Media Chat: Buhari Is A Tyrant, Says PDP

The Peoples Democratic Party alleged on Thursday that President Muhammadu Buhari’s responses at the Wednesday Presidential Media Chat were not only embarrassing but also further exposed his undemocratic character as an unrepentant tyrant who has no regard for the rule of law and the self-worth of Nigerian citizens.

The party, in a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh in Abuja, also said the President confirmed his alleged partisanship in the much-vaunted war against corruption by openly absolving his ministers and party members of corrupt practices.

Metuh said the President’s attitude showed his true colours as unrepentant dictator.

He also said it was wrong for the President to have condemned those undergoing trial for alleged corruption.

He said, “Whilst we restate our respect for the person and office of the President, we note that President Buhari bared his true colours to the world as an unrepentant tyrant.

“Today, the world is no longer in doubt as to who is behind the prevailing recklessness, abuse of rights of citizens and outright flouting of judicial pronouncements by security agencies.

“A situation where the President openly pronounced persons facing trial guilty and sanctioned their continued incarceration despite being granted bail by the courts, presents a dangerous fascist practice obtainable only in totalitarian societies like Mussolini’s Italy, Hitler’s Germany, Idi Amin’s Uganda and General Than Shwe’s Burma.

“This extremely shocking dictatorial tendency being brazenly exhibited by the President in total disdain for our laws and judicial institutions portends great danger for our democracy and constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the people, and should be resisted by the citizens before it festers.

“The scorn for the principle of separation of powers, especially the independence of the legislature, is further manifested in the declared craving to regulate the funding and running of the National Assembly, a matter constitutionally vested outside the jurisdiction of the executive.

“We are most uncomfortable about his attempt at trying to whip up public sentiments against an independent arm of government, especially the one vested with the constitutional power of appropriation.”

Metuh added that with the pronouncements by the President, it might be necessary to suspend the application of the Constitution and allow the President to operate as maximum ruler for four years after which the nation can return to a democracy.

According to him,  “On the issue of the Chibok girls, President Buhari’s embarrassing declaration of seeking information on the whereabouts and state of the girls betrays an obvious insincerity which is in total conflict with his campaign promises in that regard.

“Thus by this declaration, our dear President has accepted failure on this issue and should therefore apologise to Nigerians for all the insults, abuse and aspersions cast on the past administration by himself and the leadership of his political party.”

On the issue of devaluation of the naira, Metuh said it was obvious that there was a conflict between the budget speech wherein the president stated that the government was assessing the foreign exchange rate with a view to attracting foreign investments and his categorical pronouncement during the media chat that the naira would not be devalued.

He said it was obvious that the president obviously “does not understand the currency that applies in the devaluation of the naira,”

He added that Nigerians were shocked by the President’s labeling them as ‘very difficult lot’ while responding to questions on the strategy to be adopted in implementing his promised N5,000 social welfare package.

He said, “This unhealthy portrayal of the citizens by the very father of the nation, who has remained unrelenting in de-marketing his country through unguarded statements, is indeed a great disservice to Nigeria and its international image.

“Consequently, we reject this negative labeling of our citizens and reiterate our confidence in them, especially the millions who remain honest, hardworking and credible.

“Finally, Nigerians must take copious note of the fact that the President gave no inspiring answers to questions pertaining to his campaign promises, the fight against insurgency and rescue of the Chibok girls, the poor state of the naira, sudden plunging of the economy under his watch, and the gradual loss of democratic rights and freedom.”

Source: The Punch

NIGERIA CAN ATTAIN GREATNESS – BOLA TINUBU

The new year presents a  chance for us to place this precious nation  on the right path. This path will not be easy as we must press to surmount obstacles that should have been laid behind us long ago. There are no short cuts to take to greatness, but there also is no reason that we cannot attain that greatness. Our new government offers the country its best chance.

Thus, we must dedicate ourselves to creating a more perfect nation, one built on justice, peace, unity and prosperity. We must join hands in common purpose to defeat insecurity, poverty and corruption and bring back prosperity.  Let us pledge never again to fall victim to these scourges. Let us pledge this year to walk together in strong unity.

May 2016 go down in history as the year Nigeria reached  a higher plain by conquering those things that for so long had set us back.

May this nation rise and become the standard for Africa and the black race that God intends it to be.

Bola Tinubu

APC’s "Mama Taraba" loses at Appeal Court

The Court of Appeal In Abuja has cancelled the purported victory handed Aisha Alhassan, by an election tribunal, as the governor of Taraba State.

Mrs. Alhassan, the candidate of the All Peoples Congress, was declared winner on November 7.

In doing so, the Taraba State Governorship Election Tribunal nullified the election of Darius Ishaku of the Peoples Democratic Party.

But in its ruling Thursday, the Court of Appeal which reviewed Mr. Ishaku’s appeal, described as “unattainable” a petition by the APC seeking to disqualify Mr. Ishaku as the PDP candidate in the gubernatorial election of April 11.
In a unanimous ruling, a five-man panel led by Justice Abdul Aboki said that the Election Tribunal was wrong in giving victory to Mrs. Alhassan, while nullifying the election of Mr. Ishaku.

The judges said the constitution clearly states that unless a candidate has been indicted by a court of law, or is known to have a criminal record, or has certain degree of health condition, among others, such a person cannot be determined by a tribunal as not being qualified as a candidate.

Mr. Aboki said the failure of a party to conduct a conclusive primaries – the grounds the tribunal cited for disqualifying Mr. Ishaku – was clearly a pre-election matter which the tribunal has no jurisdiction on.

Mr. Aboki said the important question about Section 85 of the Electoral Act was whether the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, which the section was made for, was complaining about the candidature of Mr. Ishaku.

“If INEC does not see any reason to complain, can the first and second respondent be seen complaining loudly?” Mr. Aboki questioned.

“I have found in this case that the first and second respondent have no right to challenge the emergence of the PDP governorship candidate since none of them is a member of the PDP,” said Mr. Aboki.

Mr. Aboki also said that the election tribunal drew wrong conclusions from the evidences provided by the witnesses.

Mr. Aboki said the constitution does not provide for the type of judgement that gave victory to Mrs. Alhassan.

He said the constitution states that if a person is considered unqualified for an election, the election should be declared null and void.

In the event that the election is considered to have been affected by irregularities, the judge said the court shall not declare the person with the second highest votes winner, but can only demand a rerun of elections.

“It is therefore a gross misdirection in law on the part of the trial tribunal to declare the first petitioner as the winner of the election of April 2015 for emerging with the second highest votes”.

“The decision of the tribunal is hereby set aside,” said Mr. Aboki.

He upheld the decision of INEC to return Mr. Ishaku as the duly elected governor of the state.

The APC had argued that Mr. Ishaku could not have been qualified for the election since he allegedly did not partake in any primaries by his party.

Source: Premium Times

Abia Election: Appeal Court Declares Alex Otti Of APGA Winner

An Appeal Court has declared the candidate of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, Mr Alex Otti, the winner of the Abia State Governorship election.

The court in its ruling on Thursday ordered the swearing in of Mr Otti, as governor of Abia State and asked Mr Okezie Ikpeazu to vacate the office.

Mr Ikpeazu of the Peoples Democratic Party was declared winner of the election held in April by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

Details to come.

Source:http://www.channelstv.com/2015/12/31/abia-election-appeal-court-declares-alex-otti-of-apga-winner/

NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO THE NATION FROM PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Fellow Citizens,

Welcome to the beginning of a New Year of the continuation of CHANGE in our beloved nation.

I am aware that Nigerians have experienced a number of significant hardships over the past months. Living in the State House has not alienated me from your daily sufferings. I am aware of the lengthy queues at fuel stations and of the difficulties businesses have faced in acquiring foreign exchange. These challenges are only temporary; we are working to make things better.

When I presented myself to you as a presidential candidate and asked you to vote for me, I wanted to be a leader who keeps his promises. I wanted to be a leader who restores the people's hope in those elected to serve them. I wanted to be a leader who initiates positive and enduring CHANGE.

I am still totally committed to being that kind of leader. Unforeseen circumstances and other distractions notwithstanding, I shall still do my utmost best to keep every promise I made to Nigerians during my election campaign.

In the past seven months since our inauguration on May 29, 2015, my administration has focused on laying the right foundation for the CHANGE you voted for during our historic presidential election.

Nigerians will in due course begin to enjoy the fruits of all our ongoing work. The effective and efficient implementation of our 2016 budget proposals will address many of the socio-economic issues that are of current concern to our people.

One area in which Nigerians, especially those in the northeast, have already begun to experience major CHANGE is in the war on terror. 

I commend our Armed Forces for significantly curtailing the insurgency which has ravaged the northeast of Nigeria over the past few years.

However, there is still a lot of work to be done in the area of security. Our Armed Forces will maintain, consolidate and build on their successes in the war against Boko Haram and violent extremism.

This government will not consider the matter concluded until the terrorists have been completely routed and normalcy restored to all parts of the country that have been adversely affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

Our crackdown on corruption will continue to be vigorously undertaken. I urge the courts to support our efforts and help in the recovery of stolen funds by speedily concluding trials and showing that impunity no longer has a place in our country.

There is much work to do in other areas as well and I have charged all my ministers and other appointees to ensure that Nigerians experience positive changes in their lives in 2016.

We must reduce our country's reliance on oil. We must diversify our economy. And we must do all we can to promote job creation.

Our challenges are many but our determination to succeed is strong and unshaken.

So too is our confidence in God.

I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

MUHAMMADU BUHARI

Wife pleads for mercy as ex-NSA is re-arrested

Former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki’s health is bad, his wife has said, pleading for his freedom.

Mrs Dasuki created a scene at the headquarters of the Department of State Security Service (DSS) on Tuesday night when she begged top officials of the agency not to allow her husband die in custody.

She and other relations had waited patiently for Dasuki to meet the last peg of his bail conditions, a surety with about N250million property.

But immediately Dasuki was released at the prison, he was re-arrested by the DSS.

After several hours of trying to locate her husband, she returned to the DSS office and demanded for him or in the alternative, she should be locked up with him.

She reportedly said: “Nigerians should help me beg the Federal Government, the DSS and other agencies to release my husband who did his best to serve this nation. He is ill, he needs medical attention, he is not pretending. I implore the DSS not to allow him to die in custody.

“I saw my husband and I felt dejected. He is not just well. Nigerians should assist him to get a reprieve. We(myself, the children and relations) are all destabilised. We don’t know what is happening because three courts have granted him bail. Why are they after him? Let those concerned respect the court by releasing my husband.

“There is no way my husband will run away from the country under any guise. They should please follow the rule of law and uphold his right to bail.”

A source said Dasuki’s wife was allowed to see her husband.

“We have followed the rule of law , the ex-NSA is in safe custody. He was once in DSS custody and he was never maltreated and he had access to medicare,” the source said.

A judge of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Peter Affen last Wednesday banned the EFCC from re-arresting Dasuki, ex-Minister Bashir Yuguda, former Director of Finance at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Shuaibu Salisu, Sagir Attahiru and former Governor Attahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa.

The order of the court followed the granting of the application for bail by counsel to the defendants, including Peter Akper (SAN); Ahmed Raji (SAN); Dr. J. O. Olatoke (SAN); H.O. Afolabi (SAN) and A.U Mustapha.

As at press time, all the accused persons were perfecting their bail conditions.

Those whose bail terms have been approved are Salisu; Bafarawa, ex-NNPC Executive Director Aminu Babakusa and others.

DSS operatives refused to allow Dasuki  to go home on bail even after he had perfected his bail consitions.

Counsel to Dasuki  Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN)confirmed to PRNigeria that the former NSA had met all the bail conditions given by Justice Affem but regretted that the court order was not obeyed by the DSS.

Raji who perfected the bail condition of his client disclosed that the actions of the security agents was an affront to the rule of law.







Source: The Nation

AIR CANADA - Flight AC88 diverted to Calgary, as many as 20 injured after severe turbulence

Air Canada Flight AC88 has been diverted to Calgary International Airport with reports of as many as 20 injured passengers on board due to severe turbulence.

Calgary fire officials confirmed emergency crews are on the scene.

Via: http://globalnews.ca/news/2427003/flight-with-20-injuries-diverted-to-calgary-international-airport/?hootPostID=50c188c7b569b71e2dd691227e9e3850

SaharaReporters Obtains Text Of Nnamdi Kanu’s Statement Containing Apology To President Buhari

SaharaReporters has exclusively received a copy of a handwritten statement signed by Nnamdi Kanu in which he apologized to President Muhammadu Buhari and Igbo elders for disparaging or insulting statements he made about them. 

The statement, dated October 23, 2015, was made while he was in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) and on the official letterhead of DSS.

Mr. Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and Director of Radio Biafra, had among others called President Buhari evil, a terrorist and a paedophile. He has been in detention since his arrest on October 14th.  For nearly two months he was held in the custody of the DSS without any charges being officially issued against him.  During that time, he was also denied access to medical services and legal aid.

In the handwritten statement, Mr. Kanu said, “I unreservedly apologize [for my Buhari remarks] and will be doing so in a private letter to the President.”

Nnamdi Kanu apologizing to Muhammadu Buhari for remarksSahara Reporters Media

Following his arrest, the IPOB leader was later officially charged, along with two others, with six counts of treason and other offences.  On December 17, he applied for and was granted bail, but remained in the custody of the DSS.

Of the statement of October 23, Mr. Kanu’s lawyer, Vincent Obetta, confirmed to a SaharaReporters correspondent on the phone that it was written by his client.  

He, however, dismissed reports that stated his client apologized to President Buhari in a separate letter and that “until I see that [letter] I cannot comment” on it.

In addition to apologizing to President Buhari, Mr. Kanu also admitted to saying “uncomplimentary things” about former President Goodluck Jonathan which “should not have happened because it is un-African.”

Nnamdi Kanu apologizing to Goodluck Jonathan and Igbo eldersSahara Reporters Media

He described the IPOB as a group of people who wish to group themselves together “for the purpose of Evangelism or going out to the streets to distribute leaflets and preach the message of lawful existence of Biafra as stipulated in the UN Charter.”

Mr. Kanu denied that there is any agitation on his part for armed conflict, saying that any such suggestion is “purely designed to stop the Nigerian Armed Forces ostensibly the police from coming out and killing innocent people.” 

IPOB volunteers, he also said, are “modeled on exactly the same tenet as the world renowned Salvation Army Front,” adding, “Its ambitions are army but it does not carry any weapons, and that the same thing applies to the volunteers of IPOB. 

The full text of Mr. Kanu’s statement can be found below:

I can confirm that I, Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide is a legally registered and duly recognized body at the United Nations pursuing the rights of a specific indigenous people, in this case Biafra, to seek self-determination according to the said charter the reason for the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra is to avail those referring to themselves as Biafrans the opportunity made available as a result of the United Nations Declaration to seek the peaceful re-Birth of Biafra in line with international laws, lack of holistic development in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria, lack of youth employment, corruption in high offices, and economic repression. 

Opportunities no longer existed for the majority of the people, and especially young graduates to find meaningful employment in the job market, general hardship, brutal repression of civil and human rights coupled with system that shuns inward investment contributed to the thinking behind the formation of IPOB.

The People of Biafra all over the world have particular emphasis on those residing in the diaspora it is not advised that those in Nigeria contribute. No contribution is accepted from those in political office or from organizations only individuals belonging to those organizations may choose to contribute if they wish to the volunteer force.  IPOB is a group of people who may wish to group themselves together for the purpose of Evangelism or going out to the streets to distribute leaflets and preach the message of lawful existence of Biafra as stipulated in the UN Charter. 

There is no armed conflict agitating and any reference to such is purely designed to stop the Nigerian Armed Forces ostensibly the police from coming out and killing innocent people. 

IPOB volunteers are modeled on exactly the same tenet as the world renowned Salvation Army Front. Its ambitions are army but it does not carry any weapons. The same thing applies to the volunteers of IPOB. There is no arms training involved. I am the Director of Radio Biafra and solely responsible for the output the (genre?) of Radio Biafra is strictly to capture attention and imagination and not designed to incite anyone to violence. 

For very many years the Nigerian state and Nigerians in general have continued to witness poor economic management, fraud, corruption, and mismanagement of every sector of the economy. Therefore, as Radio Biafra programs were designed to wake up the public from their slumber and address the issues of the time, which is youth unemployment, lack of infrastructural provisions, poor electricity, an absence of rural development, and conspicuous absence of respect for human rights. 

The area as envisaged as Biafra are predominantly South-East and South-South territories having cultural, linguistic, traditional, and commonality in value system. Reference to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a terrorist, evil, and Paedophile is regrettable and uncalled for and for that I unreservedly apologize and will be doing so in a private letter to the President. Before PMP there was the administration of Goodluck Jonathan I also said some uncomplimentary things about him and Igbo elders as well, which I now recognize should have happened because it is un-African to be rude or insolent to elders. All I was trying to do is draw attention to the problems afflicting society and what society is doing about it. 

The areas intended for the Biafran being espoused by Indigenous People of Biafra are Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Anambra, Bayelsa Delta, Edo (but only Igbamke), Kogi (only Igala), and Imo States. The mission statement of Radio Biafra is dedicated to the defences of the rights of the indigenous people of Biafra and ultimately the restoration of the REpublic of Biafra in line with United Nations Declarations on the Rights of Indigenous People

Nnamdi Kanu

23/10/2015

Source: Sahara Reporters

http://saharareporters.com/2015/12/30/saharareporters-obtains-text-nnamdi-kanu%E2%80%99s-statement-containing-apology-president-buhari

President Buhari first media chat live on TV!

The Presidential media chat starts in few minutes. Watch Live via ChannelsTv  http://www.channelstv.com/live/

Biafra: IPOB Leader Kanu Apologizes To Buhari, Jonathan, Igbo elders?

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra and founder of Radio Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, has expressed regret for referring to President Muhammadu Buhari as a terrorist, evil and a paedophile in his radio broadcasts.

Kanu, who has been charged along with two others by the Federal Government before a Federal High Court in Abuja on six counts of treason and other ancillary offences, said he intended to write a private letter to Buhari to express his apology to the President.

He also apologised to former President Goodluck Jonathan and Igbo elders for “some uncomplimentary things” he said about them.

The 48-year-old pro-Biafran agitation leader, who is, however, unapologetic about his demand for a Republic of Biafra, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since his arrest in Lagos on October 14, 2015.

He tendered the apology for his comment against Buhari and others in a statement which he made to the DSS on October 23.

The prosecution, in its summary of the case, alleged that in one of the radio broadcasts by Kanu on August 1, 2015, he expressed his resolve to actualise the Republic of Biafra and “cast aspersions on the person and the office of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

The statement read in part, “Reference to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a terrorist, evil and a paedophile is regrettable and uncalled for and for that, I unreservedly apologise and will be doing so in a private letter to the President.

“Before PMB (President Muhammadu Buhari) there was the administration of Goodluck Jonathan. I also said uncomplimentary things about him and Igbo elders as well, which I now recognise should not have happened because it is un-African to be rude or insolent to elders.

“All I was trying to do is to draw attention to the problems afflicting society and something done about them.”

Kanu, who described himself as a Nigerian and a British citizen, justified his agitation for a Biafra Republic.

He said IPOB’s secessionist agenda was informed by the “incessant hardship, lack of holistic development in the socio-economic landscape of Nigeria, lack of youth employment, corruption in high offices and economic regression.”

He added that the agitation by IPOB, which, according to him, was founded in London in 2012 by a group of people from the South-South and South-East regions of the country, was in line with the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples ratified by African countries, including Nigeria.

In contrast to the counts of managing and assisting in the management of an unlawful society preferred against Kanu and two others, the Radio Biafra founder stated that IPOB, which the prosecution described as unlawful, was registered with the UN to pursue the rights of the people of Biafra.

He stated, “I can confirm that I, Nnamdi Kanu, is the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra worldwide as a legitimately and duly registered body at the United Nations pursuing the rights of a specific indigenous people, in this case, Biafra, to seek self determination according to the said charter.

“The reason for the formation of the Indigenous People of Biafra is to avail those referring to themselves as Biafrans the opportunity made available as a result of the United Nations declaration to seek the peaceful rebirth of Biafra in line with international law.”

Kanu, who is a son of a traditional ruler in Abia State, Sir I.O. Kanu, said he operated Radio Biafra, whose programmes “are designed to wake up the public from its slumber and address the issues of the time” because of his belief in free speech and freedom of expression.

He explained that the intended Biafra Republic comprised Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia, Imo, Anambra, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states as well the Igbanke part of Edo State; Igala part of Kogi State and Idoma/Igede part of Edo State.

Apart from Kanu, one of the two other defendants in the six counts filed by the Federal Government is a Field Maintenance Engineer, David Nwawuisi, charged with the responsibility of maintaining MTN masts in Enugu State.

The other defendant, Benjamin Madubugwu, was said to be living in the Ubilisiuzo, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he allegedly received custody of a container, housing transmitters, from Kanu.

On December 23 during the accused persons’ appearance in court for their scheduled arraignment, Kanu refused to take his plea due to what he called his lack of confidence in the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed.

The judge promptly returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge and the three accused persons were returned to the custody of the Department of State Services.

The fresh charges were filed against the three men barely 24 hours after Justice Adeniyi Ademola, in a ruling on Kanu’s bail application on December 17, ordered his unconditional release from DSS custody having been detained for about two months without any valid charges filed against him.

The PUNCH had reported that the Federal Government had alleged that transmitters for Radio Biafra, spreading secessionist agenda for carving out Biafra region from Nigeria, were found to be installed on MTN masts in Enugu and Anambra states between April and May 2015.

No new date has been fixed for the arraignment of the accused persons.

BY ADE ADESOMOJU, ABUJADEC 29, 2015

SourCE: PUNCH NG

PMS (Petrol) will sell at N86.50 in the New Year as PPPRA released the new approved pricing template.

The Petroleum Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) in Nigeria has announced the implementation of the revised components of the Petroleum Pricing Template for Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

In a statement by the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Mr Farouk Ahmed, the pump price was put at 86.50 Naira per litre, a price the agency said was in line with the prevailing market trend.

“This new price regime is with effect from January 1, 2016,” the statement read.

According to Mr Ahmed, the reversed template was approved by the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu.

The statement said that the major components of the pricing template affected by this review were Traders Margin, Lightering Expenses, Nigeria Port Authority, Jetty Throughput, Storage Charges and Bridging Fund.

Other components revised include Retailers’ Transporters and Dealers Margins.

As contained in the breakdown, the Ex-depot price of PMS shall be 77 Naira per litre while the pump price will be 86.50 Naira per litre.

The new price is a reduction of 50 Kobo from the old price of 87 Naira.

It is the second time that the government will be reducing the price of petrol since the price of crude oil dropped.

The PPPRA also advised all marketers to adhere strictly to the approved Ex-depot and pump prices, as it would, in conjunction with relevant government agencies, enforce compliance.

The oil-rich nation is currently experiencing fuel scarcity, a situation that the government said would soon come to an end, as some of the nation’s refineries have started production.

Source: ChannelsTV.com

No Plea Bargaining for Looters & Terrorists - Minister of Justice/AGF

Abubakar Malami (Minister of Justice/AGF)

The Nigerian government will not consider plea bargain as an option for anyone facing prosecution for terrorism and financial crimes, a government official has said.

The Minister of Justice and the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami, met with members of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group in Abuja on Tuesday where he made the strong statement about the government’s willingness to prosecute offenders.

Mr Malami said that the government would not allow criminal cases to be compromised.

“The office of the Attorney General of the Federation will not advocate plea bargain for anyone,” he reiterated.

Jailed For Cowardice

The Minister of Justice also revealed that the government would audit high profile cases that had been compromised in the past.

During the meeting with the group, the Minister also discussed cases of soldiers jailed for cowardice against the Boko Haram Insurgency, with the BBOG pleading that the soldiers should be reinstated.

Led by BBOG’s Co-convener, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, they presented several issues before the Attorney General, including an immediate recall of the military men who were jailed for cowardice at the war front without arms.

The Nigerian Army had months ago arraigned 71 soldiers on several count charges including criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit mutiny, insubordinate behaviour and false accusation.

They were tried and discharged on some charges but found guilty and convicted on other charges including mutiny.

Five of the soldiers were discharged and acquitted while one was sentenced to 28 days in prison with hard labour.

Source: ChannelsTV.com

Radio Biafra Transmitters Installed On MTN Masts —FG

The Federal Government has said the transmitters for Radio Biafra, which has been accused of spreading secessionist agenda and campaigning for the carving out of a Biafra Republic from Nigeria, were found to be installed on MTN masts in Enugu and Anambra states.

According to the Federal Government, the installation of the transmitters on the telecommunications company’s masts was to ensure wider coverage for the radio.

The headquarters of the radio station is “presumably in London.”

This is contained in the government’s case summary of the fresh six counts of treason and other ancillary offences instituted against the founder of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, and two others, before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

One of the two other defendants in the six counts filed by the Federal Government is a field maintenance engineer, David Nwawuisi, charged with the responsibility of maintaining the MTN masts in Enugu State.

The other defendant, Benjamin Madubugwu, was said to be living in Ubilisiuzo, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, where he allegedly received custody of a container housing transmitters from Kanu.

On December 23, during the accused persons’ appearance in court for their scheduled arraignment, Kanu refused to take his plea due to what he called his lack of confidence in the presiding judge, Justice Ahmed Mohammed.

The judge promptly returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice Ibrahim Auta, for reassignment to another judge and the three accused persons were returned to the custody of the Department of State Services.

The fresh charges were filed against the three men barely 24 hours after Justice Adeniyi Ademola, in a ruling on Kanu’s bail application on December 17, ordered his unconditional release from DSS custody, having been detained for about two months without any valid charges filed against him.

The Federal Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Mohammed Diri, who signed the fresh charges, the case summary and other processes accompanying them on behalf of the government, alleged that Nwawuisi installed the transmitters on MTN masts “on request by an IPOB member, Chidibere Onwudiwe.”

Diri added, “The 3rd defendant (Nwawuisi), a Field Maintenance Engineer, charged with the responsibility of maintaining MTN masts in Enugu State, was also arrested in the course of the investigation.

“He agreed, on the request of an IPOB member, who is at large, Chidebere Onwudiwe, to install and did install IPOB radio transmitters on MTN masts for a consideration.”

The prosecution alleged that the transmitters were smuggled into Nigeria by Kanu and were discovered during a search in Madubugwu’s residence.

While Kanu was accused of treasonable felony, management of an unlawful society (IPOB), and smuggling of goods, including radio transmitters, into the country, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi were accused of assisting in the management of the said unlawful group.

The prosecution alleged, in the six counts, that the transmitters were installed on the MTN masts between April and May 2015.