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OPINION: In the Matter of Dele Farotimi Before The Star Chamber

By
James Orji
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Chidi Anselm Odinkalu
Prof. Chidi Anselm Odinkalu

By Prof Chidi Odinkalu

Paul Anyebe was a judge of the High Court of Benue State in north-central Nigeria who had a young son with sticky fingers and a sense of adventure  It was his role as a dad that endangered his job as a judge.

One night around 1983, Anyebe caught his son attempting to steal from his bedroom. In response, Anyebe pulled his gun in an effort to scare the boy. The gun went off, discharging a bullet which hit and seriously injured the boy. The Attorney-General of Benue State decided to prosecute Paul Anyebe for attempted murder. The Penal Code applicable in Benue State at the time had ample provisions for the crime of attempted murder.

The Attorney-General also added a charge of illegal possession of firearms, a federal offence. Unlike the crime of attempted murder, which was a state crime in Benue State, all firearms offences are federal. The Attorney-General of Benue was well within his powers to prosecute for attempted murder but only the Attorney-General of the Federation could prosecute or authorize prosecution for federal offences.

At the conclusion of the trial, the High Court of Benue State discharged Paul Anyebe on the charge of attempted murder, a state offence, but convicted him on the charge of illegal possession of firearms (a federal offence)for which it sentenced him to three years in prison. The Court of Appeal reduced this sentence to six months in prison or a fine of one hundred Naira. Following this decision and while his appeal was yet to be heard by the Supreme Court, Paul Anyebe was dismissed as a judge.

When the Supreme Court decided Anyebe’s appeal in January 1986, Dahunsi Olugbemi Coker, a Justice of the court, summed up the issue for decision in one sentence: “The short point is whether a State Attorney-General can prosecute an offence created by an Act of the National Assembly.” To this question, the court unanimously responded in the negative. They nullified Anyebe’s trial and ordered the fine paid  – one hundred Naira – refunded to him. The Court of Appeal ordered his reinstatement with full benefits.

Adolphus Godwin Karibi-Whyte, one of the justices who decided Anyebe’s appeal at the Supreme Court, said of what the case decided that ”the Attorney-General of a State has no general authority to exercise the powers of the Attorney-General of the Federation to prosecute in respect of Federal offences.”

One effect of this decision is to preclude the prosecution of federal crimes before state courts. A Magistrates Court is a state court. It does not have jurisdiction over federal crimes.

38 years after the Supreme Court of Nigeria established this principle in Anyebe’s case, the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) on 4 December arraigned lawyer and writer, Dele Farotimi, before a Magistrate in Ekiti State on 16 counts of crimes under the Criminal Code Act, a federal legislation.

Three years ago, Ekiti State enacted into law the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, no. 12 of 2021, which repealed and replaced the state’s pre-existing Criminal Code Law of 2012. Comprising nine parts, 429 sections and 140 pages, Ekiti State’s Criminal Law of 2021 does not include the crime Criminal libel or defamation. Section 70 of the law contains a crime of causing disaffection or breach of the peace through offensive publication but that is a simple offence punishable by six months in prison. It is not in issue in this case.

Last week, on 3 December, operatives of the NPF heisted Dele Farotimi from his residence in Lagos State, where the crime of criminal defamation is similarly unknown to law. They raced him across state lines to Ekiti where they detained him. The following morning, on 4 December, the police arraigned Dele before a Magistrate in the state capital.

This is important because the gist of the charges purportedly preferred against Dele Farotimi before the Magistrate in Ekiti is precisely criminal defamation which is not a crime in Ekiti State.

It seemed quite clear that the charges presented by the police did not disclose a crime known to the laws of Ekiti State nor did they disclose a crime over which a Magistrate in Ekiti State could purport to exercise lawful jurisdiction. Despite the evident absence of jurisdiction on multiple fronts, the Magistrate proceeded with undue haste to order the remand of Dele Farotimi in prison custody for one week until 10 December. The Magistrate probably did not realise that 10 December is International Human Righst Day.

Even if the Magistrate had jurisdiction, which he did not, the crime alleged was punishable with two years in prison. Under section 4(5) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, this is classed as a “misdemeanor” at best, that is to say “an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than six months, but less than three years.” These are bailable on liberal terms. Offences punishable by more than three years in prison are called “felonies”. Those are regarded as serious offences. The order of remand in this case seemed willful with a whiff of the pre-determined about it.

The United Nations Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice for victims of Crime and Abuse of Power has a name for what happens when a court orders prison remand for a crime which does not exist in law and in proceedings over which it lacks powers. It is called “criminal abuse of power.”

Many people claiming to be senior lawyers have invited Dele Farotimi to have his day in court where he can prove the allegations the subject of these charges or face the consequences. This is clearly designed to make all this seem like an invocation of law. It isn’t.

First, Dele Farotimi can only do so before a court of competent jurisdiction. A Magistrate claiming to sit over a crime that does not exist in the state is not such a court.

Second, the burden in criminal proceedings is on the state to prove that the accused guilty. So, criminal proceedings in Ekiti or anywhere cannot possibly be the forum for Dele Farotimi to prove the truth of his claims. Anyone who makes that assertion is either wilfully jejune or must concede that the only opportunity to put that to test has to be in civil proceedings.

Third, insisting on the kind of proceedings now going on in Ekiti state without any sense of irony only reinforces the kinds of claims that Dele Farotimi makes in his best selling book about supposedly legal and judicial processes which seem to occur in the pockets of human principalities given to playing god. A lot of things may yet happen in those kinds of proceedings but it does not look like law will be one of them.

Moreover, in 2021, the Supreme Court of Nigeria – no less –  condemned as “vexatious and oppressive” and “dangerously rampant”, the “misuse of the criminal law machinery for getting reliefs in disputes that are civil in nature, by using the instruments of State.” The court also required that “a complainant who initiates a prosecution with the knowledge that criminal proceedings are unwarranted and the remedy lies in the civil law, should be made accountable in law for pursuing misconceived criminal proceedings.”

In that same case in 2021, the Supreme Court described the crime of criminal defamation as “an innovation in Star Chamber”, a reference to a notoriously arbitrary and captured judicial forum dating back to late mediaeval England. It was not a judicial endearment.

Dele Farotimi himself was perspicacious about the events as they have so far unfolded. Shortly before he was taken from Lagos, he warned: “Abducting me to be tried in Ekiti State is not justice but a witch-hunt.”

Somewhere in Ekiti State on International Human Rights Day 2024, the very rights consecrated by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights will face the Guillotine with Dele Farotimi strung up as the sacrifice. Those who think this vindication may yet live to rue their affliction with terminal hubris.

Odinkalu, a public commentator is a former head of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission

Atiku To Akume: God Forbids Tinubu’s Return To Aso Rock In 2027

By
James Orji
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Atiku Abubakar and Bola Tinubu

Atiku Abubakar, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, has fired back at the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, George Akume over his remark that no northern candidate should contest the 2027 Presidential election.

The magazine reports that Akume made the remark while appearing on a TVC programme recently.

According to him, presidential candidates from the northern part of the country, including Abubakar should wait until 2031 when the incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should have completed his second term in office.

The former PDP presidential candidate and Nigeria’s former Vice President is presumed to be one of the top contenders for the next presidential election in the country.

Akume however urged Abubakar to shelve his ambition for now, to allow Tinubu, who has yet to complete  his first term in office, to continue to be in power till 2031.

His remarks comes on the heels of calls on President Tinubu by his supporters to contest the next presidential election.

Akume had advised Abubakar, “President Tinubu, as a Southerner, should be allowed to have a second term, meaning that those eyeing the presidency from the North in 2027 should look beyond that year by waiting till 2031.

“If it is the will of God for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to be President of Nigeria, even at the age of 90 years, he can get it. But he and other Northerners eyeing the office now should look beyond 2027.”

Reacting Abubakar’s spokesman Paul Ibe said it’s the turn of the north to take over the Presidency after the south has held the position for 17 years, saying the north has been short-changed for six years in the nation’s power sharing arrangement.

According to Abubakar, the north should be allowed to return to power having held power only for 11 years from the nation’s 28 years democratic experience which started in 1999, when Nigeria return to democratic governance after a long military rule.

The former vice president said this is necessary to achieve equity and fairness in the country between the north and south, the two major legs of the nation’s power sharing arrangement.

The former PDP candidate also stated that Akume cannot make the decision for Nigerians on who to lead them, saying that right belongs to the voters, adding that Nigerians are already tired of the Tinubu’s administration and would not want him back in power.

Atiku said, “Where, then, does true equity and fairness reside?(if Tinubu is allowed to return to power in 2027) By the year 2027, the South will have enjoyed 17 years of leadership—eight years under Obasanjo, five years under Jonathan, and four years under Tinubu—while the North will have experienced only 11 years, with Yar’Adua serving three and Buhari eight.

“This results in a disparity of six years between the North and South, casting a shadow over the balance of power.

“In any case, the power to elect and vote out their government lies firmly with the Nigerian people, entrusted to them upon the government’s ability to prove itself worthy of the people’s ballot. But has the Tinubu government demonstrated that it deserves to be re-elected? The answer, alas, is as clear as the heavens themselves—God forbid.”

Recall that Abubakar lost the 2023 presidential election to Tinubu who won the contested election by over six million votes, according to the results announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.

First Bank Begins Search For Ani-Mummuny’s Successor; The Otedola’s Connection

By
James Orji
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First Bank Ani-Mummuny

Femi Otedola, the Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings, FBNH forced the resignation of Folake Ani-Mumuney’ the Global Head of Marketing and Communication of the financial service provider.

Following Ani-Mummuny’s resignation, the commercial bank has embarked on a search for her successor, as the position cannot be allowed to remain vacant due to its key role in the company, according to many sources familiar with the issue.

The Cable reports that Otedola’s decision was based on what is happening lately in the bank, including allegation of allege financial recklessness, which he’s not happy with, particularly as related to the send off party held for the former Managing Director of the bank, Adesola Adeduntan.

The  party was believed to have held at the Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos, on November 2, in honour of Adeduntan, who was First  Bank chief executive for close to a decade,until April this year when he was forced out of the commercial behemoth.

The magazine reported that the former chief executive was forced to exit the commercial bank early this year, few months to his official retirement due to allegations of financial impropriety to the tune of N60 billion.

Following his resignation, the management of the bank was said to have thrown a lavish party for him last month, a development that did not sit well with Otedola, who after acquiring the majority shares of the bank this year, has been having it rough with some top executives of the commercial bank.

According to the newspaper, Otedola was said to have gotten angry after he discovered, through documents, that a whopping sum was spent on the party to usher Adeduntan out of service after more than three decades in the bank.

In her position as the chief organiser for the commercial bank, Ani-Mumuney’ was responsible for organising ‘such things which is clearly under her jurisdiction” a close source in the bank informed the magazine on Monday following reports that Otedola forced her sack from the position.

Other sources however countered this position saying Ani-Mumuney could not have carried out such an important task without the approval of the current chief executive.

Otedola’s query should have been directed at the managing director of the bank who must have granted approval for the party, according to these sources who claimed that Ani-Mumuney’ could not have gone ahead to organise the party on her own, but also added that she probably got caught up in the web of the recent battle for control of the bank between Otedola and other powerful forces in the bank, by virtue of her position and closeness to Adeduntan.

Instructively, the FBNH chairman was said to have been angry in the manner the party was carried out, considering that Adeduntan was forced to leave the bank in a controversial circumstances.

But other sources in the bank have informed the magazine that Ani-Mumuni had a blossom relationship with the former chief executive, under whom she worked for many years, because of the nature of their jobs which required that they synergise in the interest of the bank.

Otedola became the chairman of the board of directors of FBNH in January this year after a prolonged battle which later led to the exit of his predecessor.

Also, the billionaire, in June this year regained his position as the majority shareholder of First Bank, after acquiring 9.41 per cent stake worth  N18.9 billion of the group’s shares on the Nigerian Exchange, NGX.

His company had on June 20 filed  a corporate notice to the NGX informing that Otedola directly acquired 316,506,776 shares at a share price of N21.91 each, amounting to N6.935 billion to take the top spot in the bank as its biggest shareholder.

Tax Reform Bills: South East NASS  Members Urge Wider Consultations

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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House of Reps Members

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Amidst the ongoing controversy over the Tax Reforms Bill, the South East Caucus at the Senate has called for more consultations with relevant stakeholders and constituents.

This is just as it gave its stamp of approval for the bills that have sharply divided the  National Assembly along North and South.

At a media parley on Monday, December, 9, 2024, after a closed door meeting of Senators from the region, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe said that the new consultations efforts will enable  the law makers to feel the pulse of their people, including state Governments

Senator Abaribe representing Abia South District on the platform of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA noted that much as the South Senators are backing the tax reforms bills, there is the need for broader consultations before the bills are considered for possible passage .

“In as much as the entire Senators from the South East are not against the Tax Reforms Bills ,before both chambers of the National Assembly ,for consideration ,we want wider consultations to be carried out on them.

“Specifically, we need to consult with constituents across the 15 Senatorial districts in the Zone ,with our state Governments and other critical Stakeholders.

“We have read through the bills and want to share our knowledge with other stakeholders from the South East Zone for a much more equitable framework in the bills that would eventually be passed .

We are not against the bills ,but need to consult with our people” Senator Abaribe ,stated .

The Source reports that the Tax Reforms Bills. have been received with both mix feelings ,and outright rejection by most parts of the Northern region.

Antagonists of the  bills, including the Northern Governors Forum , fear that the tax reforms bills  will  further ,widen the  economic gulf between the Southern and Northern regions of the country .

According to them, the Northern region will be negatively affected ,if the bills eventually sail through.

However ,some people from the region ,including the Deputy Senate President, Jibrin Barau ,and social critic,Senator Shehu Sani ,have blamed the spate of criticisms trailing the introduction of the bills on ignorance.

Conversely, majority of Southern Legislators and  stakeholders ,are not only at home with the bills, but are insisting that they are long over due .

Nigeria, UK Enjoy Robust Relationship, With 300,000 Visas Issued To Nigerians – High Commissioner

By
Ayodele Oni
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Richard Montgomery- British High Commissioner to Nigeria

By Ayodele Oni

British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery has described relationship between Nigeria and United Kingdom, (UK) as robust which has led to issuance of 300,000 visas to Nigerians over the past few years.

Speaking on Monday on Channels Television, Montgomery emphasized that Nigeria is one of the major beneficiaries of the UK’s post-Brexit migration policies.

He addressed claims of harsh immigration policies, asserting that the UK’s visa policies have been favourable to Nigerians.

“I have to contest this picture because the UK, in the last couple of years, has granted around 300,000 new visas to Nigerians, which far exceeds any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other country.

“The trends have been really positive post-Brexit. Nigeria has been a major beneficiary of the post-Brexit migration visa rules.”

He noted that the number of work visas granted to Nigerians has increased significantly, from 10,000–20,000 annually a few years ago to 80,000–90,000 in recent years.

“The number of people getting work visas to go to the UK has gone from something like 10,000 to 20,000 about six or seven years ago to 80,000–90,000 a year in the last two years – last year and this year.

The envoy however admitted that student numbers are down, while highlighting the contributions of Nigerians in the UK, particularly in sectors such as social care, describing their roles as vital.

Nigerians, he added, account for approximately 10 per cent of all visas issued by the UK in the past two years.

“So, I would like to emphasise how huge the relationship is. It outstrips any other visa relationship that Nigeria has with any other single country, in my understanding.”

Montgomery assured prospective applicants that the UK visa approval rate remains high for those who apply with proper documentation and evidence.

Montgomery underscored the strong ties between the two nations, which he said surpasses Nigeria’s visa relationships with other countries.

“Beat Your Wife, Get Deposed”, Emir Sanusi Warns Traditional Title Holders

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanus

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Traditional title holders in Kano Emirate Council who indulge in  the act of wife- beating will be  stripped of their  positions.

This much was made known on Monday, December 9, 2024, by the factional Emir of Kano Muhammad Sanusi, at the opening ceremony of  this year’s National Dialogue on the role of Islamic Opinion leaders in the prevention of Gender Based Violence GBV in Northern Nigeria held at the Bayero University Kano, BUK.

Emir Sanusi, also, called for an urgent review of section 55 of the Penal code law of Nigeria.

According to him, the section which mandates husbands to adopt corrective measures against erring wives, appears to be abused by not a few .

He noted that such acts of abuse by some husbands have tended to exacerbate incidents of domestic abuse, including wife- battering and other GBV.

Emir Sanusi further stated that the session in question (session 55) of the Penal Code allows a husband to correct his wife if it is within the limits of acceptable and lawful customs, as well as not capable of causing grievous hurt.

But he, however, regretted that about 45 percent of cases across nine Shariah Courts in Kano according to a recent study are all GBV related, underscoring the need for urgent actions to curb the ugly trend.

Flaring all acts of wife beating, he noted that apart from emotional trauma, most of the victims also  suffer serious bodily injuries, such as broken teeth and facial deformation.

While describing husbands who indulge in the despicable act of wife battering as close to the level of animals, Emir Sanusi called for strong legislations against all GBV in the society .

Specifically, he emphasized the urgency of such laws that protect women through the criminalization of all forms of  abuses ,and maltreatment in marriages.

“A husband who beats his wife for any reason is being animalistic in nature. If we get to a point in our society where people are not restrained from beating their wives ,the Government should make it a crime .

“In the 21st Century, if  Northern part of the country still  upholds section 55 of the Penal Code ,which in away permits a husband to beat his wife ,then it should be expunged .

“Nigeria should rather copy family laws from Islamic countries that prohibit such acts.

“When my daughters are getting married ,I mostly tell their husbands: “if you don’t love them anymore ,please send them back to me. Don’t maltreat them.

“My traditional title holders also know that if you beat your, you lose your tittle .At the same time ,we must teach our daughters how to respect their husbands .

“Marriage is built upon love, mercy and mutual respect between husband and wife”, he noted .

Presidency: Why Atiku, The North  Should Wait Till 2031″,  Akume,  Says No Vacancy In Aso Rock

By
Akinwale Kasali
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George Akume

By Akinwale Kasali

Atiku Abubakar, Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Candidate in the 2023 Election has been advised to wait till 2031 to give another shot to his Presidential ambition.

Having lost on three occasions, George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, has urged the former Vice President and other Northern politicians aspiring to the Presidency to exercise patience until 2031. He  asserted that the region’s turn for the nation’s top seat is not in 2027.

Akume said that those eyeing the position should be magnanimous enough to wait until 2031, and allow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Southerner, the opportunity to complete a potential second term.

“President Tinubu should be allowed to serve a second term. Those from the North, including Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, should look beyond 2027 and consider 2031,” he said.

Akume added: “If it is God’s will for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to become President, even at the age of 90, it will happen. But for now, they should let President Tinubu continue his work of repositioning the nation.”

The former Benue State Governor made this statements while speaking on TVC’s Politics on Sunday program, hosted by Femi Akande.

The SGF emphasized and highlighted the administration’s economic strategies, pointing to the removal of fuel subsidies and the harmonization of foreign exchange windows as key steps in stabilizing the economy.

“It is easy to destroy but difficult to build. These reforms aim to rebuild the Nigeria that was destroyed by previous administrations,” Akume remarked.

Atiku Abubakar
Atiku Abubakar

He also spoke about some reforms the President Tinubu Government is embarking on, saying that the reforms are in the best interest of Nigeria and its citizens.

He, however, appealed to Nigerians to allow the bills to scale through required legislative processes stating that the bills were well envisioned for Nigerians.

The SGF defended the Tax Reform Bills as visionary legislation designed to rescue the nation’s economy, urging Nigerians to support their passage through the National Assembly.

“These bills are well-envisioned for Nigeria and Nigerians. Let us allow the legislative processes to take their course. These reforms will ultimately benefit everyone when fully implemented,” he stated.

He also expressed optimism that the results of these measures would soon be visible, restoring confidence in the nation’s economic trajectory.

“Very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive outcomes of these reforms,” he concluded.

Speaker Abass Charges State Assemblies On Gender-Focused Amendments, Legislation

By
Ayodele Oni
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Hon Abbas Tajudeen in a chat with the chairman of the Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures and Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly

By Ayodele Oni

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Abass Tajudeen on Monday met state assembly Speakers on gender-based violence and constitution amendment bills among others.

Tajudeen stated that affirmative action for women is not a privilege and undemocratic, but a corrective measure that must be taken to ensure fairness and gender balance in the polity.

The Speaker pointed out it has become necessary to mainstream women’s and gender issues in the constitution, statutes, policies, and budgetary processes of Nigeria.

Special Adviser on Media to the Speaker, Musa Abdullahi Krishi stated that these were contained in the Speaker’s keynote address at a session with Speakers of State Houses of Assembly to mark the conclusion of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) held at the National Assembly on

“This action signified our resolve to combat violence against Nigerian women and to reinforce our collective commitment to creating a safer and more equitable society.”

The Speaker noted that the 16 days had served as a rallying point, uniting diverse stakeholders in a shared mission to protect and empower women and girls across Nigeria.

He also noted that the National Assembly has long been at the forefront of the fight against GBV and the advocacy for greater women’s representation.

According to him, since 1999, the parliament has championed transformative legislative reforms, including the enactment of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act; the Child’s Rights Act, and the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act.

The Speaker further noted that the 10th House has amplified these efforts through its Legislative Agenda, which prioritises constitutional reforms to promote women’s political participation and representation.

Abbas stated that the agenda reflects the parliament’s recognition of the indispensable role women play in governance and the broader societal fabric.

“Women are the cornerstone of our families and communities, yet their political representation remains unacceptably low.

“This imbalance must change, not for improved statistics, but for the transformative value women bring to governance, leadership, and policymaking.”

While emphasising that the importance of eradicating GBV and promoting women’s representation cannot be overstated, he opined that a society that protects its women and leverages their potential is one that secures its future.

“Women are the glue that holds our families and communities together. Despite this, systemic barriers, including cultural norms, economic inequality, and inadequate legal protections, have hindered their full participation in political and public life.

“Recognising past pitfalls, we have commenced the constitutional amendment process early to allow for extensive consultation and consensus-building.

“These efforts go beyond tokenism. Affirmative action for women is not undemocratic; it is a necessary corrective measure to address historical inequities and unlock our nation’s full potential.

“Many African countries, such as Rwanda and South Africa, have successfully enshrined affirmative action in their constitutions.”

The Speaker said state Houses of Assembly are pivotal to achieving meaningful constitutional reforms, adding that the active participation and support of state speakers are crucial in ensuring that gender-focused amendments and legislation are adopted at the sub-national level.

“Please Help Us, We Need Skills, Businesses To Survive” – Abia Widows Cry Out

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Alex Otti - Governor of Abia State
Governor Alex Otti of Abia State

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Abia Widows have called on the Abia State Government, particularly, the House of Assembly, to enact relevant legislations against harmful practices against widows.

This is even as the Wife of the State Governor, Mrs Priscilla Chidinma Otti, appealed to Traditional Rulers, Community leaders and other custodians of culture and traditions to be intentional and committed to the task of eradicating all forms of discriminatory practices against widows in the society.

The widows who spoke through the Abia Coordinator of their umbrella body, Widows International, WOI, Ezinne Nkechi Ezim, at the occasion of the investiture of Mrs Otti as its Grand Patron, in Aba on Sunday, December 8, 2024, regretted that the absence of laws and or their weak implementation have tended to work against efforts at eradicating the  maltreatment ,and abuse of widows, and other gender- based violence, GBV, in the society.

According to the WOI, widows and their children  are subjects of physical, sexual and psychological abuse that cut across lines of income, class and culture in both public and private lives.

“They face intimidation from their late husbands’ immediate family members. These are acts of violence which infringe on their human rights and fundamental freedom.

“Those groups of women require special attention .Lack of preventive and protective laws ,and lack of access to and or ineffective enforcement by public authorities of such laws where they exist ,only perpetuate and increase acts of violence against the widows and women in general.

“However, there remains the existence of rights, but their effective enjoyment especially by widows derives from the part of commitment by Government in promoting and protecting those rights,and the failure of Government will impact negatively on women and men alike”, Ezim noted.

The WOI further noted that  Abia state can follow the path already charted by Enugu and Anambra  ,in coming out with effective legislations against maltreatment of widows.

“We shall be happy to see Abia State’s own laws on the protection of widows ,if not in existence. But if in existence , let them be enforced”, the widows demanded.

They also called on  the Government to consider appointing a Special Adviser and Assistant on Widows Matters to help in projecting and protecting the rights and wellbeing of Widows.

“If the Federal Government could create a Ministry for Livestock, and appoint a Minister or some one in charge ,it will be worthwhile if a Special Adviser on Widows and Orphans is appointed .

“We appreciate the existence of Women Affairs Ministry. But we also know that no Government can carry the load of its widows and their children ,the journey should however start somewhere.

“WOI is a platform to identify real widows and reach out to them. Here we are. Please help us. Widows need soft loans, skill acquisitions and scholarships for their children.

“We are blessed and happy to have the first mother of the State here with us today ,not as one of us but as a protector, influencer, and guide.That is the reason for the investiture today as the first ever Grand Matron -the highest honorary award in the Organization.” Chief Mrs Ezim noted .

The wife of the Abia State Governor ,while responding, assured that, she will continue to collaborate with all relevant Government agencies, groups and individuals in the task of eradicating the challenges facing widows in the state ,as well as  gender based violence GBV .

Mrs Otti informed that she accepted with enthusiasm the appointment of the Grand Matron WOI because its philosophy is in tandem with her wider goal of eradicating all harmful practices against widows ,children and other vulnerable groups in the society .

The Governor’s wife noted that she is presently engaging traditional rulers, community leaders, and others on how to effectively fight GBV and other abuses being presently perpetrated against widows, women, Children and other vulnerable persons.

She reassured that Government, through the Ministry of Women Affairs is committed to  protecting and promoting the interests of not just widows ,but all other less privileged persons and groups.

Mrs Otti, emphasized the readiness of the state Government to equally assist the widows in realizing their full potentials ,despite their status .

To this end, she promised that Government  will continue to support them in their businesses and other positive  activities.

The Wife of the Abia state Governor. however, called on public spirited individuals, groups and organizations to identify with the struggle to create an enabling environment for widows to live meaningfully.

Earlier the convener and founder of WOI, Sir Alphonsus Udeigbo said the choice of Mrs Otti as the first Grand Matron of the organization was purely based on merit.

According to him, since the formation of WOI in 1987, nobody has been conferred with the position because it is not politically motivated.

Udeigbo informed that the WOI, decided to honour Mrs Otti based on the glaring evidences of general transformation that have taken place in Abia since. May 2023 .

“Before 2023 ,the widows prayed fervently across the state demanding positive change in the leadership .

“So what is happening now is God’s answered prayers. That is why the Widows have decided to appoint the wife of the Governor as their Grand Matron so that she will continue her good works”, Udeigbo stated.

Kano: Gov Yusuf Moves To Offset Fees Of Indigenes Schooling In Cyprus

By
Ayodele Oni
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Abba Yusuf - Governor of Kano State
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State

By Ayodele Oni

Stranded indigenes of Kano State that had completed university education in Cyprus since 2015 heave a sigh of relief as Governor Abba Yusuf took step to offset backlog of their fees to enable them access their certificates.

Governor Yusuf had arrived in Cyprus to secure the Certificates of Stranded Kano indigenes in that country.

The students had been faced with challenges to access their academic certificates since the administration of former Governor Ganduje.

A statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature, on Monday, revealed that Governor Yusuf held a meeting with the management of Near East University in Cyprus to address the issue.

The statement added that discussion focused on the release of certificates for Kano students who graduated between 2015 and 2019.

Some of these graduates, particularly from fields such as Medicine and Nursing, have been unable to advance in their careers due to the non-payment of tuition fees by the Ganduje led immediat past administration.

The governor described the situation as a major setback, not only for the affected students but also for the state, which has been deprived of skilled professionals in critical sectors particularly the healthcare service.

However, he expressed optimism following what he called fruitful discussions with the university management aimed at settling the liabilities and facilitating the release of the certificates.

“This situation has been a significant setback for our children, hindering their dreams and aspirations, and it has also affected our state, which is in dire need of their expertise.

“One cannot imagine that as governor, Ganduje cannot pay for tuition of these medical students who the state needs for immediate employment, it is a shame on him.

“We remain committed to prioritizing education and the welfare of our people as a foundation for sustainable growth.”

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