N’Assembly, Pass these bills now!

A frontline human rights organization based in Anambra state, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law (Intersociety), calls on the leaderships of the two arms of Nigerian national assembly to, without further waste of time, pass pending bills before them.

A letter addressed to the leaderships of both chambers (the Senate and House of Representatives), dated May 27, 2009 and signed by Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi, Chairman, Board of Trustees, listed the pending bills to include a bill for an Act to Amend the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) a bill for an Act Cap 15 LFN 2004 and other Matters Connected Thereto; a bill for an Act to Alter the Provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 and for other Matters Connected Thereto; to further amend the Police Act 1967 Cap P19 LFN 2004 and for other Matters Connected Thereto; to Establish the Political Parties Registration and Regulatory Commission and for other Matters Connected Thereto; to Amend (another version) the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other Matters Connected Thereto. (Pictures. left, David Mark, President of the Senate, and Bankole, Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives)

The letter notes that the bills which President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua forwarded for consideration by the two chambers of the Assembly on April 29 this year, bothered on criminalization of electoral offences, independent candidacy, creation of electoral offences commission among other things.

‘Our fear is that if necessary steps and extreme care are not taken, other Bills with similar backgrounds may suffer the same legislative fate’, Umegbalasi wrote.

The organization highlights that its letter was prompted by recent ‘killing’ of one of the bills (PPRRC) by the senatorial arm of the National Assembly. Intersociety laments that despite the fact that the 22-member Electoral Reforms Committee, headed by the retired Honorable Justice Muhammadu Uwais, JSC, to examine the entire Nigerian electoral process, had since completed its assignment, it is yet to be signed into law.

The committee sat for 16 months, during which it received a total of 1,466 memoranda and 907 presentations from Nigerians during its sittings in six geo-political zones of the country. Thereafter, it submitted its reports to the Presidency on December 12 last year.

The organization, also, regrets that about 64 bills, made up of 33 executive bills and 31 member-bills, are lying unlegislated before the two chambers of the national assembly.

Reminding the law makers that their predecessors in the second republic passed into law the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, Laws of the Nigerian Federation (formerly African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights Ratification and Enforcement Act Cap 10 LFN 1990), Intersociety challenges them to give Nigeria and Nigerians a better electoral system.

The group asserts: ‘The importance of a sound electoral system, encoded in our body of laws, cannot be overemphasized. It should, also, be emphasized, Sirs, that the electoral bills lying before your distinguished authorities are not just mere executive-formulated bills, but a product of Nigerians and expert opinions from the countries of Canada, India, Mexico, South Africa, Lesotho, Botswana, Cameroon, France, Cote D’Ivoire and even Republic of Niger”.

The letter, further, states: ‘Nigerians woke up one morning to eulogize your distinguished national assembly when they heard that your dual legislative body had called for the original copy of the Uwais Report, ostensibly, to revisit important areas jettisoned by the Presidency. But their jubilations may be short-lived if present trends continued’.

Democracy, their Democracy

Sincerely speaking, the only gain we have got in the past 10 years of democracy in Nigeria is simply that we have had a civilian regime. Besides, it has not been truly civilian in the true sense of it. 8 years out of the last 10 years (Obasanjo’s administration) was a quasi military government because Obasanjo ruled Nigeria like a military head of state.

The true civilian rule started since Alhaji Musa Yar’Adua took over as the president of Nigeria. Whatever positive changes that have taken place since 1999 like improvement in communications, banking reforms, NAFDAC war against fake drugs etc are worthy to be commended.

However, I don’t like praising any administration, past or present, for any positive policy. This is because governance is all about improving people’s welfare. Therefore, when government do their work I don’t praise them.

However the mistakes, maladministration and corruption of government officials have always overshadowed whatever good policy they introduce. This has always provoked massive public outcry. The first casualty in the last 10 years has been democracy itself. That is the will of the people has suffered most. Whenever the people speak the government do not listen, rather they impose their will on the people.

From 1999 till date, the government has never respected the will of the people. Examples are many. Starting from Anambra state, where Ngige was imposed on the people by his god father with active connivance of the powers that be in Abuja. We all knew what happened. Similar incidents repeated itself in Ondo, Ekiti, Edo, Kogi and so on.

Obasanjo’s government conducted the worse elections in the history of Nigeria. Even the president (Yar’Adua) was a product of that election and he has come out publicly to acknowledge the anomalies associated with the elections. The voter turnout has deteriorated since 1999. In 1999, the turn-out was over 70% registered voters. In 2003, it reduced to about 35% and by 2007, it went down further.

President Yar’Adua has promised electoral reforms. But events in and around him is suggesting otherwise. First is the attempt to doctor some of the recommendations of the electoral reform committee. Second, the conduct of Ekiti re-run elections spoke volumes about the electoral reforms the president has promised Nigerians. The Ekiti crisis gave Nigerians an idea of what future elections might look like.

Ex Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former head of state, Muhamadu Buhari and many other Nigerians have expressed their concerns about the inability of the present PDP leadership to introduce electoral reforms. The latest revelation came from former President Obasanjo who is, also, Chairman of PDP Board of Trustees. Obasanjo said that he was not aware of any electoral reforms being carried out by the Yar’Adua administration. This explains it all.

The last 10 years of democracy in Nigeria has recorded the highest number of high profile politically motivated murders. Starting with the late Bola Ige (former Attorney General and Minister of Justice), Harry Marshall (former National Vice Chairman of ANPP South South), Funsho Williams (former Lagos state gubernatorial candidate), Chief Anamosokari Albert Dikibo, Sunday Ugwu, elder brother of Nwabueze Ugwu a former legislator that represented Nkanu East LGA in Enugu state, Alhaji Ahmed Pategi, (Kwara State former PDP Chairman), Victor Nwankwo, younger brother of Arthur Nwankwo, founder Eastern Mandate Union, Odunayo Olagbaju (former member Osun State House of Assembly), Barnabas Igwe, former chairman, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Onitsha Branch, and his wife Abigail Igwe, Chimere Ikoku (former Vice Chancellor of UNN), Chief Ogbonnaya Uche (former ANPP senatorial candidate from Imo State) among others. The list is endless and the police are yet to catch the killers.

The last 10 years of our democracy witnessed human rights abuses in large scale. The Odi and Zaki Ibiam massacre, the state using her apparatus killed more than 3000 of its citizens. Cases of this nature deserve probing. In both cases the solders reduced the town to mere rubbles. Yet the country was supposedly under democratic dispensation. At a point the federal government under Obasanjo’s administration withheld the Lagos State local government share of the federal allocation. There were several cases where the previous government never obeyed any court orders/judgments. Yar’Adua’s government has been respecting court judgments. The judiciary under Yar’Adua has performed credibly well. Without them, our democracy would have been threatened. The Nigerian press has done very well, they deserve praises.
Law making in the last 10 years have not been fantastic. The National Assembly has not lived up to our expectations. Passing the yearly budgets has not been easy over the years. Some bills have spent so much time at the national assembly that one starts to wonder what our law makers are doing.

An example is the freedom of information bill. One would have thought that this bill will have express passage but the reverse has been the case. The Senate has requested from the presidency the original version of the electoral committee recommendations. The presidency has granted them their request. Nigerians are watching and waiting what will be the outcome.

The economy has not fared better over the last 10 years. Unemployment is still very high. Government has not done anything meaningful to reduce unemployment. The power sector which would have helped to boost economic growth was mismanaged by our corrupt leaders. High level official corruption has risen. Crime rates have risen tremendously. Kidnappings are on the rise daily. The Niger/Delta crisis still persists with no solution in sight. There is an on-going military operation in the Niger Delta by the Nigerian military as I am writing this article. There is too much tension in the Niger Delta region.

The mood of the nation is low about the Yar’Adua government. People have made several negative comments about his administration. The former Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, Chief Thompson Okpoko, described Nigeria as a sick nation. Okpoko laments that the nation’s present leaders have lost focus on how to cure the myriads of diseases plaguing the country. Okpoko’s comment was reported by Daily Sun newspapers of Wednesday, December 3 2008, page 10.

Campaign for Democracy took stock of 2008 and concluded that “No serious governance actually took place”; then it warned that a situation where the country is virtually on auto pilot without serious governance is not healthy” (Daily Independent, Wednesday December 31, 2008 page 1).

Finally there is hope for Nigeria. Nigerians do not have any choice but to make Nigeria rise again. Many Nigerians are tired of the present situation of things and are determined to push for political changes. Change is possible in Nigeria, but more Nigerians need to get involved with the political process in the country.

With active participation of all Nigerians, political changes will be possible. Changes cannot occur except we work for it. There has to be sacrifices to make for Nigeria. No sacrifice will be too small. Nigerians will have to persevere, like Fidel Castro said, “Perseverance will give us victory”. May God bless Nigeria.

Scripted by: Chinedu Vincent Akuta
An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK
akutachinedu@yahoo.com
http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Who Killed Anambra APGA Chieftain?

Yet another gruel murder in Anambra state! Just a couple of days after that of Citizen Okorie Aneke in the neighboring Enugu state. What a shame!

Chief Chukwudi Okafor, Chairman, Association of Ex-council Chairmen of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in Anambra state, was in the evening of Tuesday May 27, murdered in cold blood in his Umuawulu home in Awka South local government. Okafor was killed in front of St Joseph ’s Catholic Church Umuawulu some meters away from his house by assassins.

KlinReports gathered that Okafor’s killers had laid ambush in his country home, but, on noticing strange movements at his gate, he directed his security men not to open the gate. But when he decided to drive away from home towards Nibo, a nearby community, Okafor drove into an ambush by his killers at the Catholic Church.

Okafor’s murder which occurred, about 7 pm on the fateful day was reportedly sponsored by his rivals over some business transaction gone awry. Still, some people think that the assassination of the APGA could have been politically motivated.

Okafor’s killers did not remove anything from the vehicle. And the neighborhood suspected that his killers were assassins hired by those who are afraid of his rising profile in business and politics.

Okafor’s killers opened fire on him, hitting him through the glass of his black Nissan Armada sport utility vehicle (SUV). The vehicle, subsequently, fell into a ditch, leading to the killers moving in to finish him up.

Until his assassination, Chief Okafor was a rich businessman with interests in the maritime sector. He was, also, one time Chairman of Awka South council area, as well as a patron of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Anambra state council.

Two other occupants of the vehicle who were also hit, one on the shoulder while the other fainted as a result of shock, are said to be receiving treatment in a hospital in Awka.

As it were, the Umuawulu community has urged Peter Obi government in the state and the police to quickly track down the killers of her son.

Meanwhile, Anambra State Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP), Agboola Clover Oshodi, has visited the scene with other top police officers, even as the state police commissioner, Mr. Amusa Bello, although on a trip outside the state, vows to nab the assassins.

While confirming the killing, Bello informed newsmen that probably the killers of Chief Okafor may have attempted to kidnap him but due to the resistance that Okafor showed, they had to kill him. That is, the police boss is contemplating whether Okafor’s killers were assassins.

Bello said the command has commenced manhunt for the gunmen and that major flash points in the state and police commands in South-South and South-East states have been alerted on the incident.

On its part, Governor Obi, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Valentine Obienyem, regrets Okafor’s murder, saying: "Rather than mourn this illustrious son of the state, depraved and heartless politicians, I am sure, will use his death to play politics. It is instructive to note that this is the first crime taking place in the state in the last one month, such that one cannot justifiably cite it as evidence of insecurity.

"We should understand that vibrant and dynamic states such as Anambra always witness such a criminal act, but I assure you that government will sustain the present gains it has recorded on security. The governor had already directed the Commissioner of Police to fish out the assassins.

"While Gov. Obi expresses his condolences to the family, he calls on the criminals in the state to pack out, as an all-out war declared on them will be sustained." He also revealed that as part of the security measures being taken, that the government had taken delivery of some Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) for the state police command.

Murder, So Callous!

The killing of Okorie Aneke, an indigene of Emene community in Enugu state, shows how increasingly callous and wicked the Nigeria police has become over the years.

Since May 15 this year Aneke was murdered in cold-blood in his Emene town, police authorities, rather than bring his killer (s) to justice, have done everything humanly possible to cover up the murder.

KlinReports learnt that policemen at a checkpoint along Enugu-Abakiliki express road, a few meters to Emene Junction, halted Okorie who was driving his commercial motorcycle in the morning of that fateful day. One of the policemen demanded N20.00 (twenty naira) from Okorie, but he responded that he just left his house to start the day's job.

Police officers in Nigeria have the penchant of insisting on collecting bribe from operatives of commercial motorcycles and vehicles before letting them go.

Thus Okorie's explanation that he was just resuming the day's work fell on deaf ears of the officers, as one of them insisted that he must part with N20.00 before he would be set free.

Within a twinkle of an eye, a Police Inspector in the team shouted, 'Bring it!'. A gunshot followed, Gboaaaaaaaah! Bullets from the gun shattered unsuspecting Okorie's back, pierced through, and busted out his heart through the chest.

If not for the keen interest of a passer-by lawyer, Vincent Obetta, the policemen had almost succeeded in, as usual, branding Okorie an armed robber and getting away scot-free with his murder. But Barrister Obetta witnessed the gory episode, as he was driving back to his Enugu base from Abakiliki, Ebonyi state at the time. The lawyer observed the most callous manner the killer cop murdered poor Obetta!

To conceal the killing, the killer policeman, according to Obetta, walked towards his victim, and hung his riffle on the neck of the dying Okorie. Okorie suspected a foul play, alighted from his vehicle, and told the killer cop to remove the riffle he hung on the neck of the dying man. The killer policeman refused.

Sensing danger as the neighborhood trooped to the scene, the policemen called up their colleagues at the nearby Emene Police Station. The team, led by the Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) of the station, arrived the scene in a Hillux van. And the killer cop reported to the DCO that late Okorie and two unknown assailants who, he claimed, fled into the bush attacked him. The killer cop, also, reportedly maintained that the assailants wanted to snatch his gun from him, saying it was in the process that he gunned down Okorie.

But Barrister Obetta countered the killer policeman, maintaining that nobody was with the slain Okorie as at the time he shot him. Obetta added that Okorie did not attack the killer cop as he claimed, explaining to the DCO that the policeman shot Okorie while he (Okorie) was still talking with the other policemen.

The DCO, subsequently, asked the lawyer, Obetta, what he wanted the police to do over the matter. Obetta suggested that the dying Okorie should be taken to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu so that his life could still be saved. Barrister Obetta, thereafter, assisted in lifting Okorie, who was writhing in pains, into the Police Hillux van for conveyance to the suggested hospital.

But rather than take the dying Okorie to the hospital, the Police Hillux van diverted to Emene Police Station, where the killer cop started boasting, in the presence of his Divisional Poloice Officer (DPO), that he had killed an armed robber.

Barrister Obetta was undaunted. Having followed the team to the station, he reported the cold-blooded murder of Okorie to the DPO, and emphasized that he was killed without any provocation.

By this time, an irate mob had gathered in front of the Police Station, but the DPO ordered their dispersal. Immediately, the police deployed canisters of teargas at the crowd, and fired gunshots into the air, a situation which led to pandemonium.

Barrister Obetta, also, had to run for his dear life, abandoning his vehicle behind. The scared lawyer sprinted towards Enugu-Abakaliki Express road, boarded a commercial motorcyclist (popularly called Okada) which took him to Enugu State Police headquarters where he sought to see the state Police Commissioner, Mohammed Zarewa, but he was told that the commissioner was not in the office. Obetta, later, met with the Officer in Charge of the Commissioner of Police Monitoring Unit, Mike Abatam, and narrated the murder story to him.

Barrister Obetta's visit coincided with a meeting of top police officers in the command to which he, on invitation, narrated the incident. The President of Emene Town Union and some leaders of his community were, incidentally, at the command at the same time. The top officers of the command, then, begged the community leaders and Barrister Obetta to, first, go and pacify youths of the community who were protesting Okorie's brutal murder. The police officers, also, pleaded with them not go to the press over the incident, asking them to give the police enough time to look into the matter.

Back at Emene Police Station, Okorie body was deposited in the mortuary. The police assisted Barrister Obetta to recover his car where he abandoned it during the stampede. They, equally, recovered the slain Okorie's motorcycle.

It is heart-rending that despite the forgoing and the obvious fact that Okorie was unjustly killed, Enugu state police command went to town with an information that Okorie was a criminal.

In fact, ASP Ebere Amaraizu, Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), in a radio announcement, stated that the deceased Okorie and two unknown other assailants had attempted to snatch the rifle of a policeman who managed to overpower them and shot Okorie.

What this meant is that PPRO Amaraizu bought into the criminal theory of the killer policemen. And this deliberate falsehood is, of course, meant to cover the criminality of the policemen involved in the broad daylight murder of innocent Okorie.

Investigations by KlinReports show that PPRO Ebere Amairizu, alongside other top police officers who felt that the current increase in police extra-judicial killings in Enugu state has become a big embarrassment to the command, chose to kill the murder case.

Okorie's brutal murder has, understandably, sparked off an avalanche of reactions from individuals and organizations in Nigeria.

To this effect, the Civil Liberties Organization (CLO) condemns, in an unequivocal terms, the killing, demanding immediate arraignment of the killer cop before a court of competent jurisdiction. The organization, also, demands necessary protection to the star witness in the matter, Barrister Obetta, so that no harm would befall him.

Regretting the moves to cover up the extra-judicial killing of Okorie, CLO asks the Police Service Commission to look into the matter, with a view to taking necessary disciplinary actions against all police officers, including Amaraizu, involved in the falsehood of gun snatching theory.

'All hands should be on deck to ensure that the Late Okorie Aneke is vindicated even in death and the killer cop made to face trial for murder.

The Presidency is called upon to ensure that urgent action is taken to stem the increase in extra-judicial killings by men of Enugu State police Command, who now kill with impunity knowing fully well that their superior officers will always cover up the case for them', CLO wrote in a letter to President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua, signed by Olu Omotayo Esq, Southeast Zonal Director, and dated May 19, 2009.

KlinReports, at this juncture, joins CLO in demanding that justice be done in the murder of Okorie. Police reckless killing of innocent Nigerians appear to have become the order of the day, and this is highly unfortunate.

Authorities of Nigeria should, therefore, stand up against this ravaging menace, else Nigerians will, soon, be exterminated by police officers, who are even paid salaries with their hard earned taxes. A stitch in time saves Nine!

Who wants Senator Abaribe dead?

Pray, who wants Chief Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Deputy Governor of Abia state and, currently, a Senator of the Federal Republic, dead? (Picture right shows bespectacled Senator Abaribe ardoning a black cap on the right)

Abaribe, representing Abia South Senatorial District, escaped death by the whiskers when his convoy was attacked by gun men in the night of Sunday May 19. Most unfortunately, Senator Abaribe's police orderly fell to the superior fire power of the assailants.

Senator Abaribe said he was returning from from an oversight function in Port Harcourt, Rivers state, during which he joined Senator Nkechi Nworgu of Abia Central District at a People's Democrtaic Party (PDP) consultative forum she organized in the state. Abaribe was only a kilometre away to his house at Ohuhu, Obingwa council area of Abia state, when the attackers struck.

Opinions, however, vary on whether Abaribe's attackers were hired assassins or kidnappers.

Scared Senator Abaribe remarked that if his killed police orderly did not engage the gunmen, he would been a dead man, maintaining that returned fire temporarily warded them off.
But the question remains: Who is after the life of Senator Abaribe? Was he a victim of the ever political intrigues in Abia state? Or did he just fell prey to the kidnap gangs ravaging the state and beyond?

Whatever the answer is, the attempt on Senator Abaribe's life was unfortunate, and a sad commentary on our polity. It is, also, unfortunate that Abia, God's Own State, has sudenly become a den of miscreats and all sorts of evil men.

KlinReports, therefore, calls on the People's Progressives Alliance (PPA) government in the state, led by Chief Theodore Ahamefula Orji, to brace up to the security challenges of Abia state. The government, if need be, should declare a security emergency in the state, with a view to giving adequate security to the indigenes and residents of the state.

KlinReports, also, canvasses adequate compensation for the family of the security officer who lost his life while protecting Senator Abaribe. This dangerous situation whereby armed bandits continue to run rough shod over the citizenry is simply because of arms proliferation in the country. And the earlier the government of the day battles this menace to a stand-still, the better for us all.

Robbers take over Okigwe

Residents of Okigwe in Imo state now sleep with one eye open as armed bandits rampage the ancient town with reckless abandon. (Picture shows Governor Ikedi Ohakim of Imo state)

The activities of these men of the underworld have assumed a very disturbing dimension, as residents are being raided virtually every night since the past two weeks.

Perhaps, the worst hit by this evil wind are residents of Okpara Road Street and Umuinem Village, a suburb of the ancient town, where peoples’ houses are routinely raided every night, especially, during rainfalls.

As a result, some residents have resorted to vigil as a defensive mechanism.

A visitor to the near-dormant town would mistake the chanting of the residents at night watch to be the songs of a Pentecostal Church in a marathon deliverance prayer session.
Findings, further, reveal that once it is mid-night, most residents begin to beat drums and gongs, shouting and chorusing as if in a singing competition all in a bid to scare the night marauders.

Meanwhile, not much appears to have been done by the security agencies as the hoodlums are yet to be tnabbed despite obvious increased police patrol around town.

Chime, Akunyili- release Nnubia now!

One of the fans of KlinReports, Dr. Chikpe Okeke, just sent a comment in respect of our report entitled: 'Edemobi: Why Nnubia remains in jail'. (Pictures left & right show Governor Chime & Professor Dora Akunyili respectively)

Because of the posers in Okeke's comment begging for attention, we feel obliged to bring it to the attention of our world-wide audience. To what extent are Governor Sullivan Chime of Enugu and Professor Dora Akunyili, Nigeria's Information Minister, involved in the continued incarceration of Nnubia and the kidnap suspects?

Is it true that Nnubia is undergoing this harrowing experience simply because he is a non-indigene of Enugu state?

Below is Dr. Chikpe's comments:

Enugu state Government has some questions to answer. How can they keep innocent people in prison while the actual culprits that were caught in the act are in a Government clinic?

Governor Sullivan Chime, Dora Akunyili, I pose this question to both of you. What are you all concealing? Mrs. Akunyilli is singing the rebranding of Nigeria. How can you rebrand a country without rebranding yourself first. You need to rebrand yourself by allowing justice to prevail. How can innocent men be in prison without trial for over six months?

It seems that the Enugu state Governor has personal vendetta against Dr. Nnubia. Nnubia is a self made man. He has never been in government, nor ever received government contracts. Then, what is the reason for him being held, and at the same time denied bail? Can there be some truth that this is a tribal issue? Are there people who are jealous of Dr. Nnubia’s wealth?

If Chime and his government have no hand in this, Dr. Nnubia should be granted bail. He was not caught in the act of kidnapping. The only connection Dr. Nnubia has with his accuser (Mohammed) is that he employed the bastard. Thus I guess that every employer needs to be wary about their employee.

Enugu State Government need to do the right thing and either proceed with the case to trial, give them bail, or dismiss the case.

There is no credible evidence to show that Dr. Nnubia and his co-accusers are guilty. They were never found at the scene. The Chinedu of a guy has denied knowing Dr. Nnubia. Thus why is the government denying Dr. Nnubia and his staff their fundamental human right of speedy trial and bail. This is the place that Mrs. Akunyilli should begin her rebrand Nigeria project, by doing the right thing and end the suffering of innocent men.

Ignore Detractors!

Governor Peter Obi of Anambra state describes Ndigbo as the foremost Nigerians.Obi said this recently in Aba, Abia state during a meeting with indigenes of the state resident in the town. (Pics show Governor Obi)

The governor stated that people of Anambra state must always stand proud in Nigeria due to their contributions to the development of the country, and urged them to strive hard, not just to discover their past values, but to be shining examples among the states of Nigeria. He added that, as far as he remained Governor of the state, he would not allow Anambra state to be relegated to the background.

Governor Obi explained the thrust of his government to his people, assuring them that all was well. He added that those who cry that he is not carrying people along are people whose idea of being carried along is for the Governor to share the money of the state to them. Governor Obi maintained that his own understanding of carrying people along is to provide infrastructure that are beneficial to the people.

On what his government is doing, the Governor, who lamented that the state lacks basic foundations, said it was his administration that actually provided the basic things that a new state required. Insisting that he is not engaging in politics, Obi said that on becoming Governor, he fashioned Anambra state Integrated Development Strategy to tackle the problems of the state in an integrated manner.

Dwelling on specific projects, he said: “My Government, it may sound unbelievable, was the first to build a secretariat for the state; to build the first Central Library; to equip 120 schools in Anambra with laboratories equipment, computers and boreholes; to undertake massive physical development of the State’s higher institutions; to accredit hospitals and health institutions in the State as none was accredited until I became the Governor. It may also interest you to know that my Government has built over 370 Kilometers of road and is building more even in Local Governments such as Anambra West where no road had been built in the history of Anambra State. On the 28th of May, the UN-HABITAT will submit the Master Plans for Awka, Onitsha and Nnewi. You are left to wonder while these basic things were left undone”

Earlier, while welcoming the Governor to his domain, the traditional ruler of Aba, HRM, Eze I. Ikonne, said Ndigbo are proud to have the likes of Obi in politics as he represents the crop of new Igbo leaders that would be supported to go to the centre to represent the Igbo.

In a welcome address read by President of the Anambra State Development Association, Aba Branch, Dr. Simon C. Okolo, the people commended Obi’s good works in the state, citing the completion of the impressive Business Park in Onitsha as an example. Maintaining that they have been watching Obi’s development-oriented politics, the people urged him not to be distracted but to remain focused at all times.

Edemobi: Why Nnubia remains in jail

Five months on, Dr. Ignatius Nnubia, an Enugu-based oil magnate and chairman of Nowas Group, remains in prison custody over allegations of involvement in the kidnap of Dr. Francis Edemobi, younger brother to Professor Dora Akunyili, Nigeria’s Information Minister. Edemobi is undergoing trial alongside eight others. (Pictures left and right show Nnubia in the dock, and Kutigi, Chief Justice of the Federation)

The Nnubia case has been characterized by certain puzzles. First, six judges have respectively handled the trial without taking plea. Second, suspects who confessed to crime hardly appeared in court. As a result, Nnubia and the other accused persons have continued to languish in prison custody, as the courts deny them bail.

Thus the trial continues to run into a hitch, as Enugu state judiciary looks helpless while the police that preferred the criminal charges on the suspects appear unwilling to prosecute the case. This situation has informed the continued incarceration of the accused persons without justice since December last year they were taken into custody.

The trial of the suspects started from the Magistrate Court in December from where Nnubia and other suspects were remanded in Enugu prison. Later, the matter proceeded to the State High Court following the legal opinion of the state’s Director of Public Prosecution (DPP). The DPP, under the office of the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Chief Nduka Ikeyi, recommended the trial of the accused, claiming to have established a “prima facie” case against them.
Enugu state government had claimed that the accused persons have serious cases to answer going by the “weighty evidence” brought against them by the police. The State Chief Judge, Justice Innocent Umezulike, promptly assigned the case to Justice Scholastica Amanoh for trial, but the case was soon transferred from her court to two other judges. And the two judges, inexplicably, withdrew from the case shortly after and returned the case files back to the Chief Judge who, in turn, returned them to Justice Amanoh for the second time.

Justice Amanoh, actually, proceeded with the trial but she could not make any progress because of the failure of the state police command to produce all the accused persons in its custody in court. Expressing anger at the undue delay of the case by the prosecution, Amanoh once ordered the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mohammed Zarewa, to produce the accused before her court, but the order was not complied with as the police, working with the DPP, kept the suspects away from trial.

The suspects whose continued absence in court has raised questions as to the actual motive of the police and the government in the matter include Mohammed Ali, who reportedly named Nnubia as sponsor of the kidnap gang whose leader, Sunny DAF, was shot dead by the police on the day their victim (Edemobi) was rescued from their hideout around the Ebeano Tunnel in Enugu metropolis.

Another suspect whose absence from court has seriously held up the trial were Chinedu Uhullah (alias Onye Army), a dismissed army officer, who was said to have been tried by the military authorities and found guilty of taking part in the kidnap of Edemobi, a medical doctor.

Similarly, Jashua Ayuba who allegedly acted as police informant and revealed the hideout of the gang following a disagreement on the sharing of ransom has, also, been kept away from the court. Lawyers and relations of the detained suspects continue to bemoan the shielding of the principal suspects from trial, expressing fears that the police and the government may have decided to keep their relations in detention for too long for reasons best known to them.

According to the defense counsels, the seeming shielding of the three suspects from trial even when Nnubia and the other suspects have remained in prison, raises suspicions as to the actual motive of the police and the state government in the matter.

Zeph Anyogu, Counsel to Nnubia, had to complain bitterly before Justice Amanoh over the delay in trying his client, whose bail application had been rejected by all the courts that have so far handled the case. Anyogu had pleaded with the courts to grant Nnubia bail, assuring that he would make sure that the suspect was in court anytime he was needed, but the lawyer’s pleas fell on deaf ears as neither of the courts is willing to grant even a reprieve to Nnubia.

Apart from continued absence of the three suspects from court, what has become more worrisome to the incarcerated suspects and their lawyers is the incessant transfer of the case from one court to another.

From December when the case commenced, six different courts have handled the trial at different times but no meaningful progress has been made. Apart from Justice Amanoh who formally took Nnubia’s bail application that was dismissed, other judges in the case did not go beyond arraignment.

The last trial judge, Justice Ben Agbata, withdrew from the case after he had adjourned argument on the bail application. Agbata who had declared his readiness to handle the case to its logical conclusion, however, withdrew following his recent appointment into an Election Petition Tribunal.

KlinReports learnt that the case file was returned to the Chief Judge for reassignment following Agbata’s exit, but another judge is yet to be appointed to handle the matter. Besides, the appointment of a new judge would mean starting the trial all over.

Again, the movement of Mohammed, one of the accused, from the National Orthopedic Hospital, Enugu where he was being treated for gunshot wounds, sustained during the raid on their hideout by men of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS), to Enugu Government House Clinic is suspect. Mohammed was taken to the hospital in December last year and remained there until mid last month when he was moved to the clinic. Although official quarters claimed that the porous security around Mohammed informed his transfer to the Government House Clinic, he is yet to be brought to court despite court orders to the state police command to that effect. Mohammed’s continued absence in court has, ostensibly, been stalling trial of the suspects.

As it were, the question on the lips of many who are following the case, especially some friends and associates of Nnubia from Anambra state, is, Why the trial has continued to suffer several setbacks and frustrations even with the rule of law posturing of the Nigerian government?

There are allegations that authorities of Enugu state may have decided to keep the oil magnate behind bars for purposes other than the kidnap of Edemobi. In this wise, Chime government is accused of sub-ethnic bias in Nnubia’s continued remand. That is, Nnubia is still being held because he is not an indigene of Enugu state, as the oil mogul hails from the neighboring Anambra state. Or, would Nnubia have been held in prison custody


Igwe Jerry Okoli of Ihembosi community of Anambra state, affirms this thus: “I think Nnubia is being treated this way because he is from Anambra State, otherwise how can anybody explain the government’s refusal to bring the actual culprits before the law court”.

Nnubia, President-General and a first-class chief in the Igwe’s cabinet, has been receiving solidarity from the community, as well as members of Independent Petroleum Marketers of Nigeria (IPMAN), South East Zone, who have always appeared in court to witness proceedings. But most times, Nnubia’s supporters leave the court disappointed, especially, when his bail application is turned down.

On the other hand, petroleum dealers in Enugu state who are worried over the continued detention of their member, Emma Okoli, who runs the popular Conoil Filling station along Ogui Road, have threatened to shut down their stations in protest. The dealers repeatedly pleaded with the authorities to ensure that the suspects were tried without further delay, since they could vouch for their innocence in the matter, but their entreaties have yielded no fruitful result so far.

The case of kidnap is, obviously, a grievous one, but Chief Nnubia and the other kidnap suspects, according to Nigeria legal system, are considered innocent until proven guilty. Therefore, it is a travesty of justice if they are being denied of bail unduly. It is egregious that, since last year Nnubia and his co-accused were hauled into detention, trial is yet to commence in their case. That alone constitutes a violation of their fundamental human rights as entrenched in Chapter 4 of Nigeria constitution.

Enough of this weird politics with Nnubia’s case!

Quota system my foot!

The Federal Character principle which gave rise to quota system in Nigeria was established to solve the problems of inequality and marginalization as expressed by certain parts of Nigeria. Among other reasons for introducing the quota system were because of differences in the socio-economic development of different parts of Nigeria. (Picture left shows President Umaru Yar'Adua and his wife)

Secondly there were disparities in the levels of educational developments in different parts of the country. Some sections of the country (North) were alleged to be educationally disadvantaged, while some regions (South) of the country were acclaimed to be educationally advantaged. Therefore the past leadership of Nigeria thought it wise to introduce quota system so as to bridge the gap.

The federal character principle was adopted during the 1977 Constitutional Drafting Committee. It became part of 1979 constitution of Nigeria. From this point in our nation’s history, the questions of merit or competitiveness among Nigerians were set aside in place of quota system. This system has hindered development and it defiles all logic. How can a nation make progress when their best cannot occupy their due positions because we are practising quota? We cannot move forward as a nation by putting round pegs in square holes.

From the time of incorporating the quota system into the Nigerian law books till date, the federal government has used it as a policy instrument in recruiting people to all federal government establishments like the armed forces, police, ministries, federal government owned universities etc. Because it’s in our statute book, the various state governments and all local governments’ use the quota system in their various appointments etc.

Merit, experience and hard work do not matter if quota system is in use especially when it comes to appointments. Its contrary to what Max Weber (1864-1920) said, that employees should be hired and promoted based on merit and expertise. We choose mediocre in place of merit. The use of quota system has brought about intense lobbying each time there is vacancy to be filled.

Thisday newspapers of 25th April 2009 online version reported that President Yar’Adua has become “sick and tired” of high level lobbying from all corners for the replacement of Inspector General of Police who is due for retirement soon. This is the result of quota system, were merit can be set aside in filling a vacant position.

Quota system means injustice as far as am concerned. Apologies to its beneficiaries. The mere existence of this charter in our law books means that the country has been established on the paths of injustice. This concept of quota system will certainly prevent the best from emerging in all circumstances. America was established on freedom, equality, human rights and democracy. They live by it and they also export it to the whole world.

Quoting the former President of United States, late John F. Kennedy, “Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and success of liberty”. Because America is a free a society, the emergence of Barack Obama as the United States President became possible.

In the United Kingdom, there is the equal opportunities act. Based on this act, United Kingdom employers makes appointment on merit by a fair and open process. Employers treat applicants equally regardless of your ethnic background, origin, religious belief, gender, sexual orientation, disability etc. Since Nigeria started the federal character/quota system the country has retrogressed.

I want to be proven wrong, but I believe that the spirit of federal character/quota system gave rise to the zoning formula adopted by most political parties, example PDP. This same zoning formula contributed immensely to the emergence of the former president Obasanjo. I will leave Nigerians to make their judgement on the administration of Obasanjo. My own assessment on them is that they performed very poor especially with conducting elections, power supply, road maintenance, health system, fighting corruption etc. The same zoning formula which is a brain child of federal character/quota system gave rise to the emergence of President Musa Yar'Adua.

It will be better for Nigeria to have credible leaders who will discharge their duties effectively from one section of the country, than what we are having today. Nigerians will benefit more if leaders who will deliver on dividends of democracy emerge from a particular state or region. Choosing leadership based on zoning is completely wrong. This concept of quota system has done more harm than good. Therefore this is the time to abolish quota system or quota system will abolish Nigeria.

Quota system laid down the quest for the scramble and looting of our nations resources. People, groups, politicians, contractors etc lobby for positions all because quota system has replaced merit. When people, politicians, regions or states do not get positions they start shouting of marginalization. When they succeed, they loot because they feel it’s their turn. Patriotism and national interest do no longer exits in Nigeria due to this policy. Quota system encourages tribalism and division. This twin evil makes peace and love to be difficult in a country like Nigeria

Just recently, it was on the headlines that Nigerian Senate was boiling over the distribution of 60 billion naira voted for constituency projects. Aggrieved Senators accused the Senate appropriation committee leadership of being discriminatory in the sharing of projects among the senatorial districts. This accusation of being discriminatory in sharing projects can also be attributed to quota system or federal character. This is despite the personal interest of our senators.

Quota system is like an evil which was left unchecked. This evil (quota) was tolerated and encouraged by the Nigerian leadership. Quoting Late Jawaharlal Nehru, first Prime Minister of India, “Evil unchecked grows; evil tolerated poisons the whole system”. Quota system has poisoned the entire Nigerian system.

The aim of introducing quota system should have been achieved by now which is well over 30 years. Therefore I strongly advocate for its abolition. I use this medium to call on the President to start the process of abolishing this system. It has done more harm than good. Since we are clamoring for constitutional review, let’s remind ourselves on the need to remove this from the books. Greater part of our problems can be traced to this system. Hoping that the Nigerian authorities have taken note. May God bless Nigeria.



Scripted by: Chinedu Vincent Akuta

An activist and leader of “Support Option A4 Group” Leicester-UK

akutachinedu@yahoo.com

http://briefsfromakuta.blogspot.com/

Gov. Obi at 3: so far so good

When I read Peter Obi, Anambra state governor’s two years of excellence sometime last year, I was under no illusion that the state will continue its progressive march towards development unabated. One year after, the administration in the State has not disappointed. The story has been that of consistency in developing both the institution of government and human capital, simultaneously.

The government in the state has hoisted Anambra on a pedestal for true greatness. The years of the locust it appears, have taken flight from the State since the coming of the Obi administration. The euphoria of transformation has become so infectious that virtually everybody in the State has caught up with it. Even some known cynics, who gave the administration little chance of success, have purged themselves of earlier prejudice against it and passed a vote of confidence. Ditto, for some political opponents who have in recent times been acclaiming Obi’s development efforts publicly. Hear one of such commendations “Obi has done well, in fact, he has passed his exams very well but since he is not of our party he has to advance to another class for one of us to continue from where he stopped”.

Of course, that was an honest assessment from a member of an opposition whose party is also interested in the governorship race come 2010. The Obi administration is fast becoming the recipe needed by the State to take its pride of place among the comity of other states in Nigeria. The hitherto smoldering flame of development in the state has been lit with incandescent light of achievements in virtually all the sectors of human endeavor.

After the tour of some of the project sites in the State by various organizations and interest groups, all agreed that the Peter Obi administration in the State has done well. The appraisal was done by a cross-section of practicing Journalists from the State and beyond, town union Presidents-General, Civil Rights Groups among others and they all returned a verdict of an achiever on Obi.

Not even a section of the State, nor a sector of its economy has been exempted from Obi’s action formula for development called Anambra Integrated Development Strategy (ANIDS). Areas that were formerly neglected by previous administrations have experienced ANID’s touch of transformation. Most of the agrarian communities, which agricultural produce had sustained the food base of the state, but had unfortunately borne the brunt of past neglects had seen Obi reverse the trend in his quest to give all sections of the state a sense of belonging. The opening up of these areas with interconnecting roads has not only guaranteed greater food supply to the state but also assuaged the pain of deprivation.

Today, with the flag off of many roads in the State in addition to the over 350kms already constructed, the Obi administration is ahead in road constructions and reconstruction. Let us not forget that this government, irrespective of its pioneering efforts in many sectors, is also developing a host of abandoned communities. A case in hand is the long neglected communities in Anambra West which have a road recently flagged off to link up Umueze Anam- Mmiata Anam-Inoma-Nzam and beyond.

One keeps wondering where the money for the projects are coming from, going by the fact that previous administrations in the state had explained away their failure to develop the State on lack of money. Some have even said that the Federal Allocation to the state has doubled since the Obi government came to power. That argument lacks merit for the simple reason that inflation has also been on steady rise in the country as well as the cost of executing contracts. Truth is that the present Government in the State has cut Government expenses drastically. The level of prudence in the management of the common wealth of the State by the Obi Government is particularly high. Profligacy was not Obi’s forte and that much he has admitted publicly.

His Government is a direct opposite of the Mbadinuju administration, which frittered away state fund on political patronage. That period will go down in history of the State as the time when some politicians exploited their closeness with the man at the helm and snaffled at our common wealth without let.
Today, with careful management of resources, Obi administration has been able to touch education, health, judiciary, environment, agriculture, housing, security, etc. Anybody who has not visited the state in recent times will marvel at the transformation in the last three years.

In the area of road construction, it may be difficult to enumerate in its entirety all the over 320km stretch of road already constructed. And by the time the ones flagged off are completed, the State will boast of well over 400kms of road network. However, a brief preview of the major ones will suffice. From Onitsha end of the State to Awka, down to Nnewi and the interior parts of the State, these roads stand out. The traffic congestion in Onitsha Township has been eased up with the dredging of Nwangene/Otumoye and the reconstruction of Awka road, New Cemetery road, Old Market road, Ugwunabamkpa road, New Market road, Creek road, Niger Street among others. While Awka, the capital city has been opened up to traffic with the construction of Zik Avenue-Eke Awka, Ifite Awka-Ebenebe-Holy Family road, Umuishi-Ifite road, Works road e.t.c. In Nnewi, the story is not any different, Lasselle- University road, Amuko-Ezeogidi road, Nnewichi-Nnobi road, Eme Court road et al. The many communities in the State have these long stretches of roads opening and connecting them together Atani-Osamala-Ugwuikpele, Abagana-Oye Nimo, Omor Junction-Igbakwu-Ifite Ogwari, Old Onitsha-Awka road, Ekwulobia-Nkpologwu-Akpo-Achina-Umuchu,Nibo-Umuawulu-Awgbu-Amaokpala with spurs and bridges etc.

Education sector is another area where the Obi’s administration has invested quality time and money in order to achieve results. Today, several faculty blocks have been constructed in the State University campuses of Uli and Igbariam and the Colleges of Education and Agriculture, both in Nsugbe and Mgbakwu respectively. He followed it up with donation of Engineering Equipment and wide range of books. In both Primary and Secondary Schools in the State, the administration has brought excellence to bear on them by rehabilitating dilapidated buildings and equipping their Laboratories. Computers were also supplied to a greater number of them as well as generating sets. Other amenities like water supply and public convenience were also provided.

Even though there is no area that suffers neglect under the present Government, Health institution is one which has witnessed great transformation. The turn around maintenance going on in this sector has seen the accreditation of Onitsha General Hospital, Schools of Nursing and Midwifery Nkpor and the process of accrediting Amaku Hospital nearing completion with over six more buildings being erected. Note that other Hospitals like Ekwulobia and Iyienu were not left out as was Umueri General Hospital which the Obi administration built from scratch.

Other sectors like Judiciary, Environment, and Housing are not left out as many quarters have been constructed for Judges in the State both in Onitsha and Awka respectively. Two Courts, Federal High Court and Customary Court of Appeal were also caused to establish in the State.

It is marvelous to see the commitment of the State Government in the fight against environmental degradation. The ravaging erosion is being brought in check by the awareness campaign mounted by the administration. Recently both the Federal Government and some Donor Agencies have been roused into action in view of the ferocious threat and the situation is fast improving.
In the same vein, several Housing Estates have been constructed by the administration which the State made possible through the importation of Hydraform block-processing machine.

As I said earlier, it will be difficult to recount how Obi did the first State Secretariat, the first State Library, the Odor Bridge (the longest ever constructed by any Governor of the State),two Flyovers (one at Upper Iweka and the other UniZik junction) because of space constraint. Truth is that Obi has done quite well and may not necessarily need repertoire on his heroic deeds to endear his government to the people.

Scripted by: Ejike Anyaduba (Lagos)

Soldiers promote communal war in Ebonyi

UNWITTINGLY, a militant warfare may have been introduced in Ebonyi State following Governor Martin Elechi's directive that the Police and other law enforcement agencies working to restore peace in the embattled Ezza-Ezillo and Ezillo communities pull out and be replaced by the military.

National Daily gathered that presently, the perceived aim of the governor's directive appears defeated as the militants are believed to have been indicted the military of supplying them with arms. (Picture shows Governor Elechi)

Consequently, the crisis has grown in leaps and bounds, with weapons flowing unrestrained into the communities and creating a war situation. The situation is said to have raised panic among residents who are appealing to all the parties involved for restraint.

Reliable sources revealed that so far, apparently little or no efforts have been made by the military to halt the militants and save the lives of the innocent crisis-ridden community of Ezza and Ezillo. Armed attacks and skirmishes, the source said have kept rising just as the death toll too.

They lamented that Ebonyi State government has sunk millions of Naira in tax-payers' money into the efforts to resolve the crisis, yet little or no results have been recorded rather more sophisticated arms and ammunitions are awash in the very small community. The sources said such a development calls to question the role and interest of the army in the conflict.

Recently, Chief Elechi, the sources said, marveled at the nature of sophisticated weapons and live ammunitions that were presented to him by the army allegedly recovered from the militants in the crisis enclave. They included more than 16 AK47 rifles, empty shells and live ammunitions.

Following the unearthing of the weapons in the area, observers had expected the communities to heave a sigh of relief but the reverse was the case in view of the shocking find on their source.

National Daily gathered that on Monday last week, four hefty young men were arrested by police detectives, in possession of four AK47 assault rifles alongside a soldier who was allegedly hired by some elements from Ezillo community to help unleash mayhem on their perceived rivals- the Ezza-Ezillo people. They were brought to the Cabinet Office, Government House, Abakaliki.

The suspects were reportedly arrested on their way to launch a deadly attack on the Ezza-Ezillo people who have been directed to leave their homes and relocate to another area.
When interrogated, the suspected militants admitted that they were actually on their way to attack their enemies before they were apprehended.

According to their revelations, they alleged that the military have been involved in the supply of the sophisticated weapons that they have been using in the war since they were deployed to the area. This infers that the army may have been fuelling the conflict rather than quelling it, our sources said.

The suspects also claimed that one serving commissioner and a top government functionary of Ezillo extraction have been sponsoring payment for weapons allegedly procured from the soldiers in the area.

Also, speculations are rife on the alleged roles of the Chairman of Ishielu Local government Area, Barrister Onwa Ali Onwa and his Ezillo Development Centre Coordinator, Hon. Lawson Ede which have widely been described as questionable.

A source who spoke to National Daily under condition of anonymity said that the crisis always starts whenever the allocation of the local government arrives and went ahead to say that the workers of the local government and the development centre have not been paid due to the alleged sponsorship of a faction in the crisis with local government fund.

Another issue raised by the arrested Ezillo militia men was the involvement of the Commander of the Operation MESSA in the area, Leutenant. Saturday Tasunda in the crisis.

Tasunda it would be recalled, attacked a journalist who was on hand to cover the parading of the 'mercenary' soldier in connection with the wanton massacre in the said communities that has lasted since May 10, 2008 . It is the opinion of many that there may be a lot more mercenary soldiers on the payroll of the faceless element engineering the communal conflict in Ezillo.

When the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Fidelis Mbam received the reports and asked the suspects a few questions, he was openly disappointed with the role of the military in the crisis, our sources said.
National Daily learnt that Mr. Emmanuel Igwe, the publisher of National Issue newspaper, a local tabloid in the state, who was at the Government House to cover the parading of the suspects, had only snapped a few shots of them when Tasunda pounced on him, assaulted and frog-jumped the journalist for doing his legitimate duties. Tasunda also confiscated his digital camera.

It will be recalled that when the General Officer Commanding 82nd Division of Nigerian Army, Enugu , Major Gen. Isa Mohammed paid a courtesy visit on Governor Elechi, one of the complaints laid before him by the Ebonyi Chief Executive Officer was the escape of 23 militants under the army's custody.
Residents of Ebonyi are now wondering if the presence of the military personnel in Ezillo has really impacted positively on the clashing communities.

About four boys from Umuezeoka in Ezza West development Centre of Ezza North Local Government Area of the state, recently, were allegedly kidnapped and maimed by the people of Ezillo and to date, their case have been closed.

National Daily visited the Ekwetekwe community, the home town of the survivor of the kidnap attack who told our reporter how he ran through the bush until he reached the military check-point and narrated their ordeal in the hands of the suspected men of Ezillo. The answer he got from the soldiers was rather a sympathetic.

“When I narrated my ordeal to them, one of them told me that they would have loved to help me and save the victims but the problem was that they do not have any vehicle and that they were only two soldiers there and told me to stay with them till day break when they gave me money to go back to my village,” he said.
It baffled observers how come only two soldiers were on duty that night and where the jeep the state government gave the military was that they could not embark on a rescue mission to save the abduction victims later brutally murdered in cold blood.

Reports from other sources, alleged that on some occasions, especially during the Christmas period, some of the suspected militants dressed in army uniform and stood at strategic points where they deceived and attacked unsuspecting victims. This led to the death of so many people in the area.

Meanwhile, tongues are wagging whether the Nigerian Army authorities have learnt of the quantity of arms and ammunitions put on the black market each day by the men of the Operation MESSA at Ezillo.
The army, sources alleged, seem to be doing largely, the bidding of top Ezillo men in Governor Elechi's government. They were doubtful whether the governor has not discovered the unfolding plot to undermine the Ezza-Ezillo people.

Until the government of Ebonyi State, the Canton Commander of Nkwagu Military Barracks, LT. Col. Jonathan Garnvwa and the Army High Command addressed these issues, the said objectives of Governor's directive for the military occupation of the area would remain defeated and peace efforts deadlocked, the sources have said.
Concerned residents of the state, meanwhile, have lamented that Tasunda who has severally been accused of extortion, harassment and intimidation of the villagers, apparently poses a security risk in the area he was supposed to salvage. The latest allegation leveled against him is that of chasing away Ezza- Ezillo people who try to return to their homes.

They appealed that as a matter of urgency, Tasunda should be called to order by the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army to uphold the trust bestowed on him to protect the lives and property of the citizens.

The latest indictment of the military by militants has come at a time the authorities are still grappling with similar claims in the Niger Delta region. It has come as the Henry Okah treason trial for alleged militant arms supply case is still bugging the minds of majority Nigerians. The Federal Government in a 14-count charge, as hearing opened at the Federal High Court, Abuja on April 5 last year accused Okah of treason, terrorism and also linked him with the disappearance of weapons in the Nigerian Army Central Depot in Kaduna, North Central Nigeria.

A leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta,(MEND), Okah and his co-detainee Edward Atatah were both accused by the government prosecutor of treason, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms.

The Prosecutor had said that Okah bought over 6000 assorted rifles ammunition from some military officers who were then in detention for missing arms at the Nigerian Army ordinance depot in Kaduna.

Okah was said to have provided the weapons to Militant Groups in the Niger Delta with the alleged intention to topple the Federal Government.

The duo were arrested in Angola while trying to buy a Korean shipping vessel worth 670,000 US dollars for the purpose of transporting weapons to Militant Groups in the Niger Delta.

Okah and Atatah were extradited to Nigeria by Angolan authorities mid-Febraury after their arrest and detention on September 3, 2007.

A 10-man General Court Martial (GCC), it was reported had sentenced Major Suleiman Akubo and five other soldiers to life jail for sales of 7,000 arms of different descriptions at about N100 million to an alleged brother of Okah, they identified as Sunny Bowei Okah , for use by Niger-Delta militants.

The frequency of such militant claims of support by some unscrupulous military personnel, concerned citizens believe must be properly tackled to plug all leaking weapon depots.

(Culled from National Daily)

Be warned over Andi Uba!

The International Society For Civil Liberties And The Rule Of Law, Intersociety, is worried over legal gimmicks which the said matter has been subjected to, since the 15th day of September 2008, when Mr. Emmanuel Ubah returned to the Supreme Court for the third times. (Pictures show Andi Uba (right) and Emeka Umeagbalasi (left)

Recall that sequel to the June 14, 2007 Judgment of the Supreme Court, which declared the office of the Anambra governor not vacant as at the 29th day of May, 2007, on the ground that governor Peter Obi’s tenure was still running, Mr. Emmanuel Ubah, who contested the governorship election in the non-vacant gubernatorial seat on the 14th day of April, 2007 and was declared “elected” by the INEC, approached the Supreme Court of Nigeria, via a motion filed on the 31st day of October 2007, urging same to reverse herself.

On the 29th day of January, 2008, the Supreme Court knocked out all his grounds of Appeal. He went back to the Court of Appeal on July 15, 2008; from here he got to the present stage. Before his notice of withdrawal, dated the 6th day of May, 2009 and notice of re-enlistment, dated the 8th day of May, 2009, the Supreme Court had resolved on April 23, 2009 to constitute a seven –man full panel to hear the matter on its own merit and to communicate the hearing date to the parties in a later date. Though no reasons have informed the withdrawal and re-enlistment, but legal experts say such things are rountine in prosecution of civil and criminal matters. Our deep concern is the snail-pace nature of the matter, especially a matter that had been decided by the same Apex Court. In handling such important matters, with public interests in limbo, time is of extreme essence.

The implications of Mr.Uba’s judicial quest are so monumental. If it is to be upheld, then Governor Peter’s stay in office, from May 29, 2007 till date, will be a nullity, Dr Chris Ngige’s illegal stay in office from May 29, 2003 to March 15, 2006 will become legitimate and lawful. Others are: The 2003 governorship election in Anambra State was never rigged; Mr. Emmanuel Ubah’s occupation of Anambra gubernatorial seat from May 29, 2007, stands; there will be no staggered electoral calendar for Nigeria; the interpretation of Section 180(2) of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 never took place and no fresh tenures for those who reclaimed their stolen mandates, etc.

Though, Mr. Ubah as a citizen has a constitutional right to ask that a decided matter be revisited, but reversing this landmark judicial decision would be catastrophic and amounts to a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy. By Peter Obi’s case, election riggers who steal people’s mandates, loot and plunder their commonwealth are doomed irreparably. Apart from the real winners being allowed to serve their full terms of office, riggers stand condemned by man, law and posterity.

For instance, while Mr. Peter Obi; Governor of Anambra State is revered as the icon of Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law, as well as the inventor of staggered electoral calendar in Nigeria, Dr. Chris Ngige has earned an infamous name as Nigeria’s Guinness Book of Record’s Man of Electoral Infamy and the longest serving illegal governor in Nigerian history. As a result, Ngige’s necessity has become Peter Obi’s mother of invention. Having achieved this great height, what remains to be done is for our electoral offences to be criminalized so that those found involved in various categories would be made visitors to our nation’s 227 prisons, in addition to their legally sanctioned abstinence from politics for a decade.

Further more, the continuation of Mr. Uba’s Supreme Court matter, has put a clog in the wheel of INEC’s electoral calendar for Anambra State and this has served as an unholy excuse for same not to give Anambra people a participatory and credible poll in January or February 2010. By the relevant provisions in the INEC Act, Laws of Nigeria, 2004, the 2006 Electoral Act and the 1999 Constitution, INEC ought to have started intensive and extensive civic education, especially in the areas of registration and updating of voters’ register, designation and publication of electoral wards and polling units or booths and their numbers.

Hundreds of thousands of Anambra’s registered and unregistered voters are by this kept in the dark. Unfortunately, none of these processes has been commenced, partly due to the pendency of Mr. Ubah’s case. The second phase of the preparations by the Commission, according to the laws so cited, will be ripe in 150 days (five months) to the election, during which the Commission will release a time-table and other guidelines for the election, which is to be accompanied with intensive and extensive civic education. We urge Anambra People to shun apathy and docility and not to be deterred by the Ubah’s matter, but to prepare for the said poll as soon as the said matter is dispensed with. Politicians of Anambra stock should stop robbing, kidnapping and killing in the name of “politics”. They should garner credible electoral values and engage in issue- based politicking. They should also emulate Mr. Ubah who took his case to the Supreme Court instead of forming and arming armed robbery and kidnapping gangs.

Similarly, we respectfully wish to renew our call upon President Umaru Yar’Adua and the leadership of the Senate to overhaul the leadership of INEC. What remains of INEC’s independence and corporate integrity is gone. Corporate infamy is now hung around its neck. No day passes without the Commission being made a laughing stock. Today, it is Ekiti macabre of shame and the N250 million bribery scandals and tomorrow it will be a nullification of an election conducted by the Commission. INEC now allegedly lobbies electoral judges to “temper justice with mercy”.

Since the Presidency has started the process of reforming legal components of electoral reforms, by causing the Executive-sponsored Bills to be sent to the National Assembly for their passage into law, the administrative aspect, which is less tedious, ought to have led the way. All the twelve National Commissioners and some State Resident Electoral Commissioners of INEC, including Professor Maurice Iwu and Madam Ayoka Adebayo have outstayed their usefulness and they shall be so removed. We also wish to acknowledge a letter from the President of Senate, dated April 8, 2009, with reference number: NASS/S/SP/COS/COMPT/25/1/209, and addressed to Intersociety. It was in response to our earlier letter to him on INEC. We appreciate the Senate President’s sound ethical conduct in this respect and urge appropriate attention to our earlier letter.

Ekiti State Re-run Poll:

It is our sacred view that the Ekiti State re-run poll is a compounded shame on the part of INEC. The last opportunity for the present crop of INEC leadership to redeem their brutally battered image was irredeemably wasted. If Heaven and Purgatory are to be provided for all the senior and clerical personnel of the Commission as an alternative to Hell, none of them, certainly, will see the gate of Purgatory, not to talk of Heaven. And the only alternative available to them outside these two is the hottest place in Hell. The voting exercise in the 63 wards of the ten local government areas, of the State’s 16 local government areas, was like a staff audit in a civil service set up where the ghost workers (dead votes) were made by crook, to outnumber the real workers (real votes), with Ido-osi accounting for 15,939 ghost votes and 3,639 real (live) votes alone. At the end, dead/ghost votes dominated the “winner”’s 111,140 votes and the real (live) votes dominated the “loser”’s 107,017, and the winner is ghost vote!!!

While we commend those who genuinely participated in the said re-run poll, either as voters or monitors, we commend the AC leadership and their Candidate for going back to electoral court so as to trounce the infamy and restore the mandate of the people under the principle of “ Vox Populi Vox Dei”. The President of the Court of Appeal is also called upon to constitute, as a matter of uttermost immediacy, the governorship electoral panel for Ekiti State, in accordance with Section 285 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999, so as to enable the genuinely aggrieved parties file their petitions. Going by Mr. Peter Obi’s case, a secured or substantive tenure awaits the AC leadership and their Candidate no matter how long it takes them to get justice. We cannot run away from the destroyers of our collective heritage and commonwealth. We must rebuild as many times as they destroy.

Union of South Africa: South Africa’s Future Is Gloomy with Jacob Zuma’s Presidency
The April 2009 general elections in South Africa, in which the African National Congress, ANC, credibly won 66 percent of the total vote cast, have come and gone, but the tragedy of the said elections was the choice of Mr. Jacob Zuma as the ANC presidential candidate and South Africa’s newly elected president. Though, democracy is beautified when the people’s choice, even if it is a goat, is respected and allowed to stand. But the choice of Mr. Jacob Zuma means that the Union of South Africa and her people have embarked on a suicide mission. South Africa is a consolation gift to the African Continent.

The personality of Mr. Jacob Zuma is nothing to write home about. Apart from the fact that he has no records of formal education, not even primary school, his marital and extra-marital life-style is grossly tainted. Presently, he is said to be living with atleast three wives and he has reportedly divorced many, including the former South African foreign minister, Mrs. Nkhozana Zuma. One of them allegedly committed suicide in 2000. It is also alleged that he has up to eighteen women, both married and divorced.

Between 1999, when he was appointed deputy president to Mr. Thabo Mbeki, to 2005 when he was sacked over charges of corruption, Mr. Zuma had reportedly faced up to 75 count charges, which bordered on felonious offences of corruption, rape and other sexual offences, and abuse of office. Interestingly, the prosecuting authorities had been forced, against their will, to drop all charges against him, saying the criminal charges would never be revived. One of such bribery charges against Mr. Zuma was that he solicited bribes connected to the multi-billion dollar arms deals in the 1990s. His prosecutors alleged that political interference and prosecutorial misconduct hampered their cases against him, despite the strong substance in the said charges.

Mr. Zuma is also accused of injecting moral decadence into the young population of South Africa because of his alleged lust for promiscuity and partying. Apart from the foregoing, South Africa, under Mr. Zuma’s presidency will still grapple with her 1000 aids related deaths per day and one quarter of her population, who are still unemployed. Between the last quarter of 2008 and first quarter of 2009, 208,000 jobs were lost, no thanks to global economic meltdown. South African economy has also comedown, from 221 billion dollars in 2007 to between 122 billion dollars and 150 billion dollars in 2009.

In the areas of human rights and foreign policy, South Africa is steadily loosing her credibility. When she transited from repressive rule to credible majority rule in the 1990s, she adopted a constitution and body of laws that contained some of the strongest affirmations of human rights on African Continent. She became a beacon of hope to those in Africa and elsewhere who continued to endure repression. But that prime legacy has since been threatened by State-sponsored ethnocentric violence and South Africa’s romance with world leading human rights violators, such as China, Iran, Burma, Zimbabwe, etc.

South Africa’s leading roles in the invention of modified “diarchy” (marriage of autocracy and democracy) in Kenya and Zimbabwe is totally unacceptable. It is strange to credible tenets of democracy, good governance and rule of law. As a member of the International Criminal Court and the UNO, her tacit support to Sudanese President, who is wanted by the ICC on seven-count charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, is very despicable and condemnable. From Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia, to Zimbabwe, South Africa’s roles must be firm, unambiguous, credible, human rights, rule of law and democracy-oriented.

Finally, with the exit of Mr. Travor Manuel, South Africa’s economy engine house, from finance ministry to office of the national planning, and the tainted personality of Mr. Zuma, South Africa may go the way of Zimbabwe, which was an economic giant in the late 1980s and early 1990s, but lost it to political instability, which was accessioned by autocracy, ethnocentrism, egocentrism and visionless leadership. South Africans must rise above independence consciousness to the consciousness of the nation- hood and the nation building. They should transform from “parties and individuals that gave us independence” to “parties and individuals that possess know-how for modern nation building”. The South African Justice system, which is under a serious threat of balkanization and bastardization by her tainted politicians, must watch its back before it becomes too late.


Signed:

Comrade Emeka Umeagbalasi
Chairman
Board of Trustees, Intersociety, Anambra- Nigeria
+234(0)8033601078