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Air Peace: US Closes On Onyema, Could Be Jailed For Money Laundering |The Source

September 8, 2020

By Tosin Olatokunbo

Billionaire owner of Air Peace Allen Onyema could be heading for jail in the United States of America, following discovery that the businessman used money laundered from the Amnesty Programme to purchase several aircrafts for the company.

Air Peace is Nigeria’s largest Airlines and has aided the federal government in several airlifting of stranded Nigerians from abroad, including from South Africa, where Nigerians suffered xenophobia last year.

The revelation by the US Department of Justice, DOJ, now poses multiple challenges and risks for the airline if the US government successfully prosecutes the charges of money laundering against Onyema in court, watchers of events told the magazine.

Last year, the US government tried to repatriate Onyema from Nigeria to answer charges bordering on money laundry, but the effort was frustrated by a law suit instituted by the business tycoon.

New facts have now emerged in the case that may finally seal the fate of the Air Peace boss, who has been linked with many influential government officials in the country.

He has been accused by the US government of having a link with Kinsley Kuku, a former Special Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, who allegedly stole several billions from the Presidential Amnesty Programme and connived with Onyema to launder the funds to the United States between 2010 and 2013.

Apart from Onyema, Chibudom Nwuche, a former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives was also accused of laundering at least $8 million from the Amnesty Programme.

In a view to thoroughly prosecute the case, the US, the magazine learnt has formally written a letter to the Nigerian government under the Treaty for Mutual Legal Assistance between both countries asking for the transfer of the case files of investigations conducted on Kuku, who coincidentally was deported from the United States last year by the Department of Homeland Security over immigration fraud after investigators discovered that he laundered at least $44 million from the Amnesty office through multiple US bank accounts.

The former Amnesty Boss has been investigated by the Economic and Financial Commission, EFCC, for stealing N2.7 billion from the office while served under former President Goodluck Jonathan.

But Kuku said his prosecution is politically motivated.

In another letter, two weeks ago, according to sources, the DOJ asked federal government for bank account records of “Air Peace Limited, Ifechukwu Allen Athan Onyema, Tarere Vivenne Kuku alias Nnamani Chika Vivienne, All Times Peace Media, Every Child Limited, Foundation of Ethnic Harmony in Nigeria and Allen Onyema and Company, Global Spectrum Energy Services Plc” amongst others, sources say to enable it prosecute all those involved in the scam.

The “Records should be for the period between April 1, 2010, and the presen” the DOJ said in the letter sent to the Nigerian government.

Recall that in November last year, the United States DOJ disclosed that the Air Peace boss, and the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, Ejiroghene Eghagha, have been indicted and charge for bank fraud and money laundering for moving more than $20 million from Nigeria through United States bank accounts through false schemes.]

According to the indictment “Onyema allegedly leveraged his status as a prominent business leader and airline executive while using falsified documents to commit fraud. We will diligently protect the integrity our banking system from being corrupted by criminals, even when they disguise themselves in a cloak of international business,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.

Also Robert J. Murphy, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Field Division said Onyema is a fraudulent businessman hiding under the cloak of being a humanitarian to perpetuate criminal activities.

He said “Allen Onyema’s status as a wealthy businessman turned out to be a fraud. He corrupted the U.S. banking system, but his trail of deceit and trickery came to a skidding halt. DEA would like to thank the many law enforcement partners and the subsequent prosecution by the U.S. Attorney’s Office who aided in making this investigation a success.”

Another Agent working in the case Thomas J. Holloman, IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge of the Atlanta Field Office, said the US is poised to protect her financial system from been corrupted by people like Onyema, who he said is trying to profit from the country’s system.

Holloman shed more lights on the scam “This case is a prime example of why IRS-CI seeks to partner and leverage its expertise in an effort to thwart those seeking to exploit our nation’s financial system.

“With the importance of our banking system to the movement of money around the world, those attempting to use intricate schemes to commit bank fraud through the use of falsified documents and other means should know that the odds are now heavily stacked against them as law enforcement is combining its talents to protect the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s financial system.”

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the scam started in 2010, after Onyema began travelling frequently to Atlanta, where he opened several personal and business bank accounts, and between 2010 and 2018, he transferred over $44.9 million into his Atlanta-based accounts using Nigerian banks.

Part of the fund was later used in purchasing purchasing several airplanes for the airline, using the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony and International Center for Non-Violence and Peace, two Non-governmental organizations owned by the businessman.

He alongside his partner, Egahgha, the report said also used other companies such as the All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited and Every Child Limited, to draw a series of export letters of credit to transfer more than $20 million into Atlanta-based bank accounts owned by him.

He later laundered another $16 million through the same fraudulent scheme, which was used to purchase five Boeing 737 passenger planes for Air Peace, the DOJ said.

In summary the DOJ said “Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 56, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Ejiroghene Eghagha, 37, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud. Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft.”

Onyema, is the founder and Chairman of several NGOs which are used in promoting peace across Nigeria, including the Foundation for Ethnic Harmony, International Center for Non-Violence and Peace Development, and All-Time Peace Media Communications Limited.

Breaking: Oba of Benin Says Obaseki Was Imposed On Edo People |The Source

The Source

September 8, 2020

By Gideon Njoku

Candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the Edo State September, 19, 2020 Governorship Election, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, has revealed an aspect of the peace meeting the Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare 11, held with the leaders of the APC and the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, in his Palace.

Worried by the tension in the state, and the violence so far recorded in the campaigns, the revered Monarch invited both parties to a peace meeting, and told them they were giving him sleepless nights.

He warned them not to reduce the state to a war zone, and told them to call their followers to order, and asked them to emulate former President Goodluck Jonathan, who held a peaceful election in 2015, and shed no blood.

But on Monday, Ize-Iyamu revealed an aspect of the meeting which was not made public.

In an interview on Channels Television, part if which was aired Monday evening, Ize-Iyamu revealed that the Oba said before everybody present, including the PDP candidate, and incumbent Governor of the state, Godwin Obaseki, that Obaseki was imposed on the state by former National Chairman of the APC, who was also a former Governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, in 2015.

Ize-Iyamu: “The Oba said that Obaseki was imposed on the people. He said it before Obaseki.”

If the Oba said that, then, it runs contrary to the Palace policy not to get involved in politics.

Ize-Iyamu, also, slammed Obaseki for saying he would retire Oshiomhole from politics on September 19.

He told his interviewer, Seun Okinbaloye, who asked him the question on Oshiomhole’s retirement boast by Obaseki, that it was arrogant of the Governor to have made such a claim.

Ize-Iyamu: “That was wicked and reckless of him. How could he? Is he God? It means he wants to be a godfather. Who is he?”

He continued: “Obaseki was a nobody when Oshiomhole made him Governor. He did not belong. He did not know his ward, and had never voted before. The first time he voted was in 2016. What he said was reckless and wicked. Somebody raises you, and you turn around to say you will retire the person.”

He, also, alleged that most of Obaseki’s aides would vote for him, Ize-Iyamu, even though they are Obaseki’s aldes.

There are strong reasons to believe that the September 19 election will be violent. Supporters of both parties have been at daggers drawn since the campaign began.

Oshiomhole who, in 2015, backed Obaseki against Ize-Iyamu is now backing the later. Both candidates exchanged seats as candidates of the PDP and APC. While Obaseki who ran and won the governorship against Ize -Iyamu and his PDP is now the candidate of the PDP, Ize-Iyamu who ran on the PDP ticket is now the candidate of the APC.

Corruption Probe: Allow Me Interrogate Malami – Magu |The Source

Adesina Soyooye

September 7, 2020

By Adesina Soyooye

Suspended Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Magu, wants to interrogate Nigeria’s Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN.

Magu was intercepted on his way to a meeting at the Force Headquaters, and taken before a Judicial Panel of Inquiry, set up by President Muhammadu Buhari to look into the affairs of the EFCC under him.

Magu’s problems began when Malami wrote a damnimg letter to the President alleging corruption and insubordination on the part of Magu in the running of the EFCC.

He has since been suspended from office by the Probe panel headed by a retired President of the Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice Ayo Salami.

Since the probe began, Magu has been crying foul, and alleging unfairness on the part of the Panel. He says he has not been given a copy of the many allegations against him. He decries the appearance, before the Panel, of those he says have cases before the EFCC. He accuses the Media of publishing untrue proceedings from the Panel. He says he has not been well treated by either the Panel, or a section of the Media.

Members of the Public had expected that the Panel ought to have submitted its report by now. But, it’s been dragging, obviously, over the work load , and the sensitivity of the issues at hand.

Last week, the Panel, reportedly, asked for another 45 days to round up its business. But fearing he could be short-changed if the Panel rounds up without him confronting his main accuser, Magu has told the Panel to give him the opportunity to cross-examine Malami.

He always held the opinion that Malami is a stumbling block in the fight against corruption.

On September 4, Magu wrote a letter to the Chairman of the Panel, asking to be given the opportunity to cross-examine his nemesis, Malami. He asked the Panel to subpoena Minister Malami to enable him cross-examine him.

Whether Magu will be granted the opportunity to do that, is left at the discretion on the members of the Panel and the Chairman.

But, following is Magu’s letter to the Panel, signed on his behalf by his Counsel, Wahab Shittu.

It is addressed to the Chairman.

The Chairman,

Judicial Commission of Inquiry

For The Investigation of Mr Ibrahim MAGU

The Ag. Chairman of the EFCC

For Alleged Abuse of Office and Mismanagement of

Federal Government Recovered Assets and Finances

From MAY 2015 TO MAY 2020

My lord and Gentlemen,

RE- FLAGRANT ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE AND OTHER INFRACTIONS COMMITTED BY MR. IBRAHIM MAGU, ACTING CHAIRMAN OF THE ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) BEING EXTRACTS OF PENDING PETITIONS- REQUEST TO ISSUE A SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM AND AD TESTIFICANDUM ON THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE FEDERATION

We remain counsel of choice to Mr Ibrahim Magu, the suspended Acting Chairman of the ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) hereinafter referred to as “Our Client” and on whose behalf and specific instructions as we write as follows:

We hereby apply for the issuance of a Subpoena Ad Testificandum and Subpoena Duces Tecum on the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami (SAN) to appear before this Judicial Commission of Inquiry to give evidence concerning his memo to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari in connection with the subject matter of this inquiry titled; “FLAGRANT ABUSE OF PUBLIC OFFICE AND OTHER INFRACTIONS COMMITTED BY MR. IBRAHIM MAGU, ACTING CHAIRMAN ECONOMIC AND FINANCIAL CRIMES COMMISSION (EFCC) BEING EXTRACTS OF PENDING PETITIONS”.

Section 5(c) of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2004 dealing with the Powers of the tribunal with regard to conduct of proceedings reads as follows;

“the power to summon any person in Nigeria to attend any meeting of the tribunal to give evidence or produce any document or other thing in his possession and to examine him as a witness or require him to produce any document or other thing in his possession, subject to all just exceptions. Summonses issued under this paragraph may be in Form A in the schedule to this act and shall be served by the police or by such person as the members may direct”

Section 6 of the Tribunals of Inquiry Act 2004 dealing with the Powers of the Chairman to issue summons, etc. reads as follows;

“Where more members than one constitute a tribunal, the chairman shall have power on behalf of the tribunal all such summonses, subpoenas and other processes and make such necessary appointments as may be required under this Act either before or during the inquiry until the submission of the tribunal’s final report”

In the referred memo widely circulated in the social media which triggered these proceedings, the Honourable Attorney General submitted amongst others as follows;

“The Acting Chairman of EFCC is not acting in the overall best interest of the country and the policies of this administration due to its Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency in Managing Recovered Assets; Diversion of Recovered Assets for Personal Enrichment; Neglecting to Investigate the P&ID case as directed by the President; Flagrant Disobedience to Directives and to Court Orders due to the following; Final Report Of The Presidential Committee on Audit Of Recovered Assets (PCARA): Mismanagement and Lack of Transparency in Managing Recovered Assets”

The Honourable Attorney General further said;

“Mismanagement of Recovered Assets and Diversion for Personal Enrichment”

“The Acting Chairman has also neglected and refused blantantly to comply with the Regulations on the Management of Recovered Assets,2019”

“The Acting Chairman does not want a proper and transparent procedure for the management of assets as directed by your Excellency through me”

We believe that consistent with the fundamental principles of fair hearing as guaranteed under Section 36 of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.

Our client is entitled to be confronted with copies of allegations against him as well as the opportunity to confront his main accuser (in this case, the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation) to enable our client raise issues concerning the allegations and cross-examine the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation on the substance and credibility of his allegations against our client.

Section 36 (1) of the constitution provides;

“In the determination of his civil rights and obligations, including any question or determination by or against any government or authority, a person shall be entitled to a fair hearing within a reasonable time by a court or other tribunal established by law and constituted in such manner as to secure its independence and impartiality”

Please refer to SECTION 36 (6) (A) (B) (C) (D) CFRN 1999 which provides as follows

“Every person who is charged with a criminal offence shall be entitled to

“Be informed promptly in the language that he understands and in details of the nature of the offence
Be given adequate time and facility for the preparation of his defence
Defend himself in person or by, legal practitioners of his own choice
Examine, in person or by his legal practitioners, the witnesses called by the prosecution before any court or tribunal and obtain the attendance and carry out the examination of witnesses to testify on his behalf before the court or tribunal on the same conditions as those applying to the witnesses called by the prosecution”

Based on the foregoing, we humbly request that the Honourable Attorney General who is the main accuser in these proceedings be graciously invited to give evidence in connection with the subject matter of this inquiry with specific reference to our client in the interest of FAIR HEARING.

We believe this request ought to be resolved before our client is called upon to enter his defence in these proceedings.

Most obliged my Lord.

With assurances of our kind regards, please accept our best wishes.

Wahab Shittu (ESQ)

WK SHITTU & CO

Nobody, for now knows what the report will be like, but there is,almost a consensus that Magu is not likely to go back to his high profile office.

Meanwhile, there are reports that the FG, is restructuring the Commission, wherby a Director General will be in charge of the day to day running of the Commission.

Ondo 2020: Group To Organize Debates For Contestants |The Source

Ayodele Oni

September 7, 2020

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

A group, made up of civil societies organizations, labour, professional bodies, media, and religious bodies has concluded arrangements to organize a debate for Governorship candidates in the October 10 polls.

The group, Face the Voter Initiative, explained at a press conference on Monday, in Akure, that the debate is aimed at creating a credible platform for an effective interface between candidates and the people in the first instance, and among the candidates themselves.

According to the spokesman of the group, Dr Gbenga Abimbola, the goal of election debates is to promote political tolerance, constructive dialogue and selfless service to the people.

“Election debate provides a neutral platform where candidates of political parties are grilled by independent moderators on critical issues to enable the audience to compare the candidates’ positions on such issues.

“As a matter of fact, debates are often the only time during a campaign when candidates are together at the same time in the same place.

“Debates also seek to fill the gap created by the one-way communication model that characterizes campaigns whereby politicians only talk at the people without allowing people to ask questions.”

Dr Abimbola, a lecturer at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba, pointed out that the idea was conceived and owned by critical stakeholders within the state to make it indigenous.

“This is because the organisers are stakeholders entirely domiciled in the state with the advantage of understanding of the terrain that makes it possible for our story to be better told by us.

“It affords the contestants the opportunity to meet the Independent National Electoral Commission’s directive to political parties and their candidates to explore the media option (both conventional and social platforms) to reach the electorate rather than mass gathering campaigns in line with the Covid-19 protocols.

“The event, which will hold on 29th of September and 4th of October, will be broadcast live on Radio and Television stations based in the state as well as on digital platforms.

“The Independent National Electoral Commission and domestic/international observers are being invited to monitor the debates while security agencies shall be on ground to maintain law and order.

“The target audience is primarily the citizens of the Sunshine State who are going to elect a governor come October 10, 2020.

He advised political parties participating in this year’s election to take advantage of the initiative and participate in the public debates where their candidates will showcase the stuff they are made of by answering questions on critical sectors of the state’s economy and development.

“This will afford the electorate the rare opportunity to meet them in real terms,” he added.

Pastor Ibieyomie Threatens To Arrest Daddy Freeze For Insulting Bishop Oyedepo |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

September 7, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

On Air Personality and Social Critic, Daddy Freeze, may soon be in stormy waters over his continuous criticisms of Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Bible Church, Popularly known as Winners Chapel.

General Overseer of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, a Spiritual Son and Protege of Bishop Oyedepo, has threatened to deal with Daddy Freeze, and get him arrested if he does not desist from insulting Oyedepo.

Daddy Freeze had recently condemned Oyedepo for saying women should submit to their husbands to have a fruitful marriage and on issues surrounding Company and Allied Matters Act, CAMA, and Covid-19.

The issue of Oyedepo’s advise to Women to be submissive to their husbands did sink well with Daddy Freeze, who said that Oyedepo’s advice was a misquote of the scriptures.

However, while reacting to Daddy Freeze’s comment, Pastor Ibiyeomie, during his Sunday service warned him not to ever insult Oyedepo or talk about him.

According to the Cleric, he cannot be alive and watch someone insult his father, Oyedepo”.

He said, “I can’t be alive and you insult my father. The day Daddy Freeze insults Oyedepo I will deal with him and arrest him.

“Who gave birth to you? Do you have a father? Show us his picture.”

“Oyedepo will not talk but I can’t be alive and you insult my father. I curse the day you were born.

“I will tear you into pieces, you ba….d. He is insulting him because he has no father.”

“You can never insult a father if you have one, be warned. A man whose wife left him, has no good job, will be insulting my father and people will be laughing online. I will never be alive to see such and do nothing again.”

Pastor Ibieyomie is known for his antecedent, having sued Blogger, Kemi Olunloyo for defaming him, in which Olunloyo was found guilty and locked-up at the PH prosons for some period of time.

Corruption Cases: Malami Writes Group, Demands More Time On Case Files |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

September 7, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, has requested for more time before he could release files containing corruption charges against former Senator Dino Melaye and other Corruption Cases.

The Civil Society Network Against Corruption, (CSNAC) had tackled the Justice Minister, accusing him of scuttling the trial of the former Senator allegedly linked with a string of sleaze both at home and abroad.

In a letter addressed to the Chairman of CSNAC, Olanrewaju Suraju, and made available to the media, Malami requested for an extension of time to study the request for the release of the case files.

Melaye who represented Kogi West was accused of using fictitious names to run series of foreign accounts contrary to the regulations of the Nigerian Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)

In several letters written by CSNAC, the group demanded for the files said to have earlier been retrieved from the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) by Malami, thereby frustrating efforts to bring the lawmaker to justice.

In the letter signed by State Counsel, Nafisat Negi Ibrahim, the Minister said that in view of the nature of the request, the Ministry of Justice demands an extension of time to enable it respond to the request in line with Section 6 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

On Sunday, September 6th, 2020, CSNAC said the request of the Minister for more time to produce the file was “confusing.”

The group said ” We have received response from the Justice Minister. The language is similar to responses in the past. It is a case that will be pursued to its logical end until the files are released and Senator Malaye brought to book”

Suraju said the Melaye trial remains one of the striking cases of corruption that raises suspicions of state complicity indicating an attempt to cover up a high profile case.

According the group, “The minister, who recently accused the suspended Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Ibrahim Magu, of delaying investigation in a complex matter of P&ID In less than one year of investigation will have no Justification for holding a file involving a concluded investigation for almost 3 years”.

On 16th of May, 2018, the anti-corruption group had requested for update on the petition on the matter and got a response from the CCB dated May 22, 2018 stating the transfer of the case file on the request of the Attorney General from the Bureau to the Federal Ministry of Justice.

Again on 13th March, 2020 a request for an update on the matter was submitted to CCB with another reminder in another later dated August 07, 2020.

The Ministry admitted taking over the case file by the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.

The file contained allegations that Senator Dino Melaye was operating foreign bank accounts but that the file had been taken away from the Bureau to the office of the Attorney General of Federation and Minister of Justice in response to the request from the Attorney General vide a letter with reference number DPPA/REO/686/17 dated January 5, 2018.

Covid-19: LASG Re-Opens Recreational Centers, Limit Fun- Seekers |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

September 7, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

There is a sigh of relief for fun seekers as the Lagos State Government has lifted the ban on the closure of recreational centers.

After months of closure due to the Covid-19 Pandemic outbreak ravaging the nation and the world at large, with the LASG fashioning ways to curb its spread, the Government has now approved the reopening of recreational parks in the state for public use.

This move is said to be part of the process aimed at phased return to normalcy.

The magazine gathered that plans are being concluded and necessary measures already put in place to ensure safe reopening.

The General Manager, Lagos State Parks and Gardens Agency ( LASPARK), Adetoun Popoola, said that though public recreational parks in various parts of the state are still being assessed for re-opening, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has given approval for reopening of two parks for public use.

A statement released by the agency’s Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Ajirotutu Titilayo, revealed that the two parks currently re-opened for public use are the Ndubuisi Kanu Park, NKP, in Alausa and Dr. Abayomi Finnih Park, DFP, in Oregun Ikeja.

She added that the government has restricted occupancy limits of the parks to 150 people for Ndubuisi Kanu Park and 100 people for Dr. Abayomi Finnih park respectively.

The LASPARK boss, however, enjoined fun seekers and other members of the public to observe social distancing, among other safety measures advised by health experts in mitigating the spread of the deadly respiratory disease.

“The agency has made necessary arrangements and put in place relevant safety protocols for the public to visit our parks.

“The strict observance of these guidelines including physical distancing, use of face masks, temperature checks, and washing of hands with soap and running water is germane to reduce the risk of exposure to the virus.

“It is also pertinent to mention that children below 5 and Adults over 65years of age are advised to stay home to reduce their risk of infection. All play items and games which have high touch surfaces will also not be operational for now at the parks,” the statement said.

Emene Killings: Right Group Petitions UN, AU, ECOWAS Over Extra Judicial Killings |The Source

Akinwale Kasali

September 7, 2020

By Akinwale Kasali

An Environmental and Human Rights Advocacy Group, the Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development, FENRAD, has condemned, in strong terms, the killings of members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, in Emene, Enugu state, carried out by a team of Nigerian security personnel, on Sunday, August 23, 2020.

FENRAD disclosed in a statement that it is gathering its facts and will be writing to the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU) and the United Nations to demand justice for victims, who were massacred in cold blood.

It reminded the Nigerian government that it is a state, party to the Statute of Rome 1998 which empowers the International Criminal Court (ICC) to prosecute matters of genocide, war crimes and other crimes committed against humanity by individuals (not state parties), adding that the government should have acted well and better.

In a statement signed by Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, and Barr. Olusegun Bamgbose, FENRAD Executive Director and Head Legal Team respectively, noted that members of the proscribed group had gathered at a community school in Emene for training in martial arts or group meeting when Security personnel stormed the scene, resulting in a clash and later use of live bullets which resulted in deaths.

“The incident, it was learnt, led to chaos along St. Patrick’s Secondary School Emene areas as Christian worshippers and faithfuls could not access their Churches in what was, in various media circles, termed “Black Sunday”.

Explaining further, the statement said: “Sadly, this is not the first time Nigerian security agents would carry out coordinated attacks against the group. At the outset of the (President Muhammad) Buhari administration, precisely in December 2015, sympathizers of the group had gathered at National High School Aba to pray when Nigerian soldiers unprovokedly opened fire at them leading to death of scores.

“Other of such killings had since followed at Onitsha, Nkpoor, Ebonyi state and elsewhere in southeast geopolitical zone of Nigeria. In 2017, for example, during a military operation code-named ‘Python Dance II’ or ‘Egwu Eke’, many IPOB members, mostly of Igbo extraction, were drowned in muddy waters, subjected to inhuman and torturous treatments against the rules of engagement leading to public and global cavil and outcry against the Nigerian military.

“To make her actions just, the Nigerian government proscribed IPOB as a terrorist group even when the European Union, United Kingdom and United States differed.

“It should be noted that the name ‘Biafra’ and its demonym ‘Biafran(s)’ both are traceable to Nigerian history, especially her 15th/16th centuries’ history with the Portuguese who visited and traded along coastal towns in the present Delta regions and would be adopted as an actual name for the short-lived republic during the crisis of 1967-1970.

“Unrehearsed and unresolved, Nigeria had matched to independence with attendant ethnic infightings, squabbles and grabby competitions for power which led to military coups and later civil war. The causes of the war are not themselves addressed to this day hence revisionist adults and youths, historically unaware and uninformed in some cases, call for a rematch, even a revisit of 1960s.

“This, FENRAD understands, has always been the trend and trajectory of history of warfare with mankind as seen and evidenced in the World Wars. Today, with Nigeria still unrehearsed and unresolved, many secessionist groups have emerged mostly in the southeast region revisiting the Biafra question, chiefest among these being Movement for the Actualisation of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB as acronymed) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). “Unfortunately, Nigeria does not see nor embrace as part of her history ‘Biafra’ and had often used maximum military force in handling this self-inflicted injury leading in most cases to overkill as seen Emene last Sunday,” the statement said.

Registering its displeasure at the unfortunate incidents, the statement said, FENRAD condemned in strong terms any act capable of endangering public peace and safety by any group. FENRAD notes that even though the Nigerian 1999 constitution (as amended) does not contemplate secession, it cannot equally quote or assert itself over subjects of extant public international law.

“As a successive state to colonial Britain, Nigeria an independent federation (since 1960) and later a Federal Republic (since 1963), inherited many international instruments which under international obligation it is bound by duty to respect and protect.

“By virtue of adopting in chapter 4 of the 1999 constitution the notion of fundamental human rights and, as it were, being signatory to African Charter on Human and People’s Rights (Banjul Charter) of 1981 and a member state to the United Nations committed to respecting and observing international human rights law which includes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Nigeria has a responsibility both domestic and international to ensure that rights (and these include: economic, social, cultural, political and civil rights) of every group are preserved.

“Concerning IPOB in Emene of Enugu state, Nigeria is in default of many inter/national instruments. First, it has violated her own constitution, chapter four (4) precisely; it has violated the UN rights law, especially Paragraph 1 of Article 1, Part I of International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which sanctions the principle of self-determination while also according people right to their own political status; Nigeria has violated also articles 10 and 11 of the Banjul charter which guarantee rights to freedom of association and of assembly.

“While there are many, even conflicting reports about the Emene killings; what however remains surprising is how an unarmed group could disarm an armed one. It should also be noted that prior to the clash there was relative peace and calm as the meeting group did not carry out any act that could jeopardize public peace and order.

“If there was any intelligence report the agencies have against such gathering, FENRAD is not in the know about same. While the number of the dead is not official yet, IPOB claims that twenty-one of its members died while in some media reports the police had said it was three or some number below double digits, FENRAD seeks and shall see to establishment of the truth.

“There is another thing to it; the Nigerian security agencies claim two men of the DSS lost their lives at the hand of the secessionist group and that in that process, arms were taken from them.

“If indeed 21 members died from within IPOB rank, it is beholveful the group comes up with the names of the victims for the world to see and this applies to the security agencies to equally come up with the names of the slain men. But if however, twenty-one members died within the IPOB rank against two within the security agencies’, this then is tantamount to mass atrocity by state actors and total misuse of naked power without due recourse to proportionality.

“Today in Northern part of Nigeria are armed non-state actors like the dreaded Fulani herdsmen and the so-called bandits all ruinning over that region and disrupting public peace and order, never had the federal government made a single arrest nor prosecution of a single bandit or an armed herder and never had that same government applied the same scale of force it uses on IPOB in this context. Available records show how the government of Nigeria has had to violate international norms in the handling of the IPOB issue.

“Even Northern Kaduna and Katsina states in addition to the BAY states (Borno, Adamawa and Yobe) today are beset with genocidal carnage and terrorism yet the same Nigerian military has not been able to curb, contain and control this.

“FENRAD, having studied this trend from the get-go of it to now and guided by respect for international law and regulations will no longer condone rights abuses by any group, be they secssionist or those called to contain them. FENRAD demands that those alleged IPOB members still in police custody at Enugu be charged to court forthwith.

Cross River: The Untold Story of PDP, APC Bye Election Primaries |The Source

The Source

September 7, 2020

By Chidi Levi

A former chairman of Cross River state SUBEB, Dr.Steve Odey, and loyalist of the state Governor , Professor Ben Ayade, Saturday emerged candidate of People’s Democratic Party, PDP, for the state’s Northern Senatorial bye election scheduled for next month.

Odey beat a sitting member of the House of Representatives, Hon.Agom Jarigbe Agom, described as the arrowhead of the insurrection in the state’s PDP, with 450 votes to emerge victorious.

Odey’s victory brings to a climax, crisis within the state chapter of the party.

Some members of the National Assembly from the state, allegedly funded and backed by a South South PDP governor, are insistent on hijacking the party’s structure from Professor Ayade.

However, party stakeholders within and outside the state, including former Governor Liyel Imoke, insist Ayade is the leader of the party in Cross River, and must be accorded that recognition.

The primary election seems to have opened a new vista in the dispute within the Cross River PDP as the said South south PDP Governor is? allegedly, bent on having his way as to who flies the party’s flag in the bye election.

This, the magazine was told, accounted for Jarigbe’s claim of victory.

It was learnt that when it became apparent to him that he was headed for defeat, Jarigbe stormed out of the Ogoja council secretariat, venue of the primary election, in company with a handful of his supporters, and relocated to a venue, said to be his private resident in the city.

A video footage where he was announced winner of the exercise by an unidentified man has since been circulating.

Our source speaks of the primary: “Jarigbe was at the venue when the election started, he exchanged pleasantries with the electoral observers and the INEC officers.

“He was accredited to participate in the process

When he discovered that he was losing and his opponent was wining, he jumped down from his seat and left the election venue with frustration”.

Governor Ayade: Triumphs over opponents.

This magazine could not confirm if INEC officials, representatives of the national secretariat of the PDP, and representatives of security agencies were present in the parallel gathering that produced Jarigbe, but the exercise at Ogoja council headquarters was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The Chairman of the electoral panel, Hon Olorogun Taleb Tebite, described the process as peaceful and orderly.

He declared Odey as the winner of the primary election having scored the highest number of votes.

One of the INEC officials who observed the primaries, Mr. Amula Timotheus, expressed satisfaction with the exercise.

He said the exercise was conducted in line with INEC guidelines and was therefore, satisfactory.

On his part, the state governor, Sir Ben Ayade, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.

The governor, who spoke moments after casting his vote lauded the peaceful atmosphere under which the election was held.

Professor Zana Akpagu: In tango with Joe Agi over APC ticket

He also commended INEC for playing their observatory role adequately.

Governor Ayade said the election was a family affair as all the candidates are members of the PDP family in the state.

He assured that the party will work together in their collective interest to win the general election.

Meanwhile, factions in the Cross River All Progressives Congress, APC have produced different candidates for the Cross River North senatorial bye election.

While a faction produced the outgoing Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar, Professor Zana Akpagu, the other has as its candidate, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and former PDP gubernatorial aspirant, Joe Agi.

Both men are laying claim to the APC senatorial ticket but Peter Inyali, Media Coordinator for the Zana Akpagu campaign organisation, insists his principal is the bonafide candidate of the party.

Cross River North’s seat in the Senate became vacant in April, following the death of its representative,Senator Rose Okoh.

INEC has fixed October 31st for the bye election to replace the deceased Senator.

APC, PDP Trade Words Over Akeredolu’s Flag-Off Rally |The Source

Ayodele Oni

September 7, 2020

By Ayodele Oni, Akure

The People’s Democratic Party, (PDP) in Ondo state has described last Saturday’s flag off rally of the All Progressives Congress,(APC) as a sham and disgraceful to a self acclaimed ruling party.

Members and chieftains of the APC had defied a heavy downpour to attend the flag off rally, which drew dignitaries from across the country.

Eleven Governors, Senators, House of Representative members as well as APC national leader, Bola Tinubu, and former National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande, all attended the event.

While reacting to the event, the state chapter of the PDP, in a statement by its spokesman, Mr Kennedy Peretei, said there were indications that even the heaven had rejected the party.

“Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, while commissioning the sole project of Rotimi Akeredolu in Akure (Revenue House), said the PDP is dead. This claim is laughable because it can only come out from the mouth of a day dreamer.

“The much hyped flag-off of the Akeredolu Campaign was apparently rejected not only by Ondo people, but even the forces of nature that brought about torrential rainfall.

“Ironically, Tinubu and his hired crowd from Osun and Ekiti States symbolically took solace in umbrellas that dotted the entire Campaign ground.

“Only last year, the PDP defeated the Buhari led APC roundly at the Presidential elections. The PDP also won two out of the three Senatorial Seats in Ondo State. How can such a party by any stretch of imagination, be said to be dead?

“It is shameful that the only project Tinubu came to Commission in three and half years is the Revenue House a building that stands as a sign post of multiple taxation of the Ondo State people 10 percent of which goes directly to the pocket of Akeredolu’s son.

“The PDP is offering affordable education and health care delivery as against Aketi engineered astronomical tuition fees that have thrown many of the students in tertiary institutions out of school.

“By October 10, Tinubu will know which Party is dead in Ondo State.”

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