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Emewu, Nigerian editor’s new book on Chinese investments in Nigeria debuts

A new book – The Chinese in the Nigerian Economy written by Ikenna Emewu, journalist, editor, and publisher has just arrived the Nigerian market.

The book released to the public market on January 12 explores detailed issues and facts on the role of Chinese investors in the Nigerian economy over the years.

The e-copy of the book will next week hit the internet and new media for easier access to the leverage on the reach of the new media.

The book’s arrival has also been heralded in all the social media accounts of Africa China Economy Magazine. It is a 129-page work in A4 landscape broad layout with top-quality printing that is available in the Nigerian market and published by the Afri-China Media Centre Limited, Lagos.

The work is Emewu’s third book focusing on China since 2016, as a dominant force in global affairs.

In March 2021, his second book – China: Rise and Global Influence in the 21st Century made an addition to the intellectual pool and body of literature on China, especially in relation to Africa.

Emewu explained in respect of the new book that: “The work on the topic becomes imperative to lay the facts bare and get to the kernel of the major ingredient that spices and flavours the Nigerian economy – the Chinese input.

However, while China is not on the list of the top four foreign investors in Nigeria, its investment has a different slant that makes it visible. China is the dominant investor in infrastructure in Nigeria and also in manufacturing, whereas most of the top investors focus on oil and gas, portfolio investments, and defence mainly.”

The insightful book noted that:  ”In the past 45 years, the volume of Chinese investments in the country has been on a steady rise. Altogether, China has 17% of all its investments by volume and value in Africa located in Nigeria, and 10 percent of the total number in the continent also in Nigeria, making the country a most preferred destination for several reasons. The dominance, contributions, and impacts of these investments make them a big issue in Nigeria’s economic discourse.

Even though some other big economies invest in Nigeria, but the uniqueness of those of China is due to the strategic areas they venture in which are known, seen, and felt in the everyday economic life of Nigerians.

Chinese investment in Nigeria’s infrastructure development in recent years is unequaled.

The ordinary Nigerians see the Chinese build factories, farms, and trading companies, venture into fintech, information and communication technology, automobile manufacturing, develop free trade zones, partner to provide backbone support to telephone companies, automobile assembly, tourism and hospitality, and many more.

Right inside the bushes, the Chinese investors are seen in lumbering and prevail in dredging. They dominate in building railways, seaports, airports, and hydropower stations, fabricate and supply industrial raw materials; engage in food processing, drinks, building materials, and the rest.”

He assured journalists that the book will be a huge addition to enlightening Nigerians, Chinese, and others on the critical role of the Chinese investors and service providers in Africa’s largest economy.”

Africachinapresscentre

‘No Gree For Anybody,’ A Positive rallying cry of Nigerian youths – By Ray Morphy

AS last year was ending, the youths of Nigeria began adopting for the coming new year, a slogan: “No gree for anybody!”

The slogan represented their aspirations for a new Nigeria that is progressive, accountable and responsive to the demands and needs of modern nationhood.

They had apparently surveyed the past few years and came to the conclusion that citizen docility is at the root of the myriad and seemingly intractable challenges that chronically beset our nation.

They reckoned that it was time they as youth began to do and contribute their part to the evolution of good governance in our beloved country. Hence the slogan.

To them it meant many things such as “no gree for contractors to come to your village and do shoddy work.” It included no gree for anyone to embezzle public money. It also included, no gree for bandits and terrorists to over run your village. This to my mind and to the mind of many represents a positive move by the youth of Nigeria.

Surprising to many, however, Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO) ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, while speaking recently in Abuja felt it was an opportunity to warn the youths about the new slogan, they had invented for Year 2024. “No gree for anybody” which the PRO described as a very dangerous slogan that could trigger crisis across the country. Indeed, wonders why he sees the slogan in the negative subversive light

Armed Forces See Slogan Differently

ACP Adejobi said, “Let me say again that the new slogan for 2024 for our young ones is ‘no dey gree for anybody’. No dey agree for anybody is being seen as just a normal talk but in security business, in security community we are seeing it as a very very dangerous slogan that can trigger crisis. Don’t forget in as much as you are entitled to enjoy your fundamental human rights, no fundamental human right is absolute. No de gree for anybody will not work when security operatives want to apprehend you for committing an offence. Once you have committed an offence, security operatives will come, apprehend you and take you to face the wrath of the law. Don’t say no de gree for anybody, ‘E no go work, when you commit offence.”

While the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) see only danger in the slogan and would obviously like to have it banned, the Armed Forces of Nigeria thought it was a great opportunity to engage with the youths of Nigeria in the ongoing efforts to combat banditry, insurgency and all kinds of criminalities across the country which are being perpetrated in large part by the youths.

 Let’s face the fact. Most of the bandits, cattle rustlers, terrorists, separatists, cultists, and rapists are the young people. It was apparently because of this knowledge that the Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, found the youth invented slogan useful.

Speaking on behalf of the defence headquarters on various operations of the Armed Forces he took advantage of the slogan to mobilize the youths against all kinds of criminalities. He said, “This year 2024, I urge citizens of this country to see security as a collective responsibility of all, therefore ‘no gree for terrorists, no gree for perpetrators of insecurity.’”

 Sociological underpinnings of the slogan

First off, it will be wrong for the authorities to misunderstand the sociological underpinnings of this cry of “self-help” by a large swath of citizens who have been marginalised, abused, exploited and ripped off with no help whatsoever coming from the authorities.

This cry is a legitimate reaction to a society whose rulers have no room for empathy for those who bear the brunt of failed policies. Unfortunately, the ruling elite are barely literate, on top of that, most of them find reading a bore and an unwelcome chore.

As a longtime newspaper columnist and an avid TV commentator, I know for sure that the elite read only headlines, if at all. Therefore, they tend to miss major turning points in the evolution of the Nigerian mind.

Just as they missed #EndSARS! “No gree for anybody” is another turning point where the people have come to terms that nobody, no one is looking out for their interests.

“No de gree for anybody” is actually a term that translates simply to “do not accept exploitation anymore.” Only the exploiter will be concerned when those whom he exploits learn to stand up to him.

Peter Tosh came up with ” Get Up, Stand Up,” a slogan in the wake of Apartheid which was used to rally the world against systemic slavery of the black race in South Africa. And it succeeded brilliantly.

 In this case, the facts are that an oppressed people will always come to a point of revolt. That is what history teaches us. That was what led to the French Revolution. Unfortunately, as I said earlier, the elite do not read, so they do not know that oppression is a time bomb that will sooner or later go off.

My advice is that authorities change gear. My advice is that a panel be raised to study the sociological situation and implement measures to reduce the anomy and anger of the lower classes in which 95% of the youth belong as at today. To seek to drive that “no de gree for anybody” tendency underground as the police is trying to do is to make it even more popular and appealing to the youth.

On the other hand, the Military understands that “no de gree for anybody” as a mindset can help communities under siege of terrorists or bandits defend themselves. Unfortunately, even the palliatives and empowerment policies of government have failed over the years because much of those items were diverted from the needy into the pockets of the elite as recent events at Humanitarian Ministry have so clearly shown.

Simply put, “no de gree for anybody” translates to a positive cry by the citizenry for a good and better Nigeria. It means, no gree for corruption, it means, no gree for nepotism, it means no gree for injustice and all the various ills that bedevil our beloved nation. In the final analysis, good governance is the ultimate answer.

 Opportunity for good governance

A crucial aspect of addressing the youth’s outcry lies in rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens. The youth demand accountability and transparency in governance. The slogan signifies a refusal to accept a status quo where promises are made but not fulfilled, and where the aspirations of the youth are consistently overlooked. To bridge this trust deficit, the government must prioritize effective communication, demonstrate a commitment to fulfilling promises, and establish mechanisms for accountability. By doing so, it can win back the confidence of the youth and foster a sense of collective responsibility for the nation’s well-being.

“No de gree with anybody” is more than a slogan; it is a profound expression of the youth’s yearning for a better Nigeria. The government should heed this call, recognizing it as an opportunity for transformative change.

 By addressing the root causes of youth frustration and providing economic opportunities, fostering inclusion, promoting social justice, as well as by rebuilding trust. That way, the government can set the nation on a path toward progress and prosperity.

The urgency of this matter cannot be overstated. The youth are the backbone of Nigeria’s future, and their resilience, creativity, and aspirations should be harnessed for the collective good. It is time for the government to listen, engage, and collaborate with the youth to build a nation where every citizen can proudly say, “I gree with everybody” in a Nigeria that works for all.

 MAY NIGERIA REBOUND

Supreme Court Judgments: One country, two different justice system

By P. D. Pius, Esq

Someone is reported to have said, the case has proceeded from Tribunal to the Court of Appeal and now in the Supreme Court, that is where we will know who they know and they will know who we know . What an interesting play with words. In my thoughts, the Supreme Court should be about laying sound legal principles that can last a generation at least. The law should have the character of being predictable such that a similar case will attract similar judgement and not otherwise.

While commending the Supreme Court for not departing from the earlier decisions when deciding the Plateau Governorship and Kano Governorship, yet I am concerned with the precedent laid by Supreme Court. A wrong without consequence or penalty is a recipe for anarchy. Legislative law making is more preferable than judicial law making.

Legislative law is when the law is actually made by elected representatives called law makers. Judicial law making is when courts ultimately decide what the law is irrespective of what the law makers write or state in the law. I am afraid that recent decisions of Supreme Court are more tilted to judicial law making.

Take Plateau Governorship petition for instance, there is a part where the Supreme Court held that the order of Plateau State High Court for fresh congresses in Plateau State was against PDP plateau state and not PDP national that eventually nominated the Governor. Much as the decision is final, I don’t think that from the letters of the law there is any difference between PDP plateau chapter and PDP National. PDP is PDP as one political party given one legal personality by the Constitution of Nigeria. When Plateau State chapter commits wrong, you cannot go to Court suing PDP Plateau State chapter, you will go to Court suing PDP because only one PDP is recognized in law. An order against PDP is an order against PDP. Laying a precedent that an order against a political party can be compartmentalize to National, State and probably Local Government is not good for our democracy.

There is also the point that it is PDP NEC that nominate Governorship aspirants and not State Congress. While it is true that Supreme Court has given this decision in many previous cases, I don’t think that Courts are supposed to rewrite the Constitution of political parties. From article 25(2)(c) of PDP Constitution, it is State Congress that has power to elect the party’s Governorship aspirant and not PDP NEC. The fact that NEC has been usurping the powers of State Congress does not change the provision of PDP Constitution and the courts are not supposed to rewrite the Constitution of political parties.

That is by the way. The vex issue is whether a non party member should be allowed to challenge nomination processes of another political party. Before 2022 Electoral Act, every Nigerian whether a party member or not can challenge the qualification of a candidate based on nomination processes. It is for this reason that PDP ousted APCs victory in 2020 Bayelsa Governorship election. Remember that since then there is no constitutional amendment on this point, so you can’t say the provision of the Constitution has changed. The only change is Electoral Act, 2022. Let’s focus on it.

When you read the Electoral Act, while the Act has now taken away the power of all members of public to challenge qualification of candidates, it also confers that right on candidate of other political parties to challenge qualification as post election matter even on nomination ground. See section 134(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. The Electoral Act was clear here that the factors of qualification that a none party member can challenge as post election matter includes nomination and sponsorship mentioned in section 177 of the Constitution.

The Court of Appeal has correctly interpreted this provision in respect to 2023 National Assembly and State Assembly elections in many states including Abia, Imo and many other states where lack of valid nomination was used to disqualify winners and runner up declared winners. In fact My Lord justice Georgewill JCA did wonderful job interpreting these provisions.

Here is an excerpt from one of such beautiful judgments:

“I am therefore, truly satisfied, and I so hold, that by a community, and not an isolated, reading of the provisions of Sections 134(3) of the Electoral Act 2022 and Sections 65, 66, 106, 107, 131, 137, 177 and 182 of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), it would be crystal clear, to every discerning mind, including my humble self, that there is a dual or concurrent jurisdiction to both the lower Tribunal and the Federal High Court over issues of qualification depending on the peculiar fact of any given case and the stage in which it was raised. It can be canvassed at the Federal High Court within 14 days after the primaries by a member of the political party involved and who himself was a candidate at the questioned primary election of that political party. It can also be canvassed before the Election Tribunal after the question elections as issue of non-qualification of a person who was declared and returned as winner of the said election by INEC. This is no rocket science as it is very clear. The law cannot and would not bar a person from another party from raising the issue of non-qualification by reason of invalid sponsorship or nomination of a person from another political party as a result of a flawed primary election before the Federal High Court for lack of locus standi, and yet turn around to again bar the same person from raising the issue of non-qualification of another person, of another political party, with whom he contested the questioned election and who was declared and returned as the winner of the said election. The law cannot be this brazenly inconsistent as to give a right with one hand and then when the right is invoked, to take it away with the other hand.” See Okeke & Anor v. Nwachukwu & Ors.

Wow! This is exactly the intention of the legislature by enacting section 134(3) of the Electoral Act 2022. Note that this provision is new and there is no similar provision in 2010 Electoral Act. I don’t know how the Supreme Court missed this provision or faulted this provision. I think that our courts should just stick with what is stated in law as made by National Assembly without modification.

Now, people are agitating about National Assembly members and state Assembly members from Plateau State who lost their seats. How about those in Abia, Imo and other states who lost their seats on same issue. There can other grounds of challenge but I don’t think it should be on the Supreme Court judgment.

In fact, there are many other cases won at Court of Appeal being final court on a principle that was overturned by Supreme Court in subsequent cases. In 2015 for instance, so many National Assembly elections and House of Assembly were nullified by Court of Appeal on failure to comply with card reader in the elections. However, Governors whose cases got to Supreme Court like Wike, Umana, etc survived.

The Supreme Court held that card reader is not part of our Electoral Act. So, we ended up with many people losing their seat based on what the Supreme Court says is not part of our law. Only Governors survived. It was a case of one county, two different justice system.

No one called for the head of the Court of Appeal Justices then.

To be continued!

Drop your comment, questions!

P. D. Pius, Esq., ACIArb.(UK)
Abuja, Nigeria
www.pdpiusandassociates.com

(Video) How the massacre of 50,000 Nigerians grabbed attention in ‘No Jews, no news’ comments of Israeli envoy at UN meeting

By Mike Wagenheim (www.jns.org)

In the face of intense accusations of committing genocide against Palestinians, Israel defended its war in Gaza at the United Nations’ highest court Friday, a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the allegations as hypocrisy that “screams to the heavens.” 

With the Israel-Hamas war approaching its 100-day mark, Algeria was granted a briefing on Friday following its request for the council to meet over what it calls the threat of forced displacement of Gazans by Israel.

Later on Friday, the 15-member council discussed the escalating conflict in the Red Sea, ignited the incessant attacks on commercial vessels by Yemen’s Houthis.

Meanwhile, on Tuesday, during an address to the National Press Club of Australis, Francesca Albanese, U.N. special rapporteur to the occupied Palestinian territory claimed that Israel does not have the right to self-defend against Hamas.

She added that Israel’s right to self-defence is “non-existent” under international law as it is not under threat from another state.

Israel’s U.N. envoy chided the Security Council for its relentless focus on Israel’s effort to dismantle Hamas’ terror regime in Gaza. Addressing the body, Ambassador Gilad Erdan noted actual displacements taking place elsewhere around the world—actions that have not drawn a whisper from the council.

“As we speak, there are over one million Muslims being forcibly removed from their homes, all of their possessions taken from them as they face poverty, famine and disease. No, I am not talking about the situation in Gaza, but about Pakistan’s forced displacement of 1.3 million Afghans,” said Erdan. 

He claimed that if blame for controversial actions cannot be laid at the feet of Jews, the council apparently doesn’t feel it is worthy of their time.

“Why does the forced displacement of Muslims from a Muslim country mean nothing to the Algerian representative and the council? I’ll tell you why: No Jews, no news,” said Erdan. “Over the past decade, 50,000 Christians in Nigeria have been butchered and hacked to death. Is this even a concern to the council? Again, no Jews, no news.”

While the United States’ ambassador to the United Nations criticized those Security Council members who “still cannot bring themselves” to condemn Hamas’ Oct. 7 massacre,  of those still being held hostage in Gaza or criticize ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and Hezbollah against Israel, she also criticized rhetoric from some Israeli ministers.

“We unequivocally reject statements by some Israeli ministers and lawmakers calling for a resettlement of Palestinians outside of Gaza,” said Linda Thomas-Greenfield, claiming such statements are irresponsible and make securing a lasting peace more difficult.

At the same time, Thomas-Greenfield questioned why some council members have “refused to hold Hamas accountable for using civilians as human shields?” 

Thomas-Greenfield also called for calm in Judea and Samaria, condemning attacks by both Palestinian militants against Israeli civilians and Jewish residents against Palestinians.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations, continued on Friday to lambaste the United States over Washington’s refusal to allow language demanding a ceasefire into Security Council resolutions.

He also claimed that Israel’s discussions regarding flooding Hamas’s terror tunnel system with seawater would “trigger a massive environmental disaster and besides, render the enclave virtually uninhabitable,” calling it potentially an act of genocide.

Nebenzia also took a shot at the International Criminal Court, which critics say has been slow to advance a prosecution of Israel under its latest prosecutor, Karm Khan of Great Britain.

Nebenzia said he did not expect Khan to “find the courage to go against his Western masters and their allies, whose political interests the ICC is serving.”

Khan’s office issued arrest warrants in March against Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Commissioner for Children’s Rights Maria Lvova-Belova, alleging responsibility for the war crime of unlawful deportation and transfer of children during the Russian-Ukraine War. It marked the first warrant the ICC has ever issued against the leader of a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council.

While France, which holds the Security Council presidency this month, attacked Israel for its settlement policy, Ambassador Nicolas de Rivière did make a robust call on Friday for the immediate release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza.

“This council must condemn in the strongest terms the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and other terrorist groups on Oct. 7, including sexual and gender-based violence used as a weapon of war,” de Rivière added, emphasizing that France will advance action to establish sanctions against Hamas at the European level.

Attention was then turned to the Houthis, whose relentless attacks on vessels in the Red Sea finally drew a significant international response on Thursday, with over 50 strikes on Houthis targets in Yemen conducted by the United States and United Kingdom, with support from Australia, Bahrain, Canada and the Netherlands.

Thomas-Greenfield told the council that the strikes, coming days after a Security Council resolution on the matter, were conducted to “disrupt and degrade” the Houthis’ “reckless attacks” in the Red Sea and in the Gulf of Aden, calling the strikes necessary,  proportionate, and consistent with international law.

She also urged council members and other states with influence over Iran to help bring about a change in Tehran’s military and financial support for the Houthis’ attacks.

A number of non-permanent members said that while they agree the Houthis’ attacks are of major concern, they fear that the council’s resolution passed earlier in the week may have been interpreted as a green-light for measures taken by Washington and London, which, they said, was not the intention.

Wife beater arrested as pregnant spouse faints after battery

If it disturbs your peace. It is not working out. If it ruins your happiness, character, behavior, reputation and drains your energy. If it gives your pain, wounds, sorrow, heartbreak, headache, stress, grief, sleepless night and discomfort.”
― De philosopher DJ Kyos

The Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, on Wednesday, said it had arrested a man in the Mushin area whose pregnant wife fainted after being allegedly assaulted by the man.

According to the agency, neighbours rescued a pregnant woman from her husband in an alleged domestic violence case.

The agency, in a statement, said the neighbours rushed the survivor, who lost consciousness in the process of the assault, to the General Hospital for medical attention.

Read also: Police arrests Akwa Ibom Lawyer and Wife Beater, Women affairs Minister fumes

Read also: NBA and Akwa Ibom wife-beater

DSVA said it received a distress call on the matter from “a mandated reporter” in the early hours of Wednesday and swiftly contacted the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command to intervene in the situation.

The statement partly read, “In the wake of the recent report of a seven-month pregnant woman who lost her life as a result of domestic violence, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency received yet another distress call from a mandated reporter in the early hours of today (Wednesday) of an alleged case of domestic violence involving another pregnant woman and her husband.

“It was alleged that the expectant mother was physically assaulted by her partner who then proceeded to lock her in their apartment located in the Mushin Area of the state. The alleged physical assault eventually resulted in the pregnant woman losing consciousness and it took the timely intervention of the neighbours who rescued her and rushed her to the General Hospital for medical assistance.

“Following the reported incident, the Executive Secretary of DSVA, Mrs Titilola Vivour-Adeniyi, said the office immediately contacted the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, and police officers from Mushin Police Station were immediately dispatched to the scene of the incident.”

Vivour-Adeniyi further revealed that the suspect had since been apprehended while the survivor was still in an unconscious state at the hospital.

While appreciating the neighbours of the survivor and the reporter of the incident, Vivour-Adeniyi urged those experiencing domestic violence to “break the culture of silence and speak up by promptly reporting to the authorities.

Late last year the Akwa Ibom State Police Command arrested one Barr Ekeere Sunday Ebong who was seen in a viral video brutalizing his wife.

The Police in a statement said: “In a video that went viral, the Suspect assaulted his wife, dehumanised her, leading to various grievous injuries. He is a known habitual perpetrator of violent acts against his wife over the years.”

PUNCH

Nowhere is safe in Nigeria —Joy Ezeilo, As Nigeria grapples mass kidnappings

  • Abductors spread terror in Abuja

Amdist anger, pain and frustration over widespread killings and kidnappings in Nigeria, Law lecturer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria and Former UN Special Rapporteur on Human Trafficking, Prof. Joy Ngozi Ezeilo has raised the alarm, lamenting that “nowhere is safe in Nigeria.”

Sharing her concerns through her X handle, Ezeilo, SAN said: “Nowhere is safe in Nigeria. The widespread killings, kidnappings and abductions in peacetime’ are condemnable and unacceptable. It directly abrogates citizens’ right to life, bodily integrity, dignity, freedom of movement, and ability to earn a living.”

Days ago, about 45 passengers in three fully loaded 15-seater commercial buses were reportedly abducted by armed men in Orokam, along the Otukpo-Enugu Road in Ogbadigbo Local Government Area, LGA, of Benue state.

An eyewitness and driver of one of the commercial transportation companies in Makurdi, who narrowly escaped the ambush with his passengers revealed that the incident occurred at about 3:30pm on Thursday.

The heavily armed men were said to have ambushed the ill-fated commercial vehicles when they sprang from the nearby forests in Orokam and forced their drivers at gunpoint to pull over.

Again, PREMIUM TIMES’ Ademola Popoola reports that no fewer than 15 persons have been reportedly kidnapped in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) since the beginning of 2024.

The victims were kidnapped in two major incidents that occurred in the first week of the new year thus depicting rising cases of abduction in the nation’s capital.

Barely six days into the new year, seven persons, all members of the same family, were abducted by gunmen around Zuma 1 in the Bwari Area Council of the territory.

During the incident, one person, simply identified as Alhaji, was shot dead while two policemen sustained injuries during a gun battle with the kidnappers.

The deceased, said to be a relative of the abducted family members, was informed of the incident and rushed to rescue them, but was killed by the gunmen.

On the night of Sunday 7 January, some armed men invaded Sagwari Layout Estate in Dutse, also in Bwari Area Council, at about 7.30 p.m. and abducted nine persons including a mother and her four children.

The kidnappers reportedly dressed in military uniform, thereafter proceeded to a nearby hotel and kidnapped a receptionist and a barman on duty.

A security guard, who identified himself as John, who was also a victim, but was lucky to escape narrated his ordeal to Punch newspaper.

“They came here at about 7 pm. I went out to buy something, so as I was about to lock the gate, they pushed it and entered. They tore my clothes and tied me up, before entering the house. Then, they brought out the people and made all of us sit down outside. So, while they were distracted, I managed to escape,” Mr John said.

A witness, Wilfred Akikayo, told the newspaper that the gunmen, who were bearing sophisticated weapons, broke the entrance of the estate back fence and exited through the top of a mountain close by.

PREMIUM TIMES’ efforts to speak with the spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, a superintendent of police, on the incidents were unsuccessful.

Ms Adeh did not pick up calls to her mobile phone. She did not also respond to text messages from this reporter.

The upsurge in cases of kidnapping, despite repeated assurances by the FCT authorities, has driven residents to live in fear and apprehension.

Previous incidents

Within the last three years, Abuja has recorded close to 50 kidnap cases involving over 200 persons.

From January 2021 to 30 June 2023, there were about 40 recorded cases affecting a staggering 236 victims. Between October and December 2023, there were 13 recorded kidnap incidents and 80 victims.

The incidents took place in Gbau, Kuje, Gauge, Pegi, Abaji, Keti, and Kwali, unchallenged by security agencies.

These incidents were also reported to have resulted in significant economic losses, with confirmed payment of ransom totalling N653.7 million between 2021 and 2022.

Last September, PREMIUM TIMES reported a public servant, Surajudeen Olasinde, narrating how his wife, Mistura, and two daughters; Hauwa and Fatima, were kidnapped around Galadima District.

Mr Olasinde disclosed that the kidnappers demanded N100 million ransom but were eventually paid N2.8 million.

A 2020 report by SB Morgen also ranked Abuja 11th among locations with frequent abductions.

Wike’s promise

Upon assumption of duty in August 2023, the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, promised to improve the security of the territory.

He said he had the mandate of President Bola Tinubu to do whatever was required to keep Abuja safe.

“The issue of security is germane for us, as Mr President has told me that whatever is required, we must ensure that Abuja is safe.

“Security has gone down. And this is supposed to be one of the safest places for people to be in. So, the issue of security must be tackled, as we are ready to provide the necessary logistics to all the security agencies, in order to do their work.

“We know the problems, but we cannot go and identify the criminals, it is their duty, our own duty is to provide them with the necessary tools, and I don’t want any excuses. So, what we want is the result, and that must be done. If we don’t safeguard this place, then we are in trouble,” he said.

Activist calls for probe, denounces arrest of Nigerian female soldier who railed at sexual harassment by top military officers in viral video

The convener of Concerned Nigerians, and rights activist Comrade Deji Adeyanju has condemned the recent arrest and subsequent transfer of Ruth Ogunleye, the female soldier who bravely spoke out about the pervasive issue of sexual harassment within the Nigerian Army.

Ruth Ogunleye shared her harrowing experiences in a viral video, shedding light on the appalling actions of some senior army officers.

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye in a statement called for an investigation into the soldier’s allegations.

Describing the contents of the video as disturbing and should not be swept under the carpet, the Minister said women should not be subjected to any form of maltreatment, dehumanization or harassment.

Adeyanju in a statement remarked: “It is disheartening to learn that instead of the Army authorities to address the serious allegations made by the soldier, she has been subjected to further oppression and victimization.

“Her claims of threats to her life, arbitrary punishments, eviction from her accommodation, and false institutionalization in a psychiatric hospital without proper medical assessment are deeply disturbing. Additionally, the freezing of her bank account and the denial of her salary without justification are clear violations of her rights and an abuse of power.”

The female soldier had identified three senior army officers, namely Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, Col. G.S. Ogor, and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo as the perpetrators of these acts.

She specifically accused Col. Abdulkareem of attempted rape and subsequent defamation by labelling her as mentally ill.

Despite her efforts to seek redress through petitions and interventions from senior and junior officers, her pleas for justice have fallen on deaf ears.

“I call on the Nigerian Army authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the allegations raised by the female soldier. It is imperative that those responsible for the sexual harassment, intimidation, and victimization of this soldier be held accountable for their actions. Such behavior is not only a gross violation of human rights but also undermines the integrity and professionalism of the armed forces,” the activist said.

Adeyanju emphasized that the female soldier is a victim and should not be further oppressed or silenced for speaking out against the injustice she has endured.

“Her bravery in exposing these grave issues must be commended and protected. I urge the authorities to ensure her safety and well-being throughout the investigative process,” he said.

Adeyanju concluded by saying, Concerned Nigerians, will closely monitor the developments of the case.

“Our organization, Concerned Nigerians will closely monitor this. It is our collective responsibility to stand against any form of sexual harassment, abuse of power, and victimization within our armed forces. We demand justice for the soldier and all victims who have suffered in silence,” he said.

SaharaReporters earlier on Tuesday reported that the female soldier had been arrested and moved to Abuja.

SaharaReporters learnt that the soldier was flown to Abuja from Lagos on Tuesday morning.

“The lady who complained in the viral video about sexual harassment in the military has been arrested and moved to Abuja by air this morning. She was flown out accompanied by military police in mufti from Lagos to Abuja,” a top military source told SaharaReporters.

The soldier serving in Lagos State, who did not disclose her name, raised the alarm in the viral video that some senior army officers were threatening her life for rejecting their sexual advances.

She said in the viral video: “I know definitely they will come for me. They will lock me up and they will dismiss me but I don’t care. I can’t endure again. Before coming out to make this video, I can’t endure again. I don’t want to die young.

“If anything should happen to me, please hold Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, Col. G.S. Ogor and Brig. Gen. I.B. Solebo responsible, because they don’t want me to grow. They don’t want my progress.

“In 2022, I was posted to Cantonment Medical Center, Ojor where I met Col. I.B. Abdulkareem, who requested for me and I refused. Ever since then, this man has been my nightmare in the army – threatening to dismiss me each time he sees me.

“He ejected me from my room, sent some boys to my house. I have all the evidence and I have witness. He came to my house to eject me.

“Each time I try to expose him or each time any senior officer tries to intervene, he also stigmatizes me, that I have mental illness. He would always tell them that I have mental illness.

“He wrote to DOA three times to board me out of the army. He froze my account for one year. He froze my account since February last year (2023) till date, no salary.

“I have cried to some senior officers. I wrote a petition using Section 179 of the Armed Forces Act. I have seen so many officers, senior officers, junior officers to intervene but none of them is giving me a listening ear. Any time anyone tries to intervene, he will tell them that I have mental illness.

“There was a day he locked me, he almost raped me and when they caught him, he said I have mental illness and he took me to a psychiatric hospital and locked me up there for one month without any medication.

“He has denied me access to military courses, meanwhile, they know very well that my progression in the army is determined by my course attendance. Now course, I have been given admission in a medical school but he refused to release me.

“There was a day I called my dad and my dad intervened but he told my dad to tell me to obey the last order. What is the last order? For him to sleep with me?

“He has denied me everything. I can’t even go on passes to see my parents. No pass, no leave for me. But please and please, if anything should happen to me, hold them responsible, especially Col. IB Abdulkareem, Col. GS Ogor and Brig. Gen. IB Solebo. They are my nightmare in the Army.

“They have done everything to tarnish my image because they are all course mates. I don’t know what I have done to them. Till today I haven’t collected salary. I can’t endure this again. Let the worst happen.”

NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 11 prayer points)

PRAYER THEME: Help And Helpers

Study: (Psalm 121, Psalm 46, Psalm 3, 1 Chronicles 12:1-22, Luke 10:30-35, 2 Samuel 9:1-13, 16:1-4, 19:24-30)

Pray/Declare:

EL-ROI My Helper, I know you see me! In areas where human protocols and systems have failed me in previous years, This 2024, By your mercies, please be to me who and what I need! Let me be the next to testify that I have indeed seen the God that sees me to help, to lift, to change and turn my life around. (John 5:1-15, Psalm 121)

2024: I AM AWAKE! My Eyes are opened to see! My ears are opened to hear! Let That Help that awakens men into their divine nature, causes men to see things before they happen, be activated in my life! Demonic Spiritual slumber, Fire! Not in 2024: I am awake! (Zechariah 4:1-6)

For Every area of my life where I was slowed down, delayed, denied, tossed aside, this 2024, I receive Help to BOUNCE BACK! By the Resurrection power at work in me, I step into the scene bigger, stronger, better, wiser! Hallelujah!

Help that capacitates men to carry their long awaited answers, rest on me! As it was for Sarah, I receive Strength to birth the fulfillment of my prophecy and emerge as the next testifier that What God cannot do does not exist! (Hebrews 11:11-12)

January to December 2024: Before any new day arrives, I declare Help shall already be laid for me! Let everything begin to align!

This is the year of my rising, 2024 is the year of my manifestation and I will not stop myself! I will be at the right place at the right time, I walk with clarity and precision, my paths and the paths of those that matter, connect by Fire! Amen! (Romans 8:19)

Wherever I have asked, how shall this thing be? Holyghost overshadow me, incubate me, cover me, grant me that help that man cannot give until I carry my evidence! (John 14:16, Luke 1:26-38)

I raise an altar of generational Help, no matter where I am or where my family memebers are, help will find us. Any opposition that shall arise against our help, Fire! (2 Samuel 9:7)

O EARTH, the same way you helped the woman in Revelations 12:6, wherever I step into, Help my destiny, Deliver your best! Dragons, Old serpents that shall arise against my prophecy fulfillment in 2024, swallow by Fire! (Revelations 12)

As it was Mordecai, I receive help from unlikely sources! Hamans that tried to kill me will facilitate my rising! What tried to slow me down will accelerate me, the same things that tried to bring me down will elevate me. My testimony shall be, All things are working! (Esther 6:1-14)

It is still my year to gather gold like dust! Like Peter, I receive help to know where the money is! Where others see nothing, I see treasures! I move From Not enough, Less than enough to more than enough! This 2024: I will not be found in any Financial wilderness! (Matthew 17:24-27)

The doors/gates of the city/nation I live in will never be locked against me! I activate the ministry of Angels over my 2024! As it was for Peter, let even doors and gates I did not knock on begin to open for me! (Acts 12:5-17)

Every door/gate shut against my helpers, hear the Word of the Lord, EPHPHATHA! 2024; I see them entering! (1 Chronicles 12:12-23)

No good story of my life will be told in the past! No helper ordained for my destiny will turn around and become a destroyer! No helper will become a hater! By the mercies of God, I declare they are preserved! (Proverbs 10:22)

As it was for Elijah, Lord let your mighty Hand rest upon me, I receive that Help that causes men on foot to outrun men on chariots! In the same places where I was delayed, I overtake! (1 Kings 18:46)

2024: I AM THAT MAN/WOMAN MARVELOUSLY HELPED BY EL-ROI!!!! Hallelujah!

#nsppd
#21Daysfastingandprayers
#Streamsofjoyinternational
#whatGodcannotdodoesnotexist

WATCH: NSPPD 18th January 2024 Morning Prayer | And The Lord Answered

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 10 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer (Day 9 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 8 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 7 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 6 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 5 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 4 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer (Day 3 Prayer Points)

See also: NSPPD Fasting and Prayer Points 9th January 2024 (Day 2)

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer 2024 begins today

Okutepa, Yunus Ustaz, others win round one as NJC suspends alleged “illegal” judicial appointment in Kogi state

As a sequel to the pending suit instituted by some some Senior AdvocateS of Nigeria from Kogi state against the National Judicial Council (NJC) and the Kogi State government over an alleged “illegal shortlist” for appointments into the state’s judiciary, the NJC has announced its suspension of the process.

Ahmed Gambo Saleh, Esq., the Executive Secretary of the Council in a in a letter he signed titled: “RE: NOTIFICATION OF THE PENDENCY OF SUIT NO.: FHC/ABJ/CS/05/2024,  YUNUS USTAZ USMAN, SAN & 6 ORS. VS NATIONAL  JUDICIAL  COUNCIL  &  3 ORS”, said”

“I write to acknowledge the receipt of your letter dated 10th  January, 2024  on  the  above  subject  matter  and to  inform you  that  the  National Judicial  Council  being  the  apex  body  in the  Judiciary  understands  that respecting the authority of the court is not only a legal obligation but also a fundamental aspect of maintaining a fair and just legal system.  As such, the NJC has always been in the forefront of advocating for respect to the rule of law.

“2.       Thus, I wish to inform you that once a suit is instituted against any appointment process, Council do put on hold the process, pending the determination of the matter.   Consequently, the NJC has put on hold the process of appointment  of Judges and Kadis for the Kogi State Judiciary, please.”

Click here for the letter.

LETTER_FROM_NJC1

After the institution of their action, a former Chair of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Anselm Chidi Odinkalu commended the seven SANs, urging that “SANs from other parts of the country cld take a cue…”

Odinkalu who stressed that it “it’s about time” via his X handle said: “I wld like to thank the Senior Advocates of #Nigeria, #SANs, from Kogi State, including Yunus Ustaz & @jibrinSAN, for #TakingAStand on this abuse of judicial appointments. It’s about time. If only SANs from other parts of the country cld take a cue…

“At last, the #genitalisation of judicial appointments in #Nigeria will #GoToCourt with a challenge to the nomination of the unqualified wife of the Kogi State governor as a judge….”

The Plaintiffs— Chief Yunus Ustaz Usman, J.S Okutepa, Patrick Okolo, Abdullahi Haruna, Reuben Atabo, Shaibu Aruwa and Johnson Usman, are asking for an Interlocutory Injunction, restraining the defendants, their agents, privies and servants from fixing dates for interview of the shortlisted candidates as well as from inviting them for any meeting or from performing any other such functions in relation to the subject matter of this suit pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

Also joined in the suit filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja, are: Kogi State Judicial Service Commission, the Attorney General and the Commissioner For Justice Of Kogi State as defendants.

In the Originating Summons with Suit No: FCT/ABJ/CS/05/2024, the Plaintiffs, by Chief Yunus Ustaz Usman and J.S Okutepa. Others are Patrick Okolo, Abdullahi Haruna, Reuben Atabo, Shaibu Aruwa and Johnson Usman, argued that the selection process violated regulations and constitutional principles of fairness, equity, and merit.

SaharaReporters reported on October 26, 2023 that about 17 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) from Kogi State called for the suspension of appointment of new Judges into the state judiciary until certain criteria are met.

The lawyers made the demand in a letter to the Chief Judge and Chairman of Kogi State Judicial Service Commission, Justice Josiah Majebi, which was dated October 20, 2023.

Titled “RE: Provisional Short-list Of Candidates Of Ten Judicial Officers Of The High Court Of Justice Shariah Court Of Appeal And Customary Court Of Appeal,” the indigenous Kogi SANs stated that appointment of Judges to superior courts of record is regulated and requires provision of basic facilities such as availability of court rooms/Judges chambers, official cars, residential accommodation as well as equipped library in Judges’ chambers, citing Rules 1-5 of National Judicial Council Revised Guidelines.

In the 12-point issues raised in the letter signed by Yunus Ustaz Usman, Life Bencher for himself and on behalf of 16 other Senior Advocates, the legal luminaries also pointed out that the proposed candidates listed for appointments of judges did not reflect the geographical spread. They noted that the list is lopsided to the disadvantage of other parts of the State.

According to the letter, the candidates listed for customary Court of Appeal are all from Kogi Central and there is no candidate from Kogi East or Kogi West, noting that there are qualified persons from Kogi East and Kogi West that were not selected.

Meanwhile, the legal luminaries, the suit filed today, January 8, 2024, before an Federal High Court, Abuja Division stated that the list were tainted with ethnic and political interference.

Amongst issues raised is the inclusion of Governor Yahaya Bello’s wife, Amina, as a proposed High Court judge when she neither has magistrate experience nor meets other requirements.

Apart from the fact that candidates where concentrated from Governor Bello’s Kogi Central district, the Plaintiffs pointed out that the selection of candidates in Kogi State for appointment as Judicial officers to the superior courts of record should be on the basis of “merits, competence, sound knowledge of law, fairness, equality and geographical spread within Kogi State devoid of ethnic and political considerations”.

The lawyers, however, expressed dismay that despite so many letters had been written on the issue before the court for determination yet little attention was paid to the complaints.

They cited the letter from NBA Lokoja Branch, lawyers of Okun extraction of Kogi State, which comprise of Five Local Government Areas to wit: Ijumu, Kabba/Bunu, Mopamuro, Yagba East, Yagba West, Kogi (Koton-Karfi and Lokoja Local Government Areas), and Igala Youth Leaders Assembly.

In an Affidavit sworn by one of the plaintiffs, Patrick Okolo, SAN, the Plaintiffs insisted that the NJC guidelines and constitutional clauses governing appointments are mandatory and binding.

“That despite the service of Exhibits 2, 3, 4 and 5 on the 1st and 2nd Defendants, they ignored same and went ahead on 23rd November 2023 to invite the said shortlisted candidates to the Department of State Security (DSS) for screening and on 1stDecember 2023, the 1st Defendant’s officials went to Kogi State to conduct an inspection of the facilities such as official cars and office space preparatory for the said appointment.

“That the Defendants are now preparing to invite the shortlisted candidates for interview consequent upon which the successful candidates from the interview will be appointed as Judges of the High Court of Kogi State, Judges of Customary Court of Appeal of Kogi State and Khadis of the Sharia Court of Appeal of Kogi State without further delay from now.

“That the 3rd Defendant is bent on the appointment of the said shortlisted candidates as judicial officers of the Superior Courts in Kogi State before leaving office at the expiration of his tenure on 27th January 2024 since his wife; Amina Yahaya Bello Esq was among those shortlisted.

“That the said Amina Yahaya Bello Esq is No 4 in the shortlisted High Court of Justice List in Exhibit1.

“That I know as a fact that among the Provisional Shortlisted Candidates for appointment as judicial officers to the High Court of Kogi State are two (2) Women from Kogi Central one of whom is Amina Yahaya Bello, Esq; the wife of the Governor of Kogi State who is not in private practice and not a Magistrate.

“That I know as a fact that the said Amina Yahaya Bello, Esq and other candidates in Exhibit 1 do not have the required number of Judgments of both trial and appellate Courts that qualifies them for appointments as Judges of the superior Courts of records in Kogi Sate as required by the Rules of the 1st Defendant.

“That I know as a fact that the three candidates provisionally shortlisted by the 2nd Defendant for appointment as Judges of the Customary Court of Appeal of Kogi State who are all from Kogi Central Senatorial District are Musa Onogo Idris Esq., Maryiann Ozohiu Esq., and Shaibu OzoveheEbenezer Esq,. have seniors from other Senatorial Districts of the State who expressed interest in being appointed as Judges but were not selected in spite of the fact that they are qualified and adjudged by all and sundry as being competent to be made judges.

“That I know as a fact that the 2nd Defendant is doing the bidding of the 3rd Defendant and has wrongly recommended those who did not meet the requirements of appointment to the offices recommended in Exhibit 1 for purely partisan and political consideration as parting gift to the occupant of the office of the 3rd Defendant who is due to vacate office on the 27th January 2024.”

The Plaintiffs formulated two questions for determination and sought for six reliefs from the court in the event that their questions were in affirmative.

Among the reliefs sought are “an order of court restraining the Defendants/Respondents, their servants, agents and privies from taking any further step at all in respect of the recommendation and appointment of the shortlisted candidates pending the final hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

“And for such further or other orders as this honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances of this suit.”

NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 10 prayer points)

PRAYER THEME: NONE SHALL DIE – OPERATION NO OBITUARY

Study: Psalm 91, Exodus 12:12-36, Revelations 12:1-11, Hebrews 12:24, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57

Pray/Declare:

1) 2024: NO OBITUARY! I WILL NOT BURY AND I WILL NOT BE BURIED! FIRE!!!
It’s a New Season, The breaker has gone ahead of the family of ________!!! This 2024: Our soul has escaped as a bird from the snare of the fowlers; The snare is broken, and we have escaped. (Micah 2:13, Psalm 124:7)

2) O EARTH: HEAR ME! You will not receive my body or that of my loved ones, our blood will not be spilled on you, our bones will not be scattered on you! O earth, any man/woman/demonic priests and altars that shall arise against the completion of our journey this 2024, swallow by Fire! (Revelation 12:1-11)

3) Like Rahab for her family, El-Roi, over the lives of my family members and those connected to me, for every good seed I have sown in your vineyard, please see me and have mercy on us, I stand in the gap, let your blood speak, this 2024, let our testimony be that ”It is of your mercies that we were not consumed, Because your compassions fail not.“ (Joshua 2:12-13, Lamentations‬ ‭3‬:‭22‬‭)

4) I belong to Jesus, therefore My life and the lives of those connected to me will not be used to meet any demonic target, Let the jealousy of My God who is a consuming fire go to work, let the Zeal of El-Roi who who burns mountains against me go to work, let Fire answer! (Hebrews 12:29, Jeremiah 51:25)

5) My Family members and I are candidates of the covenant of Life on the Altar of Fire! Whatsoever is from our foundation crying for blood in 2024, by the power that raised Jesus from the dead, break! (1 Corinthians 15:54)
The Power of the Grave is destroyed: Any Mark of Death upon any member of my Family is wiped away by Fire!!! This 2024: nobody will gather to tell me sorry! (Hosea 13:14, Ezekiel 37:12-13)

6) 2024: Instead of death, let this be a year of Restoration! By the resurrection power of Christ at work in me, I command every dead thing in and around me to come back to life! (John 11:1-45)

7) I declare again that 2024 is a year of Restoration for my family! The Word of God is alive and active! Prophecies have gone forth! Death has been defeated! We move From old graves and dry bones to An Exceeding Great Army! Hallelujah! (Ezekiel 37:1-14)

8) I am a Kingdom Giant! In 2024, There will be no burial of My dreams/vision/potentials/talents/capabilities! Every attack to steal, kill or destroy what God is doing in, with and through me in 2024, Catch Fire! (John 10:10)

9) God is for me, He is with me! He fights for me! Therefore What I am afraid of will not happen! Every arrow of Bad news projected in my direction, let it be reversed! Before it arrives let it become Good news! Amen! (Proverb 3:25-26)

10) 2024, I come in the Name of The Lord! Every satanic mystery sponsoring evil emergencies, negative patterns and cycles, be exposed by Fire! (2 Corinthians 2:11)

11) I redeem January to December by the blood of Jesus, if calamity is happening at the back, my family members and I shall be in front, If disaster breaks out in front, we shall be behind! Our feet will not lead us to the place of our destruction! A thousand shall fall by our right, ten thousand at our left but it shall not come near us! Amen! (Psalm 91)

12) Over my family, The Blood of Jesus speaks DIVINE EXEMPTION! I delete my name and those connected to me from every demonic list of Death! I declare: Exempted by Fire! (Hebrews 12:24)

13) Thank you Jesus! 2024 ended in praise! In the order of Numbers 31:49 NLT, none was lost! None was missing! None was buried! El-Roi, you can indeed be trusted! What you cannot do does not exist!

#nsppd
#21Daysfastingandprayers
#Streamsofjoyinternational
#whatGodcannotdodoesnotexist

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer (Day 9 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 8 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 7 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 6 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 5 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21days fasting and prayer (Day 4 prayer points)

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer (Day 3 Prayer Points)

See also: NSPPD Fasting and Prayer Points 9th January 2024 (Day 2)

See also: NSPPD 21 days fasting and prayer 2024 begins today

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