Comrade Celestine Afokobah today while collecting form for the position of State Internal Auditor in the forthcoming Delta State NUJ Council Election 2023.
Experience Counts!
DELTA NUJ COUNCIL ELECTION 2023: AFOKOBAH SEEKS A RETURN AS INTERNAL AUDITOR, COLLECTS FORM
Onowakpo Thanks Akpabio For Opportunity To Serve
The Senator representing Delta South Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas, has been named as Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Employment, Labour and Productivity and member of 13 other Senate Committees by His Excellency, Sen. Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, the President of the Nigerian Senate.
The Senate President announced Sen Joel-Onowakpo as the Vice Chairman on Monday, 7th August, 2023, before the Senate went on recess in the Committee that has Sen. Diket Plang as Chairman.
Sen Joel-Onowakpo, while expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve, thanked the leadership of the 10th Senate on his appoinment, saying that he will contribute his quota to ensure that Nigerians get the best from agencies and institutions of government.
“I am most delighted and grateful to the President of the Senate, His Excellency, Sen Godswill Obot Akpabio CON, the Deputy President of the Senate, His Excellency, Sen. Barau Ibrahim Jibrin CON and the Senate Leadership led by Sen (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele CON, for this privilege to serve,” Sen. Joel-Onowakpo stated.
He seized the opportunity to assure members of his Senatorial District, Deltans and Nigerians at large of his unalloyed commitment to serve the Committee and the country to the best of his ability, as he called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the 10th NASS to make laws that will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
Meanwhile, in a letter duly signed by the Senate Leader, Sen (Dr.) Michael Opeyemi Bamidele CON, and addressed to Sen Joel-Onowakpo, the Senate President also named the Delta South Senator as a member of thirteen other Standing Committees.
The Committees includes, Establishment & Public Services, Housing, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Agriculture Production, Services & Rural Development, Gas,Upstream Petroleum and Police Affairs.
Others are, Locall Content, Navy, Social Welfare & Poverty Alleviation, Information & National Orientation, Science & Technology
and Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC)
TIPS FOR MAINTAINING MENTAL HEALTH AS A CHRISTIAN YOUTH IN 2023: GEN Z Edition
by Michelle O. Edemenaha
What is Mental health? According to WHO, mental health is a state of well being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully and is able to make a contribution to his/her community. Maintaining your mental health as a Christian youth in 2023 is simply the state of staying sane and happy despite the challenging factors in our society today.
As Gen Zs, our mental health can be affected by factors such as peer pressure, academic pressure, substance abuse, social media bullying/pressure, desire to fit in, fear of rejection for preaching the gospel but to mention a few. For the purpose of this blog, we would be examining tips that could help in having a healthy state of mind as a Christian Gen Z in 2023:
1. TAKE CARE OF YOUR BODY
Your body is the temple of the Lord and it is your responsibility to take care of it as best as you can. You are what you eat. The importance of healthy eating habits cannot be overemphasized. A lot of depression cases result from eating disorders; eat balanced diets as often as you can. Cut down on junk food. Exercising and staying fit helps the body and the mind as well in more ways than you could ever know! Exercise can also serve as a stress reliever. Exercises like jogging, skipping and dancing as well are stress relieving activities that can help your body release tension and anxiety.
Also remember to feed your spirit man with the word of God daily. Have a quiet time dedicated to studying the Bible daily.
2. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE ENERGY
Our minds are influenced by what we feed it; sight, hearing, smell and taste. Like the way your body responds to what you take in, if you are constantly surrounded with people who have a toxic mindset or mentality, it would have an effect on your mind. The effect may be subliminal or direct. Don’t keep company with people who always make fun of your dreams, insecurities or devalue your achievements.
As a Christian, you should keep friends that stir up your faith in Jesus; Iron sharpeneth iron. The music and movies we listen to and watch also affects our way of reasoning. The media we take in have pronounced or underlying messages, positive and negative alike. Listening to music and watching movies with depressing, violent or sexual themes fill our minds with similar thoughts and shifts our mindset to a negative position. Switch secular music for christian music, secular movies for movies that strengthen your faith in Christ.
3. NO TO SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Many youths today turn to drugs as a sort of relief from their problems. Vape, codeine, meth, alcohol but to mention a few cannot help you get better. They only groom problems you’d eventually have to face. Stay off drugs as best as you can. Look unto Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith. If you struggle with an addiction, swap it for a positive skill like baking or cooking. Participate in mind lifting activities.
4. VALUE YOURSELF
Valuing yourself starts with you having to take control of your mind. Understand that your mind is responsible for actions you take. Control your mind, control your actions. Don’t engage in actions that are detrimental to your mental health e. g stressful activities, routines or jobs. Also set realistic goals for yourself. Also set realistic goals for yourself. It’s not a matter of how fast but how well. Set attainable goals; consistency is the key to perfection. Monitor your progress with a journal. Reward yourself when you feel you’ve done well. Make the gifts something that you look forward to, something that keeps you going on the tough days.
5. FIND HAPPINESS IN SMALL THINGS
Gen Zs are known to be obsessed with the idea of getting happiness from the big things like money, houses, cars, clothes, social media followers e.t.c. We should try to find happiness in every thing we do or any experience we come across. Like the saying goes, there’s a silver lining in every cloud. It can be as basic as watching the sun rise in the mornings and set in the evenings, enjoying natural scenery, drawing on sand, inhaling the steam from a cup of tea. Spreading love and doing good deeds like Jesus did helps us to be happy within. Make it a goal to make one person smile everyday.
6. SEEK HELP
Speaking out is an essential part of maintaining your mental health. No man is an Island and a problem shared is half solved. Talk to someone you know can help you. If you are being abused or bullied, speak to someone that can help you out of the problem. Visit a therapist for confidentiality if you must. Talk to God too he always listens.
The importance of prioritizing your mental health in 2023 cannot be overemphasized. I hope this will be of help to you! Stay happy! You owe that to yourself.
Thoughts on revenue generation
By abiodun KOMOLAFE
In a nationwide address last Monday, President Bola Tinubu announced some palliatives to mitigate the impact of the high cost of living brought about by the fuel subsidy removal.
Great speech! Excellent delivery! So, kudos to Mr President! However, a section of Nigerians frowned at the speech because _”it was one-sided”._ According to this group, the president only pleaded with the masses to persevere without telling Nigerians what the elite and the privileged clique would be sacrificing to make Nigeria great again. Though Nigerians have never doubted Tinubu’s capacity to be to Nigerians what Prophet Elijah was to the widow of Zarephath, they had expected him to talk about, say, a certain percentage of the emoluments and the privileges of the ruling class – beginning with the president, to the governors, the judiciary and other politically-exposed persons – that would be going into a certain purse in favour of Nigeria’s rescue mission. _“The president spoke eloquently to appease the masses; but what about the ‘elite of the elite’ who put us in this situation? Won’t there be a probe?”_
Well, it is no longer news that the fuel subsidy removal has opened up many wounds, including the worms of scams and inefficiency in Nigeria’s governance system. All the same, that Nigeria is in dire need of an escape route from her present financial and socioeconomic predicament cannot be overstated. A situation where annual budgets are hugely dependent on foreign borrowings, always running on alarming deficits; and where monetary authorities only present unrealistic balance sheets is not healthy for a country that’s already on tenterhooks. Sad that our economic expertise no more generates predicted results, and Nigerians continue to gnash their teeth in deeper pains. Nigeria’s economy needs urgent surgery; otherwise, the future is in for a serious mess.
Tinubu is known as a revenue driver. He knows all the tricks in the business of governance. I have also argued elsewhere that Zacchaeus Adelabu, his Special Adviser on Revenue, is a man of unimpeachable pedigree. I stand by my words! As fate would have it, the Oyo State-born technocrat is the man chosen by the president to help him find reasonable solutions to that very important aspect of governance. The bitter truth is that the task before Adedeji and his team is as enormous as it is unenviable. But while our president expects Nigerians to empathetically persevere in the face of the agonizing pains, he also needs to bear in mind that, until the superrich are prepared to play major roles in this cause, the troubling chapter of Nigeria’s history will remain a tale too difficult to tell.
Living in penury in the midst plenty! Nigeria is in trying times and all eyes can see it! According to the _National Bureau of Statistics_ (NBS), nearly 133m Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor. Of this figure, 86.1m (i.e., 65%) live in the North while the rest (i.e., 35%) live in the South. Approximately 70% of Nigeria’s population is said to be living in the rural areas; yet, these areas are home to 80% of poor people. The intensity of poverty in rural areas is also higher, at 41.9%, compared to 36.9% in urban areas.
As if these are not enough, 4 out of 10 Nigerians are said to be experiencing monetary deprivations but _“more than 6 out of 10 are multi-dimensionally poor”._ As at June 2023, unemployment stood at 33.3%; underemployment at 22.8%; youth unemployment, 42.5%; and youth underemployment, 22.0%.
Once upon a time in Nigeria’s recent history, the social media platforms were awash with the videos of young men who, in their hundreds, were reportedly undergoing paramilitary training in insurgency in selected camps. Unfortunately, the government of the day watched helplessly as some misguided elements acted recklessly. Now, the chickens have come home to roost, with the _Indigenous People of Biafra_ (IPOB) and the _Eastern Security Network_ (ESN) as the culprits; and Nigerians are living with the consequences.
But Nigeria can’t continue like this! To get out of this mess, let there be a comprehensive and sincere economic summit. Let the leakages in our revenue generation be fully identified and solidly blocked. Let oil theft and smuggling be confronted with renewed vigour, without giving room for any sacred cows. Beyond the rules of engagement associated with the destruction of illegal refineries, let there be innovative ways through which seized vessels and their products can add value to the sources of revenue for the country. From Ilesa in Osun State, to Maru in Zamfara State, let all issues relating to illegal mining be decisively addressed and scapegoats made, where necessary. Most importantly, let the roles of non-state actors in the protection of our pipelines and mining sites be reviewed in the overall interest of Nigeria.
We need to fix our hospitals with adequate resources and cutting-edge medical technology that will help patients to diagnose diseases and get healed. Agriculture (mechanized farming) and food security must be vigorously pursued while education sector and skills acquisition programmes must be adequately funded.
At the heart of economic growth is electricity supply. With a population of 223,804,632, Nigeria’s power generation capacity is below 5,000 megawatts. South Africa, with a population of 58,048,332, generates 63.28 megawatts while Egypt, with a population of 109,546,720, has 60.07 megawatts to her credit. So, how did Nigeria arrive at this pass? Queen Elizabeth of England was once reported to have recommended an electric firm that would give Nigeria sustainable power supply, instead of paying the $12 billion reduced debt, which the Olusegun Obasanjo-led government said must be paid back as loans acquired by Nigeria. For reasons best known to him, _‘Balogun Owu’_ never agreed to the Queen’s proposal. Instead, he went on a turbine-building expedition. And, since society couldn’t sanction him, the former president started pontificating, never to be satisfied!
Wait a minute, why has Nigeria become a dumping ground for electric generators? Again, what are the roles of estimated billings and what are the steps being taken by the government to put a stop to this despicable act? Until these and other pertinent questions are answered, improvement in electricity generation may continue to be a fantasy in Nigeria. Until all houses, even military and public institutions are prepared to do the needful, there will be no stop to hike in electricity tariffs.
According to experts in Tax Administration, tax evasion is a crime that can distort the overall economic, political, and social systems of a country. Economically, it affects fair distribution of wealth for the citizens. Socially, it creates different social groups motivated by tax evasion, thereby leading to unfair and unhealthy competition. So, it is a criminal offence in the eye of the law, and it is punishable by facing criminal charges bordering on money laundering.
In sane climes, tax evasion is another serious economic crime known as sabotage, which no law-abiding citizen would like to commit. In the USA for example, former President Donald Trump is still battling with it, in addition to several other offences hanging on his neck. But here in Nigeria, the rich and the powerful are deliberately evading tax without proportionate consequences. Starting with public institutions therefore, the focus should be on the rich while the middle and lower classes are expected to key into _‘pay-as-you-go’._
Lastly, with the new drive to raise revenue by making individuals and companies to be corporate responsible, fightback is imminent! Therefore, communication becomes of paramount importance to enlighten and educate those concerned to make them responsible.
May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world, grant us peace in Nigeria!
_*KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk; 08098614418 – SMS only)_
Atanomeyovwi Congratulates Omo-Agege On Diamond Anniversary Of Birth
Chief Francis Atanomeyovwi, honourable federal Commissioner representing the south-south in the National Assembly Service Commission, has felicitated with former Deputy Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, CFR on his 60th birthday celebration on Thursday, describing the 2023 APC Gubernatorial candidate in Delta State as a leader amongst leaders who have affected humanity for good.
In a statement he signed and released to newsmen on Thursday, Chief Atanomeyovwi expressed joy with the former DSP on his diamond anniversary of birth, nothing that what Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has achieved in just four years in the senate has dwarfed the achievements of other senators in the state despite their many years in the National Assembly.
He expressed delight to be associated with the ‘diamond birthday boy’, whom he described further as the national leader of the APC from Delta State, praying God to give him more years and greater and even higher opportunities to serve humanity.
‘’Senator Ovie Omo-Agege is the man with the Midas touch. Whatever he addressed his mind to achieve God has granted him. In just four years as Deputy Senate President, Ovie Omo-Agege achieved for his people, what no Delta senator has achieved since 1999. There is no gain-saying the fact that this man was raised by the mercies of God Almighty for a time like this to liberate Delta State from the shackles of merciless and heartless looters, praying God to grant the wish of Deltans to use the tribunals to liberate Delta State from the army of occupation in Denis Osadebey House so that a new, truly prosperous and progressive Delta state could be born.
‘’I want to use this moment of his birthday celebration to encourage Deltans to keep hope alive. Senator Ovie Omo-Agege came prepared. Delta state will witness tremendous changes under his watch. Those who call the name of God in vain shall be disappointed as the divine agenda of God for Delta state is for Senator Ovie Omo-Agege to be Governor of Delta state at a time like this so as to bring the needed changes to bear on the state.
‘’On behalf of my family, the APC family in Delta State and the entire people of the south-south region, we wish Senator Ovie Omo-Agege a very happy birthday, filled with lots of love and grace from above for him to continue to do exploits in the midst of his people. We also pray God to grant the wish of the progressive-minded people of Delta state by presenting the keys to Denis Osadebey House to him as his birthday gift. He worked for it. He won a credible victory. May God grant him his heart desires and that of the people of Delta state in this regard while also granting answers to all his secret prayers on this occasion of his 60th birthday. Happy birthday, your Excellency’’, Atanomeyovwi added.
Oborevwori Introduces Pet Project ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’
Wife of Delta Governor, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori on Wednesday, introduced her pet project, ‘You Matter Charity Foundation’, with key focus on helping vulnerable individuals in the society especially children with autism.
Deaconess Oborevwori who announced the project during a meeting with the wives of honourable members of the state assembly and chairpersons of the 25 local government areas at government house, Asaba, said that the non-governmental and non-profit organization was in support of her husband’s M.O.R.E Agenda for Deltans.
Riding on the vision to create a society where everyone feels valued no matter their background with the motto, ‘Everybody is Somebody’, the governor’s wife said, You Matter Charity Foundation will advocate for accessible healthcare and right to education for every child, women empowerment, elimination of gender based violence and drug abuse, and carry out various outreaches to impact rural dwellers across all communities in the state.
While seeking for the cooperation of the women towards the project, she noted that the foundation is open for collaboration from well meaning individuals and corporate organizations.
She said,“We appeal for your kind donations as we run this course for the good of all. Your support will be needed as we carry out these programs round the state. Get ready and join the train so we can reach our brothers and sisters at the grassroots.
“We believe that with a sincere show of concern and expression of love for the vulnerable, they will become valuable and create a world where everybody is somebody”.
In their separate remarks, the lawmakers’ wives led by the wife of the Honourable Speaker, Mrs Timiebi Guwor and the Chairperson of Chairpersons, Mrs Rachel Onoyake, thanked God for the victory of His Excellency; Rt. Hon. Sherriff Oborevwori during the last election and further congratulated the Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori on the successful assumption of office.
They pledged their support and commitment for the First Lady’s pet project and prayed for the success of the administration of Governor Oborevwori.
Ex-international, Sam Sodje slams FIFA Secretary Samoura for ridiculing NFF
Ex-international and Super Eagles defender, Sam Sodje, has chided the Secretary-General of the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), Ms Fatma Samoura, for disparaging the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) as being dishonest.
In a statement obtained from the England-born footballer on Wednesday in Warri, Delta State, the former Special Adviser to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa on Sports took exception to the manner Samoura went to address the Super Falcons in their dressing room as regards payment of money accruing to them from FIFA.
Ms Samoura reportedly told players that FIFA has decided to pay their prize money directly to them rather than through the NFF.
The FIFA secretary general addressed the Super Falcons after their 0-0 draw with the Republic of Ireland in their dressing room, noting that she knows “it has been tough” and that they had to “face the reality of Nigeria.”
Reacting viciously to the statement, Sodje, a former Tottenham Hotspur FC player expressed shock, saying it was uncalled for.
“I read with total shock, the statement purportedly made by FIFA Federation Secretary in the dressing room of the Super Falcons of Nigeria at the ongoing Women World Cup.
“A FIFA official need not make this disparaging statement openly because those who were in charge of football administration in Nigeria when FIFA noticed this problem should have be sanctioned and not for him to come out so disrespectfuly and completely to castigate and to implicate my dear country, a nation that has contributed so much to football without trying to investigate the genesis or the beginning of this said problem.
“The Federation Secretary should understand that Nigeria, as a country, has very serious and honest sports administrators that can hold their position any where in the world, as such he needs to give the required respect and decorum in his ulterances while at the same time not instigating our dedicated young girls in an unnecessary disrespect to Nigeria as a country, but to also look inward in addressing the shortcomings within FIFA and the officials that are at present working within FIFA as a body.
“There are currently new breed of Sports administrators supported by young ex-footballers that have gone through the required training and who have made themselves available to serve for the sole purpose of moving the Sports sector forward in Nigeria with the full support of the new generation states governors that have seriously decided to recruit ex-sports men and women in their different states sports adminstrations.
“What Nigeria and, in fact, Africa needs now is encouragement and not castigations.
“FIFA needs to respect Nigeria and Africa because we, as a nation and a continent, have contributed so much to world football and the grouth of FIFA as an organization,” he averred.
End
Insecurity in Nigeria: Addressing the Root Causes for Sustainable Peace
By ENAMEGUONOR IRUOGHENE WONDERS
Introduction:
Nigeria, a nation known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse population, and abundant natural resources, has unfortunately been plagued by a persistent and complex security crisis. In recent years, the country has faced numerous challenges ranging from insurgency, communal clashes, banditry, and kidnapping to armed robbery, cybercrime, and ethno-religious tensions. The pervasive nature of insecurity in Nigeria has hampered social and economic development, threatened national unity, and undermined the trust of citizens in the government. This article delves into the underlying causes of insecurity in Nigeria and proposes essential measures to address this critical issue for sustainable peace.
Historical and Socioeconomic Factors:
To understand the roots of insecurity in Nigeria, one must consider the historical and socioeconomic factors that have contributed to its current state. Decades of political instability, corruption, and weak governance have eroded public trust and created a breeding ground for criminal activities. Socioeconomic inequalities, lack of access to quality education and healthcare, and high youth unemployment rates have left many disillusioned and susceptible to extremist ideologies or engaging in criminal behavior as a means of survival.
Ethnic and Religious Divides:
Another significant factor contributing to insecurity is the deep-rooted ethnic and religious divides in Nigeria. The country is home to over 250 ethnic groups, each with its cultural identity and aspirations. This diversity, while enriching, has also led to tensions and conflicts over land, resources, and political power. Similarly, religious differences, particularly between Christians and Muslims, have been exploited by extremist groups to fuel violence and perpetuate insecurity. Addressing these divides and promoting inter-ethnic and interfaith dialogue is crucial to fostering a united and peaceful Nigeria.
Insurgency and Militancy:
The rise of insurgency and militancy, particularly in the northeastern region of Nigeria, has significantly contributed to the overall insecurity in the country. Boko Haram, a notorious Islamist extremist group, has carried out numerous deadly attacks, causing the displacement of millions and disrupting socio-economic activities in the region. Similarly, in the Niger Delta region, militant groups have engaged in acts of sabotage, targeting oil installations and disrupting oil production, which has severe implications for Nigeria’s economy. Combating insurgency and militancy requires a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of these movements, such as poverty, marginalization, and weak governance, while also focusing on security operations.
Weak Security Architecture and Corruption:
The effectiveness of Nigeria’s security architecture is a critical concern. Insufficient funding, inadequate training, and outdated equipment have hampered the capacity of security agencies to tackle the evolving security threats effectively. Furthermore, corruption within security agencies and the judiciary system undermines public trust, compromises investigations, and perpetuates impunity. Strengthening the security apparatus and implementing robust anti-corruption measures are imperative for restoring public confidence and ensuring the rule of law.
Way Forward:
Addressing insecurity in Nigeria requires a comprehensive and holistic approach involving the government, civil society, and citizens. The following measures should be prioritized:
1. Good Governance and Accountability: Promoting transparency, accountability, and efficient service delivery by strengthening institutions and tackling corruption will foster trust and enhance security.
2. Socioeconomic Development: Prioritizing job creation, quality education, healthcare, and poverty reduction programs will empower citizens, reduce vulnerability, and offer alternative paths to extremism and criminality.
3. Strengthening Security Apparatus: Investing in training, equipping, and adequately funding security agencies will enhance their capacity to respond to emerging threats effectively.
4. Promoting Dialogue and Reconciliation: Encouraging inter-ethnic and interfaith dialogue, promoting understanding, and addressing grievances will foster unity, reduce tensions, and prevent conflicts.
5. International Cooperation: Collaborating with regional and international partners to share intelligence, enhance border security, and counter transnational organized crime will help mitigate insecurity.
6. Youth Empowerment: Implementing youth-oriented programs, vocational training, and entrepreneurship initiatives will provide avenues for self-sufficiency, reducing the appeal of criminal activities.
Conclusion:
The magnitude of insecurity in Nigeria demands urgent and sustained action. Addressing the root causes of insecurity through good governance, socioeconomic development, and inter-ethnic harmony is paramount. By implementing comprehensive strategies that combine security measures with initiatives for inclusive growth, Nigeria can overcome its security challenges and pave the way for a peaceful and prosperous future. The time to act is now, as a secure and stable Nigeria is essential not only for its citizens but also for regional stability and progress.
Written By ENAMEGUONOR IRUOGHENE WONDERS.
A 100 Level DELSU LAW Student in the Department of Commercial and Property Law (C.P.L)
THE FIGHT BTW DSS AND PRISON OFFICERS OVER EMEFIELE: SOMETHING YOU DIDN’T KNOW – By Emeka Ugwuonye
One of the good things out of spending time in Nigerian prison was that I learnt some secrets about how the prison and the Nigerian criminal justice system work. Yes, I was detained in Kuje prison. I was never convicted. No court ever found me guilty of any crime. And I did not commit a crime. Yet, I spent time in prison. I used my time in prison to study the prison and the system so well. If Nigerian prison were to be a university, I would have gotten double PhDs. In Nigerian, nobody goes to prison just because he committed a crime. You go to prison because you annoyed someone who has money to pay someone for you to be charged.
Now, about the fight you read about between DSS and prison officers, there are questions to ask. First, why was the Officer-in-Charge of Ikoyi Prison in court at that time? The Officer-in-Charge is the equivalent of Deputy Commissioner of Police. He does not go to court unless ordered to appear. The Officer-in-Charge of the correctional center does not normally go to court But this Officer-in-Charge was in court as Emefiele was ordered to be remanded in Ikoyi Prison. Why?
The prison staff, especially the Officer-in-Charge and above make a lot of money when a big man is detained in their prison. They go out of their way to curry favor from such big men. A man like Emefiele has a lot of money. He will need a lot of favors while in prison. He will need access to phones. He will want to have air-conditioned cell, specially fitted cell. He will want to have access to visitors and many other things. He is not entitled to any of this. But with the support of the Officer-in-Charge, he will have them and more. That will cost him a lot of money, like millions of money. So, everybody in the prison hierarchy would have been lined up to benefit from Emefiele. That effort starts right from the moment he leaves the court and heads to prison. He would be taken in special vehicle.
I saw this a few times in Kuje. I will never forget the day Abdulrasheed Maina arrived in Kuje prison. All the top officials went wild. They were falling over themselves in order to please Maina. I happened to be taken to the court the same day Maina was being taken to court for the first time from the prison, and they placed me in the same van with Maina. Oh my God! It was like the President’s motorcade. The entire prison top guys went to court that day in support of Maina. There were sirens and escort vehicles ahead of our van. They said they were providing security. I was laughing silently as I watched all the prison officers falling over themselves to please Maina. So, I could imagine what was going on in their camp when they guessed that Emefiele was to be arraigned in court for firearm-related offences. They knew that the court would grant Emefiele bail and that he would likely not meet the terms of bail the same day. So, he would spend at least one night in prison.
Again, I have double PhD on the Nigerian criminal justice system. I saw a part of it that lawyers do not see and which is never taught in any law school. The prison officers are at the bottom of the food chain. By the time an inmate gets to the prison, the police have taken all his money. He has paid his lawyer and may have bribed the court officials. By the time he finally gets to the prison, he is out of money. So, the prison officers do not have the opportunity to make money from their inmates as the police do from suspects. Compared to other players in the chain, prison officers are the poorest. So, they could be quite desperate and when opportunities like Emefiele comes, they grab them with both hands. They could go out of their way to please such a man, as you saw in the free-for-all fight between DSS and prison officers. Thank God they didn’t shoot themselves.
Back to Maina’s case, Maina is quite a character. The first day he was taken to court from the prison and I went in the same van. By the way, all the time that I had been going to court from prison, they would put me in some rickety and dilapidated iron monger, a sort of gwongworo. The ride to court was so agonizing because the poorly constructed contraption they call vehicle was dangerous for even inmates to travel in them. But that day I went in the same van with Maina, the prison authority suddenly brought a van with air-conditioner in it. Immediately I saw Maina in the van, I chatted him up. We became friends there and then. He is an American citizen (I am sure many people did not know that). And knowing I was from America, Maina became close to me. But I knew instantly that associating with Maina could be tricky. He is a funny character.
That first day, the Officer-in-Charge went to court. He ordered even the prison doctor to go to court. The prison officials took a hospital bed and stretcher to court so that when we got to court Maina would pretend to be sick and they would wheel him in. This was calculated to increase the chances that the judge would grant him bail on health ground. I was laughing. Maina was okay when we left the prison, but he was suddenly sick by the time we got to the court. All that trick was organized by the prison officials to help the big man.
Nigerian justice system is so weird that sometimes you don’t know who to blame. Various agencies don’t trust each other. DSS does not trust the court. They believe that the judge might take bribe and compromise the case. That is why sometimes, the police, the DSS, the EFCC are reluctant to take suspects to court. They don’t trust that the judge would act without influence. But at the same time, DSS is not any better than the court. The DSS people knew that if Emefiele was allowed to go to Ikoyi Prison, he would have access to phones and would have visitors and he would probably obstruct any further investigation. DSS could not trust the court and could not trust the prison with Emefiele.
In fact, DSS only charged Emefiele because the court ordered them to charge him or release him. To frustrate the court, the DSS obtained a warrant of arrest on another offense from another court to justify their continued detention of Emefiele. They kept the warrant in their back pocket, knowing that the court would order Emefiele detained at the prisons. So, DSS took Emefiele to court but with weapons they planned to use to frustrate whatever the court ruled. That is the danger in this country. None of these agencies is acting honestly. Each has its own agenda depending on who heads it, and each is suspecting other agencies. The EFCC does not trust the police, the court, DSS or the prisons or anybody outside EFCC. DSS does not trust the court, the police, EFCC, the prisons. In an ideal setting, each of these agencies is supposed to trust the sister agencies. The only institution that should not trust anyone is the court. But surprisingly, our courts trust the police, the EFCC and DSS. And that is why the courts fail the citizens. The constitution designed it in such a way for the courts to be suspicious of these agencies and to protect citizens against them. But are courts are timid and they trust the people they supposed to be skeptical about.
I was not surprised to see that the distrust between these agencies (that are supposed to be coordinated and cooperating) would get to the point of DSS manhandling the Officer-in-Charge of the prison. Thought embarrassing for the country, it was also funny. Why would the Officer-in-Charge get so personally involved to the point of being beaten up and bundled into the DSS van. It was as if DSS were going to detain him and Emefiele. Why didn’t he just contact his boss who would contact the boss of DSS and possibly the president? Why fight like school children? That was because they were all fighting for their pockets. On many occasions, the police refuse to take suspects to prison as ordered by court, the police actually run their own illegal prisons. Why didn’t the Officer-in-Charge go to fight the police for the poor guys they abuse all the time? No, the poor guys have no money to give the prison officers. Only the Emefieles of this country would cause such a fight.
Just know one thing: all these people had their own agenda. The court knew this could happen. The court deliberately remanded him in prison. It was not a coincidence. The Officer-in-Charge of prison, instead of doing his work, personally came to the court to receive Emefiele. The DSS knew that all that would happen and they came with another warrant in their pocket, which they obtained from another judge, who also knew the game. It is a funny country. I would have asked you to pray. But if all the prayers our parents have been praying since the days of Lord Lugard did not help, how will your prayer today make any difference.
You’ll All Be In Jail If Coup Happens – Keyamo Warns Nigerians, Condemns Niger Military Takeover
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, has warned Nigerians against comparing the flaws during the just concluded 2023 general election in the country to the recent coup in the Republic of Niger.
According to him, many Nigerians who go on social media to get clicks and likes will go to jail should a coup happen in the country.
Lagos reporters reported on Friday that Niger’s military General Abdourahmane Tchiani declared himself as the new head of a transitional government in the West African country.
The development is coming two days after President Mohamed Bazoum’s presidential guard restricted access to the presidential residence and offices.
The military has since detained the democratically elected President Bazoum despite a series of calls for calm by international bodies.
Reacting to the development, Keyamo, in a tweet on Saturday morning, said a coup d’etat could not be a solution to disputed elections in Africa.
The former Minister insists that it is not acceptable to support a coup under any guise. Keyamo urged everyone, whether as members of the opposition or the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) party, to outrightly reject and condemn the coup in the Niger Republic.
He stressed that those who think they have scored a point by comparing the coup to their so-called narrative of a flawed election in Nigeria should know that they are cutting their noses to spite their faces.
Keyamo observed that while there are constitutional means to seek redress in a disputed election, there is no means to seek redress for a coup
