The son of a former president of Guinea-Bissau was sentenced to more than six and a half years in prison for involvement in a transnational heroin trafficking conspiracy, the US Justice Department announced Tuesday.

Malam Bacai Sanha Jr, 52, planned to use the proceeds to finance a coup in the West African country that would lead to his eventual presidency and establishment of a “drugs regime,” according to the statement released by the US Attorney for the Southern District of Texas.

“Malam Bacai Sanha Jr. wasn’t any ordinary international drug trafficker,” said Douglas Williams, special agent in charge of the FBI Houston Field Office. “He is the son of the former president of Guinea-Bissau and was trafficking drugs for a very specific reason – to fund a coup.”

Sanha was a leader and organizer in the heroin trafficking conspiracy and was involved in its importation from Europe to the United States, according to the statement.

He was arrested along with a co-conspirator after arriving in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, in July 2022. They were extradited to the United States shortly afterwards.

In September 2023, Sanha pled guilty “to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance for the purpose of unlawful importation,” according to Tuesday’s statement.

He was sentenced to 80 months in prison.

Guinea-Bissau has had a history of military coups interspersed with periods of democratic rule – though elected leaders managed to serve a full term since the country gained independence from Portugal in 1974.

Sanha’s father, Malam Bacai Sanha, was initially installed by a junta as interim leader in 1999 before he lost the election the following year.

He won the presidency in a 2009 election but died while seeking medical treatment in Paris in January 2012 before completing his term.

His son, known as “Bacaizinho” in Guinea-Bissau, has served in several government roles, including as an economic advisor to his father.

AFP

President Bola Tinubu says individuals involved in kidnapping must be treated as terrorists.

Tinubu, who condemned the “reprehensible acts” perpetrated by kidnappers across the country, spoke on Tuesday at a Ramadan dinner with members of the federal judiciary led by Olukayode Ariwoola, the chief justice of Nigeria (CJN).

In a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, presidential spokesperson, Tinubu said those who resort to kidnapping children are cowards and incapable of confronting the might of the Nigerian armed forces.

”We must treat kidnappers as terrorists. They are cowardly. They have been degraded. They look for soft targets,” Tinubu said.

“They go to schools and kidnap children and cause disaffection. We must treat them equally as terrorists in order to get rid of them, and I promise you, we will get rid of them.”

On the review of the salaries of judicial officers, the president pledged that his administration would continue to implement necessary reforms to improve the welfare and working conditions of judicial officers.

”I recognize that the judiciary has one of the most unrewarded responsibilities. They are yet to modernize equipment and recordkeeping, and their progress towards improvement is slow,” he said.

”When you look at the career path of a judicial officer, they cannot practice the vocation for which they were trained after retirement.

”While the framers of the law may have their reasons, I perceive this differently and see this from a fair compensation angle that should benefit all.”

Tinubu expressed gratitude to the judiciary for its dedicated service to the nation and for upholding the respectability of the judicial arm of the government.

“We will continue to support one another and bring Nigeria to that glorious dawn,” he concluded.

In his remarks, Ariwoola commended the president for the honour of hosting judicial officers at a Ramadan dinner.

He also lauded Tinubu for his commitment to the reforms and improving the welfare of judicial officers in the country.

“May the Lord continue to bless you and your administration. Let your ship land and berth beautifully. We shall continue to pray for your administration because there are many good things in the pipeline for Nigerians,” the CJN prayed.

Ariwoola praised the administration for achieving a significant milestone by appointing a full complement of 21 justices to the supreme court, a feat he described as unprecedented.

Lateef Fagbemi, the attorney-general of the federation (AGF) and minister of justice, expressed gratitude to the president for forwarding the executive bill titled, “judicial office holders salaries and allowances, etc, bill 2024″ to the national assembly.

Highlighting the stagnant state of judges’ salaries and emoluments since 2007, Fagbemi commended the president’s courage, determination, and compassion in taking decisive action.

”It takes a man with a great heart, determination, and consideration to do what the President did. More than 300.3 percent increase has been given to the judges. The president has done his own part, never mind that the bill is still with the National Assembly,” he said.

”In my short stay as the Attorney-General, I have come to observe that anything that concerns the judiciary, you are very much interested in it and I thank you for your abiding interest in the judiciary.”

The dinner was attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including two former CJNs, Mahmud Mohammed and Walter Onnoghen.

[TheCable]

 If government and security agencies had taken concerted action on the several petitions against an alleged militant leader and crude oil thief who banished a monarch from his kingdom in Bayelsa State, years ago, they would, probably, have averted the March 14 killing of 17 military personnel at Okuama in Delta State, Vanguard investigations have revealed.

Our inquiry on the recounted activities of the militant leader whom the Nigerian Army trailed to Igbomotoru in Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, barely 72 hours after the Okuama massacre, showed that government, both at federal and state levels, including the security agencies, failed to rein in the militant leader before March 14.

Perhaps, if the government had taken decisive steps, the militant leader would not have grown so powerful and audacious to wipe out a Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain, and 13 soldiers in one fell swoop with his rag-tag gang.

After a supposed militant leader claimed in a viral video that he participated in the killing of the soldiers at Okuama, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, said penultimate Friday, in Abuja: “The video, among other things, helps narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.

“Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist the investigation in flushing them out.

“There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly acts against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.’’

However, those familiar with the Igbomotoru warlord said he is not the same as the militant leader in the viral video.
Therefore, it is the word and proof of the Army, which is searching for him for the blood-letting crime, and had once declared him wanted.

However, yesterday, a militant group, Amagbein Force, suspected to have killed the 17 military personnel at Okuama, Delta State, on March 14, demanded that the federal government hand over waterways security to it.

The demand of the militant group corroborates the military’s preliminary finding that Amagbein was behind Okuama killing.
A group member in the trending video said he was speaking for his leader, nicknamed the River Lord.

The Army had tracked the militant leader to the Igbomotoru community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, last week, but did not find him.

The militant leader, who banished the royal father of Igbomotoru from his throne, is currently on the run.

A bearded member of the group, who wore a singlet and tied a white band around his head, said the militant leader is from the same lineage as Ijaw revolutionary leader, the late Isaac Adaka Boro.

“We, the followers, will stand with him until death do us part. We are begging the Federal Government to ensure that waterways security is given to the person doing the right work. Bunkering will not stop if government refuses to attend to us in a peaceful, easy way.”

I petitioned the Presidency, state govt, and security agencies – HRH Ofongo

The paramount ruler of Igbomotoru communities, a retired army officer, HRH Ayibaikie Aseimighen Ofongo, sacked from his throne three years ago by the militant leader, said: “I have previously written several petitions to the Presidency, the state government, and security agencies about the activities of this militant gang.

“We attended meetings with the governor, and we had time with the oil companies’ representatives, because when they started, it was with the oil companies, and then rolled back to me that I have been deposed.

“So all those activities were reported to the government, and so many meetings were held by the government, and oil companies to resolve that, but the militants continued to do what they think is good for them until we reached this state.
“It was my opposition to this militant group that made them force me out of the community on self-exile.”

The monarch said the militant group, which took control of his community, continued all manner of atrocities until they allegedly got involved in the killing of military personnel at Okuama community in Delta State.

His words: “My community, Igbomotoru, for some time now, has had some internal problems and there is a group that brought militants to the community to dissolve the ruling class, and at the same time vandalised national assets of oil companies in our area which I opposed.

“I maintained that if we had any problem with the oil companies, we should apply normal communication with the oil companies and government, so they can look at those issues but this advice did not go down well with the group.

“Since that time, there have been problems. They did not allow me to visit my community for almost three years; they threatened my life and I escaped. I only get to the community when I have an incident of death of my relations, that has been the trend till the present issue of killing soldiers at Okuama.

“Where I am hiding, I got telephone calls from home, relations, and friends on what happened at Igbomotoru, and what I was told was that the Army came into the community, particularly on Igbomotoru ll. Igbomotoru is on both sides of River Sangana.

“Therefore, when I had this issue, I enquired from sources I should believe, they told me there was an Army invasion of the community, I was told a militant from Igbomotoru went to Delta, and some military officers who were there to make peace were shot dead, and that it was the reason the military invaded our community last Sunday.

Troops knew where the killer was and went there

“The troops that came knew the person they wanted and they went for him but some miscreants who were members of the militant gang came out, and wanted to know what was happening, in their usual militant way.

“There was an opening of fire by the Army, and some of the personnel were killed. Therefore, it was only members of the militant gang that they killed, not the natives.

“As a paramount ruler and somebody who has served in the Nigerian Army and retired, I must always report any act of lawlessness to the authorities, if not it means I am involved.

“Army operation at Igbomotoru community is just against the fleeing militant gang at Igbomotoru ll, where their leader resides, committing crimes. They have not crossed to Igbomotoru 1 but because of fear, people have deserted the entire community.

“It was not proper for anybody to kill, even when you are talking about the army. Civilians are not permitted to carry guns, and so my people should desist from this type of crime, which I have been drawing the attention of the government and all security agencies to before now. We know what those militant groups do is criminality.

“So, I urge the Army to continue to be civil as they are hunting for the suspected killers of soldiers because the community is ready to assist them in arresting all suspects involved in the dastardly act.”

Complaint to Bayelsa govt

In a correspondence dated January 7, 2022, addressed to the Bayelsa State Governor, and copied to the Deputy Governor, and the security agencies, Ofongo had raised the alarm that the community was under siege by the militant leader and his cohorts.

He pleaded with the authorities to wade in and mop up arms and ammunition in possession of these non-state actors to give the community and people a new lease of life.

The letter was entitled, “The Igbomotoru Community is under Siege in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State by a militant leader and his cohorts: A demand to mop up the illegal arms and ammunition in the hands of these non-state actors to usher in peace and tranquillity for the people.”

It read: “Please, permit me to refer to the Igbomotoru community’s petition captioned ‘Save Our Souls,’ dated December 9, 2020, that gave graphic details of attacks and brutalization of lgbomotoru people, specifically the youths of the community, by the popularly known “GENERAL…” and his cohorts that have sectionalized Igbomotoru community.

“The affected youths since then have been refugees in other communities, including Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
“The people to date, have not experienced any positive change in their attitude or behaviour. The people at the receiving end are pained, helpless, and uncertain, with the situation worsening over the days and months.

“He is intimidating and bragging, saying he is connected to the top and that complaints and petitions against him are brought back to him. He is strongly promising anyone petitioning him to be ready to accept whatever action he would take.
“This has emboldened him by the day, recruiting jobless and ready youths of Southern-ljaw Local Government Area and beyond into his army, vandalizing houses, and looting properties therein.

“Not only that, they are also molesting and brutalizing people of 1gbomotoru satellite communities of Lasukugbene, Baberegbene, including Oyeregbene, which is a satellite community of Peremabiri community.

“As earlier reported in the reference above, he is now the sole crude oil bunkerer, and artisanal refining guru in the Igbomotoru axis of the Nigerian Agip Oil Company Limited, trunk 18 inches diameter crude oil Tebidaba/Igbomotoru/Brass Pipeline. The returns are unimaginable.

“All others who attempted to locate their bunkering and refining sites on that axis have been chased away because the more bunkering and artisanal refining sites located, the easier for surveillance workers on oil pipelines to detect and report…”

Monarch forced to take oath of allegiance to militant leader

“On Saturday, December 1, 2021, at about 2 pm, he ordered his notorious squad, and at gunpoint, woke me up from sleep with a bang on the door, knowing sufficiently well that the previous night, I attended a wake-keeping ceremony in honour of my late elder brother, late Elder Tbogomo Ayibaikie Ofongo.”

The Amananawei said six men escorted him at gunpoint into a waiting 200-horsepower speedboat, which took him into the bush, and to a shrine where the militants ordered him to take an oath of allegiance to him (militant leader).

“When I reacted and said that I had before my coronation, subscribed to an oath before our ancestors and even God to be impartial in the discharge of my duties as Amananawei of Igbomotoru community, he ordered his gunmen and they fired several rounds of AK-47 rifles over my head.

“At that point, I realized I could be shot dead in the shrine, so I succumbed to save my life and took the oath,’’ he said.
The paramount ruler also disclosed that on December 12, 2021, the Igbomotoru I community chiefs, under the directive of the militant leader, convened a meeting of all the people of Igbomotoru 1 community in the town hall, where he hatched his dethronement.

He said a few days later, the warlord sponsored an announcement of his dethronement as the Amananawei on two radio stations in Yenagoa, the state capital.

Another petition

In another correspondence, IGBO/SECURITY/021/VOL3/22/7, dated July 13, 2022, addressed to the governor, Ofongo said the community was living in peace until sometime in December 2020 when the militant leader came to the riverside town from his hideout in Mbiama River axis in Ahaoda West Local Government Area of Rivers State.

The paramount ruler added: “He (militant) was on or before his arrival at Igbomotoru, encouraged by his siblings and others of Igbomotoru extraction to liberate the Igbomotoru people who they considered to have been held in bondage.

“As it is now, the people are intimidated and brutalized to submission and, in some cases, chased out of their ancestral homes.

“I have written at least two petitions against him about his criminal exploits in the community, and other surrounding communities as a kidnapper, assassin, crude oil bunker, and artisanal oil refiner to Bayelsa State government, and security operatives.”

The monarch said Bayelsa State government reacted spontaneously and denounced the dethronement as an exercise in futility and of no effect whatsoever.

He, however, noted that he, who is opposed to the activities of the militant in the lgbomotoru community, and others, have no access to the community.

Diri, Sylva’s verbal war

Vanguard’s efforts to get the reaction of the state government, the police and military formations in the area proved abortive.

But a source at the state deputy governor’s office, which oversees community and chieftaincy-related matters, said he was not aware of the purported letters by the monarch

The state government, it will be recalled, had through the deputy governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, declared there are no ungoverned spaces in Bayelsa, and reiterated the state government’s commitment to peace and security as a matter of priority.

Shortly after the Okuama killings, a former governor of the state and ex-minister, Chief Timpre Sylva, said: “I condemn in totality the killing of men of the Joint Task Force in Okuama, Delta State. This again shows why politicians should not arm irresponsible non-state actors.”

“The last Bayelsa governorship election featured a lot of disheartening state sponsorship of gunmen. Today, we all see the result of that act of desperation and the unnecessary loss of precious Nigerian lives. My heart goes out to the families of those gallant soldiers who lost their lives.”

The governor, Senator Douye Diri, who accused Sylva of politicizing the killings, wondered why the ex-minister of Petroleum Resources “chose to dance on the graves of the slain soldiers in his false allusion to the use of non-state actors in the governorship poll in the state.”

His Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Dan Alabrah, said in a statement: “The military authorities should be allowed to conduct a thorough investigation into the sordid occurrence in Okuama. Comments should be restrained at this time, while efforts are on to unravel the perpetrators.”

He also noted that Sylva’s statement is akin to the proverbial pot calling the kettle black when the All Progressives Congress, APC, governorship candidate’s antecedents as a politician were “like an open book known to everyone.”

The governor said it was ridiculous that the same Sylva is whipping up sentiments and spreading falsehood over the presence of soldiers in Igbomotoru, where the military had reportedly extended its investigation into the Okuama killings

Shocking how militant leader beats military checkpoints

It was unclear how the armed militant leader and his band have been able to beat the many military checkpoints in the creeks, and waterways of the oil-rich Southern Ijaw council area known for massive deployment of security operatives to secure the nation’s critical oil assets.

Each occupant of boats approaching the military locations usually raises his/her hands like conquered people before proceeding with their journey.

Communities like Odi, Agge, and Letugbene, among others, in the state had in the past suffered collateral damage from military invasion caused by the unwholesome activities of some misguided arms-wielding youths who seized control of the communities from where they unleashed a reign of terror on their people with devastating consequences.

Life as an outlaw

The Igbomotoru axis of the state had over the years, been in the news as host to a retinue of illegal refining camps, popularly known as Kpofire, in local parlance and had served as haven for militants allegedly operating the illegal business.

The military has repeatedly conducted raids on the illegal bunkering sites in swathes of the swamp in search of the operators and destroyed such camps, while zeroing in on a militant kingpin, who allegedly got involved in militancy at a very tender age, and grew to become a commander and self-styled general after about 24 years of militancy.

The supposed militant leader is a supporter of one of the political parties in the state, and his relative is a top official of a local government council in the state, after he influenced his appointment

The militant leader, once linked to the abduction of a serving commissioner in Bayelsa State over the latter’s refusal to allow him establish a bunkering camp in his community, owns and runs a sophisticated local refinery allegedly in the deep swamp of Igbomotoru.

It was, therefore, not surprising that the Joint Task Force, JTF, sometime in 2022, declared him wanted for bunkering after a series of raids on illegal bunkering sites in the area but failed to capture him.

Militant leader dismisses JTF allegations

However, the militant leader had in a statement, described the allegations by the JTF as false and a desperate attempt to injure his reputation.

“I wish to set the record straight and state unequivocally that I am a peaceful and law-abiding citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I am not a militant leader, and I do not have any dealings or connections whatsoever with any illegal crude oil mining site in any forest,” he said.

According to some locals, besides the allegation that he is into bunkering and other vices, he is also involved in some philanthropic activities in the locality.

Last Yuletide, he reportedly organized a football competition with cash prizes for winners and distributed food items, meat, and cash to the elderly in the community.

He is also said to be paying school fees, and buys books for indigent pupils in the community, a gesture ostensibly extended to some elements within the security circle who had always facilitated his escape whenever he was being sought after by security men.

His knack for giving from the supposed proceeds of his illegal refining activities may have endeared him to some of the community folks, which he exploited in orchestrating the removal of the paramount ruler with the support of his loyalists.

Delta community cries out as soldiers comb homes, shrine for stolen weapons

In a related development, residents of Orere in Ewu Kingdom, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, have raised alarm that no fewer than 200 soldiers have laid siege to the community, combing homes, shrines for stolen weapons of the slain military personnel.

Consequently, several panic-stricken women and children ran into the bush when the soldiers invaded the community.

Villagers said the soldiers, reportedly, on clearance operations, claimed they were also looking for fleeing residents of Okuama, a distance of almost 50 kilometers to Orere, adding that the invading soldiers came in five military gunboats through the waterways, and four Hilux vehicles through the Ewu axis.

“We are calling on the state and federal governments to come to our aid because we are a peace-loving community; we are not harbouring anyone here in Orere, neither do we have guns,’’ one of the leaders of the community said.

My people are under siege – Edafeamredje, president-general

Similarly, The president-general of Orere community, Mr. Dennis Edafeamredje, said: “My people called me that they are under siege by the Nigerian Army, and from what I was told, the military men that came through land and water were over 200.

“They were shooting sporadically and that brought fear into the minds of our people, and many ran into the bush, and up till this moment, some parents are still looking for their children.

“The scene is traumatizing because they had not experienced anything of this nature. They were demanding from the community chairman and those that ran from Okuama to Orere community

“The distance from Orere to Okuama is nearly 50 kilometers and Orere is not in any way close, and nothing connects us to Okuama.

“I want to beg the President, the Nigerian Army, and Delta State governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and other relevant authorities to know that Orere has no hands in whatever happened.

“They have come, they have searched, and they did not find anything incriminating or implicating, so, whatever they took from here, should be returned, and they should not come back to Orere again, because it is a traumatizing scene for our people.”

Tension in Okwagbe

Sources said there is tension at Okwagbe because the military base there had been expanded.

Vanguard gathered that soldiers stop and search tricycles and motorcycles, causing unnecessary apprehension.

A lawyer told Vanguard, “As I approached Okwagbe and saw how people were being intimidated, I turned back because I do not want to be subjected to such humiliation.”

But Dr. Matthew Kwode, a political leader in Okwagbe, who downplayed the situation, said on phone: “You know we have an army post at Okwagbe, there was heavy deployment because of the Okuama incident. I think that is their operational base right now, but I do not think they are harassing our people.”

Anthony, an indigene of the Okwemo community, narrating his experience, said: “Before now, we passed through Okwagbe freely without being made to raise our hands and searched.

‘’But now, there is fear as everyone riding in Keke and okada are searched as you raise your hands while passing through.”
Edafe, a Keke operator from Egbo-Ide community, said: “They have turned Okwagbe to military barracks, if you are passing through, you see soldiers everywhere with their vehicles at the check points.

“There is so much fear, I will not be going back there for now; we hear they will move to all the villages looking for Okuama people. The situation is getting tough. Okuama is far from here. We want peace please.”

I don’t accept collective sanction on Okuama, says Asari-Dokubo

Speaking on the development, Alhaji Asari Dokubo, who described the former Commanding Officer of the 181 Amphibious Battalion, Lt. Col. A.H Ali, killed in the Okuama ambush as his “Muslim brother, said: “I will not accept that collective sanction, collective punishment should be meted out on the whole people of Okuama who might not know what transpired.

“I do not support it, I do not buy it, why will anybody leave Okuama and Okoloba where the crisis started, and go to Igbomotoru in the Southern-Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State? What is the connection?

He, however, declared that “whoever killed Lt. Col Ali and the other soldiers must face the consequences of his action.”
Asari Dokubo pleaded with President Bola Tinubu to give marching orders to carry out a proper investigation to get to the root of who was responsible for the killing.”

Tinubu to attend today’s burial of 17 soldiers killed in Delta

Meanwhile, the 17 military personnel killed at Okuama in Delta State would be buried today at the military cemetery, Abuja, with President Bola Tinubu in attendance.

A statement announcing the burial said yesterday: “The burial ceremony of Nigerian Army personnel killed-in-action at Okuama community, Delta State, is scheduled for Wednesday (today), March 27, 2024 at the National Cemetery, Abuja. The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will be the special guest of honour at the event.”

[Vanguard]

I had the honour and privilege of being part of a delegation of prominent and distinguished Nigerians and friends of the Russian Federation to the Russian Embassy in Abuja today to offer our condolences and express our solidarity with President Vladimir Putin and the Russian people for the horrific and barbaric terror attack that took place in Moscow a few days ago. 

On the delegation were Professor Isa Pantami, the former Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Senator Mohammed Hassan, Senator Bashir Lado, Hon. Aliyu Farouk, and Dr. Joseph Onoh. 

We were warmly received by the Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Alexey Leonidovitch Shebarshin, and his team, and we were inspired and encouraged by the courage, resilience, and strength that they displayed despite the circumstances of our visit and the horror that their people had been subjected to during the attack. 

May God continue to be with the people of Russia; may He grant them victory against their adversaries; and may He protect them from evil and bloodthirsty men.

Those who say if we do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigeria know what they are saying! Not only is the case of corruption killing Nigeria futuristic, it has already happened to us; only that Nigeria is yet to be buried. Corruption, we have always had with us but it has now become endemic. The epidemic nature of corruption, in which everything, anything, and virtually everyone is compromised is why there is consternation and worry.

There is no country or place in the world where there is no corruption. In the less corrupt nations of the world, the incidences of corruption are marginal and far-in-between and there are mechanisms to checkmate it and punish culprits. In such communities, laws are enforced and enforceable reward and punishment systems are not toyed with. Every effort is made to let everyone know that corruption or crime does not pay.

It is the understanding that one would almost likely get caught, no matter how long it takes, and that punishment would be meted out, that dissuades many in saner climes from engaging in criminal activities; not that they are better human beings than those of us here. Hence the saying: “The long arms of the law”! But where the arms of the law are short, as they are in Nigeria, then, the propensity for corruption will know no bounds. Scripture says in Isaiah 59:1 that God’s hand is not short; hence He is able to deliver! God knew not to allow His hand to be short. We ought to take a cue from that!

Corruption is as old as humanity; hence God Himself said in Genesis 8:21 that “the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth”. Corruption, interestingly, exists because it performs a function. Theorists of Functionalism of corruption posit that whatever exists, exists to perform a function. It is like the economists’ theory of demand and supply. Once there is the demand for a product or service, the supply aspect will automatically pop up.

Ever had a policeman flaunt Matthew 5:25 in your face? That scripture quoted Jesus Christ as saying: “Agree with thine adversary quickly, whiles thou art in the way with him; lest at any time the adversary deliver thee to the judge, and the judge deliver thee to the officer, and thou be cast into prison”? Says William Shakespeare in Merchant of Venice: “An evil soul producing holy witness is like a villain with a smiling cheek. A goodly apple rotten at the heart. Oh, what a goodly outside falsehood hath! Take note, Bassanio, even the devil can quote the Bible for his own purpose”

But there are things the authorities do that inadvertently promote corruption - like when the penalties for simple infractions are harsh; offenders will find a compelling need to “settle” or “quickly agree” with the adversary!

Can Nigeria win the war against corruption? Has it even started? With a National Assembly that pads budgets, thereafter going ahead to shamelessly defend it, flaunting it in our face, to security agents that allowed a high security detainee to escape the country - where do we go from here? Major Kaduna Nzeogwu and his fellow coupists of January 1966 ain’t seen anything, as they say, when they accused the politicians of the First Republic as “ten per centers… who make the country look big for nothing”

Far too many more outlandish occurrences have made Nigeria the laughing stock of the international community. A detainee was put in a posh apartment, was allowed access to the phone, and was escorted to Jumaat service, and you wonder how he managed to escape from custody! He would be a fool not to - that is, if it is not the same security officials that even escorted him into the aircraft!

Once the price is right! I first heard that statement said about one of our judges: He reportedly calculated how many more years he had to sit on the Bench; added up his salaries, emoluments and retirement benefits and found that the amount he was being offered to throw an election petition case was many times more; he chose to play ball! The price was right! There are few people in this country today who will not think twice once the price is right and the chances of getting caught and getting punished are very remote! It was a military president here who reportedly said everyone has a price. If the person says no, it means the price is not right! Jerk it up!

In saner climes, by now heads would have rolled over the Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla's escape from custody. The National Security Adviser's office reportedly confirmed the escape. The Tinubu administration would have earned the respect of many if the confirmation of Nadeem's escape had also been followed with announcements of resignations (the NSA's inclusive?) or of heads that have rolled for this national embarrassment.

To be sure, with this kind of dereliction of duty, not much will be achieved in the war against insecurity. It is not only the arrest of the lesser officials that we need if this country must move forward. The leaders at the top must take responsibility as well. Now, we are begging the Interpol to come to the rescue. When they finish laughing at us, maybe they will!

Talking seriously, I have wondered, each time his case comes up and he gets disappointed by the court, why Nnamdi Kanu has been wasting his time in court - adjournment today, new charges tomorrow - when he should just have done the needful. I am sure you know what I mean! If the price is right, you know!

Ndigbo has more than enough cash to throw around! Put your money where your mouth is, men! Those who devise all manner of ingenious methods to smuggle just about anything in and out of any country should be able to smuggle a blockhead out of detention. Or is the price not right! One school of thought, again quoting the scriptures, says “a man’s foes shall be they of his own household!”(Matthew 10: 36). Think about that!

Everyone suffers when a country is tarred with the brush of corruption. To start with, nothing works at home. Like Fela crooned, everything is upside down. “When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked beareth rule, the people mourn” ( Proverbs 29:2). Tell me, are Nigerians rejoicing today or they are mourning?

And that is not to say that there are no dots of righteous men in positions of authority in this country today but they are very few in numbers. They are far outnumbered by the wicked ones. And this is also not to say that the leadership may not be minded to rule righteously but the odds against them are daunting, especially where they lack the political will to do the needful.

Once they have entrenched themselves in positions of authority, wicked men and women are not easy to dislodge - be it in political offices, in churches and mosques, in the private sector; name it! Every tree bears fruits of its kind, says Jesus in Matthew 7: 17 - 20: “Even so, every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire”

To hewn down the bad trees that are bringing forth bad fruits and cast them in the fire is the challenge that faces the country. Who will bell the cat? I once worked with a governor and was perturbed that many of his aides were not supporting his dream project. I consulted one friendly aide and solicited him to go with me to intimate His Excellency with my findings. To my amazement, he not only declined to go with me but also advised me, “in my own interest”, not to try it. Asked why, he volunteered that the wicked ones I wanted to complain about were in the majority in that government. “They will just squeeze you and smash you with their sheer numbers”, he said.

I felt sad and was crestfallen. “Then His Excellency will not know that he has (green) snakes under his (green) grass”, I moaned, but my friend assured me His Excellency would know. How, I asked? “When he looks behind him and finds no one!” That is why, even when they are well-meaning, leaders hardly achieve much when in office. That is also why they often get wiser only after they leave office.

Can Reuben Abati be correct, then? Do demons bear rule in our Government houses? When the devil tempted Jesus with all the riches and glory of this world, it is instructive that while Jesus refused to bow down and worship Satan, he did not contest the devil’s emphatic statement that it was in his power and authority to give the world to whomever he pleases. (Matthew 4: 1 - 11). Food for thought!

President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of DIG Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd) as the new Coordinator of the National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons under the Office of the National Security Adviser.

DIG Kokumo (rtd) is a seasoned and accomplished law enforcement professional with over 30 years of experience in crime prevention, management, analysis, and control. 

He was Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigations Department, Force Headquarters, Abuja, from 2022 to 2023.

The President expects that the new Coordinator will deploy his immense experience and expertise in efforts to revamp the Centre and evolve new strategies to bring lasting solutions to the menace of arms proliferation which is a significant driver of insecurity in the country.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale 

Special Adviser to the President 

(Media & Publicity)

The Minister of Finance and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has said that Nigeria has ratified a preliminary approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to join the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

Edun, speaking at the Monday FEC meeting, disclosed that the opportunity had been extended to five or six African nations.

He stated that President Tinubu met with the bank’s executives in June to explore Nigeria’s membership possibilities, indicating Nigeria’s readiness to join the bank.

Moreover, he added that the FEC had endorsed the president’s commitment on Monday, paving the way for Nigeria’s membership in the financial institution.

• “We also fulfil a commitment by Mr. President way back in June when we met the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. They had said they were looking to spread beyond the region of Europe and take on partners and shareholders.
• “They were opening up to five or six African countries.
• “Mr. President told the president of EBRD that we are interested. The preliminary approval has been ratified by the Federal Executive Council.
• “We are going to be members of the European Bank of Reconstruction and Development,” he said.

What you should know about EBRD

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) was established in April 1991 to ‘foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative’.

According to the bank official website, the financial institution has invested over €190 billion in more than 6,800 projects across three continents.

• The EBRD has shareholders in 72 countries from five continents, as well as the European Union and the European Investment Bank.
• These shareholders have each made a capital contribution, which forms our core funding.
• Each shareholder is represented individually on the Board of Governors of the EBRD which has overall authority over the Bank and sets its overall strategic direction.
• EBRD is also a leading climate financer across the world, investing in climate change initiative, green energy as well as sustainable growth.

[Nairametrics]

The Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, Dada Olusegun, has described as fake news a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors.

Naija News reports that a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors and their assigned countries went viral on social media on Tuesday.

In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, Tinubu’s aide said the names in circulation are merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list.

Olusegun added that most of those mentioned in the fake list have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

He wrote: “The alleged LIST OF NEW NIGERIAN AMBASSADORS AND THEIR ASSIGNED COUNTRIES circulating online is fake.

“This list is merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list, where most of the individuals mentioned have already retired from their diplomatic duties.

“A few names on the list are even inaccurate, and some have sadly passed away. One must question the sudden emergence of this stale list at this time.

“Therefore, it is imperative to disregard and treat this list with utter contempt.”

Recall that President Tinubu had, on September 2nd, 2023, recalled all career and non-career ambassadors manning the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies, and consulates globally.

A statement by Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recall of the ambassadors, saying: “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.”

The envoys were directed to return to the country on or before October 31.

They include the 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors appointed by Former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.

[NaijaNews]

Ojodu City of Lagos youngster, Hafiz Umar Ibrahim, has earned a trial at an English Premier League side, Chelsea.

Chelsea will be giving Ibrahim a chance to prove his worth in the coming weeks.

Confirming the development in a post on his X handle on Tuesday, transfer expert Fabrizio Romano wrote: “Nigerian striker Ibrahim Hafiz Umar (18) has decided for trial at Chelsea instead of joining FK Bodø/Glimt despite club-to-club deal done for €500k.

“It will be up to Chelsea now, as Hafiz will be on trial for next weeks from Ojodu City Academy.”

He will begin his two-week trial at the Cobham training facility after securing a visa.

Co-director of recruitment and talent Joe Shields believed the youngster is worth pursuing.

The likes of Manchester City have seen what he can do, as he scored against their Under-21s during a youth tournament.

The Ojodu City FC star was spectacular, after impressing at the 74th annual Viareggio Cup, a prestigious youth tournament in Italy, last month.

Standing 6’2” already, Ibrahim models his own game after Romelu Lukaku’s, which is certainly not a bad place to start.

[Leadership]