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Ohanaeze Says Position Of Northern Governors Forum On Rotational Presidency Subversive

By
Ayodele Oni
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By Ayodele Oni

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has described the position of Northern Governors Forum on rotational Presidency as subversive and an attempt to draw back Nigeria to pre-1999 era.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide declared in a statement that:

“The remarks by the leaders of the North indicate a bleak future for Nigeria.

The statement signed by the publicity secretary worldwide, Mr Chiedozie Alex Ogbonnia, added that: “It is most regrettable that the North are undisturbed that Nigeria is fast collapsing under its leadership.

“The Forum failed to recognize that at the moment, Nigeria is confronted with the most precarious omens full of uncertainty, doubts, insecurity and bloodshed.

“The Chairman of the Northern  States Governors Forum, Governor Simon Lalong can attest that the people of Plateau State had never in history witnessed the number of deaths as has taken place under his watch as Governor.

“The banditry in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Jigawa States is terrifying. Benue State has turned into a killing field.

“The States of Yobe and Borno are worst hit by the menace of Boko Haram; etc. Several schools in the North could not open because of kidnappers and millions of children are on the street as beggars.

“The Nigerian currency has lost its value. Unemployment has skyrocketed; and Nigeria has become the poverty capital of the world…..and the Northern Governors, the Sultan and the Emirs instead of seeking solution to Nigerian problems were busy strategizing on how to retain power in 2023.

“This is most unconscionable, to say the least.

Let it be made abundantly clear that if Presidency is a panacea to people’s problems, the North would have become the Netherlands of Africa.

“This is because the North had Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed, Shehu Shagari, Muhammadu Buhari, Ibrahim Babangida, Sani Abacha, Abdulsalam Abubakar, Musa Yaradua, Muhammadu Buhari, yet the problems of the North are on the increase.

“It is most worrisome that the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh. Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, the spiritual leader of the Nigerian Muslims, one of the most respected Sultans in the recent history and the living conscience of the North, took part in such subversion.

“For the avoidance of doubt, there is peace in the progressive societies because men of conscience are more in number.

“On the other hand, the crises in Nigeria is a product of greed, injustice, religion without sacrifice and impunity.

“The position of the Southern Governors is simply restating the obvious. A gentleman agreement was reached at the NUC Conference Centre, Abuja in 1998 between the North and the South.

“The Late Dr. Chuba Okadigbo spoke for the entire South and Alh. Abubakar Rimi, also of blessed memory spoke for the North. It was agreed that after Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar as the Head of State, that the presidency should shift to the South.

“That accounted for the emergence of the presidential flag bearers of the mainstream political parties from the South West. Chief Olusegun Obasanjo respected the agreement and handed over to the North in the person of Musa Yar’Adua.

“Again, Goodluck Jonathan, a Southerner, respected the gentleman agreement and handed over to the North in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Therefore, the least that is expected from the North is a show of profound gratitude to the entire South for their large heart, equanimity and sportsmanship.

“Furthermore, it is in the interest of every Nigerian that there should be a paradigm shift to governance techniques.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide unequivocally stands with the 17 Southern Governors and any black leg among them will incur the wrath of history.

“Nigeria has two major groups of people. Those that cherish the corporate existence of Nigeria on one hand and those that do not value the unity, peace and progress of Nigeria on the other.

“The latter indulge in reckless nepotism, ethnocentrism, avarice, supremacist mentality, hollow expansionism and poor judgment of history.

“It is the law of nature that light illuminates and that in religion, both the Lord Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammed stood for truth.

“Ohanaeze uses this singular opportunity to express disappointment over the unholy manouvres and alliances by the members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) to zone the presidential seat for the 2023 general election to the Northern Nigeria.

“The exponents of this agenda, in their jaundiced calculations, believe that it is a sure way of regaining power from the All Peoples Congress (APC).

“Experience would have taught them that to zone their presidential position to the North is an orchestrated requiem for the party; because more PDP Governors and grassroots will surely desert them.

“May I remind the PDP that the South East has made unquantifiable sacrifices for PDP beginning from the time of Dr. Alex. Ekwueme.

“If by way of politics without principles the Southerners in PDP place their personal narrow interests over the interest of their people, the verdict of history will surely  be harsh on them.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by Ambassador Professor George Obiozor reiterates that the bane of Nigeria is raw injustice especially targeted against the Igbo and until we begin to wean ourselves of the Igbophobia and rather harness individual and group resourcefulness, creativity, ingenuity and initiatives wherever they are found, Nigeria will remain on the downward spiral.”

Outrage Greets Murder Of Chike Akunyili, Dora’s Husband; Brother Blames IPOB

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Dr Akuiyili

By Akinwale Kasali

Disbelief, anger, and outrage have greeted the inexplicable murder of Dr Chike Akunyili.

Dr Akunyili, a Cardiologist, was the husband of Professor Dora Akunyili, the Late Director General of National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, and later, Nigeria’s Minister for Information and Communication. She died of Cancer which was earlier on, for years, misdiagnosed by those many assumed should know.

The circumstances behind the gruesome murder of Dr Akunyili are sketchy. But he was killed in the evening of Tuesday, September 29, at Umuoji in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State.

Sources reveal that the late Akunyili was present at the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), event,  with his son, Obum,  where his late wife was honoured. He was on his way back home after the ceremony when he was murdered by gunmen.

The Award was given to his late wife by the UNAA, Onitsha Branch, at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha.

Both husband and wife were of the UNN.

Accusations and counter accusations as to who killed Dr Akunyili are coming in like claps of thunder.

His devastated younger brother, Cyril Akunyili, immediately put the blame at the feet of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB. In an emotional post, he asked:

IPOB KILLED MY SENIOR BROTHER. WHY?

HUSBAND OF PROF. DORA AKUNYILI IS DEAD. IPOB WHY ON A TUESDAY?

There are reasons why he, and a number of others are blaming IPOB. Akunyili had a Police escort in front of his car. And a couple of people who had Police escort had fallen victims to the inexplicable killings. The impression is that IPOB is, allegedly, at war with Security Agents.

Again, there is still a confusion over IPOB’s stand on the Anambra Governorship election coming up in November. While IPOP insists it has not, officially, said there shall be no election in the State, a number of their members insist there will be no election in the State or any other part of the South-east. Last week, an election campaign event was scattered when gunmen stormed the venue, shooting, and asking them who told them there will be election in the State?

Akunyili’s brother asked: “IPOB why on a Tuesday?” That is because in the South-east, Mondays have become the most dangerous days of the week   over IPOB’s weekly sit-at-home order which it eventually canceled, but which some elements still enforce on Mondays.

One Commentator on Social Media wrote: “The politician which IPOB mistook and killed in Nkpor, yesterday, was Prof Dora Akunyili’s husband (Dr. Chike Akunyili)”

Yet, it is hasty to blame IPOB. And the Group has strongly denied complicity.

Anambra State has been engulfed in political violence  in the past few weeks as the Governorship election approaches. At least, six people have been killed in circumstances strongly suspected to be politically motivated.

IPOB, also, insists the killing  was political

In a statement released by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, denying complicity, IPOB said Dr. Akunyili’s murder was politically motivated.

It said Akunyili was killed over the upcoming Anambra   Governorship election.

And according to the statement, he was killed by those “who poisoned his wife” because she dared say from the onset that Dr Goodluck Jonathan should take over power from the then very ill and indisposed President Umaru Yar’Adua.

Poweful: ” Those who killed Dora Akunyili’s husband and killed his wife poison are Fulani because she exposed Yar’Adua’s death for Goodluck Jonathan to take over as President of failed Nigeria. They know themselves. Those that conspired to poison Prof. Dora Akunyili, they’re contesting the Governorship election in Anambra State today.

“We have no issues with Chike Akunyili, and  we don’t  know him. Those behind this act must  stop using the name of IPOB. We don’t want anybody to blame IPOB because we must get them. This is pure political assassination.”

For the records, Professor Akunyili died of Cancer which was earlier misdiagnosed, and which she fought like a lioness till the end, beating the timeline given to her to pass on with more than one year!

Senate, Agulu community, mourn Dr. Akunyili

The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Wednesday, during its sitting, observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late Dr Akunyili. The attention of the Senate was drawn to his  murder by Senator Uche Ekwunife.

And, in his native Agulu community, shock and numbness are the reaction. In a release, the Community said it has lost its “Diamond Son”, who held the Chieftaincy title of “Agbalanze.”

Ecobank Nigeria Appoints Chairman, Directors

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Fola James

The Board of Directors of Ecobank Nigeria has announced the appointment of three non-executive directors, Mrs. Bola Adesola, Mrs. Titilayo Olujobi and Mrs. Bimbola Wright.

The Pan-African bank said in a statement on Wednesday that the appointees have distinguished themselves in their various careers bringing with them a wealth of experience in the financial services industry. Their professionalism and integrity, the bank said has earned them international repute.

According to the statement “Mrs. Adesola who has also been appointed as the Chairman of the Board, following the end of tenure of Mr. John Aboh, is a highly respected professional with over thirty-three (33) years of experience in the banking sector. She has commendable leadership qualities and successfully driven expansion initiatives in several banks.

“Mrs Adesola retired from Standard Chartered Bank as the Senior Vice- Chairman, Africa. Prior to this role, she was the Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer for Standard Chartered Nigeria and West Africa for eight years with oversight over the bank’s West African subsidiaries, including Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, The Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Cameroun. Mrs. Adesola was also the Chairperson of the Board of Standard Chartered Bank Mauritius and a Director at Standard Chartered, Ghana.

“She also served as an Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Executive Director Lagos Directorate at First Bank of Nigeria Plc; Managing Director, Kakawa Discount House, Nigeria. An alumnus of Harvard Business School and Lagos Business School, she also holds a Law degree from the University of Buckingham, UK and is an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, U.K and Nigeria amongst others, “the bank said.

Speaking on her appointment the new Ecobank Nigeria Chairman said “I am honoured to be appointed as Chairman of the Board of Ecobank Nigeria. I am familiar with the brand and the proud history that is built on strong foundationacross the African continent and indeed globally.

“I look forward to working with the other members of the Board and Executive team as we continue our journey to be top in the Nigerian market, by setting the standards in financial services for our customers. I would also like to express my thanks to my predecessor, Mr. John Aboh, a consummate and respected banker for a very successful tenure and wish him all the best for the future.”

Patrick Akinwuntan, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria in his comment said: “The entire staff and Management of Ecobank Nigeria warmly welcome Mrs. Bola Adesola and the other new directors to the Board. We will give them our full support in ensuring the actualization of the Bank’s strategic plans in Nigeria. I also thank Mr. John Aboh who recently retired from the Board after successfully completing his tenure of office. Under his tenure as Chairman of the Board, the Bank made remarkable progress in growing its market share and repositioning Ecobank Nigeria for leadership in the Nigerian financial services sector”.

Olujobi is a well-rounded and experienced professional with nearly four decades experience in Public Accounting, Banking, Training Facilitation, Business Consulting and Coaching. She is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a Certified Professional Coach of the International Coaching Federation (ICF).

The current Non-Executive Director of IBFC Alliance Limited, started her professional career at Z. O. Ososanya & Co and Coopers and Lybrand (now PriceWaterhouse Coopers) where she led audit assignments and consulted on tax issues.

She was at Nigeria International Bank Limited (now Citibank Nigeria Limited) as a Management Associate and rose through the ranks across multiple positions to become Vice President (Deputy General Manager); She was Managing Director, IBFC Agusto Training Limited; Executive Director of IBFC Alliance Limited after the merger of IBFC Agusto and Alliance Consulting. She holds a B.Sc. Degree in Economics from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University).

Wright is a transformative and human-centered professional with 33 years banking experience in top financial institutions, over 20 years of which was at senior leadership levels. She is currently an Executive Director with Wright & Co Limited, a management consulting firm based in Lagos; Chairperson of the Board of Arami Essentials; member of the Institute of Directors, where she sits on the board of IoD Centre for Corporate Governance; and Fellow of the Nigeria Institute of Management.

She started her career with NAL Bank Plc (now part of Sterling Bank), from where she moved to Kakawa Discount House which was later acquired by First Bank Holdings to become FBNQuest Merchant Bank; she was Executive Council member of Women in Management, Business and Public Services (WIMBIZ). Bimbola holds a B.Sc in Human Biology from Surrey University, an M.A. in International Relations from University of Kent at Canterbury.

Murder: Did IPOB Kill Dr Akunyili?

By
Bayo Bernard
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Dr Akuiyili

By James Orji

Did members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB kill Dr. Chike Akunyili, widower of Dora Akunyili the late Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC? That is the Gordian knot security agencies must resolve soon as anger boil over the brutal murder of the deceased.

Chile was said to have been killed, alongside seven other persons by gunmen at Nkpor, in the Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State on Tuesday.

Since the incident happened, IPOB has been fingered as the brain behind it, but the secessionist group has also denied any involvement in the unfortunate incident.

According to reports, the late Akunyili was said to have been killed on his way back from a lecture he attended at Sharon Hall, All Saints Cathedral, Onitsha, organized by the University of Nigeria Nsukka Alumni Association (UNAA), Onitsha branch, in honour of his late wife.

Speaking on the issue, IPOB ‘s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the group had no hands in his death, vowing to arrest and deal decisively with those committing crime in the region.

Powerful said “In the near future those committing these atrocities in Imo, Anambra States will hear from IPOB and our people should not blame us because we must get them.

“Those who killed Dora Akunyili’s husband were the same people that killed Dora. They the ones contesting governorship election in Anambra State today.

“We have no issues with Chike Akunyili and we  did not kill him, those behind this act must stop this and stop using IPOB’s name. We don’t want anybody to blame IPOB because we must get them, this is pure political assassination going on in Anambra State. Agents are doing this to paint IPOB black in the face of support and encouragement we are getting from our people.”

The IPOB spokesman said the aim of those committing crime in Igboland is to distract attention from the real agitation of the group, adding that the criminals will son be unmasked.

He said “We know their plans and gimmick to discourage Biafrans who are encouraging and supporting us but it can’t work for them.

“In the near future those committing these atrocities in Imo and Anambra States will hear from IPOB and our people should not blame us because we must get them.

e-Naira: CBN Woos Customers, List Benefits

By
Bayo Bernard
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By Tosin Olatokunbo

Ahead the historic launch of the Central Bank Digital Currency, CBDC  also known as e-naira the Godwin Emefiele led government bank has listed its benefit to individuals and corporate bodies.

The apex bank has set October 1 for the take-off of the e-Naira amidst fear that it is set for a competition with commercial banks, as customers in their search for a seamless mode of payment may prefer the new electronic currency, analysts said.

But the CBN has allayed fears that it was out to compete with commercial banks or take away their customers, adding that its target is to use the digital currency to open up more opportunities in the nation’s financial system.

The Regulator urge commercial banks to use the opportunity presented by the digital currency to provide value added services and expand their customer net, noting that individuals, businesses, government and non-governmental organization swill derive huge benefits.

The apex bank listed the benefits to different category of customers:

Financial Institutions

“Integral to the establishment of eNaira is the necessity to build more synergy with financial institutions. The framework of eNaira is such that it entrenches many pipelines of collaboration and further strengthens financial institutions core service delivery. By its very nature with regards to its mandates, eNaira enhances the structures of these institutions instead of replacing same.

“eNaira opens up a whole new market of digital currency users for financial institutions to increase their customer base and add value to their account owners.

“Financial Institutions act as bridges between customers and the CBN, this increased customer interaction can help them adopt better customer support models.

“eNaira is not a subtle scheme to steal your customers. It is a collaboration to grant access to more financially excluded people.

“eNaira gives every linked financial institution access to the database of customers with wallets domiciled in their banks.

“eNaira Maximum Daily Cumulative Limit restricts customers from total migration which result in a capital loss for financial institutions.

“The eNaira system is designed and integrated with the best fraud management system, which guarantees the security of transactions and fosters customers’ trust”.

Individuals

“For individuals, eNaira promises fast transactions, cheap diaspora remittance, direct government aids, easier local payment, and secure banking.

“eNaira was minted with your expectations in mind. We understand our customers are real people whose needs are constantly evolving so our approach to delivering tailored solutions needs to constantly evolve. From functionality, call to action, to user interface, our goal has always been to deliver an exceptional digital experience tailored to your needs.

“eNaira makes diaspora payments cheap and safe to ensure you get more value for every Naira you earn.

“Financial Government Aids gets straight to you. eNaira knocks the middlemen out the way and you can claim funds directly.

“The faster, the better. eNaira makes it possible to send funds, save money, and save time while at it.

“Boycott the queues and pay taxes, and bills from the comfort of your home. It’s easier and it’s dependable

“Worried about the safety and security of banking details? Rest assured; the transparency makes everything traceable.

“Now there’s enough room for everyone to enjoy banking services. The process is easy and the process is simple.

For Government

“Through a reduction in cash handling costs and more transparent taxing systems, eNaira makes more funds available for development projects such as better feeder roads, affordable education, and more equipped health facilities. Spending eNaira, will make for richer Government and richer people.

“eNaira creates easy access to financial services at remote areas that have suffered financial exclusion for years

“With eNaira, tax evasion is history because eNaira ensures the traceability of taxable assets and enforces transparency in the taxation systems thereby increasing revenue.

“eNaira enables the government to send direct welfare allowance to citizens and communities that are beneficiaries of such interventions.

“eNaira facilitates instant cross-border foreign exchange which boosts the economic growth of the nation.

“eNaira greatly reduces the costs of handling cash, from minting all the way to destruction, the Federal government saves cost

“eNaira minimizes fraudulent activities and shady deals such as money laundering, and illegal money deals because of the trackable unique ID of each eNaira.

For Non-Governmental Organisations

“The transparent nature of the currency also benefits Non-Governmental Organisations, donations can be made easily, and easy tracking of usage.

“eNaira offers local and international Non-Governmental Organizations and Religious Institutions money transaction solutions that ensure that, at the end of the day, their focus is trained more on carrying out their projects than on the security and usage of the money backing each project. This is because the confidence that the money will do exactly what it was purposed to do, even faster, cheaper, and safer than previously obtainable is what eNaira offers.

“International NGOs can now send and receive donations and contributions across countries with a faster, easier, cheaper, and safer method than previously obtainable, without the old hassles of rigorous money transfer bottlenecks.

“Community and Aid project beneficiaries do not have to wait so long to receive what has been promised them anymore. Once the beneficiary owns an eNaira wallet, all aid goes straight from the wallet of the NGO to the wallet of the beneficiary in seconds.

“Religious institutions now have a cleaner and more direct means of gathering collections by members, eliminating the costs and risks of cash handling.

“Micro-donations are now so much more possible for welfare projects, whereby, denominational limits are not placed on what can be donated, giving all cadres of donors a chance to give in situations where “looking for transaction balances” would have deterred them.

“Expense-tracking and report-development for social projects for NGOs have become nearly automated with eNaira, as the traceability of each eNaira ensures that balancing ledgers and knowing the exact identity of the recipient of each eNaira occurs at near-real-time and in tandem with the very transfer of funds itself.

“NGOs and Religious institutions do not have to worry about cases where hired project managers abscond with money set aside for welfare projects when they use eNaira, as forgery and counterfeiting of eNaira units is impossible due to its unique identity and the fortified security backing its Distributed Ledger System.”

For Businesses

For businesses, eNaira promises to help customers pay for their services with ease.

“eNaira helps your customers pay for your services with such ease that keeps them coming back. With eNaira, your customer base spreads beyond the shores of Nigeria because overseas payment is not just possible but fast and even cheap. The more the patronage, the more profit!

“eNaira makes it easier for you to get support allowance from the government because the CBN has your wallet information and can make direct deposits on behalf of the government. eNaira gives your customers a super-easy payment option through its QR Code Scan feature and it makes them keep coming back.

“eNaira promotes efficient and straightforward cross-border payments which foster profitable foreign business partnerships. eNaira peer-to-peer payment feature facilitates a boost in eCommerce and gives the in-mall experience to friends physically separated by distance.

“eNaira opens up a whole new customer base you did not know existed, with the increased customers, business growth is guaranteed. With eNaira businesses can easily make sales in any country because the eNaira is 100percent local and 100percent global,” the CBN said

Extraordinary Rendition And The Laws Of Nations

By
The Source
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Aloy Ejimakor

By Aloy Ejimakor

The act of extraordinary rendition by the State has led to the dramatic development of a fairly large body of jurisprudence in many nations. Both in civil and common law countries, the juridical reactions to extraordinary rendition is pretty much the same. The decided cases point to a vested and predictable universal rule on extraordinary rendition that should guide any judiciary that finds itself confronted with it.

For obvious reason, I will not name names or render my personal or professional opinion on the impact of extraordinary rendition on the validity of prosecution of the person renditioned. What I will do is to simply give excerpts of a few pertinent cases from the United Kingdom, New Zealand and South Africa that have, in addition to a few others, set universal precedents on extraordinary rendition.

First, we go with the United Kingdom where, in the matter of Regina versus Horseferry Road Magistrates Court, the House of Lords held that “Where a defendant in a criminal matter had been brought back to the United Kingdom in disregard of available extradition process and in breach of international law and the laws of the state where the defendant had been found, the courts in the United Kingdom should take cognisance of those circumstances and refuse to try the defendant”. This case was reported in 1994 and it is good law to this day, not only in Britain but in many other countries where the courts have cited to it with much approval.

Let us now turn to New Zealand, another common law country where the Court of Appeal, in Reg versus Hartley, held that “There are explicit statutory directions that surround the extradition procedure. For the protection of the public, the statute rightly demands the sanction of recognised court processes before any person who is thought to be a fugitive offender can properly be surrendered from one country to another. In our opinion there can be no possible question here of the court turning a blind eye to action of the New Zealand police which has deliberately ignored those imperative requirements of the statute”.

Continuing, the Court stated that “Some may say that in the present case a New Zealand citizen attempted to avoid a criminal responsibility by leaving the country: that his subsequent conviction has demonstrated the utility of the short cut adopted by the police to have him brought back. But this must never become an area where it will be sufficient to consider that the end has justified the means. The issues raised by this affair are basic to the whole concept of freedom in society”.

It is instructive that, in reaching this judgment, the New Zealand court cited to cases decided not only in Australia, including particularly the Australian locus classicus in Brown versus Lizar. This case was reported in 1978 and it was cited by the House of Lords in reaching the decision it did in Regina versus Horseferry Road Magistrates Court.

Now, let us come home to Africa where, in Ebrahim versus Minister of Justice, the South African Court of Appeal, in as recent as 2000, considered the case of an appellant, a member of the military wing of the African National Congress who had fled South Africa while under a restriction order. Thereafter, he was abducted in Swaziland by agents of South African government and renditioned to South Africa. He was subsequently charged with treason, convicted and sentenced to 20 years imprisonment.

The appellant had, prior to his trial filed an application before a High Court, seeking to restrain his prosecution on grounds that his abduction was in breach of international law and thus unlawful. The application failed and the trial continued. On appeal, the Court of Appeal held that the common law regards the removal of a person from a foreign country in which he had been “illegally arrested” to another country as tantamount to abduction and thus constituted a serious injustice that should bar his prosecution.

Continuing, the court held that the individual had to be protected against unlawful detention and against abduction, that the State is bound by rules and “had to come to court with clean hands”, especially when the State itself is a party to the proceedings. The court stated that this requirement was clearly not satisfied when the State was involved in the abduction of a person across its borders.

Accordingly, the court held that appellant’s application to stop his prosecution on the basis of the extraordinary rendition should have succeeded. And “as the appellant should never have been prosecuted, the consequences of the trial had to be undone”. Expectedly, the Court proceeded to set aside the conviction of the appellant, and he walked free.

Ejimakor, a Lawyer, wrote in from Abuja.

Imo: Uzodinma Sets Up Judicial Commission of Inquiry On Security Breaches

By
Adesina Soyooye
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0
Hope Uzodimma

By Adesina Soyooye

Appoints Willie Amadi Chief Technical Adviser On Environment

All things being equal, the remote cause of the unprecedented insecurity which recently engulfed Imo State will be unraveled. And so will the actors and those behind them.

Imo State Governor, Senator  Hope Uzodinma, has set up a Judicial Commission of Inquiry On Recent Security Breaches In the State.

The breaches were so bad that people were beheaded, many were shot dead, others were burnt alive, Security Personnels were killed, Security facilities, including the Headquarters of the Imo State Police Command were attacked, and so was the Correctional Centre, Owerri, were attacked, and so were houses of innocent people.

The unbelievable was when the country home of the Governor was attacked, part of it razed, and a Security personnel attached  to his house, killed. Many innocent people were killed all over the State. Businesses and properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira, were lost. Hospitality business was reduced to zero. And so was the Entertainment industry for which Owerri was well known.

Life became short and brutish, and the once peaceful State became a danger zone. Nobody wanted to visit Imo.

Everything was attributed to  “unknown gunmen” who brazenly roamed the State on a killing spree. Accusations and counter accusations were made. Fingers pointed.

The situation has, however, improved.

It is to get to the root of what and who were responsible for the atrocities and how it could be prevented in future that Uzodinma  set up this Judicial Commission.

To Chair the Commission is the recently retired Hon. Justice Eze-Ohiri Fred Njemanze.  Barr (Ms) Nkechi Obioha, a Principal State Counsel is the Secretary.

Other members of the Commission are:

*CP Nicholas Nkemdeme, Rtd.

*Nnamdi Gogo Okwuosa

*Peter Uwa

*Ethelbert Nwachukwu

*Barr Bright Chika Ononeze.

The Commission has an initial 60 days to seat.

The inauguration ceremony was done on Tuesday, September 28th, 2021, by the Governor.

Enters, Willie Amadi

In another development, Governor Hope Uzodinma has appointed a very competent hand as his Chief Technical Adviser on Environment.

Willie Amadi, a lawyer, from Owerri Municipal, is at home with this appointment. A well traveled, cosmopolitan man, he was the engine room of the popular Clean & Green initiative during former Governor Ikedi Ohakim’s Government, which earned Owerri the pride of place as the cleanest State Capital in Nigeria.

It is hoped that a combination of Chief Amadi’s experience, energy and zeal for work will do the miracle again, and give the Governor’s Urban Renewal Project a massive push.

Until recently, Amadi was a Federal Commissioner, representing the State on the Public Complaints Commission.

Ohakim To Challenge AGF Taking Over Case, Says It Cannot Stand Interrogation

By
The Source
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0
Ikedi Ohakim

Former Imo State Governor, Ikedi Ohakim, will  promptly and vigorously challenge the ruling of a Federal High Court which granted leave to the Attorney General of the Federation to take over his prosecution. The matter relates to nude videos of an acquaintance of his, Chinyere Amuchinwa.

Ohakim’s Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, Esq, is crying foul, insisting that the ruling ridicules the law.

In a strongly-worded statement, Ejimakor said that not only has the complaints, the Police, discontinued the case, Police Forensic investigation revealed that the said nude photographs were the handiwork of the said Ms Amuchinwa.

Moreover, Ejimakor said, Amuchinwa is already standing trial in an FCT High Court over the case. He also pointed out that: “This whole saga persists because Dr Ohakim, as a former Governor, and a politically exposed person, has detractors that have latched on this case to tarnish his stellar reputation.”

Following is the full text of  Ejimakor’s statement entitled:

AGF taking over case of Dr Ikedi Ohakim is erroneous

“This press release pertains to a ruling yesterday by a Federal High Court in Abuja granting leave to the Attorney-General of the Federation to take over the prosecution Dr Ikedi Ohakim over a matter relating to nude videos of one Chinyere Amuchinwa.

“Having considered the ramifications of this ruling, we now wish to inform the public that while we continue to abide in respects for decisions of Courts, this very ruling will be promptly challenged in all appropriate fora, because it bears no relevance to the material particulars of the dispute.

Aloy Ejimakor
Aloy Ejimakor

At worst, the ruling created false impressions that, in the course of time, will be fully dealt with. Meanwhile, the emphasis needs to be made that this whole saga persists because Dr Ohakim, as a former Governor and a politically exposed person, has detractors that have latched on this case to tarnish his stellar reputation.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the said Chinyere Amuchinwa is already a defendant before an FCT High Court on the same set of facts that the Federal High Court  made the instant ruling against Dr Ohakim.

“This development should have foreclosed this later ruling because, at law, Dr Ohakim cannot lawfully face trial on the same set of facts upon which Ms Amuchinwa was already facing trial.

“It is, also, pertinent to note that these Charges were, already, discontinued by the Complainants (Nigeria Police) before someone suddenly materialized from the office of the Attorney-General, insisting on taking over the case.

“In particular, Ms Amuchinwa is facing trial because official Police forensic evidence revealed that she was the one that produced the nude video she had accused Dr Ohakim of photoshopping. So, one wonders why a Court should rule that Dr Ohakim will stand trial on a matter upon which forensic evidence had exonerated him.

“Further, this Court ruling seemingly ignored the long and twisted history of the case. In addition to the damning forensic evidence on the nude video, the other reason Nigerian Police Force discontinued the related Charges against Dr Ohakim was when they became aware that the Charges were brought in flagrant disobedience of an extant order of a competent court.

“In the light of the above, we are convinced that this very ruling was made per incuriam (in manifest error) and will thus not survive the avalanche of the legal challenges that will be brought to bear, sooner than later.”

Establish A Deep Sea Port In Ondo, Akeredolu Tells Federal Govt

By
Ayodele Oni
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Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State
Rotimi Akeredolu

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Governor, Mr Rrotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has said that an alternative sea port in Ondo State will ease the logjam at the Apapa Port in Lagos.

He has, therefore, called on the Federal Government to look into the establishment of the Deep Sea Port in the State.

The Governor, who said Ondo is strategically positioned, explained that goods are moved through the Sunshine State to the Southeast, Southsouth, Northwest and North-central.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Richard Olatunde, stated that the Governor spoke on Tuesday at the South-West Export Enlightenment and Engagement Forum in Akure, the state capital.

The theme of the event was “Maximizing Export Potentials In The South-West Region For Economic Growth”.

Governor Akeredolu stressed that investors had already shown interest in developing the Port, saying the state has the deepest draught in West Africa.

“Everything going to southeast or South-South and the North pass through Ondo state. All these activities will make us to advise the Federal Government on the importance of Port  Ondo.

“Apapa will be decongested. We can boast of the deepest draught in West Africa. We are ready and we have done our work and people have shown interest.

“It is a pity we have to go through a lot of protocols including the port declaration.”

Governor Akeredolu, who also highlighted his administration’s efforts on agriculture development, disclosed that Governors in the Southwest are steadily working together on the sector through the Southwest Agric Company (SWAgCo).

According to the Governor, SWAgCo is a registered company under the Oodua conglomerate which was created for effective exploration of agricultural resources in the region.

Mr Akeredolu pointed out the Akure airport which was originally designed as a cargo airport should be given due attention so that it can serve its purpose.

“The airport in Akure is so busy now  but it is not serving the purpose for which it was established.

“The Akure airport was established as a cargo airport. We have said it should have a refrigerated area where people can refrigerate their goods before exporting them.”

While speaking on the efforts of his administration in improving Cocoa production, the Governor said: “In Ondo state, we have had some transformation since we got in.

“Ondo is the leading exporter of cocoa in Nigeria. It is an unfortunate development that we are not the leading producer in West Africa.

“When we came in, we knew there must be a transition. I see Agric as a business. When we came in, I met experts who spoke to us.

“They made a case for Agricpreneurs. That led us to Youth on the Ridges. We have trained about 5000 youth. That was our approach to it.

“Today, we try to unlock the Agric sector by creating a conducive environment. In creating it, we are a One-Stop-Shop.

“We have the Ondo State Development and Investment Promotion Agency (ONDIPA) here, when you need land they must look for it.

“Today, we are not seriously exporting cassava but we need to do that. Many countries are in dare need of cassava. We have the cassava to ethanol plant.

“We have gone into partnership with NNPC. Another cassava to ethanol company is coming up in Ose. Cassava for us becomes so important.

“And poultry. We have set up an industry that will be producing powder egg. The company is almost afoot to produce powder egg.

“And on Cocoa added value,  we have tried to do that.  Today, Ondo State can be proud of a chocolate factory.

“We have put a lot of intervention in place to double our cocoa export. We have a single estate approach in jugbere.

“We have 10,000 hectares in Jugbere. We should be able to improve to 150,000 metric tons per year from 80,000 that we currently produce.

“We have started a major revolution in Nigeria here in Ondo State called red gold. It has to do with palm. We must support the zero oil economy.”

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Demands Bodies of The Dead, Declares Day Of Mourning

By
Ayodele Oni
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0

By Ayodele Oni

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide has announced the cancellation of its earlier scheduled Igbo Day celebration against Wednesday.

Instead, it has now decided to declare “Igbo Day of Mourning.”

This was announced in a statement signed by the national publicity secretary, Comrade Temple Chika.

According to the statement, the day of mourning, with the theme “Ozoemena” will now replace Igbo Day which is usually celebrated annually on the September 29.

The statement reads:

“This is to inform all Igbos both home and in the diaspora about the cancellation of 2021 IGBO DAY slated previously to hold in Enugu and Awka, Anambra State, respectively, on 29th September 2021.

“We urge Ndigbo to observe the WORLD IGBO DAY OF MORNING in remembrance of all IGBO MARTYRS both at home and diaspora, whose lives were cut short at their prime age during security operations, herdsmen, Obigbo/Orlu massacres, killings in the North by Boko Haram and banditry.

“The mood of Ndigbo nowadays depicts mourning both traditionally and religiously.

“Consequently, there will be no fanfare, no jubilation and acrobatic cultural displays as obtained from the annual Igbo Day Celebrations in the past few years.

“There are attempts to commit ethnic cleansing in the name of fighting against the IPOB.

“The ongoing secret killings across Igboland must stop. God will restore peace and security across Igboland as we openly mourn.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo demands the unconditional release of bodies from mortuaries (especially in Imo State) of Igbos wrongly killed as suspected IPOB members to their various families for burials.”

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