Rigathi Gachagua, Kenya’s vice-president, is dealing with impeachment proceedings from the national assembly over allegations of supporting the violent anti-government protests that rocked the East African nation in June.
Gachagua is also accused of involvement in corruption, practising ethnically divisive politics, and other activities inconsistent with his office.
Lawmakers said the vice-president amassed assets worth 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) since the last election, with an annual salary of $93,000.
Among the listed assets was Kenya’s renowned Treetops Hotel.
Gachagua said his wealth is through legitimate business deals and an inheritance from his late brother.
After the protests, President William Ruto sacked most of his cabinet and brought in members of the main opposition.
Gachagua’s impeachment proceedings were initiated a week ago by Ruto’s allies.
The vice-president prayed the high court to halt the proceedings but his request was declined.
On Sunday, during a prayer meeting at his residence, Gachagua implored Ruto, legislators, and Kenyans to forgive him for any wrongdoing.
On Monday, he clarified that his apology was not an admission of guilt and quelled resignation rumours.
Gachagua also accused the legislator who drafted the motion of lying, calling it “shameful and sensational”.
Legislators are expected to debate the motion on Tuesday afternoon and hold a vote before the motion proceeds to the senate.
The deputy president said he would prosecute his defence.
[TheCable]
I Am Concerned Only My Name Was Mentioned – Fubara ‘Replies’ Tinubu Over Rivers State Crisis
AFOLABI
Governor Siminalayi Fubara on Monday declared that he had no concerns about the intervention of President Bola Tinubu in the fresh crisis rocking Rivers State, which has resulted in the destruction of some local government secretariats in the state.
He, however, expressed worries that President Tinubu singled out his name for mention while reacting to the crisis.
The Rivers State Governor was also quick to submit that he is not the cause of the problem in the state.
Naija News recalls violent clashes erupted in some local government areas in Rivers State on Monday following the withdrawal of the officers securing the 23 council secretariats by the police early Monday and attempts by some newly-elected local government chairmen to resume duties.
Some council secretariats were set ablaze by political opponents, while sporadic gunshots were reported in some other locations.
Reacting to the development, President Tinubu, in a statement on Monday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, ordered the police to secure the local government secretariats in the state and also called on Governor Fubara, political leaders and their supporters in Rivers State to exercise restraint.
Reacting to Tinubu’s statement on the crisis, Fubara, who spoke on Monday night during a Channels TV interview, said he is okay with the President’s intervention, but concerned that only his name was mentioned.
Fubara said it doesn’t take rocket science for anyone to know those behind the violence in Rivers State.
He added that the pulling out of the Police allowed hoodlums to take advantage of the situation.
In his words, “I do not have any issue with it (the President’s intervention) but I am a bit concerned when my name was only mentioned.
“The issue is very simple. It’s as simple as ABC, everyone in Nigeria, everyone in Rivers State knows where this issue is coming from. It’s not rocket science. We know what the issue is and the issue is not Fubara, it is not.
“I believe strongly that with the recent intervention of the Inspector General of Police, maybe we will have a breathing space.
“Maybe as a result of him pulling his men out of those secretariats might be one of the reasons they (hoodlums) took advantage of the situation but I will appeal that while the men are there, the elected officers should have the opportunity to do their work, at least, let them provide security for them, which was even what I was thinking of.
“I was never of the opinion that the police should pull out completely. No. When they said they were moving out, it was what allowed these miscreants to take advantage of the secretariats to destroy them.”
Rep tells Tinubu to call Wike to order - says nothing will remove Rivers LG chairs from office
AFOLABI
Ikenga Ugochinyere, a member of the house of representatives, has alleged that supporters of Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), are behind the attacks on the LG secretariats in Rivers state.
At least three LG secretariats in the south-east state—Emohua, Eleme, and Ikwerre—were set on fire by hoodlums on Monday.
The secretariats were torched after Siminalayi Fubara, governor of Rivers, swore in the 23 newly elected LG chairpersons.
The local council election was conducted on Saturday.
The Action Peoples Party (APP) won 22 LGAs, while the Action Alliance (AA) claimed one.
Fubara’s loyalists joined APP weeks before the election to secure the party’s tickets to contest the poll.
In a statement, Ugochinyere, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) representing the Ideato federal constituency of Imo, asked President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike.
The lawmaker claimed that those orchestrating attacks on the LGA secretariats want a state of emergency to be declared in Rivers.
“Supporters of a serving minister in Tinubu’s government are alleged to be busy burning headquarters of another arm of government, and the police since morning have not stopped them,” the statement reads.
“Mr. President, do you know what this means? Nigeria has worked paths like this before, and the consequences were enormous. Stop the madness these overnight supporters are carrying out.
“Rivers people and Nigerians are recording all these for you. Elected LGA chairmen have been sworn in, and there is nothing this alleged Wike group can do that will change this or remove the democratically elected government of Gov. Fubara from office.
“Stupidity is when you think a state of emergency can be declared when you burn parts of a local government and rent cultists to be firing guns cowardly from moving vehicles, all in a bid to aid a greedy, desperate man in his mad quest to seize the public purse of a people.
“Let the president stop the madness coming from Abuja before it destroys the entire democratic system. Act in your own interest.”
BACKGROUND
Fubara and Nyesom Wike, his predecessor and minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), are locked in a supremacy battle over the control of the political structure of Rivers state.
The build-up to the Rivers LGA elections was marked by controversy, fueled by conflicting court rulings.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) and the PDP also opposed the conduct of the poll.
On September 4, a high court in Rivers state held that Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) could conduct the LGA elections using the 2023 voter register.
But on September 30, a federal high court in Abuja barred the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from releasing the voter register to RSIEC.
The court also barred the inspector-general of police (IGP) and the Department of State Services (DSS) from providing security for the conduct of the election.
However, the election was conducted without a voter register and police security.
Ola Olukoyede, the chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), says the commission could not investigate corruption cases in 10 states due to court orders.
Olukoyede spoke in Abuja on Monday at the 6th EFCC/National Judicial Institute (NJI) capacity-building workshop for justices and judges.
The theme of the workshop was ‘Integrating stakeholders in curbing economic and financial crimes’.
However, the EFCC chairman did not list the 10 states where court orders are preventing the anti-graft agency from performing its functions.
Olukoyede said there is a need for collaboration between anti-graft agencies and the judiciary in the fight against corruption.
He said the commission is battling the issues of frequent adjournments of high-profile cases and conflicting court orders in the prosecution of corruption.
“In spite of the energy and commitment of our judges in resolving corruption cases across the country and measures such as practice direction and designation of courts and judges to hear corruption matters, there are still some areas of concern that need to be addressed urgently,” Olukoyede said.
“The spectre of frequent adjournments of high-profile corruption cases arising from frivolous applications, conflicting orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction in corruption cases, intemperate contempt orders hauled at the commission’s leadership, and undue reliance on technicality in deciding serious corruption cases, unwarranted orders of injunction restraining the commission from investigating graft cases, are among a plethora of issues that bother the EFCC, which should be on the table for frank conversations over the next two days.
“The incidence of suspects facing criminal investigation rushing to court to obtain orders of injunction restraining the commission from inviting, investigating, interrogating, and arresting them, including some state governments, has become rampant and worrisome.
“At the last count, the commission is unable to conduct an investigation in at least 10 states of the federation.
“This is in spite of the clear pronouncements by appellate courts that law enforcement agencies cannot be restrained in carrying out their statutory duties.”
The EFCC chairman urged the judicial officers to use the platform to engage with the commission and “speak frankly on how corruption cases can be speedily determined”.
He said without a “committed, patriotic, and courageous judiciary,” EFCC and other agencies would not make any headway in the fight against corruption.
Femi Falana, a senior advocate of Nigeria (SAN), says he has been receiving threats over his decision to take legal action against VeryDarkMan, the controversial activist.
Recently, VeryDarkMan shared a purported audio conversation wherein Bobrisky, the popular crossdresser, claimed that Falana and his son Falz contacted her while she was serving a six-month sentence for naira abuse.
In the recording, Bobrisky alleged that she spoke with Falz in prison, adding that the rapper and his father “tried to get me a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million”.
The activist, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, said he has lost respect for Falana over his alleged involvement in the matter.
Bobrisky has since denied the recording and threatened to sue VeryDarkMan for defamation.
Falana and Falz have also threatened to institute legal action against the activist if he fails to retract his comments and apologise.
Speaking in an interview with Sahara Reporters on Monday, Falana said some persons have threatened to burn his office and kill his daughter over the case.
The human rights lawyer, who had previously denied meeting Bobrisky, described the situation as “disturbing”.
“The only disturbing area in this scenario is the threat to me and one of my two daughters,” he said.
“Some of these guys, who I believe are mentally deranged, had dared me saying, ‘If you go to court, we shall burn your office’. They have also sent messages to one of my daughters that ‘If your father goes to court, we shall kill you.’
“I beg your pardon, in this country? I just laughed, and I asked my girl not to worry; I will take it up. I have already taken it up. We must also let these guys know where we are coming from.”
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) says Nigeria is a key player in the cryptocurrency market, especially in peer-to-peer transactions.
Emomotimi Agama, director-general of the SEC, spoke during the opening of the 2024 International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) World Investor Week (WIW).
Agama, represented by Bola Ajomale, executive commissioner operations of the SEC, said the market is still very volatile, making investor protection crucial.
Also, he said the SEC has developed and implemented frameworks for regulating virtual asset service providers (VASPs) to address concerns such as fraud, money laundering, and market manipulation, while fostering innovation.
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“Our frameworks balance the need to encourage innovation within a safe, regulated environment whilst maintaining investor protection,” Agama said.
“Crypto assets must be subject to clear regulatory oversight that ensures market integrity without stifling growth.
“Through this approach we have created a regulatory incubation programme within which new technologies and digital assets can be tested and approved for public use.
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“The SEC has also developed an accelerated regulatory incubation programme specifically to encourage non-registered crypto operators (who are currently extremely high risk and banned) to present themselves for regulatory oversight.
“I must also add that as the aforementioned framework continues to evolve, enforcement action against illegal crypto platforms, ponzi schemes and market abuse will significantly increase in severity.”
He said sustainable finance is not only a global priority, but also a pressing issue for Nigeria as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors are becoming more important in investment decisions.
Agama said while Nigeria celebrates the growth of its market, stakeholders must also recognise the evolving risks that come with global market interconnectedness.
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He said Nigeria is not insulated from economic volatility, cybersecurity threats, and financial crimes like fraud and market manipulation.
‘INVESTOR EDUCATION CRUCIAL FOR STABILITY, GROWTH OF CAPITAL MARKET’
Agama said investor education is fundamental to building a healthy market and the development of market confidence.
He noted that a well-informed investor base is crucial for the stability and growth of any capital market.
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Agama said investor education empowers individuals to make informed decisions while protecting themselves from fraud, Ponzi schemes, misinformation and excessive risk.
According to the DG, Nigeria has witnessed increasing participation in the capital market, with more retail investors entering the fold.
“As financial products become more complex and technology-driven, from fintech innovations to cryptocurrency trading, it is critical and responsible for stakeholders to commit to equipping investors with the knowledge to navigate these markets confidently and responsibly,” he said.
“World Investor Week provides a platform for us to reinforce this commitment. Throughout this week, we will engage with investors, discuss best practices, and focus on improving transparency and accountability in financial markets.
“I encourage all participants to take these opportunities to learn and share knowledge, so we can continue building a robust, investor-friendly ecosystem.”
Agama said the focus for 2024 is apt and extremely timeous as it covers technology and digital finance, crypto assets and sustainable finance.
He said the three critical sectors will significantly influence the future of global capital markets, adding that while the potential rewards are immense, the associated risks are equally enormous.
Reaffirming the SEC’s commitment, Agama said the commission would continue to collaborate with exchanges and other stakeholders in Nigeria’s capital market to uphold the highest standards of transparency, fairness, and investor protection.
‘LAGOS AT INTERSECTION OF INNOVATION, FINANCE’
In his remarks, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, governor of Lagos, said the state, as Nigeria’s commercial center, is positioned at the intersection of innovation, technology, and finance.
Sanwo-Olu said the state has consistently adopted progressive solutions to promote economic growth, enhance financial inclusion, and generate wealth.
Represented by Sam Egube, deputy chief of staff of the governor’s office, Sanwo-Olu said the rise of digital assets and the growing influence of technology in finance offer both remarkable opportunities and challenges.
“Cryptocurrencies, blockchain, and digital assets are transforming how we understand value, transaction mechanisms, and investments. While their potential to democratise finance is significant, we must also be mindful of the risks they introduce, particularly in areas of regulation, security, and investor protection,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“The role of IOSCO in advancing investor education, regulation, and market integrity is therefore crucial as we transition into this new financial era.
“Sustainable finance is another key pillar of this event’s theme, and rightly so. As we seek to address global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and economic instability, it is clear that finance must be a force for good.
“Investments in green technologies, renewable energy, and socially responsible businesses are not only the right thing to do, but they are also sound business strategies for long-term value creation.”
Sanwo-Olu reiterated Lagos’ commitment to fostering an environment that supports sustainable development, encourages responsible investments, and promotes the well-being of both current and future generations.
A father of nine children, identified simply as Mr Charles, has reportedly committed suicide in the Jeddo community of Delta State.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the gory incident occurred in the early hours of Monday.
The man allegedly took his own life after drinking an insecticide.
Sources who are privy to the incident told PUNCH Metro that the said Mr Charles, who lived in the Jeddo community of Okpe Local Government Area, drank the insecticide at his residence and proceeded to his in-law’s place at nearby Ugbokodo, where he eventually gave up the ghost.
It was gathered that before the incident, Charles, who was a member of Jeddo Community Vigilante, had a heated argument with his wife, pleading with her not to leave him.
The wife however reportedly refused to hearken to his plea.
Although the late Charles did not leave behind any suicide note, empty bottles of the insecticide were reportedly discovered in his pockets.
The Police Public Relations Officer for the Delta State Command, SP Bright Edafe, could not be reached for comments on the incident as of the time of filing this report as he did not pick up his calls when our correspondent reached out to him.
A prominent chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Bode George, has urged Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to reconcile in order to restore peace to Rivers State, following a series of politically charged incidents in recent weeks.
The state has been plagued by escalating tension following the fallout between Fubara and Wike, with their political rift leading to growing unrest.
The most recent development occurred on Monday when some local government secretariats were set ablaze, coinciding with the day newly elected local government officials were scheduled to resume work.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, George expressed his concern over the deteriorating situation in the oil-rich state, calling for a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability.
The elder statesman also highlighted the need for party unity, stressing that Governor Fubara, as the current leader of the PDP in Rivers State, requires the full support of all members to succeed in his administration.
George said, “Justice is, who is the leader of the party in the state? It is not the minister, it is this governor.
“So, we have to stand by him – the beauty of it is he stated categorically that he wasn’t leaving the party and then they carried out this election.”
The PDP chieftain explained that he and other members of the PDP Board of Trustees have made some attempts to reconcile both Wike and Fubara.
He further stated, “I spoke with the chairman of the board of trustees and then made an attempt with a group of BOT members to visit Fubara to listen to his side and then after I spoke with Wike that he should give an appointment that we are coming to see him.
“He told me that after he returns from China he will be ready to meet with them. Unfortunately, they have been there but I have not been, so I don’t know what the outcome is.”
He asserted that the party’s BOT is responsible for weighing in when there are issues like this.
Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi has praised Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State, describing him as a true democrat. He also commended the successful conduct of the local government elections held in Rivers on Saturday.
In a statement released by Fubara’s Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, and shared with newsmen on Monday in Port Harcourt, Mohammed, who is also the Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, reaffirmed Rivers State as a strong PDP state.
However, he noted that the 23 newly-elected local government chairmen and councillors, sworn in on Sunday, were not all from the PDP.
Governor Mohammed lauded Fubara for his proactive governance at the local level, noting that Fubara allowed other political parties to participate in the election to ensure there was no political vacuum despite the state not having full PDP structures for certain reasons.
“I think this is promising and creative, and I am very proud of him. Yes, we have lost as a party, and that is why we want to move forward from this,” Mohammed said.
He also expressed confidence in the possibility of resolving the ongoing crisis within the PDP to achieve unity and strengthen the party in the future.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed concerns over a potential alliance between the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader, Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Labour Party’s Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
According to the APC, the alliance is not a threat to its dominance.
Speaking in an interview with Punch on Monday, APC’s National Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, confidently stated that the proposed alliance would likely fail, just as it did prior to the 2023 presidential election.
He cited a lack of trust between Obi and Kwankwaso as a significant barrier, stressing that neither politician would be willing to step down in their pursuit of the presidency.
His comments come in response to reports that Kwankwaso recently expressed openness to being Obi’s running mate in the 2027 elections, though he attached certain undisclosed conditions. This move has sparked discussions about a possible merger between the NNPP and Labour Party.
Labour Party’s National Secretary, Umar Farouk, welcomed the idea, stating that a collaboration between the two political figures could succeed if Kwankwaso were willing to put aside his ego and work with Obi.
However, the APC remains confident that any such alliance would not pose a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027.
Ibrahim said, “The underlying and most important factor in that permutation is the word trust, which will be the bane of their agreement. These are experiments that have been conducted several times, and the results cannot be expected to change unless the factor responsible for that result changes. If you don’t change the factor and you carry out the same experiment under the same condition, expecting a different result, you are only deceiving yourself. This is a scientific procedure.
“Now, Kwankwaso and Peter Obi have tried forming an alliance in the past on several occasions, but their romance didn’t last beyond the bedroom. This is because they are strange bedfellows who can’t sleep in the same room. Both of them have one ambition—to lead the country at all costs—and neither is willing to surrender the seat to the other simply because there is this superiority complex between them.
“As long as that complex exists, and it is not likely to diminish, there is not going to be any change to warrant the APC having sleepless nights. What they are proposing now is just rhetoric because they are seeing the progress the APC is making and the changes happening in the political scene. They know that come 2027, the victory of the APC is fait accompli. All they are making is just noise to survive. It is also the ranting of a party destined for doom. So, there is nothing there to give the APC any worry at all. It is a merger that won’t come to pass.”
However, the National Deputy Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party , Abdullahi Ibrahim, described the proposed Obi-Kwankwaso alliance as a welcome development.
Ibrahim told Punch that the PDP would support any talks on an alliance or merger that would liberate Nigerians from the current hardship and the grip of the APC-led government.
He said, “It is a welcome development. We were the ones who started the discussion at the instance of the PDP, when the major opposition figures met to review the state of the nation. If there is anything we expect from the opposition going forward, it is for them to close ranks and ensure they chart a common cause, whether it is the Peter Obi-led Labour Party, Kwankwaso’s NNPP, or the PDP that is prepared to lead the direction.
“At least, we are the major opposition and have been in power before at the center for 16 years. Presently, we have 13 governors including the FCT (under Nyesom Wike), making it 14. As of the last count, Wike has still not declared his intention to leave the PDP. So, on account of these things, we are still the major opposition party in the country and for that reason, we are charting the course.
“As earlier said, it is commendable regardless of the fact that it is not our political party. It is in the interest of this country for those who have the wherewithal to ensure they salvage the people from despair and despondency, which seem to have taken over the land. Of course, Nigerians no longer want these people in power and can’t wait to see the back of the APC because of the insensitivity that characterizes their way of doing things.”
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The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) says it is not ready to engage in a media tussle with Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers, over the political crisis in the state.
On Friday, police operatives barricaded the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) in Port Harcourt, the state capital, ahead of the conduct of the LGA polls on October 5.
The NPF also said its officers would not provide security for the polls.
Fubara, who had stormed the facility, said the presence of police officers at the RISEC premises was unnecessary.
The governor accused Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), of taking orders from Nyesom Wike, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT), to truncate the LGA elections in the state.
Fubara said the RSIEC facility was his property while daring the IGP to shoot him.
Reacting, the police faulted the allegations by the governor and said they were only conforming with a court order barring the force from participating in the LGA elections.
In a statement on Monday, Muyiwa Adejobi, the police spokesperson, debunked the “prevailing falsehood of partisanship circulating in the media”.
Adejobi also reaffirmed the police’s “neutrality and non-interference in political affairs” within the state and the country.
He noted that the “misinformation triggered by the unwarranted outburst of Fubara was totally uncalled for and unfair to the law enforcement institutions in Nigeria”.
“For the avoidance of doubts, the general public is free to profile the career journey of the Inspector-General of Police and his track record in every place he has served, which undoubtedly show him as a man of honor, integrity, and focus before and after his assumption of office as the 22nd Indigenous Inspector General of Police of Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“The IGP is very well respected in the Association of Chiefs of Police Worldwide, particularly in Africa, where he’s currently serving as the Chairman of the West African Police Chiefs Committee (WAPCCO) and providing meritorious leadership within the West African Chiefs of Police.
“We have seen Chiefs of Police from across the world coming to attend his events in Nigeria and extending several invitations to him. For the first time, the president of Interpol was at the opening ceremony of the Nigeria Police conference and retreat in Owerri last year under this IGP. Let us please observe some decorum in our politics in Nigeria.
“It is also instructive to note that the NPF does not intend to engage in any form of media tussle or war with the person of the Executive Governor of Rivers State, his administration, or his political affiliations but will continue to play its role as a neutral body in all forms of political activities undistracted.
“Similarly, suffice to say that the local government elections were generally peaceful nationwide, especially in states where the police were in charge of security.
“The IGP emphasizes the Force’s commitment to maintaining law and order, upholding democratic principles, and fostering peace, unity, and progress across the nation.”
Yiaga Africa has criticized recent local elections in Nigeria, describing them as lacking democratic integrity. The organization’s Executive Director, Samson Itodo, made this statement on Monday, calling for reforms to free State Independent Electoral Commissions (SIECs) from the influence of state governors.
Itodo noted that despite the Supreme Court ruling granting financial autonomy to local governments, many local elections still lack credible democratic standards.
He stressed that extending electoral reforms to local government elections is crucial to ensure SIECs’ operational and financial independence from governors.
“Yiaga Africa has been actively monitoring local government elections and will release a detailed report at the end of October, a month we’ve termed the ‘super month’ for local elections.
This report will be based on our newly developed Local Government Elections Index,” said Itodo.
He further urged state executives to avoid interfering in the operations of SIECs and encouraged the commissions to exercise their constitutional independence to ensure credible and transparent elections. “Adhering to established guidelines is key to preserving the integrity of local government elections,” he added.
President Bola Tinubu has criticised Nigerian judges and lawyers for impeding the speedy adjudication of corruption cases by delivering judgments based on technicalities and filing frivolous appeals.
He emphasised that no “Nigerian is immune to corruption.”
Mr Tinubu stated that some of the challenges hindering the swift resolution of corruption cases include “frivolous applications and appeals, intimidation of judges by counsel, and judgements not based on the facts of cases but on technicalities.”
Represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Mr Tinubu made these remarks at the 6th Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) – National Judicial Institute (NJI) Workshop for Justices and Judges on Monday.
The president called for a collective effort toward the anti-corruption fight to tackle the menace in Nigeria.
“No Nigerian is immune from corruption, a cancer which continues to deny the nation the full benefits of its God-given resources. Rather than look up only to the anti-corruption agencies for a solution to this malaise, I believe it is in our enlightened collective interest to close ranks and aggressively tackle this common enemy,” Mr. Tinubu said.
Ola Olukoyede, chairman of the EFCC, echoed Mr Tinubu’s stance at the event.
He said, “The spectre of frequent adjournments of high-profile corruption cases arising from frivolous applications, conflicting orders by courts of coordinate jurisdiction in corruption cases, intemperate contempt orders hauled at the Commission’s leadership, and unwarranted orders of injunction restraining the Commission from investigating cases are among a plethora of issues that bother the EFCC.”
Human rights attorney and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, has asserted that his extensive legal practice over the decades has never profited from the misfortunes of others.
In an interview with Sahara TV posted on YouTube on Monday, he elaborated on his unwavering dedication to defending human rights without seeking financial compensation.
“As a policy, we do not collect fees to write letters for pardon. It is not part of our system because we do not profit from the tragedy of people,” he stated.
Falana highlighted various instances from his 42-year legal career where he has stepped in to address cases of perceived injustice without asking for payment.
He referenced his successful intervention in securing the release of six Nigerians who had been wrongfully detained in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Although these individuals were pardoned by the Thai government in 2017, they remained incarcerated until Falana’s involvement led to their release in 2022.
“I did a letter addressed to the then Minister of Interior….on the day he received the letter, he ordered the authorities of the correction centre, Kirikiri correction Centre to release them, only two of them came here to thank me,” he said.
Falana reiterated that his legal practice is founded on a commitment to justice rather than financial gain. “In the last 42 years of my legal practice, I have never ever demanded for a kobo to write a letter of pardon for anybody,” he affirmed.
Falana also addressed accusations that he sought a pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for ₦10 million, describing such claims as childish and absurd.
He expressed disappointment over these allegations, which he noted had caused distress within his family.
However, he reassured them of his integrity and dedication to his principles, stating, “I told my family that, at the end of the day, I will not disappoint you.”
Naija News recalls that social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known asVeryDarkMan, shared a voice note on social media in which Idris Okuneye, popularly referred to as Bobrisky, claimed that following his conviction and sentencing for misuse of naira notes in April, his godfather, in conjunction with the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for him to serve his six-month sentence in a private apartment.
VeryDarkMan, alleged that certain unnamed officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) received ₦15 million from Bobrisky to dismiss money laundering charges against him.
Additionally, VeryDarkMan claimed that Falana attempted to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in return for ₦10 million.
In response to the allegations, Falana denied any connection to Bobrisky and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan to retract his statements linking him to Bobrisky.