is prosecuting Amosu, alongside Air Vice Marshall Jacobs Adigun,  a former NAF Chief of Accounts and Budget, and Air Commodore Owodunni Olugbenga, a former NAF Director of Finance and Budget, for their alleged roles in the diversion to personal use of about N21billion belonging to the NAF. They are facing an amended 13-count charge to which they have pleaded “not guilty”.

Led in evidence by prosecuting counsel, Suleiman Suleiman, the witness, an operative of the EFCC, continued with his examination-in-chief as he revealed the outcome of the investigation and analysis of Exhibit A3 before the Court, identified as the bank statement of the NAF Special Emergency Operations Account domiciled in Zenith Bank. 

Akubue had at the last sitting on January 18, 2021 told the Court that the bank statement was part of the responses to letters of investigation sent to several financial institutions by the EFCC in the course of investigation. He had told the Court that the credit of N1billion from NIMASA to NAF on 28th of August 2014, according to a Memorandum of Understanding between the two bodies “was disbursed to support the NAF in protecting Nigeria’s waterways”. 

At Tuesday’s sitting, Akubue said: “Further to the N1billion credit inflow from NIMASA, we found a debit of N4, 801,549 on behalf of Hebron Housing and Property, a company linked to the second defendant by way of ownership.”

According to him, “the Ecobank account in which the money was credited is also owned by the second defendant and the fund was not utilised for the NAF but for the benefits of the defendants”.

He further highlighted the sums of N228,000,000 debited from the NAF account in favour of Rite Options Oil and Gas, on 2nd of September 2014; N336,000,000 in favour of same company on same day; N165,790,000 on 4th of September 2014 in favour of Juda Oil Limited, with another N170,210,000 on same day.

He said: “Investigating the transaction in favour of Rite Options Oil and Gas, we invited for questioning the owner of the company, Adedeji Adelakun.

“In the course of interrogation, he admitted that he was not into oil and gas business, but that he was a bureau de change dealer. 

“Adelakun further confessed that the money in question was not utilised for the services of NAF, but that he converted same to United States Dollar and gave to Olufunke Osisanmi, a staff of Zenith Bank on the instruction of the defendant.”

With regards to Juda Oil Limited, Akubue told the Court that the owner of the company, Mohammed Sani was also invited for questioning. 

He said: “Mohammed admitted that he did not provide any service for the NAF, but that he rather changed the money to United States Dollar and gave same to NAF officers nominated by the defendant.”

According to Akubue, the NAF also got another N1billion from NIMASA on September 15, 2014.

He noted that following the credit, several debits were made, including N258,693,520.78 on September 16, 2014 in favour of Delfina Oil and Gas; N261,416,480.92  on September 16, 2014 in favour of McAllam Oil and Gas, which also got another N235,970,883.66, and N243,919,114.64 in favour of Delfina Oil and Gas on September 17, 2014.

Investigation, according to Akubue, revealed that these two companies, were owned and controlled by the second defendant, and like Rite Options Oil and Gas, and Juda Oil Limited, “they had no contractual agreements with the NAF”.

Further testifying, Akubue told the Court that there was another lodgment of N1billion from NIMASA on September 23, 2014.

He said: “Following the lodgment, N146, 298,479.31 was debited in favour of Lebol Oil and Gas, which on same day, also got N153, 701,520.69.”

According to the narrations in the statement of account, Akubue, noted that Lebol Oil and Gas also got N135, 219,625.27; N185, 880,374.73; N186, 410,750.12 and N168, 489,249.88 all on September 24, 2014. 

The company, which he said was owned by one Adamu Musa, a BDC operator, also got N162, 715,233.52 and N161, 284,766.48 all on September 25, 2014.

“Under interrogation, Musa confessed that the company had no contractual agreements with the NAF and that the funds were changed to United States Dollar and given to agents nominated by the defendant,” he said.

The case has been adjourned till April 12, 15 and 20, 2021.

Everyday

Trump says only President in decades who leaves office starting no war; pardons Bannon, others; leaves out self, family

President Donald Trump leaves office this Wednesday, but earlier in the day offered a final wave of pardons and commutations to 143 people, a list that includes former campaign chief Steve Bannon, rappers Lil Wayne and Kodak Black, along with the former Mayor of Detroit Kwame Kilpatrick, a statement from his office says.

But despite weeks of speculation, Trump didn’t pardon himself, his family or anybody directly involved in the riots at the U.S. Capitol, the statement added.

Perhaps, one of his final official acts as President, Trump leaves office after four years of a tumultuous reign up to the last minute. He was accused of precipitating riots in the Congress on a day his successor’s victory was to be affirmed there.

He was also impeached a few days to his departure by the House of Representatives.

Find below his valedictory speech:

My fellow Americans: Four years ago, we launched a great national effort to rebuild our country, to renew its spirit, and to restore the allegiance of this government to its citizens. In short, we embarked on a mission to make America great again— for all Americans.

As I conclude my term as the 45th President of the United States, I stand before you truly proud of what we have achieved together. We did what we came here to do—and so much more.

This week, we inaugurate a new administration and pray for its success in keeping America safe and prosperous. We extend our best wishes, and we also want them to have luck—a very important word.

I’d like to begin by thanking just a few of the amazing people who made our remarkable journey possible.

First, let me express my overwhelming gratitude for the love and support of our spectacular First Lady, Melania. Let me also share my deepest appreciation to my daughter Ivanka, my son-in-law Jared, and to Barron, Don, Eric, Tiffany, and Lara. You fill my world with light and with joy.

I also want to thank Vice President Mike Pence, his wonderful wife Karen, and the entire Pence family.

Thank you as well to my Chief of Staff, Mark Meadows; the dedicated members of the White House Staff and the Cabinet; and all the incredible people across our administration who poured out their heart and soul to fight for America.

I also want to take a moment to thank a truly exceptional group of people: the United States Secret Service. My family and I will forever be in your debt. My profound gratitude as well to everyone in the White House Military Office, the teams of Marine One and Air Force One, every member of the Armed Forces, and state and local law enforcement all across our country.

To serve as your President has been an honor beyond description. Thank you for this extraordinary privilege. And that’s what it is—a great privilege and a great honor.

Most of all, I want to thank the American people. To serve as your President has been an honor beyond description. Thank you for this extraordinary privilege. And that’s what it is—a great privilege and a great honor.

We must never forget that while Americans will always have our disagreements, we are a nation of incredible, decent, faithful, and peace-loving citizens who all want our country to thrive and flourish and be very, very successful and good. We are a truly magnificent nation.

All Americans were horrified by the assault on our Capitol. Political violence is an attack on everything we cherish as Americans. It can never be tolerated.

Now more than ever, we must unify around our shared values and rise above the partisan rancor, and forge our common destiny.

Four years ago, I came to Washington as the only true outsider ever to win the presidency. I had not spent my career as a politician, but as a builder looking at open skylines and imagining infinite possibilities. I ran for President because I knew there were towering new summits for America just waiting to be scaled. I knew the potential for our nation was boundless as long as we put America first.

So I left behind my former life and stepped into a very difficult arena, but an arena nevertheless, with all sorts of potential if properly done. America had given me so much, and I wanted to give something back.

Together with millions of hardworking patriots across this land, we built the greatest political movement in the history of our country. We also built the greatest economy in the history of the world. It was about “America First” because we all wanted to make America great again. We restored the principle that a nation exists to serve its citizens. Our agenda was not about right or left, it wasn’t about Republican or Democrat, but about the good of a nation, and that means the whole nation.

With the support and prayers of the American people, we achieved more than anyone thought possible. Nobody thought we could even come close.

With the support and prayers of the American people, we achieved more than anyone thought possible. Nobody thought we could even come close.

We passed the largest package of tax cuts and reforms in American history. We slashed more job-killing regulations than any administration had ever done before. We fixed our broken trade deals, withdrew from the horrible Trans-Pacific Partnership and the impossible Paris Climate Accord, renegotiated the one-sided South Korea deal, and we replaced NAFTA with the groundbreaking USMCA—that’s Mexico and Canada—a deal that’s worked out very, very well.

Also, and very importantly, we imposed historic and monumental tariffs on China; made a great new deal with China. But before the ink was even dry, we and the whole world got hit with the China virus. Our trade relationship was rapidly changing, billions and billions of dollars were pouring into the U.S., but the virus forced us to go in a different direction.

The whole world suffered, but America outperformed other countries economically because of our incredible economy and the economy that we built. Without the foundations and footings, it wouldn’t have worked out this way. We wouldn’t have some of the best numbers we’ve ever had.

We also unlocked our energy resources and became the world’s number-one producer of oil and natural gas by far. Powered by these policies, we built the greatest economy in the history of the world. We reignited America’s job creation and achieved record-low unemployment for African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, women—almost everyone.

Incomes soared, wages boomed, the American Dream was restored, and millions were lifted from poverty in just a few short years. It was a miracle. The stock market set one record after another, with 148 stock market highs during this short period of time, and boosted the retirements and pensions of hardworking citizens all across our nation. 401(k)s are at a level they’ve never been at before. We’ve never seen numbers like we’ve seen, and that’s before the pandemic and after the pandemic.

We rebuilt the American manufacturing base, opened up thousands of new factories, and brought back the beautiful phrase: “Made in the USA.”

To make life better for working families, we doubled the child tax credit and signed the largest-ever expansion of funding for childcare and development. We joined with the private sector to secure commitments to train more than 16 million American workers for the jobs of tomorrow.

When our nation was hit with the terrible pandemic, we produced not one, but two vaccines with record-breaking speed, and more will quickly follow. They said it couldn’t be done but we did it. They call it a “medical miracle,” and that’s what they’re calling it right now: a “medical miracle.”

Another administration would have taken 3, 4, 5, maybe even up to 10 years to develop a vaccine. We did in nine months.

We grieve for every life lost, and we pledge in their memory to wipe out this horrible pandemic once and for all.

When the virus took its brutal toll on the world’s economy, we launched the fastest economic recovery our country has ever seen. We passed nearly $4 trillion in economic relief, saved or supported over 50 million jobs, and slashed the unemployment rate in half. These are numbers that our country has never seen before.

We created choice and transparency in healthcare, stood up to big pharma in so many ways, but especially in our effort to get favored-nations clauses added, which will give us the lowest prescription drug prices anywhere in the world.

We passed VA Choice, VA Accountability, Right to Try, and landmark criminal justice reform.

We confirmed three new justices of the United States Supreme Court. We appointed nearly 300 federal judges to interpret our Constitution as written.

For years, the American people pleaded with Washington to finally secure the nation’s borders. I am pleased to say we answered that plea and achieved the most secure border in U.S. history. We have given our brave border agents and heroic ICE officers the tools they need to do their jobs better than they have ever done before, and to enforce our laws and keep America safe.

We proudly leave the next administration with the strongest and most robust border security measures ever put into place. This includes historic agreements with Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, along with more than 450 miles of powerful new wall.

We restored American strength at home and American leadership abroad. The world respects us again. Please don’t lose that respect.

We reclaimed our sovereignty by standing up for America at the United Nations and withdrawing from the one-sided global deals that never served our interests. And NATO countries are now paying hundreds of billions of dollars more than when I arrived just a few years ago. It was very unfair. We were paying the cost for the world. Now the world is helping us.

And perhaps most importantly of all, with nearly $3 trillion, we fully rebuilt the American military—all made in the USA. We launched the first new branch of the United States Armed Forces in 75 years: the Space Force. And last spring, I stood at Kennedy Space Center in Florida and watched as American astronauts returned to space on American rockets for the first time in many, many years.

We revitalized our alliances and rallied the nations of the world to stand up to China like never before.

We obliterated the ISIS caliphate and ended the wretched life of its founder and leader, al Baghdadi. We stood up to the oppressive Iranian regime and killed the world’s top terrorist, Iranian butcher Qasem Soleimani.

We recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights.

As a result of our bold diplomacy and principled realism, we achieved a series of historic peace deals in the Middle East. Nobody believed it could happen. The Abraham Accords opened the doors to a future of peace and harmony, not violence and bloodshed. It is the dawn of a new Middle East, and we are bringing our soldiers home.

I am especially proud to be the first President in decades who has started no new wars.

Above all, we have reasserted the sacred idea that, in America, the government answers to the people. Our guiding light, our North Star, our unwavering conviction has been that we are here to serve the noble everyday citizens of America. Our allegiance is not to the special interests, corporations, or global entities; it’s to our children, our citizens, and to our nation itself.

As President, my top priority, my constant concern, has always been the best interests of American workers and American families. I did not seek the easiest course; by far, it was actually the most difficult. I did not seek the path that would get the least criticism. I took on the tough battles, the hardest fights, the most difficult choices because that’s what you elected me to do. Your needs were my first and last unyielding focus.

This, I hope, will be our greatest legacy: Together, we put the American people back in charge of our country. We restored self-government. We restored the idea that in America no one is forgotten, because everyone matters and everyone has a voice. We fought for the principle that every citizen is entitled to equal dignity, equal treatment, and equal rights because we are all made equal by God. Everyone is entitled to be treated with respect, to have their voice heard, and to have their government listen. You are loyal to your country, and my administration was always loyal to you.

This, I hope, will be our greatest legacy: Together, we put the American people back in charge of our country.

We worked to build a country in which every citizen could find a great job and support their wonderful families. We fought for the communities where every American could be safe and schools where every child could learn. We promoted a culture where our laws would be upheld, our heroes honored, our history preserved, and law-abiding citizens are never taken for granted. Americans should take tremendous satisfaction in all that we have achieved together. It’s incredible.

Now, as I leave the White House, I have been reflecting on the dangers that threaten the priceless inheritance we all share. As the world’s most powerful nation, America faces constant threats and challenges from abroad. But the greatest danger we face is a loss of confidence in ourselves, a loss of confidence in our national greatness. A nation is only as strong as its spirit. We are only as dynamic as our pride. We are only as vibrant as the faith that beats in the hearts of our people.

No nation can long thrive that loses faith in its own values, history, and heroes, for these are the very sources of our unity and our vitality.

What has always allowed America to prevail and triumph over the great challenges of the past has been an unyielding and unashamed conviction in the nobility of our country and its unique purpose in history. We must never lose this conviction. We must never forsake our belief in America.

The key to national greatness lies in sustaining and instilling our shared national identity. That means focusing on what we have in common: the heritage that we all share.

At the center of this heritage is also a robust belief in free expression, free speech, and open debate. Only if we forget who we are, and how we got here, could we ever allow political censorship and blacklisting to take place in America. It’s not even thinkable. Shutting down free and open debate violates our core values and most enduring traditions.

In America, we don’t insist on absolute conformity or enforce rigid orthodoxies and punitive speech codes. We just don’t do that. America is not a timid nation of tame souls who need to be sheltered and protected from those with whom we disagree. That’s not who we are. It will never be who we are.

For nearly 250 years, in the face of every challenge, Americans have always summoned our unmatched courage, confidence, and fierce independence. These are the miraculous traits that once led millions of everyday citizens to set out across a wild continent and carve out a new life in the great West. It was the same profound love of our God-given freedom that willed our soldiers into battle and our astronauts into space.

As I think back on the past four years, one image rises in my mind above all others. Whenever I traveled all along the motorcade route, there were thousands and thousands of people. They came out with their families so that they could stand as we passed, and proudly wave our great American flag. It never failed to deeply move me. I knew that they did not just come out to show their support of me; they came out to show me their support and love for our country.

This is a republic of proud citizens who are united by our common conviction that America is the greatest nation in all of history. We are, and must always be, a land of hope, of light, and of glory to all the world. This is the precious inheritance that we must safeguard at every single turn.

We are, and must always be, a land of hope, of light, and of glory to all the world. This is the precious inheritance that we must safeguard at every single turn.

For the past four years, I have worked to do just that. From a great hall of Muslim leaders in Riyadh to a great square of Polish people in Warsaw; from the floor of the Korean Assembly to the podium at the United Nations General Assembly; and from the Forbidden City in Beijing to the shadow of Mount Rushmore, I fought for you, I fought for your family, I fought for our country. Above all, I fought for America and all it stands for—and that is safe, strong, proud, and free.

Now, as I prepare to hand power over to a new administration at noon on Wednesday, I want you to know that the movement we started is only just beginning. There’s never been anything like it. The belief that a nation must serve its citizens will not dwindle but instead only grow stronger by the day.

As long as the American people hold in their hearts deep and devoted love of country, then there is nothing that this nation cannot achieve. Our communities will flourish. Our people will be prosperous. Our traditions will be cherished. Our faith will be strong. And our future will be brighter than ever before.

I go from this majestic place with a loyal and joyful heart, an optimistic spirit, and a supreme confidence that for our country and for our children, the best is yet to come.

Thank you, and farewell. God bless you. God bless the United States of America.

The White House
President Donald J. Trump

Your Heart Must Be Bleeding For Northern Nigeria, Kukah Tells Late Ahmadu Bello In Open Letter

Kukah, in an open letter to the late Premier on Tuesday, recounted to him that “we have spilled so much blood around the North, you will be shocked to see how many unmarked graves there are.”

heart of the late Premier of the Northern Region and Sardauna of Sokoto State, Sir Ahmadu Bello, must be bleeding presently for the region as a result of the killings and insecurity.

Kukah, in an open letter to the late Premier on Tuesday, recounted to him that “we have spilled so much blood around the North, you will be shocked to see how many unmarked graves there are.”

The cleric also lamented that thousands of lives had been lost “and today, millions of our people are in refugee camps.”

Kukah said, “I am not sure I know how to address you, especially now that the formal Ranka ya dade is of no use to you since you are now in eternity. However, because this is a very special year, I had decided to write two letters, one to you and the other to Sir Tafawa Balewa. I thought I should start with you for obvious reasons.

“These letters are my formal way of having an imaginary conversation with both of you. In a way, I want to give you a report of what you left behind, what your immediate successors have done with your investment and how they shared our inheritance to the descendants.

“In a way, I feel like a grandchild reporting his uncle to his grandfather, so please be patient with me. I think this is necessary because if we continue this way, I am sure your memories will be a distant whisper in the ears of your great grandchildren.

“Today, however, many of your children have become orphans because the region has become a huge orphanage. Our children fill the streets begging for food, their elder brothers who have some education have no jobs and nowhere to turn to, their parents have no work and those who have worked are dying with no pension. Farming has become a hazardous preoccupation. You will weep if you see where we are now.”

Kukah continued that the North is in turmoil right now for reasons which began since the First Republic, extending to the period of the Civil War and up till date.

He said, “You will be surprised to note that those you referred to as the scallywags in Lagos, those who booed at you in the wake of the debate over self-government in 1956 were largely responsible for garnering support for General (Muhammadu) Buhari, a son of Daura who is now our President. So, please, pray for us to have a more open and tolerant society.

“Your heart must be bleeding at the sight of what has become of the North today. Boko Haram, a criminal band of murderers, took hold of the North and turned it into a wasteland. Thousands of lives have been lost and today, millions of our people are in refugee camps. Thousands of innocent women, women and children have lost their lives. A great swath of the North is now a refugee camp of desolation and pain.

“Thousands of our girls have been killed, raped and forced into marriages. Over two hundred young girls in a village called Chibok have been in captivity and their fates are unknown. It is over 600 days now and we have no news.

“When you look back now, I believe even you will realise that your controversial conversion campaigns laid the foundation for mistrust in the house that you had built earlier. Since then, there has been increasing distrust among our people and the chasm has grown even deeper. We have spilled so much blood around the North, you will be shocked to see how many unmarked graves there are.”

The Sokoto bishop ended his letter to the premier by saying he should tell “the Prime Minister to be patient because his own letter will come next week. For now, again, please pray for us.”

SaharaReporters

Presidency Cautions Akeredolu on Ultimatum to Herdsmen

The Presidency has cautioned Ondo Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), to tread with care in dealing with crime in his state so as not to contravene the Constitution.

In a statement by Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, the Presidency reacted to a recent order by Governor Akeredolu to Fulani herders in the state to vacate within seven days.

The statement noted as a lawyer, Akeredolu will be going contrary to the Constitution of the country if he should unilaterally oust non-indigenous herders in the state while tackling insecurity.

It maintained that asking the herders to vacate the state could set off a chain of events, which the Constitution anticipated and tries to guard against.

The statement reads: “The Presidency has been keenly monitoring events occurring in Ondo State and the ‘orders’ by the government of the state, ‘asking herders to vacate the forests in seven days.’

“What is clearly emerging, is a lack of consistency in messaging which in turn leads to various contradictions regarding accuracy and the intent behind the message.

“There is little to be said other than to call for restraint on both sides and urge the state government and the leadership of the Fulani communities to continue their dialogue for a good understanding that will bring to an urgent end, the nightmarish security challenges facing the state.

“Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, a seasoned lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and indeed, a former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has fought crime in his state with passion and commitment, greater sensitivity and compassion for the four years he has run its affairs and, in our view, will be the least expected to unilaterally oust thousands of herders who have lived all their lives in the state on account of the infiltration of the forests by criminals.

“If this were to be the case, rights groups will be right in expressing worries that the action could set off a chain of events which the makers of our constitution foresaw and tried to guard against.

“We want to make it clear that kidnapping, banditry and rustling are crimes, no matter the motive or who is involved. But, to define crime from the nameplates, as a number of commentators have erroneously done- which group they belong to, the language they speak, their geographical location or their faith is atavistic and cruel.

“We need to delink terrorism and crimes from ethnicity, geographical origins and religion—to isolate the criminals who use this interchange of arguments to hinder law enforcement efforts as the only way to deal effectively with them.

“The President, who swore to defend the constitution has spoken against the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in asking citizens of Northern origin to leave; he did not spare the group based in Sokoto, ‘Muslim Solidarity Forum,’ which asked the Bishop of Sokoto to leave and is prepared to do all that the law permits to protect citizens all over the country in their choice of where they wished to reside and are treated as equal citizens.

“The government of Ondo, and all the 35 others across the federation must draw clear lines between the criminals and the law-abiding citizens who must equally be saved from the infiltrators. Beyond law and order, the fight against crime is also a fight for human values which are fundamental to our country.”

Thepodium

FEC Approves New Retirement Age For Teachers

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a range of new incentives for Nigerian teachers, including an upwards retirement age review and special allowances for inconvenient posting.

This was disclosed to State House Correspondents on Wednesday after the FEC meeting presided over by President Muhammadu Buhari in the Executive Council Chambers of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, who joined three other colleagues of his, including the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, to the media briefing, said the ultimate goal of the new incentives is attracting the best brains the teaching profession.

According to him, the bill tagged ‘Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill (2021)’, would be transmitted to the National Assembly for required legislation and enactment into law.

Describing the approval as a giant step in the ministry’s reform race, Adamu said the ongoing process, which is aimed at giving works done so far a legal backing, is the biggest stage so far.

Speaking about the key item of the bill, the Minister said the proposed law would review teachers’ retirement age from the current 60 years mark to 65 years of age, while years of service will now be reviewed from 35 years to 40 years.

“This memo that was approved for education is a giant step towards what we set out to do towards the end of last year with the approval by Mr President of some special packages for teachers.

“So, at the meeting today, the council approved that bill, which will be called Harmonized Retirement Age for Teachers in Nigeria Bill, 2021 to be sent to the National Assembly for enactment into law. So, all the promises the President made and all the approvals that he has given me will now begin to be put into effect because this is a legal backing that is required for it.

“I want to assure teachers that this government will do to them what has never been done. This is the first biggest step.

“The intention is to attract the best brains to the teaching profession. For that, the President approved the reintroduction of bursary awards, which I told you here last year, improving teacher quality, and funding teaching practice, now from TETFUND, he approved an enhanced entry point for teachers.

“Then, he approved that there should be some special allowances that will allow teachers to be posted to places you can consider ‘hardship postings’, rural posting allowance, science teacher allowance, and of course we have Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) under us that has professionalized the profession.

“Those are the highlights which you already know. But this is the biggest stage now. We are getting legal backing for all these things.

“The essence of the bill is to seek approval so that there is legal backing for the new retirement age of 65 years for teachers and the service period being extended to 40 years for teachers. This is the main issue while all other issues are ancillary to it,” he said.

Meanwhile, the FEC has approved a N1.484 billion contract for the upgrade of the electricity component of the Calabar Free Trade Zone Area in Cross River State.

Also speaking during the press briefing, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, explained that the contract was initially awarded in 2018, adding that the contract would see to the completion of the free trade zone project.

“Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Niyi Adebayo. We brought a memo for the award of contract for the upgrade of the electricity component of the Calabar Free Trade Zone Area.

“The contract was initially awarded in 2018 to upgrade the electrical facility in the free trade zone area and it was not completed. So, we brought a memo and Council approved the sum of N1.484 billion for the Completion of the Calabar Free Trade Zone Area,” he said.

Also briefing, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Sabo Nanono, said the FEC approved a treaty on “Plant Genetic Resource for Food and Agriculture.”

Nanono said the import of the treaty is for the advancement and enhancement of agricultural resource base of member countries.

“Nigeria has signed the treaty for a long time, but it is only today that the FEC approved the ratification. We will now become full member of this treaty and it will enhance training and research of our agricultural scientists, among others.

“In short, the entire treaty is meant to boost agricultural production in the country as it affects other countries, 167 of them,” he said.

Thenigerialawyer

Essay In Honour Of The Nigerian Army: An Account Of Some Positive Contributions Of Millitary Regimes To The Development Of Rule Of Law And Human Rights In Nigeria

By Godfree Matthew Esq.

 ABSTRACT

Military and military rule are generally perceived and adjudged to be anathema to democracy, rule of law and human rights. This perception was so exaggerated as if the military never contributed in any quota to the development of rule of law. However, this position should not be generalized as history shows that military regime in Nigeria helped in some aspects in the development and promotion of human rights. Equally, generations after generations of scholars may likely grow with this notion. It is based on this background that in an auspicious commemoration of Army Day 2021 that this writer seek to contribute to knowledge by reminding the readers and scholars alike on some of  the positive contribution of military to rule of law. The writer deploys the use of doctrinal sources like statutes, books, case laws, journals and other allied doctrinal sources. It is also the finding of this work that military contributed positively in the areas of democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria, and that some of these contributions are still integral parts of our democracy. The scope of this article is 1966 to 1999. It is a sort of analyses on legal history. The writer recommends the use of positive references to such contributions of the military to national development. Doing so will bolster their morale in nation building in time like this when there are facing insurgency, banditry, kidnapping  and other security challenges. Also military scholars should also teach these to both the army and civil authorities about the contribution of military to democracy and human rights.  

  • INTRODUCTION

The history of every nation is its foundation. It is the pillar upon which its past was built and its present stands. It is also the compass that points towards the future of every nation. This is because every human phenomenon must have a beginning, a transition and a prospect. This is what is termed as the scientificity of history. [1]

Nigeria is a country that is endowed with rich history right from the pre-colonial, colonial and post- colonial era. This history buried with it a lot of golden initiatives as well as gory incidences. Thus, it is no doubt that the history of Nigeria is made up of the good, the bad and the ugly. Military regime is adjudged by many to be one of the ugliest things that bedeviled rule of law in Nigeria. However, this writer elects to join the few minds who believe that military regime is not totally antithetical or a scar to Nigeria’s human rights record. Therefore, the essence of this work is to appraise some of the positive aspects military contributed to the promotion of human rights in Nigeria when they were in power.  In doing so, this work shall examine the various military regimes from January 16, 1966 to 29th May, 1999. The ultimate aim of this writing is to refresh the readers mind to some salient but probably unknown facts about the contributions of military to the growth and developments of human rights in Nigeria. It is the aspiration of this writer that this work will be of great benefit to the readers.

  • CONTRIBUTION THE REGIME OF AGUIYI- IRONIS TO HUMAN RIGHTS IN NIGERIA.

Many people may not know that there was a time in the history of Nigeria when the civilian regime of Tafawa Balewa banned the freedom of press.[2] The act was purportedly done with pure intentions of sanitizing the polity at that time. The banning of freedom of press at that time is no doubt an assault of the freedom of press and expression which was provided under section 25 (1) of the 1963 Republican Constitution which provides that:

Every person shall be entitled to the freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas and information without interference.

However, with the advent of the military regime in January 1966, the military regime restored freedom of expression to citizens. This was done when Aguiyi- Ironsi assumed power and promulgated a Decree titled “Newspaper Decree NO.2 of 1966”. This decree removed the restriction on freedom of press earlier imposed by the previous civilian regime of Tafawa Balewa. This act no doubt included Aguiyi-Ironsi in the good slate of history of Nigeria as one of the military leaders that respected freedom of expressions and press.[3] Unfortunately, freedom of expression is one of the aspects of human rights that continuously witnessed suppression by subsequent military regimes.[4]   Thus, restoration of freedom of expression and press by Aguiyi-Ironsi was one of the positive contributions of military to the history of rule of law in Nigeria.

  • CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE REGIME OF YAKUBU GOWON

The main characteristics of this regime are the Nigerian Civil War and the Oil Boom. The Gowon’s regime contributed to national unity via Decree NO.22 of 1973 which established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).[5] The NYSC decree is meant to promote national unity and integration wherein every Nigerian will be free to live in any part of the country and feel at home. The creation of NYSC was one of the remedial effects meant to address the wound of distrust and hatred created by the Nigerian Civil war. The relevance of this contribution is so outstanding that it stands the taste of time, to the extent that it became an existing law specified in section 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

Again, Gowon by Decree NO.1 OF 1974, upgraded the National University Commission to become a statutory body. Prior to that, the colonial Government had the Inter University Council (IUC) which is a mere advisory body that liaised with the University of London to advise Nigerian Universities on matters relating to administration and other tasks. However, it was Gowon that elevated former IUC to a statutory body by giving it the name National University Commission (NUC). The NUC is statutorily empowered under the Decree NO.1 of 1974 to ensure orderly development of university by regulating academic, administrative and the financial activities of the Universities in Nigeria.[6]

  • THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE REGIME OF MURTALA/OBASANJO

After the demise of Gowon regime General Murtala Mohammed took over power. He ruled from July 30th 1975 to 13th February 1976.  Murtala came to power when the 1963 Republican Constitution was the only one in series of being suspended. Immediately he came into power, he introduced transition to civilian regime and consequently set up the Constitutional Drafting Committee to debate the constitutional future of Nigeria.[7] This became a stepping stone to future constitutional development in Nigeria.

In order to consolidate the issue of unity and equality in federal appointments within the civil service between the various ethnic groups of Nigeria, the Murtala introduced the concepts of the Federal Character or quota system. It was due to this initiative that the Federal Character was first reflected into the 1979 Constitution.[8] This notion of federal character later continues in the 1999 Constitution. It was also due to Murtala’s influence that the Federal Character Act was enacted into law.  Therefore, it will not be out of place to say that the presence of federal character in our constitution today is attributed to the reforms of late General Murtala Mohammed who set up the Constitutional Drafting Committee in 1975.[9]

Furthermore, when Murtala died, Olusegun Obasanjo continues with mandate of Murtala’s regime. Obasanjo ruled from 13th February, 1976 to 1st October, 1979. He ensured the enactment of the 1979 Constitution and successful handing over of power to the civilian regimes of President Shehu Shagari.

Under Obasanjo, the Land Decree of 1978 came into existence. The decree was meant to ensure government exercises legitimate control on the use and allocation of lands. It is this Land Decree that later metamorphosed into the Land Use Act, 1978.[10] This same Land Use Act is now an existing law under section 315(5) of the 1999 Constitution.

  • THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE REGIME OF BUHARI/ IDIAGBON

The regime of Shehu Shagari was short –lived as it was toppled by General Muhammadu Buhari (as he then was). Buhari’s regime launched environmental rights campaign. Under him, monthly sanitation was vigorously observed.  This was part of Buhari’s War Against Indiscipline (WAI). Prior to Buhari’s Regime, the 1979 did not contemplate the Environmental Objective as State Principles and Fundamental Objectives of States.[11]  Perhaps it was the effects of the commitments of Buhari’s regime and other movements that environmental objectives became an item under Chapter Two of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999.

  • THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE REGIME OF IBRAHIM BABAGINDA

The Babangida’s regime came into power on the 27 August 1985. While Buhari was in Power, certain cases like drug related offences carried capital punishment and the onus of proof lies on the accused to prove his innocence as well as lack of fair hearing.[12] This was against constitutional principle of presumption of innocence.

However when Babangida first came into power he relaxed some of the Draconian laws of Buhari’s regime. Thus, Babangida’s Regime allowed for appeal against the decision of Military tribunal. He also allowed the presumption of innocence to be observed in military tribunal; unbanned professional and students’ unionism, politicians and journalism were set free.[13]

Moreover, Babangida’s regime promoted some modicum of democratization and rule of laws. He allowed for Public debates on national issues (which showed Nigerians’ resentment of Structural Adjustment Programme), he allowed the proliferations of human rights groups, ethnic and political association. He also allowed local government election at the grassroots. Politically he is the initiator of Diarchy in Nigeria; a system of military regime alongside civilian rule.

Also, Babangida’s regime contributed in the development of the Corpus Juris of Nigeria. It was under Babangida’s regime that the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) was established. The law creating NDLEA came into existence by Decree NO.48 of January, 1990. This law was able to address legislation that defines offences upon which offenders will be prosecuted and punished.

Similarly, it was the regime of Ibrahim Babangida that codified the body of all Nigerian Legislations to be termed as Law of Federation of Nigeria, 1990. Thus, all the laws of the federation of Nigeria today are collated and compiled as Corpus Juris during Babangida’s Era.

Babangida’s regime was adjudged to be the most ‘conscious human rights military junta in the history of Nigeria’.[14] This position is further corroborated by the judicial pronouncement in the case of Ojukwu V Gov., Lagos State, where the Court of Appeal held Per Kutuigi JCA (as he then was) while discouraging resort to self help under military regime, held as follows;[15]

I need hardly say that the present military administration has made it abundantly clear that it is for the rule of law. This is as it should be.

  • THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE REGIME OF SANI ABACHA

This regime also contributed to the development of human rights in Nigeria. Prior to Abacha’s regime women were complaining of the neglect by government- as there was no ministry to represent them in federal appointments. Neither did any previous administration recognize that office. Thus, when Abacha came into power, he created the office of Ministry of Women Affairs. This reduced the grievances of marginalization women were crying for over the years.

The creation of the Ministry of Women Affairs by Abacha was one of the hallmarks of promotion of equality before the law in Nigeria.[16] This is because even, the 1979 Constitution recognized the equality of men and women and prohibits discrimination on any ground.[17]Therefore, to say late Sani Abacha was the Modern Patriot of Women recognition in Nigeria politics is not out of place.

Furthermore, to the surprise of many Abacha’s regime was the one that established the National Human Rights Commission in 1995.[18] By doing this Abacha is institutionalizing the enforcement of Human rights at national level.  It was also under his regime that the National Human Rights Act was established. By doing so he has complied with the international treaty for the promotion of Human Rights such as International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), Universal Declaration of Human Rights, United Nation Human Rights Committee, etc.[19]

  • THE CONTRIBUTION OF THE REGIME OF ABDULSALAMI ABUBAKAR

Lastly, the regime of Abubakar Abdulsalami promoted human rights by granting pardon to political prisoners who were detained by late General Sani Abacha. Some of the beneficiaries of these pardons include a former Nigeria’s President, Olusegun Obasanjo and others. And when these pardons were questioned on the countdown to democratic transition to civilian regime in 1999, the Supreme Court in the case of Falae V Obasanjo[20] upheld the validity of such pardons. This verdict further enriched Nigeria’s jurisprudence on the scope and limitation of amnesty.[21] The outstanding contributions of military to human rights enactment of the 1999 Constitution and successful handing over to the then newly elected civilian administration of President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria.

  1. SOME INSTANCES OF MILITARY AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO RULE OF LAW AND HUMAN RIGHTS AFTER 29TH MAY 1999

Despite the handing over of power to civilians, Nigerian military still participates in the promotion of democracy, consolidation of national peace and security as well as protection of the territorial integrity of Nigeria. Nigerian military contributes in ensuring that democracy is sustained in Nigeria. They did that by monitoring elections[22] and quelling civil uprisings against constituted authorities.

Also some of the welfare programmes of the military like education, hospitals, sanitary waters, sports festivals, employments, etc; fulfilled some of the mandate that are shrouded  in chapter Two of the 1999 Constitution (which was not addressed by the government). These are ideally, what civilian governments are ordinarily expected to do, but military is doing it equally.

While it is true that abuse of human rights was tremendous during military era, in this 21st century, the civilian populaces are expecting Nigeria army to have a better understanding of democracy and respect for the rule of law. Thus, it is apposite that the military- civil relationship approach adopted by Nigerian Army should yield more fruits in the promotion of the rule of law.

  1. CONCLUSION

While it is factual that many Nigerians are not in good terms with the military to the extent that it is of say that ‘a worst democracy is better than the best military regime’. Nevertheless, objectivity suggests that there is a good side of every dastard phenomenon. Military should not be discouraged with so much disdained and conspiracy to the extent that they will feel demoralized. The sins of the past military regimes should not bewitch our reasoning and logic to the extent of reaching a conclusion that there is nothing good about military regime. It is in order to address this misconception that this work discussed “An Account of Some Positive Contributions of Military Regimes to the Development of Rule of Law and Human Rights in Nigeria”.

[1]1.Rowse L. A.,”The Use of History”3rd Ed ( Hodder &Stoughton Ltd, 1947) P.86-91

[2]2.Apuke Destiny Oberiri, ”Exploring the Extent of Press Freedom in Nigeria”, International Journal of International Relations , Media and Mass Communication”,Vol., NO .2 P..28 (European Centre for Research Training  and Development UK @www.eajournals.org.)

[3].3. Ndaeyo Uko, ”Romancing the  Gun: The Press a s a Promoter of Military”(2004)@https://www.africaworldpressbooks.com/ser..<accessed on January,2021>

[4]4..All the subsequent military regimes from Gowon to Abdulsalami regimes journalism and freedom of expression as an aspect of human rights really suffered a lot of violations.  

[5]5.Chukwuemeka Nnachi Oko-out, “Historical Contributions of Military Rule to the Development of Tertiary Education in Nigeria: A Case Study of The Gowon Administration 1966 to 1975PaperPresented at The 63rd Annual Conference and Congress of the Historical Society of Nigeria 7th-12th October,2018@https://wwwresearchgate.net/publication/332224273<accessedon January 18,2021> 

[6]6. Ibid

[7] Siollun Max, ”Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’ s Military Coup Culture(1966-1976)@188.

[8]8. Olajiide Olakanmi and and Olamideji Olakanmi, ” The Nigerian Constitutions Since 1914”1st Edn.,2014 (LawLords Publ.) .p.519-520

[9]9 .Ibid

[10]10.Matthew Enya Nwocha, ”Impact of The Nigerian Land Use Act on the Economic Development in The Country”,ActaUniversitasDanubius.Administratio,Vol.8.NO.2(2016)@journals.univ-danubius.ro>view<accessed on January19, 2021>

[11]10.See Chapter Two of the 1979 Constitution, there is no any reference to environmental Objectives.

[12]11.Femi Falana,”How Buhari Military Regime Released Detainees Based On Court Orders”@eie.ng<accessed onJanuary,2021>

[13]12.Abdul Raufu Mustapha,”Civil Rights and Pro-democracy Groups in and Outside Nigeria” ifra-Nigeria@Open Edition Books<accessedonjanuary18,2021>

[14]13.Ibid

[15]14.(1985) 2  NWLRPT.10@P. 809 Para..H

[16]16.Amina Mama, ”Khaki In the Family: Gender Discourses and Militarism in Nigeria”, African Studies Review,Vol.41.NO.2(Cambridge University Press,1998)Pp. 1-4

[17]17.Section 39 of the 1979 Constitution.

[18]18.Amalu Nneka Sophie and Adetu, Moyosore Odusola, ”The Role of National Human Rights Commission in Post Conflict Situations in Nigeria” IJAH VOL.8 (1) January, 2019@http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijah.v.8il.12<accessed on January 19,2012>

[19]19.These international instruments enjoined state parties to domesticate the spirit and letters of those treaties at the national level.

[20]20.(1999) 6 NWLR PT(PT.606)283

[21]21,Moses A. Okwori and Godfree Matthew, ”The Jurisprudence of Amnesty Vis-à-Vis Nigeria’s International Obligations” International Journal of Comparartive Law and Philosophy(IJOCLLEP),VOL.1.NO.3(2019) [email protected]<acceessedonJanuary20, 2021>

[22]21.This  position is treated with disdained even the judiciary frowns at it.

COVID-19: Kano Govt Exempts Judiciary Staff From Sit-At-Home Order

Kano State Government has exempted the state judiciary staff from its sit at home directive, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Muhammad Garba, on Wednesday.

It said that the exemption was in view of the need for the continued administration of justice in the state.

Read Also: Before court order, Kano govt issued appointment letters to new emirs, Ganduje says

“Court proceedings and other legal matters would not grind to a halt across the justice system.

“All courts will continue to serve justice in the society, while lawyers and law firms will continue to provide services for their clients,” the statement said.

It said that in line with public health advice, the state Task Force on COVID-19 had asked all judicial staff to obey laid down protocols to the letter in the interest of public safety.

Recall that the state government had on Tuesday directed all civil servants to stay at home until further notice, following the increase in cases of COVID-19 in the country.

The state government also imposed a fresh ban on the activities of viewing and event centres across the state.

It had, however, explained that workers on essential services such as healthcare service providers, fire service, water board, teaching staff, security guards and the media were exempted from the order.

The government said it was committed to working with relevant stakeholders, including Islamic scholars and traditional rulers, to ensure compliance with the COVID-19 Protocols. NAN

Missing Employees Procedures In Nigeria

#OBSCURELEGALFACTS BY AROME ABU

In Nigeria, an employer whose employee goes missing must within 24 hours notify the Police disclosing:

(1) the identity of the missing person;
(2) circumstance in which he/she got missing.

See Section 90(1) of the Police Act.

Arome Abu is the Principal Partner of TCLP.

CAVEAT: Note that this information is provided for general enlightenment purposes and is not intended to be any form of legal advice.

Obscure Legal Facts is an exclusive daily publication of THE COUNSEL L-P.
Plot 108 Idris Gidado Way, Wuye, Abuja.
abuarome@[email protected]
+234 803 262 2359
+234 708 1156 539.
Twitter: @TheCounselLP

Italy Threatens Legal Action Over Pfizer Vaccine Delays

Italy has threatened to take legal action against pharma giant Pfizer over delays in deliveries of the coronavirus vaccine.

“Protecting the health of Italian citizens is not negotiable,” Domenico Arcuri, the special commissioner for the pandemic, said in a statement late Tuesday.

A meeting with ministers and regional leaders considered how to protect Italians “in all civil and criminal venues where possible”, he said.

“It was unanimously decided that these actions will be taken starting in the next few days.”

Pfizer/BioNTech’s vaccine, which was developed at record-breaking speed, was approved for use in the European Union in late December and has been quickly rolled out.

But Pfizer said last Friday it would delay shipments of vaccinations over the next three to four weeks due to works at its key processing plan in Belgium.

The following day, in a joint statement with German vaccine partner BioNTech, the US drugmaker said it had a plan to limit delays of deliveries to one week.

The delays have sparked concern across Europe, which has suffered badly from the pandemic — with Italy among the worst.

Arcuri said that 29 percent of promised doses were not delivered this week.

“The vaccination campaign cannot be slowed down, even less so for the administration of the second doses for the many Italians who have already been given the first.”

Italy has so far recorded more than 83,000 deaths from coronavirus and vaccinated more than 1.2 million people. (Thenigerialawyer)

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