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Court Orders CBN To Grant Rights Group’s Request For Details of MTN Improper Repatriation Of Funds

By
Akinwale Kasali
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MTN Logo

By Akinwale Kasali

Civil Society Group, Human and Environmental Development Agenda, HEDA, has recorded a landslide victory following a landmark judgment delivered by Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, ordering the  Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, to grant the Freedom of Information request by HEDA Resource Centre and provide details concerning the resolution between CBN and MTN Nigeria Limited on charges related to improper repatriation of funds.

The Incorporated Trustees of HEDA Resource Centre had sued the respondent – Central Bank of Nigeria – in a suit marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1110/2021 over the Apex Bank’s failure to provide the information requested from it on the details of the improper repatriation of funds complaints against the telecommunication company back in 2021.

HEDA in a Motion on Notice dated and filed on 22nd February, 2021 soght an order of mandamus compelling the CBN to supply information requested as contained in the applicants  requested dated the 20th of August, 2021.

The applicant sought an Order of Mandamus, compelling the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the detailed information requested under the Freedom of Information Act. The respondent, in turn, filed a motion to strike out and/or dismiss the suit on grounds of jurisdiction.

In its quest for transparency and accountability, the Incorporated Trustees of HEDA sought comprehensive details regarding the resolution between the Central Bank of Nigeria and MTN Nigeria Limited. The information, requested under the Freedom of Information Act, aimed to shed light on the charges against MTN Nigeria Limited for improper repatriation of funds.

The relief sought by the applicant through its lawyer, Saidu Muhammed was for the Central Bank of Nigeria to supply the requested information and comply with the application.

The respondent, Central Bank of Nigeria, through it counsel, Lukman Fagbemi (SAN) argued that it had promptly responded to the request on August 25, 2021, assuring the applicant that the requested information would be communicated in due course. The delay, according to the respondent, was attributed to the necessity of consultations required to ensure compliance with the application.

In a decisive ruling, the Honorable Justice J.K Omotosho ordered the Central Bank of Nigeria to provide the information outlined in the applicant’s request dated August 20, 2021.

On January 10,  Justice J.K Omotosho ordered, “That the Respondent to supply the information requested, as contained in the Applicant’s Request dated the 20th of August, 2021 attached to the Affidavit in Support of this application as Exhibit HEDA I, to Wit: “The initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria, The fine eventually paid by MTN Nigeria, The basis for the initial fine imposed on MTN Nigeria and any concession which led to a reduction of the fine; and The procedure through which the concessions were made.

The Nigerian Government had accused the Mobile Telecommunication Company of illegally moving $8.1b out of Nigeria in contravention of foreign exchange regulations and demanded the return of the amount back to coffers of the Central Bank of Nigeria. While the bank proceeded to court to challenge the government’s decision, its lawyers announced an out of court settlement between the company and the Federal Government, confirming a Lagos division of the Federal High Court entered the settlement terms as its judgment. Parties to the settlement had refused to disclose the terms of the settlement even in the court.

The Nigerian Senate had alleged an attempt by officials in government, in cahoots with officials of the company, surreptitiously working to reduce the fine from $8.1b to paltry $800m. The failure to disclose the terms of settlement, despite allegation of conspiracy and compromise by the Senate prompted HEDA to demand this information under the FoI Act. Sadly, further investigation revealed the terms of settlement was not in the case file, as claimed by parties to the agreement.

This ruling reinforces the principles of transparency and accountability embedded in the Freedom of Information Act, marking a significant victory for HEDA Resource Centre in their pursuit of essential information related to the MTN Nigeria Limited case.

Nigeria Police Vow To Curb Proliferation Of Arms, Urge Nigerians To Report Anyone With Live Ammunition

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

Following the increase in Arms Proliferation the Police has vowed to  intensify  its effort to curb the menace.

The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa, in a statement, urged Nigerians to report anyone seen with live ammunition.

Adejobi took to the Police’s X Account (formerly Twitter) to share a picture of a live ammunition. He said:  “These are live ammunition, called “èpà” or “groundnuts” in the street.

“They are deadly, not to be seen with anyone except security agents. Statutory security agents, no other ones.

“If you see them with any friend or civilian, please expose him or her. We need to collectively curb the proliferation of arms and ammunition in Nigeria.”

SERAP Sues Senate President, House Of Rep Speaker For Increasing NASS Budget By N147 Billion

By
Akinwale Kasali
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0

By Akinwale Kasali

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, have been sued by the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP, and 20 concerned Nigerians for unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing the allocation for lawmakers from N197 billion to N344 billion, representing highest since the return of democracy in 1999.

Akpabio and Abbas were sued for themselves and on behalf of all members of the National Assembly.

The Lawmakers had, last month, raised their allocation from N197 billion proposed by President Bola Tinubu for them in the budget to N344 billion. The Lawmakers will, in total, draw N514 billion from the 2024 budget. The Lawmakers, also, in 2023 arbitrarily increased their own budget from the originally proposed N169 billion to N228 billion.

The President presented the Appropriation Bill 2024 made up of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023. The National Assembly on December 30, 2023 passed the Appropriation Bill 2024 in the sum of N28.7 trillion.

That while exercising its legislative powers, Akpabio and Abbas increased the Appropriation Bill by N1.2 trillion, wherein the 1st and 2nd Defendants unilaterally increased allocations made to the National Assembly in the Appropriation Bill 2024 presented by the President from N197,932,625,616 Billion to N344.85 Billion.

The President signed the ₦28.7 trillion Appropriation Bill 2024 into law on January 1, 2024. The 2024 Budget is in deficit of ₦9.18 trillion.

In the suit filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on behalf of SERAP and 20 concerned Nigerians by their lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, the Plaintiffs were asking the court to determine “whether the lawmakers, in the exercise of their powers over appropriation/money bills, can unilaterally increase their own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the Executive.

“For a declaration that the National Assembly, in the exercise of its powers over appropriation/money bills, cannot unilaterally increase its own budget without the re-presentation of the budget by the President in line with section 81 of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].

“For a declaration that the action of the National Assembly, unilaterally increasing its own budget from N197 billion to N344 billion, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President is a breach of the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances”.

SERAP sought for, “An order of perpetual injunction restraining and preventing the National Assembly from unilaterally increasing its own budget, in the exercise of its powers over all appropriation/money bills, without the re-presentation of such appropriation/money bills by the President in line with the Nigerian Constitution.”

In the suit, the Plaintiffs, maintained that: “Allowing the National Assembly to continue to unilaterally and arbitrarily increase its own budget would fundamentally undermine the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution, public trust, and the rule of law.

“The arbitrary and self-serving increase by the lawmakers of their own allocation offends the Code of Conduct for Public Officers [Fifth Schedule Part 1] of the Nigerian Constitution, oath of office, and the democratic principles of separation of powers and checks and balances.”

According to the Plaintiffs, “Unless the reliefs sought are granted, the National Assembly will continue to breach the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and the rule of law, and at the expense of millions of Nigerians living in poverty.”

The suit read in part: “Members of the National Assembly are public officers who have sworn the constitutional oath of office to perform their respective duties in the interest of Nigerian citizens.

“The members of the National Assembly, by unilaterally and arbitrarily increasing their own budget in the Appropriation Bill 2024, without the re-presentation of the budget by the President has violated the Code of Conduct for Public Officers.

“Paragraph 1 of the Code of Conduct for Public Officers which provides that ‘a public officer shall not put himself in a position where his personal interest conflicts with his duties and responsibilities.

“Members of the National Assembly have put their interest above the public interest and ‘well-being and prosperity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria’, contrary to their oath of office.

“The Budget/Appropriation Act 2024 is yet to be gazetted as at the time of filing this suit and public access to the gazetted 2024 Budget/Appropriation Act is restricted.”

“The National Assembly after inserting new line items to the Appropriation Bill 2024 and altering the budgetary allocation to already inserted line items did not submit same to the President for re-presentation by the President before going ahead to present the Appropriation Bill to the President for assent.”

Though the hearing date is yet to be fixed.

APC Overrules Oshiomhole, Rejects Edo Screening Committee Report, Insists Aspirants Must Go For Primaries

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

The National Working Committee, (NWC) of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has overruled Senator Adams Oshiomhole and his Edo State APC Caucus over the disqualification of some aspirants in the forthcoming Gubernatorial Primary.

A statement signed by Mr Felix Morka, National Publicity Secretary of the Party, said the NWC voided the Ihonvbere-led screening of the aspirants as directed by the state caucus led by Adams Oshiomhole.

Following the emergence of many aspirants for the Governorship election, the Edo APC had constituted a Committee to reduce the number of aspirants to manageable size.

The pruning down of the Governorship aspirants led to an uproar, with some  expressing outrage over the elimination of some of the party’s  formidable aspirants.

The party, in a statement at the weekend said that its Expression of Interest and Nomination forms for the Election are available for purchase and collection to all interested aspirants.

Morka explained that screening and clearance of aspirants would be undertaken by a committee to be constituted by the party’s NWC, in accordance with its Constitution.

“As stipulated in the released APC timetable and schedule of activities for Edo gubernatorial election, all interested aspirants are to make prescribed payments into the party’s approved bank accounts.

“They are to collect their Expression of Interest and Nomination forms from the party’s National Secretariat.”

The Prof Julius Ihonvbere-led committee had pruned  down the aspirants to six from 29, a move that the APC NWC has now voided.

Kaduna: Ten Children Sustain Injuries As Bomb Detonate

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Kaduna Explosion

By Ayodele Oni

Five days after a similar incident in Ibadan, Oyo state, an explosion has been reported in Kaduna state, which critically wounded at least 10 children at Kidandan village, in Giwa Local Government Area.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon when the children were said to be playing with an object found in the nearby bush.

Sources indicated that the object, believed to be a bomb, detonated causing severe injuries to the victims.

Alhaji Abubakar Umar Ruka, the Village Head, confirmed the incident, stating that he was in the process of compiling the names of the victims.

According to him, the injured were rushed to Teaching Hospital, Shika for treatment.

“There were no fatalities but 10 children were injured. They have been taken to the hospital for treatment.”

Councilor Representing Kidandan Ward, Abdullahi Ismail, who confirmed the incident, said the children picked the object in the bush where they went to fetch firewood.

“I was told the children picked the object in the bush when they went looking for firewood. It explodes and injured them badly.”

Osun PDP Asks Fmr Governor Oyetola Appointees To Return Official Vehicles

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun state has slammed the All Progressive Congress (APC) for supporting its members who illegally carted away government vehicles and plunged the state into another round of multi-billion naira expenditure for car purchase.

PDP has alleged that some politicians that served in the immediate past administration of Gboyega Oyetola refused to submit official vehicles attached to their offices, an action which APC alluded that was backed by law.

The party, in a statement on Saturday, stated that “We are shocked at the shameless release from the state APC and depth of immorality displayed by the opposition.

“Your members ‘stole’ government vehicles and the state is asking them to return them. You are reprehensibly justifying daylight robbery. In saner clime, those who issued that press statement should be arraigned in court as accomplice in robbery crime.

“A group of former state officials claimed and confirmed that they went away with government vehicles. Yet, a discredited political party cannot summon a meeting and order them to return such properties. Rather, party leaders are audaciously trying to spin theft in a political chess game.

“What has happened to the moral compass of Sooko Tajudeen Lawal and his cohorts? Why will a party chairman be defending “thieves” who for more than a year refused to return government vehicles they took away illegally?”

The statement, signed by Bamiji Oladele, Director of Media, Osun State PDP noted that “These officials claimed there was a law that protected them. When the law was checked and revealed to the public, there was no cover, no clause that allowed such illegality.

“At another time, they claimed the former Governor simply dashed them the cars. In law, the former Governor as a public official, has no power to dash government properties to anybody. No law empowered him to do so. Hence, those with the cars are beneficiaries of an illegal act.

“As of today, the state government is still struggling to buy cars for cabinet members because those official vehicles were illegally taken away by commissioners and special advisers under former Governor Oyetola.

“The government of the day therefore has the duty to recover all stolen and diverted government properties. This is not about politics or political witch hunts. It is purely about law enforcement.

“As indicated in the White Paper, the Taskforce will issue its modus operandi and will follow due process in the recovery process. The Taskforce will issue due notice and will follow up the notice with enforcement.

“As a party, the PDP called on former officials of the state government to return government vehicles in their possession.

“The longer the vehicles stay with them, the more they incur reputation damage and public wrath because there is no law in Osun state that protects those who stole government properties.”

Aiyedatiwa Hails Oguntala, First Female President Of NSE

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Margaret Aina Oguntala and Lucky Aiyedatiwa

By Ayodele Oni

The Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE) on Saturday installed an Ondo state born Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female president of the society.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that the event, which took place in Abuja, was attended by Ondo state Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Aiyedatiwa, hailed the historic emergence of Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala as the first female President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, (NSE).

The Governor, who was the Guest Speaker at the inauguration ceremony of Engr. Oguntala as the 34th President of the NSE at the International Conference Centre in Abuja, described Oguntala as a distinguished woman of substance.

He said that her emergence “is a testimony to that fact that our great country is again recognizing the invaluable contributions of the female gender and the need to encourage and support the emergence of women in leadership roles and in healthy competitive elections.

“Engr. Mrs. Oguntala is known to be a woman of sterling qualities and substantial substance, and coupled with her vast experience, knowledge and exposure, I have no doubt that she would move the umbrella body to great heights. Kudos to you madam for this rare feat, and you make us proud in Ondo State.”

While commending engineers for the crucial roles they play in the development of any society, the Governor stressed that “a major part of the responsibilities of building the nation of our dream lies mainly upon the shoulders of engineers and technologists.

“However, I must challenge you that it behoves on the engineers and technologists to complement the efforts of government by formulating and producing state-of-the-art solutions to the hydra-headed developmental challenges of our great nation.

“We must begin to build roads, bridges and other infrastructure that will stand the test of time, and even outlive their design-life.

“We must begin to look at and introduce technology that will conserve energy and preserve our environment that is already being degraded from the dangerous gaseous emissions from gasoline and diesel engines of our automobiles and industries. The way to go, therefore, is to introduce electronic solutions, work smartly and to green energy.”

Mrs. Oguntala, speaking shortly after her investiture, urged the Federal Government to implement fully the presidential order 5 which promotes the consumption of made-in-Nigeria goods and services.

She called on the government to amongst other things “implement the GL 09 entry point for engineers in some of the states that are yet to effect the enhanced entry point for engineers in civil service.

“Formulate a policy to compel employers of labour to pay commensurate welfare packages/hazard allowances for engineers.

“The Presidency should invite the NSE to nominate engineers for inclusion in the newly formed ‘Policy Coordination, Evaluation, Monitoring, and Delivery Unit’ as announced by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his 2024 New Year broadcast. We praise the President for this initiative.

“Encourage entrepreneurship by providing incentives and support for engineers in small businesses and startups in the extractive industry. Promote STEM education to encourage more students to pursue engineering careers and contribute to nation-building.”

Earlier in his Keynote Address, Senate President, Godswill Akpabio praised the society for electing its first first female president.

Represented by Deputy Senate President, Barau Jubrin, Akpabio said: “Oguntala’s appointment serves as a powerful testament to the fact that talent, dedication, and expertise know no gender boundaries.

“It is a clear indication that the Nigerian Society of Engineers recognizes and values the invaluable contributions of women in shaping the future of engineering.”

NNPP Tips Gov Yusuf As Leader, Says Kwankwaso Remains Expelled

By
James Orji
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The New Nigerian Peoples Party has tipped Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano state as the new Leader of the party.
Yusuf has just been affirmed by the Supreme Court as the governor of the commercial city.
Recall that the NNPP has been enmeshed  in crisis since last year, in which a faction of the party led by Boniface Aniebonam, expelled Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the Leader and a chieftain of the party.
Kwakwanso was a former governor of Kano state, on whose crest Governor Yusuf, his in-law rode to power last year.
In a press statement made available to the magazine on Saturday, signed by
NNPP Board of Trustees Chairman, TKO Aluko, titled “Special Appeal To Media Houses And Practitioners and INEC on the need to respect the will and constitution of the New Nigeria People’s Party and its members,” the party re-affirmed its changed in leadership.
It said the INEC and members of the public should respect its decision on the matter
The statement……..
 Matters Arising
Once again, may we use this public space to remind the Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, through its Chairman, that we have requested for the urgent need to update their records of the National Executive Committee of the NEW NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY, NNPP.
It is instructive to indicate herein that the constitution of the NNPP  is supreme and binding on all members,  without prejudice to the overarching Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Electoral Act.
With the he nation’s Constitution being the unquestionable grundnorm,  every other establishment in Nigeria derives its powers of establishment and operations from the said Constitution.
The mandate and powers  of INEC to register, control and regulate political parties are constitutionally provided. We all know that, certainly.
However, INEC does not have powers to meddle in the internal administration and management of political parties. Otherwise it would tantamount to  avoidable breach of the constitutional rights of Nigerians to freely associate
What we try to put across herein is simple,  straight-forward and unambiguous: The extant powers of the Board members of the NNPP in relation to resolution of the Party’s internal matters are very clear. The Board has powers to call to order any member of the Party who acts contrary to the Party’s norms.
In this connection,  Senator Kwankwaso,  Elder Buba Galadima and the sacked and defunct National Working Committee, NWC, led by Alhaji Abbah kawu have been in gross abuse of the constitutional provisions of the new NNPP with impunity.
While we do not have intention of speaking ill of any one, it suffices to indicate herein that the unceremonious exit of  Prof Alkali, Prof Angwe Samuel and Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi, etc and their joining the APC is a pointer that all is not well with the nternal administration of the party.
Indeed, for Senator Kwankwaso to run the affairs of the NEW NIGERIA PEOPLES PARTY as a personal estate was as undemocratic as it was unacceptable. This is aside issues bothering on corruption, high handedness, lack of transparency and accountability on the part of the defunct NWC members.
All these avoidable acts of gross misconduct led to the invitation of the concerned persons by the Board of Trustees for explanation, but they refused to provide answers to the queries. Indeed, the Board had to invoke its inherent powers by calling them all to order  and decisively expelling them from the Party.
The action of the Board, having subsequently been ratified by the General Assembly of the Party, has been communicated to the Chairman of INEC, and the Commission duly acknowledged same and pledged to update its records.
The surprising  and very embarrassing thing today is that INEC is still dealing with the expelled members of the party. This is aside  the fact that this matter is pending before a Federal High Court, with INEC  duly served and notified.
While we note and acknowledge the powers of INEC to regulate and control political parties, INEC should be seen to act as a neutral boby to all political parties and try to respect the internal administration of each of the parties.
Under these circumstances, it shall be more responsible on the part of INEC as a regulator, having recieved a notification, to invite both parties with a view to ascertaining facts and be in a better position to make an informed decision.
It is our abinding view and opinion that the Chairman of INEC, and the Commission itself, shall take a cue from the judiciary at the moment and strive to add value to the ethos of democracy , rule of law and conflict resolution.
For the media, we want to clearly let them know that there is no faction in our PARTY, the NNPP. Rather, Senator Kwankwaso and the entire membership of the old NWC led by Alhaji Abbah Kawu have since been expelled and INEC appropriately and duly informed in that regard.
For the avoidance of doubt,the new principal officers of the NNPP are Dr Gilbert Agbo Major as the National Chairman, Comrade Ogini Samuel as the Secretary General and Dr TKO Aluko as the Chairman, Board of Trustees.
Dr Aniebonam Boniface Okechukwu is the Founder and Spiritual Leader of the Party and Governor  Abbah Yusuf of Kano State is the Leader of the Party.
It is also our hope that  IPAC should be allowed to operate without any strings from the INEC. By so doing, we shall be adding value to the cause of genuine democracy in Nigeria.

University Of Cross River Union Leaders Claim Responsibility For Workers Protest Over Non Payment Of Salary Arrears

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
Cross River University

By Ayodele Oni

Industrial unions and management of the University of Cross River state have engaged in trading words over the recent protest by some workers over non payment of backlog of salaries.

Teaching as well as non-teaching staff of the University had protested nonpayment of their salaries by the management of the institution.

The workers carried placards denouncing the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Austin Angbah, and calling for his sack.

Reacting, the VC berated the workers’ unions, alleging that they incited their members to take to the streets.

The VC said there was no need for the protest as management has begun to pay the backlog. I don’t know what they are going to ask for because salaries are being paid.”

He explained that the leadership of the Joint Action Committee (JAC), NASU, NAT and SSANU at the institution decided to back out of the protest since the backlog was being paid.

Amgbah alleged that four members hijacked the workers’ union, inciting people to go out to the streets to protest.

“The four persons are not representing the opinion of the Congress. They have taken the law into their own hands. Their national president must hear this.”

However, the chairman of the UNICROSS branch of SSANU, Mac Enang Ayu, denied the accusation of incitement.

He stated that “My members were hungry and didn’t listen to me. The people who protested are not SSANU members but NASU.”

The plight of the workers occassioned by non payment of backlog of salaries attracted the attention of the leadership of the UNICROSS Alumni Association, led by Dr Peter Iyali, that donated bags of rice to the workers and also wrote letters appealing to the state governor to intervene to clear the five-month backlog of salaries.

Ibadan Explosion Has Exposed The Type Of Leaders We Have In Yorubaland – AOKOYA

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Apapo O’Odua Koya, (AOKOYA) said on Saturday that the response of politicians and leaders of the Yoruba race to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo state early in the week fell short of expectation.

It stated that politicians and traditional rulers in Yorubaland  failed the entire race by their passive reaction to the incident.

According to the group, “The attitude of Yoruba politicians and traditional rulers to the explosion in Ibadan, Oyo State is an indication that they represent the worst set of leaders in Yoruba history.”

The group pointed out that since the explosion, neither Yoruba traditional rulers nor politicians have visited the site while they have failed to show deep concern expected from responsible leaders.

“Both the Senator and House of Rep that represent the Bodija constituency have not visited the area as we speak.

“Ibadan is the political headquarters of Yoruba Nation. There is no Yoruba family from Lagos through Kwara, Kogi to Itsekiriland that does not have a family member living in Ibadan.

“The explosion was an assault on Yoruba heritage. But as we speak, Yoruba Senators, House of Representatives, State Governors have not visited the site not to talk of giving the required support to victims.

“This is the height of irresponsibility on the part of these self acclaimed leaders”, AOKOYA said in a statement signed by Col. Abimbola Sowunmi (rtd) and Ahmed Korede

AOKOYA added that “compared with Northern politicians and Emirs, Yoruba political class is callous, irresponsible, self-driven and rabidly anti people.”

The group maintained that the growing gap between Yoruba elected representatives and the people they claim to lead is responsible for the very low turn out of voters across Yorubaland.

“It’s a shame. Yoruba know those who claim to lead the traditional institutions and the political space are not for them. They are for themselves.”

The group recalled the swift response of Northern political leaders to the Kaduna drone attack that killed Northerners.

“Senators from the northern part of Nigeria donated N58 million to families of the victims of accidental military drone airstrike in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna.

“The Chairman of the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), Abdul Ningi, led a delegation to visit the victims and donated N58m. The Northern Senators also donated 109m jointly from their salary.

“The Northern caucus in the House of Representatives donated N48m. These happened within few hours after the incidence.

“The Kaduna mistaken drone strike was raised in the National Assembly prompting immediate very serious concern.

“The Sultan of Sokoto also donated money while many Northern Emirs and religious leaders in the North paid visits immediately after the blast and took decisive decisions with the Sultan promising to ensure justice.

“Where are the true Yoruba leaders? This incidence has further exposed them. Days after the Ibadan deaths, nothing tangible has been done by those who claim to represent Yoruba in politics and in culture.

“They have not caused the National Assembly to intervene and none has visited to donate money or blood to the victims.

“Yoruba traditional rulers and politicians this weekend were sighted attending parties and visiting their girl friends while many of them were hosting various social events without a heart for Ibadan and the victims killed in the most cruel manner.

“There is a tragedy of leadership in Yorubaland. The worst set of traditional rulers and politicians currently sit on the seat of power.

“They have no sense of history. They have no agenda for the Yoruba Nation. They are in power for personal gains and for profit. They are happy to feed on the misery and agony of Yoruba people.

“We reiterate our commitments to Yoruba Nation. We urge Yoruba people all over the world to support the on-going efforts for Yoruba Nation that will rid and purge Yoruba territory of street criminals and rogues who have seized the political and cultural space for profit.”

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