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•No aid, no drug, no food – villagers lament plight in the bush 29 days after
•What we told panel – Okoloba Chair
INFORMATION that the Military Board of Inquiry, headed by Air Vice-Marshal David Ajayi, gained access to the Okuama community, Ughelli South Local Government Area, Delta State, locked down by soldiers on cordon-and-search operation since March 14, when 17 military personnel lost their lives in the riverside settlement, has sparked curiosity.
The concealed visit of the AVM Ajayi-led Board of Inquiry, constituted by the Defense Headquarters, Abuja, to Okuama before it commenced sitting last Wednesday in Warri, attracted more than a passing attention because the Army had earlier deprived the Governor of Delta State, who is the Chief Security Officer, CSO, Rt. Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, entry to the community.
Besides the governor, the Army practically barred the Commissioner of Police in the state, Olufemi Abaniwonda, from accessing Okuama.
The stopover of the military board has activated concerns about the neutrality of the Army in the inquiry it has appropriated, which many stakeholders have interrogated.
AVM Ajayi had told Oboreverowi a few days before the commencement of the sitting that the board was in the state to investigate the unfortunate incident that happened at Okuama.
His words, “We are here on a fact-finding mission and not to apportion blame. We are here to gather facts from security agencies, community leaders, and community dwellers.”
Why I did not visit Okuama-Oborevwori
Governor Oborevwori, who met with security heads at Bomadi, headquarters of Bomadi Local Government Area, and expected to have taken a speedboat to Okuama, some kilometres away, four days after the incident, to personally see things flew to Abuja the next day, Tuesday, March 19, to brief President Bola Tinubu on what happened.
He told reporters in Abuja that he was yet to meet with the people of Okuama, as the place was deserted. This was five days after the incident.
According to him, “When something happens like this, it is always not easy to manage tension. Yesterday, I was in that local government; I was in Bomadi for security meeting, to get full details and a briefing.
“So, some of those issues are security issues that you cannot discuss publicly. That is the truth, and we are managing the situation. Therefore, the issue of whether a place has been burned down or people have been killed; this has happened, but what is the way forward?”
Musa, CDS, modifies reason
Speaking on a television program earlier in the month, the Chief of Defense Staff, General Christopher Musa, gave a dissimilar reason. He stated that Oborevwori and residents of Okuama had no access to the community because security agencies were carrying out a “cordon and search” operation.
“We are currently conducting a cordon and search in the community. Cordon-and-search operation means we are searching every nook and cranny within the community because they have a lot of illegal funds from crude oil theft. They have bought a lot of weapons”, the CDs said.
“It is for us to thoroughly clean the community to ensure that no weapon no explosive is left in the community. I can tell you that at the end of the operation, residents of the community will always go back.”
However, the “cordon-and-search” operation was still on when the authorities that denied Oborevwori’s right of entry granted the military board of inquiry access to the community.
Police commissioner speaks for himself
In his case, the state police boss, Abaniwonda, said on a television programme: “We have not been able to move into this community (Okuama). Yes, it is our responsibility as the primary line of defense in internal security. However, when you have another sister agency conducting an operation, the reasonable thing to do is to wait for them to finish.
“We have not been able for now to get into Okuama because of the volatile nature of what is presently ongoing around that environment.
” Efforts are being made to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice. We are working in conjunction with other security agencies and I can assure you that we are making progress.”
Abaniwonda, who acknowledged that the major line of defence in internal security was the responsibility of the police, said, “In the Okuama incident, we have an ongoing military operation there. We have been on the ground, and we have been supportive. We have not been missing in action. Technology has been an integral part of present-day policing. These individuals are being tracked.”
Objection
However, there is no question about the propriety of the military panel visiting Okuama to find facts. The question is why the same military deprived the governor of visiting a community in his state where such a tragic incident that warranted the people fleeing the town occurred.
It was highly unconvincing that Oborevwori’s visit to Okuama on March 18, when he visited Bomadi, would have interfered with the cordon-and-search operation by soldiers. The military, obviously, has another reason for stopping the governor.
The Army did not even respect the words of the governor, who guaranteed after his closed-door meeting with Tinubu that soldiers would not carry out reprisal attacks.
Oborevwori told reporters: “What is happening now is something that we did not bargain for, but we want to assure everybody that there will be no more attacks on the villages, if there’s been anyone that has happened in the past…”
If they denied the governor access, which is objectionable, why also deny entry to the head of the security agency principally responsible for the investigation of such an incident in the state?
Invasion continues
Up till Thursday, the military has not ceased attacks on villages in Ughelli area over the killings; the most recent was Olota community, 50 kilometers from Okuama, but the Army authorities confirmed that the soldiers who arrested some people recovered arms and ammunition.
Twenty-nine days after the villagers, including mothers and children, fled their homeland and took refuge in the forests, aid agencies have not been able to reach them with food, drugs, and other relief materials, essentially because of the fear of soldiers who are busy invading communities and harassing residents in the name of the cordon-and-search operation.
A leader of Okuama, who spoke to Sunday Vanguard, said the Army had levelled virtually all the houses in the community, except schools and churches.
They also alleged that the military brought in caterpillars and other earth-moving equipment to dig the ground to bury their dead, which was the reason it has continued to deny the governor and residents access to the community.
The community rebuffed appearing before the military panel, citing impartiality on the part of the Army, which they termed the accuser, investigator, prosecutor and judge.
Military panel purportedly ruffled by the level of destruction
Informants, who preferred anonymity, told Sunday Vanguard last week that the level of destruction on the ground rattled members of the military panel when they visited Okuama community before coming to the Government House Annex, Warri, for sitting on Wednesday.
They whispered that the panel shut out reporters from the sitting because of what they saw.
“We read they met for over five hours at the Government House Annex, Warri, before reluctantly allowing stakeholders from Okoloba to meet them. They announced through a civilian government official on security to the journalists that they do not require their presence,” one of the informants said.
“What is the military hiding? Why shut out the media from the place? In the past panel of inquiries, with the governor and others, principal officers of the military lead media houses to see and explain what happened.
“In Rivers State for instance, when the Army destroyed houses in Yeghe community in search of repentant militants, they still took journalists there to explain their actions.
“In the era of Governor Chibuike Amaechi, he came with the army and journalists and the community, before the military and governor narrated their losses, and even provided pictures of those killed.
“In this case in Delta State, they shut out the media and kept stakeholders who came at 10 am and waited till after 3 pm. One would like to ask what the panel members were discussing for that long, if not what they beheld traumatized them.
“They should just open the community to natives and allow the people to pick the pieces of their lives; after all, they have razed their homes and identified the killers of their men, who are not even from the community.
“The only offence of Okuama people is that they committed the crime on their soil, but is it those mothers and children who are suffering in the forests that killed the soldiers? Why should they make them pass through such difficulties for more than one month running?”
What we told military panel—Koki, Okoloba chair
The chair of the Okoloba community in Bomadi Local Government Area, Mr. Clement Koki, whose age-long land dispute with Okuama culminated in the March 14 massacre, led his community’s delegation to the military panel.
The panel rounded off inquiries and hearings from the community leadership around 6.45 pm.
Koki, speaking to one of our reporters after the meeting, disclosed that it was all about asking questions to know how trouble started between the two communities, and what led to the ill-fated incident at Okuama.
His words: “They asked us how the misunderstanding between the two communities started, and we told them everything. We gave them the information they wanted to hear from us. More so, we presented all the necessary documents to them”.
We will speak after conclusion of findings —Uzor, Special Adviser
The Special Adviser to Governor Oborevwori on Peace and Conflict Resolution, Chief Edwin Uzor, also said, “The process is still ongoing and we will speak to you after findings are concluded”.
Expectedly, by last Friday, according to media reports, the panel would have proceeded to Bayelsa State, in continuation of its investigation.
Vanguard News Nigeria
AU condemns suspension of political activities in Mali, asks junta to announce transition plan
AdminThe African Union (AU) has condemned the suspension of political activities in Mali by the military junta.
On Wednesday, the military junta issued a decree suspending, until further notice, all activities by political parties and groups on the grounds of “maintaining public order”.
In a statement issued on Saturday, Moussa Mahamat, chairman of AU, expressed “great concern” over the decree, asking the Malian authorities to provide a post-coup transition roadmap to return the country to democratic rule.
“The President of the Commission expresses his serious concern about this suspension which is likely to hinder the implementation of an inclusive transition process in the country,” the statement reads.
“The President of the Commission strongly underlines the right to citizen, religious and political participation as a fundamental right and calls on the transitional authorities to reconsider the said decision and to work on a road map aimed at completing the transition process in course.”
Mahamat reaffirms the AU’s continued support to the Malian people, saying the organisation is desirous to “work with the transitional authorities and all Malian stakeholders to restore constitutional order, within the prescribed deadlines, with a view to promoting lasting peace, stability and development in Mali”.
The West African country has been under military rule since the coup in 2020 that ousted Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta.
In September 2023, the ruling military junta postponed the country’s presidential election earlier scheduled for February 2024.
The military government is yet to announce a new date for the election.
In February, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) lifted some sanctions imposed on Mali, Niger Republic, and Burkina Faso — member nations that are ruled by the military.
[TheCable]
Some suspected Yoruba Nation agitators, on Saturday, invaded the Oyo State Government Secretariat, Agodi in Ibadan, the state capital.
Eyewitnesses told PUNCH Online that the masked men were stationed at different locations within the area.
This situation, according to investigation, sent panic to the residents and road users along the routes.
Businesses and residents around Bodija, Ikolaba, and Awolowo were said to have quickly locked their shops and doors as some who were about to open for the day’s business turned back.
It was further learnt that the security operatives on duty at the secretariat were shocked as they were unable to disperse the agitators until the arrival of policemen from the state command and other anti-crime agencies in conjunction with members of the Nigerian Army, 2 Division, who demobilised them.
Operatives of the state security network codenamed Amotekun were also said to have been on the ground.
Motorists plying the route were said to have been making a detour as many other road users scampered to safety.
Road users en route Secretariat were diverted along Customs Junction as the Secretariat-Queen Elizabeth Road had been cut off traffic.
It was gathered that the efforts of the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Security, CP Sunday Odukoya (retd.), to calm the situation were futile, as the agitators insisted on hoisting their flag within the Secretariat.
As of the time of this report, efforts to get the State Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso’s reaction, were unsuccessful as his mobile number was not reachable.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of Economy, Wale Edun, has announced the earnings of government-owned entities, ministries, departments, and agencies in February.
According to him, the revenue rose to N835.70 billion in February.
There was a notable growth of N681.45 billion, representing a substantial 441.78% surge from the N154.25 billion remitted in the 2022.
The Minister made the disclosure during a presentation titled “Reconstructing the Economy for Growth, Investment and Climate Resilience Development” at the Lagos Business School Breakfast Club, the minister made this statement.
“There is an increasing revenue contribution of MDAs and GOEs, growing from 154.25 in February 2023 to 835.70bn in February 2024 through an automated two-times daily sweep of 50 per cent of MDAs and GOEs IGR since January 2, 2024.
“We have set out a robust execution plan for a 78 per cent y-o-y increase in budgeted revenue in 2024, but implementing enhanced the government’s revenue assurance model is critical with a target budget deficit of 3.9 per cent of GDP from 6.1 per cent in 2023.
“We have taken prudent expenditure measures by minimising unnecessary redundancy, reducing leakages through digitisation and eliminating inefficiencies.
“There is also a revamped process for the commencement of 2024 capital expenditure payments for MDAs and GOEs, which is through direct payments to contractors while promoting a government-wide cost curtailment culture across all MDAs & GOEs,” he said.
Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State clarified that the two commissions of inquiry established by his administration were not intended to target opposition members in the state. Responding to allegations from his predecessor, Abdullahi Ganduje, Yusuf stated that the probes aimed to promote transparency and accountability and address political violence in Kano.
During a visit from the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Yusuf emphasized the importance of ending political violence that has resulted in loss of lives and property. He assured that perpetrators would face consequences regardless of their political affiliations.
Yusuf highlighted his administration’s efforts in curbing political thuggery. Over 200 individuals apprehended by the Kano Police Command have repented and reintegrated into society. He emphasized the significance of youth empowerment and outlined initiatives to foster self-reliance among youths and women.
The governor outlined his administration’s priorities, including improving healthcare, education, and infrastructure. He mentioned ongoing projects such as constructing modern flyovers and upgrading health facilities across the state.
Yusuf disclosed the formation of a committee to investigate past administrations’ wrongdoings and misappropriation and recover looted assets and public funds.
Emir Bayero commended Yusuf’s commitment to development projects and urged parents to monitor their children to curb social vices and political thuggery. The Emir emphasized the importance of collaboration between the government and traditional institutions in fostering development and maintaining peace in Kano.
Details have emerged from the meeting yesterday involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the leadership of the National Assembly and state governors.
The stakeholders visited President Tinubu on Friday at his residence in Lagos.
During the meeting, President Tinubu stressed the importance of unity and increased collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development objectives.
According to a statement made available to journalists by Tinubu’s media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, the delegation, led by Vice-President Kashim Shettima, included Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.
Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the President, expressed confidence in Nigeria’s economic recovery and urged a joint effort to drive the nation towards progress.
The Nigerian leader encouraged a united body and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.
“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.
The Vice-President underscored President Tinubu’s ability to bring people together regardless of their ethnic or religious backgrounds.
He noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, alongside leaders from the National Assembly and former governors, is a testament to his inclusive leadership style.
”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”
”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory,” the Vice-President said.
Senate President Akpabio praised the state governors for adopting President Tinubu’s leadership approach, which is known for its inclusivity and willingness to engage with individuals from various backgrounds, regardless of their political affiliations.
“The governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Akpabio said while speaking at the meeting.
Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, the Senate President said Tinubu enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.
“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” he said.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRazaq voiced his endorsement for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway during his speech, emphasizing its importance as a major project that will greatly benefit the nation upon its completion.
He praised the President for his work in strengthening the economy and enhancing the quality of life for citizens, pointing out the positive advancements such as the stabilization of the exchange rate and the decrease in food prices.
The Governor credited these positive changes to the President’s policies and also commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for allocating funds to support 8,800 primary healthcare centres.
“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” Abdulrazaq said, urging President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.
The governor also expressed gratitude for the Federal Government’s support of states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.
”We are here to support you and thank you for the support you are giving to the subnationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.
”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.
He restated the governors’ dedication to backing the President’s plans and promised to persist in supplementing the endeavours of the federal government in advancing progress and prosperity throughout the country.
Nigeria skipper William Troost-Ekong believes Victor Osimhen has what it takes to be a future captain of the Super Eagles.
The 30-year-old has been a leader in the national team since making his debut in June 2015 in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Chad.
Troost-Ekong was born in the Netherlands and represented the European nation at U19 and U20 levels before switching nationality to play for Nigeria. He has since made 71 appearances for the Super Eagles, while starring in multiple tournaments, including the 2016 Olympics in Rio, two AFCONs and one FIFA World Cup.
Troost-Ekong’s latest tournament was the 2023 AFCON in the Ivory Coast, where he played six out of Nigeria’s seven matches as they reached the final of the tournament. Although the Super Eagles failed to end their decade-long wait to win the Nations Cup, having lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the final, He He won the golden ball and was named in the team of the tournament.
Troost-Ekong sees Osimhen as future Super Eagles captain
The PAOK defender scored three goals in the tournament, two of which came in the semi-final and final against South Africa and Ivory Coast respectively. Having captained his country for two successive AFCONs now, Troost-Ekong has tipped Osimhen to one day take up the role.
Like Troost-Ekong, Osimhen also demonstrated impeccable leadership during Nigeria’s AFCON campaign, and although he scored just once, his work rate and selfless play made up for his lack of goals. He was also instrumental in Napoli’s historic title success last season, leading by example from the front and scoring 26 goals in Serie A to emerge as the league’s top scorer.
“I am a fan of his. I saw his journey when he came to be a part of the Super Eagles in 2019, as an understudy of Odion Ighalo. I saw how hard he worked,” Troost-Ekong said.
“He is a leader in our team, and I tell him that ‘everybody is watching you. The way you play, it drives all of us’. I just try to remind him how important he is and I think he understands that role now and what he means to Nigeria as a person and as a football player.
“I’m sure that he’s going to be a captain of the Super Eagles in future, that’s my wish for him. And for him to win the AFCON and be the leader in that moment.”
Troost-Ekong ruled out for the rest of the season
Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua: Wembley to host ‘Battle of Britain’ heavyweight clash
Meanwhile, Troost-Ekong is unlikely to play any part in the remainder of the season for PAOK after suffering a serious injury just a few days after the AFCON.
The former Udinese and Watford centre-back played through the pain during the tournament but ruptured the biceps femoris in his right foot when he returned to his club and has since undergone surgery in Finland.
The injury caused the defender to miss Nigeria’s international friendlies against Ghana and Mali in March and he now faces a race against time to be fit for the Super Eagles’ upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Africa and Benin in June.
Should the PAOK defender make a recovery before June, he’d still have to fight for his position following the rise of young talents like Benjamin Taminu.
Troost-Ekong was in a similar position before the 2024 AFCON, having been left in the cold in the months leading up to the tournament. However, he fought his way back into Jose Peseiro’s plans and eventually became a starter under the Portuguese.
The Super Eagles are currently without a substantive head coach, with the NFF appointing Finidi George to serve in an interim role. However, no matter who becomes Nigeria’s next coach, it is unlikely that Troost-Ekong would lose the captaincy, especially with Ahmed Musa’s international career in the balance at the moment.
The Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly, Gabriel Dewan, has provided an explanation for swearing in only nine out of the sixteen All Progressives Congress (APC) members recently reinstated by the Court of Appeal.
The judicial decision ousted sixteen members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who previously occupied these seats.
In an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday, Speaker Dewan addressed the controversy surrounding the partial swearing-in, which took place last week and has sparked significant backlash from the APC.
According to Dewan, the decision to exclude seven APC members from the swearing-in ceremony was due to incomplete procedural requirements on their part.
“The seven members are yet to complete the necessary procedures needed before they could be sworn in,” Dewan stated, emphasizing that the decision was not politically motivated but was strictly procedural.
He said, “Sometime in November, there was a pronouncement in the court that 16 of my members have been removed by the Court of Appeal. A pronouncement in the court is different from the procedures in the House.
“I wasn’t in the court, I heard it on air that 16 members have been removed. There is no communication to me from the INEC or the CTC of the judgement for me to be sure that truly those members have been removed or anything.
“And I was waiting for that proper thing to be done, what did I get? Sometime in January, a lawyer, one S.O Obende or so, wrote a letter to my office attached with 16 certificates of return of members and I replied back that Obende is not a member of my Assembly. If the court has declared members elect the members know the normal procedure to follow.
“The right thing to be done was for INEC to write to me as the Speaker directing me that based on this judgement, attaching the communication with the CTC of the judgement, that based on this judgement, we have been directed to withdraw the certificate of return from this honourable to these honourables. Therefore, we are directing you as the electoral umpire to recognise this person as your member, that was never done.”
The Speaker added, “Sometimes two weeks ago, I was told by those responsible for documentation in the House of Assembly that 9 members have submitted their certificates of return and have met all the requirements, and I said okay.
“So, I don’t know if the CTC copies of the other members are not ready. So, what was presented to me was what I recognised and I swore them in.”
Dewan maintained that only the presentation of the certificates of return and the CTC copies of the judgements by the remaining members would give him the authority to inaugurate them as members of the House of Assembly.
On the accusation by some members of the APC that he contemn a court order, Dewan challenged those accusing him, to sue him for contempt.
He also denied that his action was politically motivated, insisting that he was only ensuring that due process was followed.
[NaijaNews]
The burst of sounds like those of submachine guns spitting pellets of death rattled the neighbourhood of Gbagir community in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State with a deafening intensity.
It was the latest in the growing supremacy battle between “Full Fire” and “Chain” as well as other militia gangs on the border between Zaki Biam (Benue) and Wukari (Taraba) states that broke out on March 5.
Terrified by the gunshots, which brought back awful memories of the late Terwase Akwaza (Gana) era, scores of innocent residents, mostly vulnerable women, children and the elderly, ran for their dear lives, many of them getting severely injured in the process.
By the last count, over 40 lives, including those of a family of seven, were lost in the bloodbath, which also saw several houses torched.
Although most of the victims were members of the rival militia groups, 12 innocent farmers within the community were gunned down in the crossfire, while 30 other villagers were reportedly injured.
Findings revealed that the deadly clash at Gbagir was a reprisal triggered after a militia leader in Ukum Local Government of Benue State allegedly kidnapped his counterpart from Chinkai community in Wukari Local Government of Taraba State.
The victim, called Alhaji Ghana, who was abducted with his family members, was said to be known for banditry and kidnapping.
A N100 million ransom demand was made, but it was gathered that N5 million was later paid to secure his freedom.
However, after collecting the money, the militia kingpin from Ukum was said to have killed the hostages, a development that sparked outrage among the deceased’s gang members, who quickly mobilised for a reprisal.
The power tussle
Curiously, Daily Trust Saturday gathered that following the killing of the hostages from Taraba, a ‘power hungry’ militia gang leader in Ukum Local Government of Benue State conspired and joined forces with the enemies on a reprisal mission to eliminate the rival gang in his community.
The essence, according to findings, was to enable him become the head of the militia in Ukum.
Earlier in January this year, no fewer than 9 people were killed during a rival local militia attack at some villages in Mbatyula and Mbayongo council wards in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.
During the three days of bloody mayhem, which was also linked to a power tussle, several houses were reportedly burned down by the factional militia groups.
A resident of Katsina-Ala who recalled the incident said, “It was a coordinated series of attacks that were carried out in some parts of Mbatyula council ward by armed men suspected to be rival militia groups from Mbayongo ward.
“On the fateful day, the armed men stormed Atumbe, a settlement in Mbatyula ward, setting houses ablaze and carting away some properties. They later moved to Kur Hile, another settlement in Mbatyula, where some houses were also burnt.
The same thing happened at Anyom community in Mbatyula ward on Wednesday, January 17, 2024, where seven people were killed and several houses burned to ashes.
Zamzam Francis, the caretaker chairman of Katsina-Ala Local Government, had reportedly confirmed the incident and was quoted as saying that it was between the rival militia gangs.
Elsewhere in March this year, another incident occurred along the Wukari-Takum road in Taraba State, where some armed militia from the Ukum axis of Benue State allegedly attacked some locals who were travelling for an annual Christian crusade in Takum.
“They ambushed our people on the way from Wukari for the crusade. In the process, they killed three victims and snatched their car while four others were wounded and hospitalised at the Wukari General Hospital,” said a youth leader in Wukari.
The source, who did not want his identity revealed for security reasons said: “The perpetrators were bandits from the Sankera axis of Benue State who take pleasure in kidnapping to raise funds and satisfy their bloodthirsty appetite. They have been doing this to us during this kind of festival period every year. We have been patient and told our boys not to retaliate. But if they continue, we will be forced to fight back.”
How Benue’s militia started, festered
Findings by Daily Trust Saturday revealed that the enduring bloodbath by armed gangs on the border between Benue and Taraba states preceded the 2001 alleged abduction and killing of 19 soldiers by Tiv militia youths. This followed a series of attacks and counterattacks by Tiv and Jukun groups within Taraba, as well as the areas around the border between the two states.
The soldiers, according to government authorities, were on a mission to restore peace in the area affected by the longstanding conflict between the warring groups when they were abducted by some armed group in Vaase, Benue State on October 10. The discovery of their mutilated bodies two days later, on October 12, in the premises of a primary school in the town of Zaki-Biam, led to a deadly reprisal by the military in Zaki-Biam and other locations.
Following the Zaki-Biam massacre, remnants of the Tiv militia youths were said to have gone wild, even as they became vulnerable tools in the hands of politicians, particularly from the Sankera geopolitical axis comprising Katsina-Ala, Ukum and Logo local government areas.
“Militia activities in Benue’s Sankera assumed a new dimension when politicians began to leverage on remnants of the Tiv militia youths in the aftermath of the Zaki-Biam incident in 2001 to form their political gangs,” said a prominent politician from Katsina-Ala.
The source, who did not want to be identified for security reasons said: “All the major political stalwarts from that area began to create and arm their militia youths, who were used during the 2019 and successive elections.”
The emergence of ‘Gana Boys’
Towards the first tenure of former Governor Gabriel Suswam, a group of youths was unveiled at an event in Katsina-Ala. The group, which was primarily like a local vigilante charged with the mandate of protecting the Sankera geo-political axis against external aggression, was headed by the late Benue militia kingpin, Terwase Akwaza, popularly known as Gana.
Although they were said to have started operating in line with their original mandate, Gana and his boys soon began to veer off into alleged criminal activities, such as armed robbery, banditry and cattle rustling.
Several attempts by the state government to stop the group became very difficult because, as a source puts it: “The boys had found a lucrative business.”
Gana was largely believed to be at the centre of the crisis between Benue and Taraba border communities, leading to the killing of scores of victims and destruction of property worth billions of naira on both sides. He was also believed to be the brain behind most kidnappings in Taraba and Benue states, including his Tiv kinsmen who suffered untold consequences of his actions.
“The involvement of Operation Zenda and other security outfits to contain Gana and his boys yielded little or no results as they shifted base into the hinterland, from where they planned and executed periodic attacks and abductions,” a security source told Daily Trust Saturday.
Ortom’s ‘carrot’ amnesty
When former Governor Samuel Ortom came in as Suswam’s successor, he introduced the amnesty programme to end the Gana phenomenon.
In 2015, the amnesty was first introduced, with Gana as the greatest beneficiary. On the last day of the programme, he reportedly turned in no fewer than 84 assorted firearms and thousands of ammunition and was not only granted pardon, the state government equally made him a revenue consultant as part of his rehabilitation.
But not soon after the programme, an incident occurred that cast a major setback on the whole process. Sources said he reneged after it was alleged that he sponsored the assassination of the then senior special assistant to the governor on security, Mr Denen Igbana.
“Back in the trenches, Gana placed special levies on farmers, traders and prominent people in his domain, and failure to pay meant death. He fought supremacy gang wars with his former allies, who visited carnages on several communities in Katsina-Ala and Ukum local government areas.
“This state of affairs prompted prominent indigenes of the geopolitical axis, including political, religious and traditional leaders to request for another amnesty programme, especially since the military had failed to nab him,” a community leader who sought identity protection said.
On Friday, September 4, 2020, Ortom, while on a tour of the Sankera axis, accepted the request of the leaders. He gave an ultimatum to those who wanted to embrace the second amnesty to surrender their weapons by September 8.
Before the visit, major stakeholders from the Sankera area had persuaded those with illegal weapons in their custody to surrender them.
That was how Gana found himself in the second amnesty programme.
Security sources said that in the company of religious leaders, he left his hideout and presented himself at the Emmanuel Akume Atongo Stadium in Katsina-Ala in full public glare to embrace the programme. The State Security Council was holding a meeting at the new Banquet Hall of the Government House, Makurdi, where the programme was to be formalised.
Selected traditional rulers, prominent indigenes and security personnel took off with Gana and other political chieftains from the stadium to go and present them to the Council in Makurdi.
Before he left his domain, Gana was said to have beckoned on leaders of his foot soldiers and told them that he suspected foul play and that if he eventually failed to return, they should continue from where he stopped. On their way to Makurdi, the military intercepted the convoy at Masaje, close to Yandev in Gboko Local Government Area and he was killed.
Gana’s vacuum and succession battle
Findings revealed that things began to fall apart within the hierarchy of Gana’s terrorist empire following his death. Ghana was believed to have maintained a stable network of foot soldiers from Benue and Taraba states due to his firm leadership control. Apart from armed robbery, kidnapping and other criminal exploits, he was also said to have leveraged on his political benefactors to maintain and sustain his gang financially.
However, this was no longer the case after his death as financial difficulty and a fierce battle over succession ensued among his foot soldiers and the new commanders.
“There was no more effective central control as all the units from the Sankera axis and beyond began to break away and fight for autonomy. Unlike Gana, who used to get funding from politicians, the new commanders were no longer getting financial support.
“Some of them resorted to going to Fulani herders in places like Kwande and Guma to collect money, with promises of allowing them freely graze on lands within their communities. The herders are claiming that the lands were sold to them, leading to the escalation of herders’ attacks,” a source from Kwande told Daily Trust Saturday.
Used, dumped by politicians
Daily Trust Saturday gathered that a major factor in the escalation of militia activities in the Sankera geopolitical axis of Benue State is the feeling of being used and dumped by politicians from the area.
Towards the end of Ortom’s tenure, politicians seeking elective positions from the area were said to have worked with the militia groups with promises for them, including amnesty.
Apart from providing physical protection for the politicians during electioneering campaigns, some of the militia groups were said to have even contributed financially towards the election of the politicians from the area.
During his electioneering campaign, the current Benue State governor, The Reverend Fr. Hycinth Alia, was also said to have promised to introduce a comprehensive amnesty programme for repentant bandits.
While unveiling his manifesto, christened, ‘Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue,’ he reportedly promised that upon winning election, he would, among others, “establish Permanent Integrated Forward Operation Bases for security men at all the flashpoints where there have been cases of armed attacks and displacement of people.
A don at the Political Science Department of the Benue State University attributed the escalation of militia activities in the state to failed promises by politicians, whom he said used and dumped the armed militia at will.
“After elections, the politicians who used these bad boys reneged on their promises, especially on amnesty. You don’t expect people armed with weapons to sit down and watch these politicians in their comfort zones while they wallow in penury,” said the don, who did not want his name in print.
Governor Alia still open to amnesty –Media aide
Responding to a question on the promise made during his electioneering campaign to grant amnesty to repentant militants, Governor Alia’s media aide told Daily Trust Saturday that the promised olive branch is still available to anyone willing to abandon criminality, rehabilitate their lives for the growth and development of their families, communities and Benue State in general.
The governor’s Technical Advisor on Media, Publicity and Strategic Communication, Solomon Iorpev, said his principal’s doors were open to everyone seeking productive and progressive change to step forward and join him to build a stronger and better Benue.
“There are great and legitimate opportunities made available by the state in the programmes being implemented by the governor, and we are hopeful they would take advantage of them for their own good and the betterment of the state.
“Do not forget that his natural calling is priesthood, which entails rehabilitating people and prompting them to live good and meaningful lives, live peacefully with one another and be their brothers’ keepers.
“So rehabilitating Benue citizens who consciously or unconsciously have fallen into criminality is not farfetched for him,” Iorpev said.
On measures taken so far in tackling security challenges in the state, especially militia attacks and herders-farmers crises, he said the governor was passionate about the welfare of his people and working round the clock to provide security for them.
“He has engaged in comprehensive stakeholders dialogue to curb the insecurity situation in the state, the reason I believe we have some relative peace today.
“Security agents are being deployed constantly to unstable areas to stop escalation in crisis-prone areas, and in most cases, nip them in the bud.
“He has also inaugurated security outfits across the state to respond to crisis situations where they may arise. We have mining marshals, agro rangers etc.
“Though most of the insecurity situations pre-date this administration, that has not deterred him from handling it head-on as security agents are working round the clock to secure lives and property in the state,” the governor’s aide said.
allegedly attacked some locals who were travelling for an annual Christian crusade in Takum.
“They ambushed our people on the way from Wukari for the crusade. In the process, they killed three victims and snatched their car while four others were wounded and hospitalised at the Wukari General Hospital,” said a youth leader in Wukari.
The source, who did not want his identity revealed for security reasons said: “The perpetrators were bandits from the Sankera axis of Benue State who take pleasure in kidnapping to raise funds and satisfy their bloodthirsty appetite. They have been doing this to us during this kind of festival period every year. We have been patient and told our boys not to retaliate. But if they continue, we will be forced to fight back.”
[DailyTrust]
The Channels Television reporter, Joshua Rogers, who was abducted in Rivers State has regained his freedom.
Rogers was kidnapped on Thursday night at about 9 pm after he was reportedly trailed to his residence.
His attackers reportedly accosted him at gunpoint, whisking him away in his car.
DAILY POST reported that the hoodlums contacted his wife, demanding N30 million as ransom.
Few hours after the incident, the kidnap of Rogers took over the media space, with different groups calling for his unconditional release.
It is not clear if any ransom was paid for his release.
He was sighted at the residence of his elder brother with other family members and friends singing praises unto God.
The Rivers State Police Command is yet to make an official statement on the incident.
[DailyPost]
More...
The naira, on Friday, appreciated to N1,150 per dollar at the parallel section of the foreign exchange (FX) market.
Currency traders in Lagos, also known as bureau de change (BDCs) operators, quoted the buying rate of the greenback at N1,110 and the selling price at N1,150 — leaving a profit margin of N40.
The naira appreciated by 0.86 percent from the N1,160 recorded on April 11.
“The dollar is falling and it is not my fault. It is how the FX market is now,” Lawal, a BDC operator, said.
Also, FMDQ Exchange, a platform that oversees official foreign exchange (FX) trading in Nigeria, said the naira rose by 7.16 percent or N88.23 to N1,142.38/$ on Friday — from N1,230.61/$ on Monday.
The appreciation of the naira is coming a few days after the CBN opened the third tranche of sales to BDC operations.
The apex bank began the sale of foreign exchange to BDC operators at the rate of N1,101/$ on April 8.
Also, on the same day, the CBN directed all banks to stop the use of foreign currency-denominated collaterals for naira loans.
The financial regulator is intensifying its efforts to boost liquidity and strengthen the naira.
Meanwhile, earlier today, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. said the naira could extend gains to trade below N1,000 to the dollar.
The Yoruba have a unique culture that singles them out as a methodical race. The place of lfa divinity as one of the pivots on which their culture rotates is undeniable. Little wonder the lfa divination was added by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) to its list of ‘masterpieces of oral and intangible heritage of humanity’ in 2005.
Ifa holds such a significant place in the lives of the Yoruba that they feel duty bound to consult it when they need to take important decisions about their lives, including the choice of an Oba.
From time immemorial the lfa oracle is consulted before an individual is chosen among the plethora of candidates to become the traditional ruler of a community. Today, however, the beat has changed and so also the dance step. State governors have usurped the place of lfa priests as they now appoint Obas by fiat except in few communities like Ibadan, Oyo State where there is an entrenched succession plan.
The consequence is the crisis that is usually foisted on communities upon the death of an Oba. So much so that there are many communities in Yorubaland today with two traditional rulers reigning at the same time.
Origin of lfa divination in Yoruba land
Ifa, according to history, was a transferred religion or belief that came into the famous Oyo Empire during the reign of Alaafin Onigbogi. Rev. Samuel Johnson, in his book “The History of the Yorubas”, identified five Alaafins he labelled “historical kings”. They include Oganju; Kori; Oluaso the one known as Osarewa s’akin (the handsome but valiant king); Onigbogi and Ofinran.
Johnson explained that Ifa came from an Ota woman named Arugba-Ifa, who was Alaafin Oluaso’s Queen and mother of Alaafin Onigbogi. Arugba-Ifa, a very superstitious woman, was said to have left Oyo for her hometown, Ota. But on hearing that her son had succeeded his father, she returned to Oyo and introduced Ifa as a religion.
The account stated that Oyo people initially rejected the ‘strange’ religion, but one Oba from a vassal town called Ado accepted her and her religion. When the Nupe people attacked Oyo and made a mess of the city, the people had to look for Arugba-Ifa and Ifa was established as a religion in Oyo, with Alado, the Oba of Ado, as the first priest.
Thus Ifa became the religion of Oyo people and by extension the entire Yoruba race. Such that before any major decision is taken in the land, the Ẹlẹri-ipin (the one who witnessed destiny) is consulted, and its pronouncements adhered to. In the days of yore, no Oba was crowned except he was picked by Ifa.
Oluwo’s confirmation
The change in trend was recently confirmed by the Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdulrasheed Akanbi, whose dressing, utterances and general comportment have raised concerns within and outside his kingdom as to whether Ifa was consulted before his choice.
Oba Akanbi confirmed in a recent interview that lfa was not consulted before he was made Oba. Rather, he assumed the throne through his romance with the powers that be in the state.
Oba Akanbi said: “Tell me one king that Ifa picked in Yoruba land. The person picked by the governor is the one God has ordained to be the king. There is no Oba in Yoruba land that would say Ifa picked him.
“It is after the governor picks you that you become a king. Ifa does not have any power over the governor.”
The Oluwo insisted that the days of Ifa’s intervention in the choice of Obas were long gone and even challenged his interlocutors to name an Oba who is a product of Ifa divination.
Essentially, Oba Akanbi declared that governors have taken the place of Ifa in the appointment of Obas in Yorubaland because their word in the matter is law, and not even Ifa can object the moment a governor approves a candidate as Oba.
Hear him: “You may be a prince and have the money, if you have the approval of Ifa and refuse to appease the governors, you have lost.
“In the time past, Ifa priests wielded the kind of power that governors wield today. They had the power of life and death. They enthroned kings and dethroned kings.
“Where an Oba combines the power of the king and the knowledge of Babalawo (herbalist), they become dictators. That is why Babalawos are not made kings in Yorubaland till date.”
Governors as lfa priests
In the last days of his tenure as the governor of Osun State, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola chose the Akirun of Ikirun against protests from the people. Reports said the kingmakers were lured to the government house where they were hoodwinked into ratifying government’s choice, Prince Yinusa Akadiri of the Oba-Ara ruling house, as the Akirun. What followed was a massive protest that set the community on fire.
The same Oyetola administration in the state installed Prince Gboyega Famodun as the Owa of Igbajo only for Governor Ademola Adeleke to come in and send Famodun packing and installed Prince Ademola Makinde as the new of Owa; , a situation that created tension in the ancient town.
In the same vein, the Aare of lre, Oba Ademola Ponle, who was installed as the king many years after the stool remained vacant, was also sent packing by Governor Adeleke who eventually installed Prince Muritala Oyelakin from the Oyekun ruling house as the new Oba of lre town.
Needless to say that bickering, animosity and chaos became the order for days. Although the government had its way, it is obvious that the peace that exists in the aforementioned communities is that of the graveyard.
Similar situations prevail in Oyo State where the governor, Seyi Makinde, had to engineer an amendment to the chieftaincy law which gave him the power to decide who mounts any traditional stool in the state.
Lately, there has been a cold war between the governor and the Oyomesi in Oyo town. According to sources, the governor has refused to assent to the candidate presented by the Oyomesi, the traditional kingmakers of the town, on the excuse that the processes were marred by corruption.
The foregoing prompted the Oyomesi to file a case against the governor. The suit HOY/38/2023 was filed by five kingmakers who asked the Oyo State High Court in Oyo to restrain the governor and his agents “from aborting the process for the selection/appointment of the candidate for filling the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo duly conducted by the kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy.”
The claimants in the suit are the Bashorun of Oyo, High Chief Yusuf Layinka; Lagunna of Oyo, High Chief Wakeel Oyedepo; Akinniku of Oyo, High Chief Amusa Yusuf; Areago Bashorun, Chief Wahab Oyetunji; and the Alapo of Oyo, Chief Gbadebo Mufutau. They also listed the Oyo State Attorney-General and the state’s Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs as defendants in the suit.
The kingmakers said they had at a meeting on September 30 unanimously selected a prince, Lukuman Gbadegesin, to fill the stool of Alaafin of Oyo, which had become vacant since April last year when the 45th Alaafin, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, died.
They are praying the court to restrain Governor Makinde and his agents from nullifying the choice of Mr. Gbadegesin and “approving or recognising any other candidate” as the next Alaafin “after a duly conducted process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo in accordance with the native law, custom and Chieftaincy Declaration of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy.”
The kingmakers also want the court to restrain the governor and the other defendants from removing them as Oyo kingmakers or “dissolving the Oyomesi in Council or appointing or selecting warrant chiefs to conduct or start a fresh process for the filling of the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo.”
They want the court to restrain the defendants from “harassing, disturbing, preventing or stopping the claimants from carrying on their traditional functions and responsibilities as kingmakers of Alaafin of Oyo Chieftaincy.”
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had grilled some of the Oyo kingmakers on October 18 over allegations of bribery in relation to the selection of the next Alaafin.
A petitioner had alleged that the kingmakers collected bribes running into millions of naira to facilitate the selection of Prince Gbadegesin.
This was also the case in Ogbomoso, as there has been a series of litigations going on since the selection of Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso.
The stool of the Soun became vacant with the death of long-reigning Oba Jimoh Oyewumi on 12 December, 2021 at the age of 95 years. Prince Oyewunmi was on the throne for 48 years.
But the appointment of Mr. Olaoye, a former pastor at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, by Governor Seyi Makinde has triggered a legal tussle. One of the contestants for the Soun throne, Muhammed Kabir Olaoye, a prince, was dissatisfied with the selection process that led to Mr Olaoye’s eventual ascendancy to the stool.
The chairman of the Screening Committee for the Laoye ruling house in Ogbomoso, Abdulwahab Laoye, had earlier disowned Mr Olaoye, saying the family had not selected anybody to fill the vacant stool.
However, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, insisted that Mr Olaoye’s appointment followed the statutory processes.
The Oyo State High Court at Ogbomoso had on 25 October set aside Governor Makinde’s appointment of Mr Olaoye as the new Soun of Ogbomoso. A stay of execution of the judgment was later granted by the judge, K.A. Adedokun, paving the way for Mr Olaoye’s inauguration as Soun of Ogbomoso by Governor Makinde on 20th December last year.
The appellants are S.O. Otolorin, chairperson, kingmakers of Soun Chieftaincy; Salawu Ajadi, Jagun of Ogbomosoland; Tijani Abioye, Bara of Ogbomosoland; David Adeniran Ojo, Kolaba of Ogbomosoland; Yusuf Kasali Oladipupo, Abese of Ogbomoso kingmaker; and Mr Olaoye, the new Soun.
The appellants listed Muhammed Kabir Olaoye, Governor Makinde, Oyo State Attorney-General, Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ogbomoso North Local Government, the Traditional Council of Ogbomoso North, and Amos Olawole Olaoye, as respondents in the appeal.
In the notice of appeal dated 30 November and filed at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the appellants faulted the decision of the State High Court voiding Mr Olaoye’s appointment as the new Sọun of Ogbomoso.
Accuracy of lfa predictions
It is obvious and significant that where lfa is consulted before the choice of an Ọba but the powers that be decide to do their own bidden, the consequences are always unpalatable.
Before he became the Olọwọ of Ọwọ in Ondo State in 1941, Ifa had predicted that Ọba Ọlateru Ọlagbegi ll, would become the king and there would be crisis that would lead to his banishment, but he would return as the Ọba of the town and all his enemies would be put to shame. After 25 years on the throne, Ọba Ọlagbegi in was deposed and banished from Ọwọ in 1966 and another Olọwọ, in the person of Ọba Adekola Ogunoye ll became the king.
Twenty-five years later, Ọba Ọlateru Ọlagbegi II was reinstated as the Ọlọwọ and reigned for another five years before he joined his ancestors in October 1998. While in exile, the revered monarch maintained his dignity and those responsible for his dethronement were at the forefront of the agitation for his reinstatement 25 years later, as predicted by Ifa.
In the same vein, in August 1967, a crisis erupted in the ancient town of Arigidi Akoko in Ondo State and Ọba Muhamadu Ọlanipekun, the Sarki of Arigidi, was forced to go into exile. At the peak of the crisis, Ọlanipekun wanted to confront his enemies but his wife reminded him of what lfa predicted when he was going to be installed as king that okiki ọdẹ a fi fila perin kii ju ọjọ mẹta lọ (all the tribulations will soon become history). He therefore opted for peace and went into exile.
As it later turned out, all the efforts made by his detractors to install a new Sarki outside Olanipekun’s lineage failed until 41 years later in 2008 when an Olanipekun prince, Oba Yisa Olanipekun, was installed as Sarki of Arigidi Akoko, thus confirming the accuracy and sanctity of Ifa.
Political influence versus lfa’s sanctity
There is no gainsaying the fact that political influence has overridden Ifa in the choice of Obas in Yoruba land these days; a situation many see as eroding the race’s cultural value.
Speaking to The Nation on the issue, the Araba of Osogbo land and renowned Ifa priest, Chief Yẹmi Elẹbuibon, noted that the abandonment of the value and traditional norms regarding the choice of an Oba through Ifa divination by the kingmakers has turned them into objects of ridicule.
Elebuibọn pointed out that the position of an Oba is so critical to Yoruba culture and values that they were referred to as the eye of the gods and were thus accorded the utmost respect. He, however, lamented that the way some of Obas are fraternising with politicians has robbed them of their respect to the extent that the governor now chooses whoever he wants as the Oba of a town.
He recalled with regrets that Obas’ fraternity with the political class once warranted a former head of state to command traditional rulers to stand up and greet him at a public function; a situation he described as an insult to the traditional institution and erosion of the dignity and sanctity of royal fathers.
The lfa priest advised those who want to be kings to get ready to uphold tradition and our cultural values if they want to be king, not looking for politicians to give them what they don’t deserve.
On his part, Chief Niyi Akintọla, SAN put the blame at the feet of traditional rulers who fraternise with politicians and encourage governors to mess up with them.
He said: “If an Oba respects himself, nobody will erode him. When Alaafin Lamidi Adeyemi was alive, could any governor look at his face? Could any governor cross his path? Those who did it in the past paid for it.
“Can anybody cross the Awujale’s path? An Oba should be a man of impeccable character with aura and dignity. He respects himself and you don’t just see him everywhere.”
Akintola added: “When an Oba reduces himself to ‘Mr Available’ and turns himself into a beggar, going to governor’s office, how do you think he will command respect?
“Obas have turned themselves into puns in the hands of governors. If they respect themselves, nobody will dare mess them up.”
He argued that a situation where dollars are flying here and there because somebody wants to be a king, he will get the type of insults that are being heaped on traditional stools.
“We should allow tradition to take its course. Every town has its own tradition that is peculiar to it; we should allow it to work. But when we are tampering with the tradition, that is when we run into trouble.” he said.
Speaking to The Nation in the same vein, a renowned lawyer, Chief Ọlalekan Ojo (SAN) noted that there is nothing bad in using lfa to choose an Oba as long as it conforms with the people’s tradition.
He explained that “every system is subject to abuse, but l still prefer the traditional way through Ifa. Picking an Oba via political ladder is not too good. If a governor chooses a king because of politics, when another one comes he may look for a way of installing his own too. That is very unfortunate and not good for the system at all.”
If culture is very sacrosanct, journalist and lawyer, Chief Fassy Yusuf said, it should be adhered to, especially if the people come together and say this is what they want.
He explained that the issue of lfa may not apply to all cultures, noting that if there is manipulation of lfa, “then you can fall back to democratic norms or the constitutional law.
“Don’t forget that the lbadan system is a peculiar one. The chieftaincy law of any state is supreme.
“Take for instance Ijebu. There are four ruling houses with a rotational system. The kingmaker will pick if it is their turn. Whether their choice is subjective or otherwise, it will be put forward as the king.
“There is a procedure to be followed, and if a governor says otherwise his decision will be challenged in the court. There must be due process.”
Speaking on the kinship crisis in lkirun, the son of the soil and celebrated author of popular textbooks on O’ level Economics and Government, Dr. O. A Lawal, argued that politics has replaced traditional way of succession in the ancient city.
Lawal argued that politicians have destroyed the system to the extent that tradition has been relegated to the background.
“The people of lkirun town know how to install their king. Some politicians cannot just come from nowhere to impose a king on us. It will never work,” he said.
[TheNation]
The Federal Government has traced fleeing Binance executive, Nadeem Anjarwalla, to Kenya, following his escape from custody in Nigeria.
Following the development, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the International Criminal Police, the Nigeria Police Force and the Kenyan Police Service have deepened talks to quicken Anjarwalla’s extradition.
Sources in the Presidency who are on top of the case told Saturday PUNCH that Anjarwalla, whose cover has now been blown, went into hiding immediately after he landed in Kenya.
The source revealed, “We have found him. We know where he is. He is in Kenya, and we’re working with the authorities to bring him back to Nigeria.”
Another source also close to the matter, corroborated the first source’s statement.
The source noted, “All hands are on the deck. The government and all the security agencies are working hard in conjunction with the Kenyan authorities and INTERPOL, to ensure his return to Nigeria to face the charges brought against him.”
Meanwhile, the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, had in the March edition of the agency’s bulletin titled, “EFCC Alert,” which was released last week, confirmed that the commission was working in conjunction with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya to extradite Anjarwalla.
Olukoyede noted, “The takeover of the prosecution of Binance chiefs by the commission is no less a strong message in the direction of EFCC’s resolve to hedge in distortions and disruptions in the country’s forex market.
“Tax evasion, currency speculation and money laundering to the tune of $35.4m are at the foundation of the commission’s five-count charges against Binance Holdings Limited, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, the company’s chief executives.
“While Gambaryan is currently in the commission’s net, the process of extraditing the fleeing Anjarwalla is revving in full swing.
“Involved in partnership with the EFCC to nick Anjarwalla in flight are the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the governments of the United Kingdom, Northern Ireland, and Kenya as the clock winds down to his arraignment in absentia alongside the company and Gambaryan.”
Saturday PUNCH had earlier reported that the Federal Government had commenced the extradition process of Anjarwalla back to Nigeria, over alleged $35,400,000 money laundering.
“Mr Anjarwalla’s extradition process has begun. The FG is working as did with INTERPOL to extradite the fugitive to Nigeria. He’s a fugitive that escaped from lawful custody, and his other partner is still in custody and would be arraigned on Thursday alongside their company, Binance,” a source had noted.
Another source revealed, “It is true that the FG has commenced the process of extraditing Binance’ Anjarwalla to bring him back to Nigeria to answer to his money laundering case in court, among others. The arraignment of Binance and Gambaryan in court on Thursday would also aid Anjarwalla’s extradition.”
Meanwhile, a top security source, working on the matter, confirmed to our correspondent that the soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla were being grilled by special investigators drawn from the military, Department of State Services, Police, EFCC, and the National Intelligence Agency.
“The soldiers detailed to monitor Anjarwalla have been detained as you know, and they’re still being grilled by special investigators drawn from various security and intelligence agencies and services- the military, DSS, NIA, and the police, all hands are on deck, as it is a matter of national security,” the source stated.
The EFCC had on Thursday, April 4, arraigned Binance Holdings Limited and two of its senior executives, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla (now at large) on money laundering allegations.
The EFCC, which has now fully taken over the case from the Office of the National Security Adviser, has also detained Mr Gambaryan and has obtained a court warrant to arrest and extradite Mr Anjarwalla.
Confirming the development to our correspondent on Friday, impeccable sources noted that Mr Anjarwalla would be arraigned in absentia alongside Binance and Mr Gambaryan who’s now in EFCC custody.
“The detained Binance executive, Gambaryan is now in custody of the EFCC. The NSA has handed over the matter to the EFCC for investigation and prosecution. The commission has charged Binance, Gambaryan and Anjarwalla to court for $35,400,000 money laundering, and they’ll be arraigned in court on Thursday, April 4, 2024.” a source noted.
Another source revealed, “The EFCC is now partnering with the International Criminal Police Organisation, the United States’ Federal Bureau of Investigation, the government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, and the Kenyan government, to effect the arrest and extradition of Mr Anjarwalla, the fugitive who fled from lawful custody in Nigeria.”
The court documents exclusively obtained by Saturday PUNCH revealed that the charges were filed on Thursday, March 28, 2024, before the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Abuja division.
The charges read, “That you, Binance Holdings Limited (aka Binance) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court carried on specialised business of other financial institution without valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 57 (1) and (2) of the Banks and Other Financial, Institutions Act, 2020 and punishable under section 57(5) of the same Act.
“Count two, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (aka Binance) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), between January 2022 and January 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court engaged in business of other financial institution (other than insurance, stock broking and pension fund management) without valid licence and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 58(5) of the Banks and Other Financial Institutions Act, 2020.
“Count three, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (aka Binance) between January 2022 and January 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court not being an authorized dealer in Nigeria’s Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market used your virtual asset services platform to unlawfully negotiate foreign exchange rates in Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 29(1) (c) of the Foreign Exchange (Monitoring And Miscellaneous Provisions) Act.
“Count four, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (aka Binance), Tigran Gambaryan, Nadeem Anjarwalla (now at large), and other persons at large between January 2023 and January 2024 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court conspired amongst yourselves to conceal the origin of the proceeds of your unlawful activities and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 21 (a) and punishable under section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
“Count five, that you, Binance Holdings Limited (“aka Binance”) Tigran Gambaryan, and Nadeem Anjarwalla between January 2023 and December 2023 in Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court concealed the origin of a cumulative sum of $35,400,000 generated as revenue by Binance in Nigeria knowing that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful activity and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 18 (3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and prohibition) Act, 2022.”
Also on March 22, the Nigerian government approached the Federal High Court in Abuja and slammed another four-count charge on Binance Holdings Limited, Anjarwalla, and Gambaryan, accusing them of offering services to subscribers on their platform while failing to register with the Federal Inland Revenue Service to pay all relevant taxes administered by the service.
And in so doing, they committed an offence, contrary to and punishable under Section 8 of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993 (as Amended).
The defendants were also accused of offering taxable services to subscribers on their trading platform while failing to issue invoices to those subscribers to determine and pay their value-added taxes and, in so doing, committed an offence contrary to and punishable under S.29 of the Value Added Tax Act of 1993 (as amended).
Count three of the charges accused the three defendants of offering services to subscribers on their Binance trading platform for the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies and the remittance and transfer of those assets while failing to deduct the necessary Value Added Taxes arising from their operations and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 40 of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Establishment Act 2007 (as amended).
The last count of the charges wants the defendants punished for allegedly aiding and abetting subscribers on their Binance trading platform to unlawfully refuse to pay taxes or neglect to pay those taxes and, in so doing, committing an offence contrary to and punishable under the provisions of S.94 of the Companies Income Tax Act (as amended).
FG crackdown
The Nigerian government had, in the past three months, been cracking down on suspected money launderers and terrorism financiers, some of whom it alleged were using the Binance platform for criminal activities
The Nigerian government said over $21.6bn was traded by Nigerians whose identities were concealed by Binance.
The government also claimed its investigations revealed that unscrupulous elements were using Binance for money laundering, terrorist financing, currency speculation, and market manipulation, distorting the Nigerian economy and weakening the naira against other currencies.
The detention of Binance officials in Nigeria began months after the crypto exchange platform pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $4.3bn to settle criminal money laundering charges levied by the United States Department of Justice.
Binance Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Changpeng Zhao, also known as CZ, pleaded guilty and agreed to resign.
His criminal trial has been postponed to April 30, 2024, by a United States court.
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President Bola Tinubu has assured that the nation’s economy will roar back to glory in the coming months, re-echoeing the fact that the worst is over in the economic travails being faced by the nation.
Tinubu however called for unity of purpose and more collaboration between the federal government, state governors, and members of the National Assembly to achieve national development goals.
According to a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity Ajuri Ngelale, the President spoke while receiving state governors and the leadership of the National Assembly in Lagos on Friday.
The President, who spoke through Vice President Kashim Shettima, who was also at the head of the entourage of of Governors and federal law makers, emphasised the fact that the future of the black race rests on Nigeria.
Others on the delegation included Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker Tajudeen Abbas; Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum, among others.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Vice-President Shettima expressed optimism about Nigeria’s economic resurgence and called for collective efforts to propel the nation forward.
He urged unity and collaboration among all stakeholders to achieve shared prosperity and promised a brighter future for the nation under President Tinubu’s guidance.
”The future of the black man rests on Nigeria to make or mar. Our economy has turned the corner. By the coming months, the economy will roar back to glory.
“Let us unite, rally around our leader, and catapult this nation to a greater pedestal. By December, I hope we will have cause to celebrate. Let us coalesce to take the nation to a greater pedestal,” Vice-President Shettima said.
Emphasising President Tinubu’s role as a unifying leader, transcending ethnic and religious lines, the Vice-President noted that the gathering of 27 governors in Lagos, along with the leadership of the National Assembly and some former governors, bears the testimony of a detribalized leader who has embraced all.
”This gathering cuts across ethnic, religious, and political lines. Here, we have Pastor Eno of Akwa Ibom and Father Hyacinth of Benue, and as the President was seated, he was asking, ‘Where is Wammako, where is Yari’? That is the hallmark of true leadership. What binds us together supersedes whatever it is that may divide us.”
Akpabio commended the Governors for emulating President Tinubu’s leadership style, characterized by listening to diverse voices and consulting widely with the people, irrespective of political affiliations.
“The Governors are doing well. I can say so because I have been there before,” Senator Akpabio said.
Expressing confidence in President Tinubu’s leadership, Akpabio noted that the President enjoys the broad support of Nigerians across political divides.
“As you coast home to victory for a second term, may all the governors seated here also coast home to a second term victory in their states,” Senate President Akpabio prayed.
AbdulRazaq expressed support for the 700km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, describing it as a huge project that will have a significant impact on the nation when completed.
He commended the President’s efforts in stabilizing the economy and improving living conditions, highlighting the positive developments in the country, which include the stabilization of the exchange rate and decreasing food prices.
He attributed these improvements to the President’s initiatives and also lauded the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s funding for 8,800 primary healthcare centres.
“We commend your efforts because the ship is gradually turning. We have seen how the exchange rate of the naira against the dollar is coming down. The cost of food is coming down. The dry season harvest is commencing soon. Things are getting better, and there is light at the end of the tunnel,” the Governor said.
He urged President Tinubu to persevere in his efforts towards achieving economic stability.
The governor also expressed gratitude for the support provided by the Federal Government to states, particularly in distributing grains to alleviate food shortages.
”We are here to support you, and we also thank you for the support that you are giving to the sub-nationals. Trucks are wheeling up across the nation, distributing grains. I have received, and most of the states have.
”Because of what you are doing, those who are hoarding food items are releasing them, and that is why the prices of food are coming down,” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq reiterated the Governors’ commitment to supporting the President’s initiatives and pledged to continue complementing the efforts of the federal government in driving progress and prosperity across the nation.