SILENCE IS NOT GOLDEN AT THIS POINT
By Barr Michael Akpala Jr

The legal disputes surrounding the November 11th, 2023 Kogi Governorship Election have been laid to rest by the Supreme Court. We are past the stage of debating who won or lost. His Excellency, Ahmed Usman Ododo, is now the Executive Governor of Kogi State. Although I have chosen, for personal reasons, not to congratulate him, I have heard many positive remarks from those who are close to him. Like every Kogi citizen, I hope and pray that he succeeds because his success will benefit us all, just as his failure would affect us all.

The issue at hand is no longer a contest between APC, SDP, or any political party. It is now the Judiciary versus the Nigerian people. The judgment in Kogi stands as the latest precedent for resolving governorship election disputes, and other states are expected to follow suit. Yet, it is alarming that no legal practitioner has been able to obtain the Certified True Copy (CTC) of the Supreme Court's judgment.

For those of us in the legal profession, judgments from the Apex Court are more than just conclusions; they are guiding documents. Through them, we learn from past errors, better understand the law, and refine our practice. Judgments are meant to serve as beacons, steering lawyers clear of pitfalls they've encountered before.

It is therefore disheartening that more than three weeks after the ruling, no one has been able to access the CTC. This is highly unusual. Ordinarily, the CTC should have been ready even before the judgment date was announced. Yet, here we are, weeks later, without it. The delay raises eyebrows. One can't help but ask: What judgment did the Apex Court read out in open court three weeks ago if the CTC isn’t ready? As bleak as things seem in Nigeria, I’ve always held onto the belief that the courts remain the last hope for the common man. But this unreasonable delay has given birth to numerous conspiracy theories, with the most popular being that the Supreme Court may have delivered a flawed judgment, and that is why the CTC is still pending.

Nigerians, especially those from Edo and Ondo, are watching keenly. Several important questions are crying out for answers:

- What is the fate of the BVAS (Bimodal Voter Accreditation System)?
- Are issues of qualification and disqualification strictly pre-election matters?
- How are petitioners supposed to effectively present BVAS data from disputed polling units in court?
- What is the legal standing on obtaining Certified True Copies of public documents?
- What is the role of a tribunal-ordered inspection before the same tribunal?
- Are petitioners required to front-load witness statements on oath for every INEC polling officer in disputed units before the tribunal can work with the BVAS figures?

These and other crucial questions remain unresolved.

At a time like this, silence is no longer golden—it is complicity. Staying quiet in the face of these burning issues is a disservice not only to democracy but to the people who look to the courts for justice. The judiciary must act swiftly and transparently to restore the faith of the Nigerian people.

#court #culture #History #tradition #explorepage #country #justice #Just #crochet #nigeria #Kogi #Igala #latest #law #lawyer

Police Extortion At Ganaja Junction, Lokoja: Like Oga Like Boys

There's a popular saying, that, when the head is rotten, then the body stinks.

Police officers posted to the overhead bridge at Ganaja junction, Lokoja are fully on extortion spree especially, with the commercial motorcyclists aka okada riders.
An eye witness who saw the inhumane extortion say, the act from the Men of the Nigeria Police Force is becoming too regular and overbearing.

"they often stop the bike men and ask for hundred naira, and failure to adhere, they waste their time or threaten to confiscate their bikes no matter the urgency in the ride", he explained.

This is against the ethics of the job and it betrays professional standards of policing which is the primary duty of the force especially, now that their salaries have being improved upon.

A deep search will bring to bare how they are learning from their ogas at the top.
Like Oga, like boys abi men on the road.

This act of shamelessness by Men of the Nigeria Police Force must be brought to a halt immediately before it frustrates commuters into very angry reactions because, like I said earlier, it is becoming too regular and overbearing.

Concerned Lokoja Citizen

Re- Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka: Was There Betrayal or Is The Truth Being Kept From Us?

I have carefully read the misdirection the crooked text advanced by one Abdul Mohammed Lawal, a so called political actor in Kogi State has put out in the public.
Ordinarily, the jaundiced piece should not be worth a shot of response but, the foundational lies that characterized it with the view to deceiving the public to buy the fugitive Yahaya Bello some public sympathy.
The writer obviously, penned what measure of fallacies his kind of leaders may have fed him with.
It is incumbent on me as an insider in the brief political union between Yahaya Bello and Alhaji Murtala Yakubu to set the records straight.

1. Yahaya Bello was never and still not a force in Kogi State politics. It is ego worship that has made some of you, his charlatans think highly of him.
2. Yahaya Bello was never at any time instrumental to the rise of His Excellency, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu in the APC; rather, it was the group that Alhaji Murtala Yakubu belonged to that made Yahaya Bello Governor in 2016 via a project spare headed by His Excellencies: Tambuwal, Elrufai, Sen. Yari under the supervision of His Excellency, Chief Rotimi Ameachi. I will implore you, to put this straight in Yahaya Bello's face for him to deny if at all, you can even go close to his convenience let alone meet him.
3. There was never a time His Excellency, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu was suspended from the APC. It was Yahaya Bello who once largely benefitted from the connection and toils of Alhaji Murtala Yakubu that orchestrated the forgery of signatures of his Ward executive members. And even that, was denounced same time by his Ward executive members via a widely publicized press conference. They (Muri Ajaka's Ward executive members) equally approached the Kogi State High Court where they jointly swore to an affidavit disclaiming the purported suspension.
4. The position of Deputy Publicity Secretary of APC was originally zoned to Kwara State but it took only the connection, plea and pressing of His Excellency, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu to drag the position home to Kogi State for himself. Again, tell your fugitive Yahaya Bello that I said, he lied to all of you.
5. In fact, Kogi State lost the position of Deputy National Secretary of APC to Plateau State because of Yahaya Bello's recalcitrant character as Governor, a situation that propelled Alhaji Murtala Yakubu to fight to get the DPS for himself.
6. It was Yahaya Bello who needed His Excellency, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu to be able to navigate through the political storm of 2023 where he, Yahaya Bello almost lost all 5 LGAs of his Senatorial District to the PDP. It took the votes from Kogi East and a few from Kogi West to give His Excellency, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu victory in Kogi State otherwise, APC almost fell flat in the entire Kogi State. Again, the records speak for itself.
7. Let me remind you, that, Yahaya Bello was a complete nobody when he became Governor in 2016. The only thing he had to his credit prior to becoming governor was criminal mindset. And that is today evident in the degree of looting he supervised, directed and engineered in the last 9 years in Kogi State. If you are in a little doubt, ask him to mention with proof, the property he owned in Abuja prior to becoming governor apart from the one in zone 4.
So, you see, Abdul or whatever you are called, if you still have some blood flowing through your veins, you will take your time to go over this response 4 times daily for the next 3 days just so you will know that, you were lied to.
Besides, I acknowledge the fact that, you clearly identified one of the major reasons for legitimate discontent in politics where you rightly stated,

"The political environment is particularly advantageous to those who understand the pulse of the populace and can harness their discontent for political gain."

I wish to thank you, on behalf of His Excellency, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu for acknowledging the smart, intelligent and compassionate politician he is to heed to the general call of Kogites to come address their collective discontent over the maladministration and draconian style of leadership of Yahaya Bello. A call he acceded to, for which the mandate to bring succour to them was freely given to him.
But like the thief that Yahaya Bello is, he stole the soon to be restored mandate momentarily.

May Kogi State be liberated from draconian leadership.

Dr Emakoji Amana

A prominent civil society group, the Electoral Integrity and Good Governance Initiative, has called on the Supreme Court to prioritize the relevance of evidence over its source in the ongoing Kogi State gubernatorial election dispute. As the apex court prepares to review and hear the case, the group emphasizes the importance of considering all relevant evidence, regardless of its origin, to ensure substantial justice in the highly contentious legal battle.

In a statement issued and made available to press, Spokesperson of the group, Barrister Aishat Ohunene, cites six critical rulings by the Supreme Court that uphold the principle of prioritizing relevance in evidence consideration.

According to her; "These rulings emphasize that admissible evidence should be determined by its relevance to the case rather than its source." The group argues that dwelling on the origin of evidence may lead to the exclusion of crucial information and potentially result in an unjust outcome.

"As the Kogi State gubernatorial election case remains a subject of legal contention, it is essential to revisit the Supreme Court's consistent stance on prioritizing relevance in evidence consideration. In doing so, we examine six critical rulings that uphold this principle and underscore its significance in the pursuit of substantial justice.

1. Okeowo v. Migliore (2018) 12 NWLR (Pt. 1635) 31:
"The admissibility of evidence is determined by its relevance, not its source."

2. Ogboru v. Uduaghan (2011) 4 NWLR (Pt. 1237) 393:
"Relevance is the hallmark of admissibility of evidence. If evidence is relevant, it is admissible, regardless of its source."

3. Nwosu v. Uba (2014) 14 NWLR (Pt. 1426) 1:
"The court should consider the relevance of evidence, not its origin. Evidence is admissible if it is relevant to the facts in issue."

4. Akinloye v. Eyitayo (2007) 18 NWLR (Pt. 1066) 457:
"The source of evidence does not determine its admissibility. What matters is the relevance of the evidence to the facts in dispute."

5. Okoro v. State (2018) 13 NWLR (Pt. 1632) 1:
"Evidence is admissible if it is relevant, regardless of how it was obtained. The court should focus on the relevance, not the source."

6. Ogbunyiya v. Okudo (2019) 16 NWLR (Pt. 1698) 1:
"The admissibility of evidence depends on its relevance, not its sources. Relevant evidence is admissible, even if it comes from a questionable source."

The Electoral Integrity and Good Governance Initiative believes that prioritizing relevance over the source of evidence will be key to delivering a just and fair verdict in the Kogi State gubernatorial election case. As the Supreme Court weighs the evidence presented, its decision will not only impact the citizens of Kogi State but also serve as a precedent for future elections and legal disputes across Nigeria.

One of the lawyers on the team representing Alhaji Murtala Yakubu and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the Supreme Court in the Kogi State Governorship Election Appeal before it, Barrister Haruna Yusuf Esq, has cautioned the APC against blackmailing the learned Justices of the Apex Court with their hasty celebration over the alleged outcome of the case.

In his word of caution, he wrote,

"Stop The Blackmail.....No date yet from Supreme Court. For those blackmailing the Supreme Court, they should know that the rights of others start where their own stop.

In the matter before the Supreme Court of Nigeria; between Yakubu Murtala & 1or V. INEC & 2ors, it is on court records that the Appellants have filed their processes starting with the Notice of Appeal and the Brief of Arguments, same was served on all the Respondents. And up till now, none of the Respondents have filed anything as a response to the Appellants brief. They (Respondents) have till Friday this week to file their responses to the Appeal before the Supreme Court. I urge the public to disregard all speculative and propaganda tainted date of 16th, August being date for judgement."

The lawyer questioned the rationale behind the serial jubilation from the camp of the APC, calling it preemptive.

"How can a matter that has not been heard, have a sudden date of judgement, if not for evil machination? The antics of those who do not love Kogi, but love her money, will surely backfire soon. If and when all processes are filed by both parties, the court will give hearing notice to all parties to appear before it and adopt their brief, after the adoption, then, the case will be adjourned for judgement, which the date will be communicated to parties, through the lead counsel. So stop panicking and remain focused. All is well", he said.

It is worthy of note that premature celebration is characteristics of the APC in Kogi State, especially in the last few months. And going by the penchant of those superintending over the wealth of the State to procure anything at the expense of the general wellbeing of the people, the wide jubilation from their camp has become a thing of concern especially, as it looks reoccurring considering that the same camp celebrated prematurely the outcome of both the tribunal and Appeal Court judgements.

Every lover of democracy must rise to frontally condemn the premature celebration in the camp of the Kogi State APC over the pending governorship election appeal instituted by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) before the Apex Court.

What the supporters of the ruling party in Kogi State are doing is incontrovertible evidence that, they may have had a clue of the outcome even as sitting is yet to commence on the case.

It will interest the public to know that, the last Tribunal judgement was already in the hands of the public and on mainstream media even before court resumed sitting the day judgement was given.
Likewise, the written judgement of the Appeal Court found it way into their hands as well as, the mainstream media hours before judgement was delivered.
For instance, the Sahara Reporters news platform did publish copy of the judgment some hours before court commenced sitting.

These unholy happenings in the judiciary in the last few months call for serious concern as it clearly points to compromise on the side of authorities saddled with the responsibility of upholding oath of secrecy in public service as well as, ensuring justice in a case such as this is served.

The APC supporters have overtime portrayed a weak judicial system in the country where politicians armed with State resources and undue influence purchase justice at the expense of good governance.

We must as a nation, call on the judiciary to stay true to its rules of engagement and ensure impartial adjudication of cases especially, those that have direct bearing on the masses such as the instant case. The Supreme Court must help save the good people of Kogi from deliberate treasury looters.

I join my voice with those of well meaning Nigerians to urge the Supreme Court not to be swayed by the cunning maneuvers of the Kogi State APC and their supporters to hoodwink them into taking an unpopular decision capable of finally nailing the coffin of democracy in Nigeria.

OSU,
writes from Lokoja,
Kogi State

A Civil Society group, Electoral Integrity and Good Governance Initiative, has appealed to the supreme Court Judges handling the Kogi state Governorship election appeal before it to look into the case properly in a bid to correct what they described as "the mistake of the lower courts."

In a statement made available to journalist, Prince Kolawole Abiodun, Spokesperson of the group, says the inconsistencies witnessed in the Kogi State Governorship case, comparing to that of Bayelsa State calls for a serious concern.

According to him, in the Kogi state SDP Versus APC case, the election petition tribunal, despite compelling BVAS evidences displayed openly on order of the court, exposing clear discrepancies between the number of accredited voters and the final results in all the polling units in contention, the tribunal went ahead to dismissed it on the grounds of not proving beyond reasonable doubt.

He notes that in the Bayelsa APC Vs PDP case, the tribunal and the Appeal Court affirmed the judgement in favor of the PDP, on the basis of missing BVAS evidence the APC Gubernatorial candidate did not produce to prove over-voting.

The statement adds that the Bayelsa judgement appears to set a precedent for the importance of BVAS in the electoral process as it was introduced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as a means to ensure transparency and accountability in the voting process.

The group express confidence in the Supreme Court, to thoroughly stand by justice,and maintain public confidence in its ability to deliver impartial and well-reasoned judgement.

Leadership Newspaper, Page 17 ✍️

The ongoing Kogi Gubernatorial dispute has led Nigerians to express their disillusionment with the judiciary, which they perceive as being manipulated by politicians.

In response to this crisis, the civil society group "Citizens for Justice" organized a seminar in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, advocating for judicial reform and transformative democracy.

The event brought together legal experts, activists, and concerned citizens to emphasize the need for a reformed judiciary that upholds justice, fairness, and accountability in governance.

Convener, Barrister Yahaya Abdulganiyu highlighted the importance of judicial independence and the need for reforms to enhance transparency and efficiency in the legal system. Abdulganiyu in his statement made available to the press, expressed disappointment over Kogi State's negative attention in the media due to various litigations, accusations of judicial bribery, inducing the tribunal and appeal court; and former Governor Yahaya Bello's corruption case.

Speaking at the event, human rights advocate Dr. Nafisa Ozovehe Ibrahim emphasized the role of a reformed judiciary in advancing social justice and equality. She advised the National Judicial Council to enforce strict disciplinary measures against corrupt judges. Ibrahim pointed out that judges are now perceived as tools in the hands of political actors, raising concerns about the judiciary's impartiality and independence.

According to her; "In Kogi State for example, there are allegations of multi-billion Naira bribes to secure favorable judgments in favor of Governor Usman Ododo, people were alleging that judges are being paid over 10 billion Naira to give judgement in favor of the APC. APC supporters were already congratulating themselves and the governor 72 hours to the judgement. It was everywhere on social media. Of course, there was a leak of privileged information to the public. It is unfortunate that, a once-respected judges are now seen as mere tools in the hands of political actors."

Barrister Abel Babatunde, one of the speakers in a comment said the essence of this seminar is to brainstorm and resolve on the need for the Federal Government to build a robust judiciary, essential for safeguarding citizens' rights and ensuring the rule of law.

According to him; "Kogi State has been in the news for so many reasons; different litigations, accusations of Judges being induced by cash to give favorable judgements, and the corruption case of former Governor Yahaya Bello, who has been declared wanted and several legal disco from various quarters. It is disappointing and retrogressive for a state like Kogi to be constantly in the news for negative reasons." He said.

The seminar concluded with a panel discussion in which participants shared their perspectives on challenges facing the judiciary and proposed solutions for reform.

Regarding the Kogi gubernatorial dispute, the forum urged the Supreme Court to protect democracy by rectifying alleged errors made by the Tribunal and the Court of Appeal.

Despite evidence of discrepancies in voter accreditation and election results, both courts dismissed the Social Democratic Party's case against Governor Ododo's victory, citing insufficient evidence of electoral malpractice and non-compliance with the Electoral Act.

Usman Abdulrazak, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.

Kogi Commissioner Blasts Ribadu's Security Management, calls for his Resignation

Kogi commissioner, Hon. Kingsley has reportedly placed twin demands before the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

The news making the rounds, says, the Hon. Commissioner is demanding for the immediate resignation of the NSA or an improvement in the security situation the country, the later he allegedly affirmed is impossible under Nuhu Ribadu.

"The Nigeria State is bedevilled with an incompetent NSA. The security situations have worsened without obvious template to curb it.
The obviously confused Ribadu has failed the test of time and of competency having spent months in office without plans to keep Nigeria and Nigerians safe. He should be relieved of his duty immediately. His steps towards security issues and insecurity can at best be likened to a snail high speed that doesn't match the security demands on ground.
I therefore call on our dear President to sack the NSA in the interest of the nation because, we cannot fold our hands or close our eyes to continue on the path that will lead us to doom. The security architecture of the nation needs urgent rejigging and this must begin by sending Nuhu home immediately.
Conclusively, I strongly believe that, the sack of Ribadu will mark the beginning of our safety and an end to insecurity in Nigeria", he said.

Fellow Nigerian Youths, You have spoken today and your voices are clear and loud.

First of all, I want to praise the bravery and determination of our young people for standing up against the economic challenges in Nigeria and advocating for an improved standard of living. It's undeniable that things are not as they should be. Therefore, it's difficult to outrightly condemn the youth for taking to the streets to express their displeasure.

However, your voices have echoed across the nation and reached the ears of our President. Now it is the time to give peaceful dialogue a chance.

Protests of this nature are often hijacked by individuals with destructive motives. I must emphasize that resorting to violence, looting, and destruction of public and private properties is not the right way to communicate your grievances. It is crucial to remember that the purpose of this protest was to peacefully amplify your voices, express your anger, and get the attention of our president to urgently address the hardship across the country. We must not lose sight of this noble objective.

I understand your frustration and the urgency for your demands to be met, but let us not forget that we are all Nigerians, brothers, and sisters. We share a common goal of a better future for our beloved country. It is through peaceful dialogue that we can achieve this goal. We have a listening president who understands the language of protest. He has heard you clearly, and I am confident he will address your concerns.

By continuing the protest in its current state, we risk further division, chaos, and unnecessary loss of lives and properties. We must not let our frustrations blind us to the fact that there is a peaceful path to achieving the change we desire. It is time to give your government an opportunity to address your concerns across the country.

Remember, our strength lies in our unity, and together we can build the Nigeria we all desire. Let us embrace peace, engage in dialogue, and work towards a brighter future for our great nation.

This Protest needs to stop now. May peace and harmony prevail in our land.

God bless Nigeria

Thursday 1st August, 2024

Kogi SDP writes NSCDC: Disclaims planned protest

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kogi State chapter has officially written to the office of the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Lokoja to disclaim the party's purported planned protest.
The letter which was signed by the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Chief Hon. Sam Ranti Abenemi, reads as follows:

"The Social Democratic Party (SDP) wishes to dissociate herself from the purported planned protest scheduled for today, 1st August, 2024.
We have unverified intelligence that some unscrupulous elements are trying to parade themselves as members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the protest.
Consequent upon the above, we wish to state that, any person(s) that parades his/herself as a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) should be arrested and prosecuted.
Accept the assurances of my highest regards please."

Kogi SDP writes NSCDC: Disclaims planned protest

The Social Democratic Party (SDP), Kogi State chapter has officially written to the office of the State Commandant, Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC), Lokoja to disclaim the party's purported planned protest.
The letter which was signed by the State Caretaker Committee Chairman of the party, Chief Hon. Sam Ranti Abenemi, reads as follows:

"The Social Democratic Party (SDP) wishes to dissociate herself from the purported planned protest scheduled for today, 1st August, 2024.
We have unverified intelligence that some unscrupulous elements are trying to parade themselves as members of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the protest.
Consequent upon the above, we wish to state that, any person(s) that parades his/herself as a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) should be arrested and prosecuted.
Accept the assurances of my highest regards please."

Kogi's Murtala Yakubu Ajaka And The Cry For Justice

The last concluded Kogi State governorship election of November 11, 2023, came with multifarious expectations, chief of which was the BVAS innovation meant to ensure some level of transparency, credibility, fairness and integrity in our elections.
However, it turned out that the beautiful BVAS innovation which was expected to inject a new lease of life into the nation's electoral processes in order to block almost all previous leakages that politicians explore was abandoned for the old normal.

Dissatisfied, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, candidate of the SDP, challenged the outcome of the election in court.
And on the 14th of February, 2024, the judges of the trial tribunal granted an order for inspection of electoral materials used for the election and equally directed the first respondent (inec) to produce the BVAS machines with one of their experts to power, open and display the records of voter accreditation stored on the BVAS machines to enable the petitioners prove their case of alleged substantial non compliance. The first respondent (inec) did comply with the order and electoral materials were inspected with the second respondent (Ododo) and the third respondent (APC) boycotting the process. With the inspection completed and the BVAS machines used for the election powered, opened and the authentic figures of accreditation read out in open court, the petitioners was therefore said to have proved their case beyond reasonable doubts, that the election did not reflect the true wishes of Kogi people.

But, in the wisdom of the trial tribunal who gave the order, it ruled that, it was wrong to have given the initial order for inspection and display of BVAS, and for that purpose, all the evidence tendered by the petitioners from the BVAS machines's true accreditation records amounted to nothing in proving their case.

The petitioners proceeded to the Appeal Court and in the same vain, the court affirmed the decision of the trial tribunal to thrash the hardcore evidence of the petitioners.

The petitioners (Muri Ajaka/SDP) have gone on appeal to the Supreme Court to seek final redress on the matter. It is therefore, the hope of all well meaning democrats to see that the sanctity and sacredness of the BVAS innovation is affirmed by the Supreme Court in other not to legitimize faulty electoral processes which will further boost the confidence of those who may want to continue to go the old normal in future elections.

The Apex Court must save our Democracy!

Kogi's Murtala Yakubu Ajaka And The Cry For Justice

The last concluded Kogi State governorship election of November 11, 2023, came with multifarious expectations, chief of which was the BVAS innovation meant to ensure some level of transparency, credibility, fairness and integrity in our elections.
However, it turned out that the beautiful BVAS innovation which was expected to inject a new lease of life into the nation's electoral processes in order to block almost all previous leakages that politicians explore was abandoned for the old normal.

Dissatisfied, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu Ajaka, candidate of the SDP, challenged the outcome of the election in court.
And on the 14th of February, 2024, the judges of the trial tribunal granted an order for inspection of electoral materials used for the election and equally directed the first respondent (inec) to produce the BVAS machines with one of their experts to power, open and display the records of voter accreditation stored on the BVAS machines to enable the petitioners prove their case of alleged substantial non compliance. The first respondent (inec) did comply with the order and electoral materials were inspected with the second respondent (Ododo) and the third respondent (APC) boycotting the process. With the inspection completed and the BVAS machines used for the election powered, opened and the authentic figures of accreditation read out in open court, the petitioners was therefore said to have proved their case beyond reasonable doubts, that the election did not reflect the true wishes of Kogi people.

But, in the wisdom of the trial tribunal who gave the order, it ruled that, it was wrong to have given the initial order for inspection and display of BVAS, and for that purpose, all the evidence tendered by the petitioners from the BVAS machines's true accreditation records amounted to nothing in proving their case.

The petitioners proceeded to the Appeal Court and in the same vain, the court affirmed the decision of the trial tribunal to thrash the hardcore evidence of the petitioners.

The petitioners (Muri Ajaka/SDP) have gone on appeal to the Supreme Court to seek final redress on the matter. It is therefore, the hope of all well meaning democrats to see that the sanctity and sacredness of the BVAS innovation is affirmed by the Supreme Court in other not to legitimize faulty electoral processes which will further boost the confidence of those who may want to continue to go the old normal in future elections.

The Apex Court must save our Democracy!

#EndBadGovernance Protest 2024: What Organisers Must Do

The planned nationwide protest against hunger, deprivation, corruption in the judiciary, police and virtually all Nigerian sectors between 1st - 10th of August, 2024, at least, was long coming.

The impoverished Nigerians have obviously had enough of their deliberate impoverishment up to their throats. And as obviously as it seems, there appears not a backing down on the resolve.

However, events of the past have shown serial uncontrollable hijack of such laudable assembly by mischievous elements with parochial motives, with the sole aim of discrediting the real intent of the organizers with a view to achieving a relatively obscure end.

Not minding the constitutional rights to peaceful assembly by way of peaceful protest on legitimate demands, it has always been infiltrated by interests familiar only to those at the corridors of power.

To this end, therefore, a few of these measures must be put in place to forestall the reoccurrence of such discrediting end for the planned nationwide peaceful protest:

1. Security: the organizers must by themselves, make internal security arrangements to cordon the specific areas designated for gathering of the protesters all through the time of the protest so as, to cleverly shut out infiltrators.

2. Communication: alternative channel of communication must be put in place by the organizers such that, they may not be grounded should government device a means to keep them incommunicado in order to frustrate the day to day organisation of members for set objectives.

3. Handover infiltrators to law enforcement agencies: should any infiltrator be caught red-handed, he or she must be excised promptly and peacefully and handed over to security agencies and a follow up be initiated for prosecution so that, it will serve as deterrence to future enablers.

4. Dialogue: the organizers must fully be in charge to know when to engage for proper dialogue and possible resolution of the action. After all, it is better to Jaw-Jaw than to War-War.


Comrade Ochedi, Shaibu Udale,
Writes from Idah LGA,
Kogi State, Nigeria.

CNPP threatens boycott over alleged plot to rig Local Govt. election in Kogi

The Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, (CNPP) has threatened to boycott forthcoming Local Government election in Kogi State.


The Kogi State Chairman of CNPP Mohammed Kabir Abdullahi made this known in a statement of Monday.

Abdullahi accused the ruling All Progressive Congress in Kogi State of planning to print all the sensitive materials meant for the Council polls.


"If the proposed plan by some party Steward of APC headed by the Commissioner of information Kingsley Fanwo, the APC State Chairman Abdullahi Dollar and others are allowed to be carried out, then we members of all political parties have no any other options than to outrightly boycott the October 19 Council election. CNPP won't accept this fraudulent move coming from this government ahead of this election. Our searchlight is kingly on SIEC as we watch how the whole scenario unfold" he added.


The CNPP Chairman in the statement attached document allegedly from the Kogi State Ministry of information and communication dated 29th July 2024 which was addressed to the Chairman, Kogi State Independent Electoral Commission, (KOSIEC).

My Stand on the Planned Nationwide Protest.

Today, I would like to lend my voice regarding the planned nationwide protest by Nigerian youths in response to the high cost of living that many of us are currently facing. While I understand and empathize with the frustrations and hardships we are going through, embarking on a protest may not be the right decision for our country right now. More often than not, peaceful protests end up in violence and destruction of public & private properties.

We need to remember that we are a resilient and united nation. We have faced numerous challenges in the past, and we have always come out stronger when we stand together. Instead of resorting to a protest that has the potential of turning violent. Let us exercise restraint and patience, giving our President the time and opportunity to address the issues at hand. We believe in his capacity to deliver and I believe he will.

I acknowledge that the high cost of living is a pressing concern for all of us, and it is only natural to want immediate solutions. However, change takes time, especially when it comes to implementing long-term reforms that will have a lasting impact. We must trust in our President's commitment to fixing our country and give him the chance to address these challenges.

Furthermore, I want to trust that the President will consider reshuffling his cabinet in the near future and bring fresh ideas and people who will key in his renewed hope. This could bring fresh perspectives and renewed energy to his administration, allowing for greater progress and development.

Also, I would like to advise the President to caution or suspend his Special Adviser Bayo Onanuga who is bent on creating enemies for the president than friends due to his utterances on social media. It is no secret that our country is going through a period of immense economic hardship. As a Special Adviser, Mr. Onanuga should be working towards fostering unity, and ensuring that the government's policies are communicated effectively to the Nigerian people. However, the actions and words of Mr. Onanuga seem to be doing quite the opposite. His rhetoric has been divisive and inflammatory, creating adversaries for the President and his administration across the country.

The other day, Farouk Ahmed, the Chief Executive Officer NMDPRA
made some frivolous claims against the African richest, Aliko Dangote. We must understand that Aliko Dangote is not just a prominent Nigerian businessman, but also a global brand that has brought immense pride and investment to Nigeria. His contributions to the country's economy and development cannot be overstated. As such, it is crucial that Nigeria does everything within its power to protect and support him.

The false claim made by Farouk Ahmed not only tarnishes Dangote's brand but also has the potential to create division and animosity between the North and the President. I hope president Tinubu will take the urgent steps to suspend Farouk Ahmed in order to send a clear message that false claims and actions that could harm the reputation of influential individuals or create division within the country, will not be tolerated.

Alh Murtala Yakubu Ajaka
SDP Gubernatorial Candidate, Kogi State.

Nigeria's Judiciary an Enabler for Democratic Summersault

The ideal of judicial impartiality is once again central in our public discourse. This is because the question of how judges approach their work has assumed a significance that goes beyond concern over the outcomes they will reach.

The Nigerian Judiciary's partiality is seriously questionable today due to some precarious and very anti democratic acts they involved themselves in delivering judgements.

Recently, the Chief Justice of Nigeria questioned varying judgements of various judges across the country, the Rivers and Kano States examples are just a few to mention.

The judiciary by its tenets is supposed to be very impartial and professional in the delivery of their jobs, but unfortunately, the reverse is the case in today's Nigeria.

The Judiciary's core roles in democracy is and not limited to the under listed:

1. Interprete the laws according to the constitution of the Country .

2. Ensure the protection of rights/liberties of citizens.

3. Adequately punish defaulters or lawbreakers in deterrence.

4. And on matters of elections, deliver accurate judgements devoid of setting dangerous judicial precedences in order to ascertain the true winners of elections brought before them.

From the above, you will see that the Nigerian Judiciary of today are a far cry from what is obtainable in other climes.

A case in point is, matters that has to do with Judges who without any waste of time, sentence a supposed poor man to jail for a crime and same crime a wealthy man would walk free or escape judgement without being punished.

The Yahaya Adoza Bello former Governor of Kogi State who is alleged to have swindled monies meant for the people of Kogi State, refusing to appear before the Court of Justice since the mentioning of the case. Same Courts have always found the Yahoo Boyz guilty without a waste of time. I am not putting up a case for fraud though, just saying fraud is fraud and defaulters must be punished according to the laws of the land not minding whoever is involved.

The centrality of this piece will dwell with the electoral partiality of Nigerian Judges who have turned themselves to merchants of corrupt electoral judgements.

According to Farooq Kperogi, in one of his piece, "How to Stop Judicial Coup against democracy in Nigeria", He stated "It’s oddly ironic that the judiciary, which should be the bulwark of democracy, has become such a dreadful terror to democracy that people are seeking to protect democracy from it. The courts have become the graveyards of electoral mandates. Judges have not only descended to being common purchasable judicial rogues, but they have also become judicial coup plotters."

Without any iota of doubt, the submission of the very learned Professor is truth in its wholesomeness.

A further dig into the assertion/submission of Prof Farooq has this to say "In other words, a judicial coup occurs when the courts are used to achieve political ends that would not be possible through standard political" and I wonder where these kind of actions will lead us to if we allow the rogue Judges continually have their way.

The corrupt and crooked practices of the supposed Electoral umpire, INEC which is to be impartial in conducting credible elections in Nigeria, is being backed by the highly demonized corrupt Judges who are heavily induced and influenced by the God of mammon.

And this will query if there should be need for elections in Nigeria. Will it not be better a candidate dubiously influence a heavily flawed electoral process than subsequently merchandise a crooked judgement to uphold the process by the mamonized Judges?

A survey has it that in the last 2023 elections, there were 600 pre election cases in the court of appeal.

Again I just want to ask, is the Court of Appeal in Nigeria really appealing to the people especially under the current leadership of its head?.

Judges who are supposed to be the ideal standard of the society are now major enablers of corruption, and are so given to graft just to deliver perversive judgements enabled by their corruption and compromise.

A recent survey had this that the Nigerian Judiciary tops highest at the most corrupt Sector in Nigeria.

An Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission report alleging that the judiciary topped its Nigeria Corruption Index. It said about N9.45 billion was offered and paid as bribes by lawyers to the judicial sector between 2018 and 2020.

Linked mostly to election litigations, six female judges reportedly offered N3.3billion, and five male judges reportedly got N392.2 million bribe offers.

As stated earlier, the Court of Appeal is Chiefest to all of the above.

The ongoing judicial battle between the SDP and APC of Kogi State on matter that borders on Governorship election, while the Appeal Court Judge was ruling on the matter, it was shameful to see the case being reported by major media houses.

And one wonders, how they media houses got the judgement, which in any case was still being read in court at same hour?

The crux of the piece is, Nigeria's judiciary is the problem of our democracy and no longer the military as the Military is now being seen to be protector. But when the cries of those who were denied true justice echoes higher, this may enable and enforce coup from sympathizers in the Military formation.

The President of the Federal Republic and the Chief Judge of Nigeria should also know that one of the key demands of the #EndBadGovernanceinNigeria protesters is that, an end should be put to our very perversive Judicary.

A blind eye and deaf ear to that call may lead to anarchy which in turn may equally lead to avoidable coup.

The unnecessary technicalities deployed in deciding cases must be stopped forthwith.

A fair and balanced Judicary will only help our democracy to grow better, a reverse from this will also mean doom for the Nation. We must protect the Nation's future by sanitizing the Judiciary immediately.

Any Judge found wanting must be punished and used as scapegoat for others to learn from.

We all must rise up against these Judicial Coup plotters in our Nigeria Presidential Democracy.

Did INEC deceive Nigerians especially the good people of Kogi State?

Prior to the 2023 general elections, Nigerians were filled with anxiety on the euphoria of the much publicized 2022 electoral law as amended. It was not just for the new law that Nigerians were ecstatic, but the innovation that came with it. The expectation that greeted the BVAS innovation was particularly thunderous giving the monumental fraud that are characteristics of years-by elections.

The electoral empire under the leadership of one Prof. Mahmud, did not waste any time to eulogies the potency of the BVAS device to curtail rigging. Tax payers monies was expended on advertorials aimed at enlightening Nigerians on the need to trust in the new process to be deployed.

However, in the presidential election, unexpected glitch was reported by INEC as part of the reasons results were not transmitted real time thereby, susceptible to attendant manipulations of the electoral process by the ruling party. By this, the hopes of Nigerians, especially, the citizens of Kogi State which had an off-season governorship election ahead appeared dashed.

The electoral body, sensing discontent and deservable discouragement on the part of the citizens of Kogi State, gave several assurances as to their Impartiality, but, it turned out to be one of the biggest deceptions ever in political contestations in Nigeria.

The INEC, though, this time viewing the transmission of results real time, took notice of unmatched figures of accreditation with manually written results on form EC8As all-over the polling units in the 5 LGAs of Kogi Central where the current governor hails from, but went on to compromisingly accept the crooked results to the shock of many.

There were rumors that, INEC collaboratively worked with some elements in the presidency to hand down orders to returning officers to accept and announce the fraudulent results. In fact, one Prof. Johnson Urama from UNN, who was the State collation officer shut down agents of other political parties that raised objections to the admissibility of the results after succumbing to huge gratification himself.

It is therefore, imperatively pertinent to acknowledge the growing concerns of Nigerians over several fundamental selfmade problems bedeviling the nation hence, the impending protest.

KOGI BVAS Bypass And The Implications For Nigeria's Democracy

When the 2022 Nigeria's Electoral Act was proposed and eventually passed into law in 2022, the joy and pageantry that greeted the innovation was such that was never seen or heard of in modern times as far as, Nigeria's Electoral processes are concerned.
But, little did Nigerians know that their joy was on a shortlived transit. Nigerian's initial excitement of hoping to experience thoroughly manned, transparent, credible, free and fair electoral processes where the true choice of the people will be elected to represent them rather turned into a frenzy of rage.

The country was yet to fully recover from the widely reported glitch that nearly overshadowed the huge gains of the BVAS innovation in the earlier 2023 Presidential election up until the November 11th, 2023 Kogi State Governorship election when the worst and least expected manipulations cum bypass of the BVAS machines happened in all 5 Kogi Central Senatorial District LGAs without a pinch of remorse and a second thought of the consequences of such, when eventually placed on the scale of Nigeria's justice system.

Like a ravaging inferno and a brazen show of very skillful act of naked criminality and with the compromise of INEC, the BVAS machines were swept aside, dumped in the gutters and results sheets were prefilled using figures on voter register hours before polling boots opened in Ogorimagongo, Okene, Adavi, Okehi and Ajaokuta LGAs.

In total shock over the sudden U-turn of INEC to uphold the sanctity and sacredness of BVAS having expended over 500 Billion naira of Nigeria's taxpayers money, dissastisfied with the attitude of Prof. Johnson Urama of University of Nigeria Nnsuka who shamelessly yielded to the sin of financial gratification to allow the open electoral criminality to pass, the SDP candidate, Alhaji Murtala Yakubu aka Muri Ajaka, approached the courts for legal redress. But, little did he know that those who bought their way out from the beginning were already set in wait at the tribunal and its parent body, the court of appeal.

Now, the case of the Kogi State open BVAS bypass is before the Supreme Court for adjudication where it will finally be laid to rest.

But before the Lordships take a leap, it is fundamental to itemize the following few Implications of allowing the fraud of an election in Kogi State (2023) to stand:
1. Political Moneybags will have no need to bother about their competence the moment the precedence is set that allows for prefilling of results.
2. BVAS bypass will officially be established.
3. Future elections will only be about politician's capacity to hold down their places of strength to completely turn in the entire voter register, write results at will and steal victory.
4. Those with government machinery of power will suppress votes of opposition's strongholds while they write results of their strongholds to clinch undemocratic victories.
5. It is recipe for anarchy and serious breakdown of law and order as the oppressed will rise to challenge the unpopular government of the electoral thieves in due time and the rage such anger may birth can better not be imagined.
6. The test run for this, using Kogi State BVAS bypass as a case study, will be against President Tinubu or any APC candidate in 2027 elections.

OCHEDI,
writes from
Abuja, Nigeria.

yussybenayu:
A shame. BVAs in this case was openly ventilated in the court exposing all the fraud perpetrated by Yahaya Bello in the last election. Instead of holding this guys accountable, the court rather prefer to escape via the route of a fraudulent technical ground.
This is how we would continue so long as they can pay people for their support. No one hold these guys accountable

It is an unfortunate situation.

Corruption in the Judiciary and Its Impact: The Case of Alhaji Murtala Ajaka of SDP in the Kogi Guber Election


Corruption within the judiciary poses a significant threat to justice and democracy. It distorts the course of justice, leading to biased and unfair rulings that benefit those with the resources to influence judicial decisions. The recent Kogi State election, involving Alhaji Murtala AJAKA, the Governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), exemplifies how judicial corruption can disenfranchise candidates and undermine the democratic process.

The Impact of Judicial Corruption

Judicial corruption manifests through bribery, manipulation of legal procedures, and undue influence by powerful individuals or groups. The repercussions are profound and far-reaching:

1. Erosion of Public Trust: Perceptions of a corrupt judiciary erode public confidence in the legal system, leading to a loss of faith in the courts' ability to deliver fair and impartial justice.

2. Undermining Democracy: A corrupt judiciary can subvert the electoral process by issuing biased rulings that favor certain political interests, thus undermining the principle of free and fair elections.

3. Promotion of Injustice: Judicial corruption results in unjust outcomes, trampling the rights of individuals and groups, perpetuating inequality, and fostering social unrest.

4. Encouragement of Corruption in Other Sectors: A corrupt judiciary sets a precedent for other sectors of government and society, fostering a culture of impunity and widespread corruption.

The Kogi State Election and Alhaji Murtala Yakubu AJAKA

In the Kogi State election, Alhaji Murtala AJAKA, the SDP candidate, faced significant obstacles, not only from political opponents but also from the judiciary. Financial inducements and bribery in the judicial system resulted in biased judgments that severely affected his candidacy.

As a Nigerian dedicated to upholding the highest standards of integrity and impartiality, I must address the serious allegations involving a prominent member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who stands accused of leveraging their influence to sway judicial decisions in favor of their party.

Reports indicate that, shortly before the tribunal's judgment, major media outlets in Nigeria prematurely announced that Murtala Ajaka had lost the tribunal case to the APC. Subsequently, the tribunal delivered a judgment consistent with these earlier news reports, suggesting that the judgment may have been leaked before its official delivery.

Such actions have cast significant doubts on the integrity of the election process and highlighted concerns about potential corruption within the judiciary.

It is imperative to preserve the sanctity of the judicial process and ensure that all decisions are made based on the merits of the case, free from any external influence.

The Injustice Against AJAKA

The judgment delivered in AJAKA's case was tainted by allegations of bribery and bias. Instead of serving as a bastion of fairness, the judicial process became a tool for political manipulation. This subverted the will of the people and unfairly sidelined a viable candidate.

Bias in the Judgment Against SDP Candidate Alhaji Murtala Yakubu AJAKA

The judgment against Alhaji Murtala Yakubu AJAKA in the recent Kogi State election reflects several instances of bias and unfairness, indicative of broader issues within the judicial system, particularly when influenced by political and financial interests.

Key Areas of Bias in the Judgment

1. Evident Partiality in Rulings: The court's rulings showed clear partiality towards the APC and its candidate. Decisions that should have favored the SDP and AJAKA were skewed to protect the ruling party's interests.

2. Dismissal of Valid Evidence: Valid evidence presented by AJAKA and his legal team was either dismissed or given insufficient consideration. This included crucial testimonies and documents highlighting electoral malpractices by the APC.

3. Procedural Irregularities: The court proceedings were marked by several procedural irregularities that disadvantaged AJAKA. Delays and obstructions in the admission of key evidence and witness testimonies from the SDP were common.

4. Financial Inducements and Bribery: Allegations of financial inducements and bribery influencing the judgment were strong. Reports suggest that judges were bribed to deliver a judgment favorable to the APC, undermining the impartiality of the judicial process.

5. Influence of Political Pressure: Former Governor Yahaya Bello is reported to have exerted significant pressure on the judiciary, swaying the judgment against AJAKA and reflecting a misuse of power to manipulate judicial outcomes.

6. Ignoring Electoral Malpractices: The court failed to adequately address substantial evidence of electoral malpractices presented by AJAKA's team, including voter intimidation, ballot stuffing, and other forms of electoral fraud.

Conclusion

The case of Alhaji Murtala AJAKA in the Kogi election underscores the critical need for a transparent and incorruptible judiciary. To restore public trust and ensure the integrity of democratic processes, it is imperative to implement robust measures to combat judicial corruption. This includes stringent enforcement of anti-corruption laws, protection for whistleblowers, and ensuring that judicial appointments are based on merit rather than political affiliation.

Without a clean judiciary, the rule of law becomes a mere illusion, and democracy itself is at risk. The injustice meted out to AJAKA serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for reform and vigilance in safeguarding the judiciary from the corrosive effects of corruption.

The bias evident in the judgment against Alhaji Murtala Yakubu AJAKA highlights the urgent need for judicial reform in Nigeria. The integrity of the judiciary is crucial for maintaining public trust and ensuring that justice is served impartially. Addressing these biases requires a concerted effort to root out corruption, enforce strict anti-bribery measures, and ensure that the judiciary operates independently of political influences.

The case of AJAKA serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by a compromised judicial system and underscores the importance of upholding the principles of fairness and justice in all judicial proceedings.


Professor K. Jinjiri writes from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

INEC'S CREDIBILITY CRISIS: EXPOSING THE ROOTS OF ELECTORAL CORRUPTION


Democracy can be likened to quantum mathematics, where the people, their votes, and money are meticulously counted and recorded. The process of counting is paramount in electing leaders worldwide, as it bestows legitimacy upon them to serve and be accountable to the people. In the 80s, the counting of people was done through simple methods, with winners and losers declared based on the outcome.

As time progressed and populations grew, the need arose for more sophisticated measures to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. The establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Nigeria was a significant step towards conducting credible elections, registering voters, issuing voter cards, and educating voters prior to any elections.

INEC'S overreaching goal as empowered by the 1990 constitution was to deliver free, fair, and credible elections with minimal doubts.

However, over time, the independence of the electoral body has become questionable especially with the increasing number of inconclusive elections that seem to defy the will of the majority of citizens.
Nigerians have long yearned for transparent, fair, and credible elections with INEC introducing various measures to align with this aspiration.

One of such measures is the Biometric Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), which is expected to provide the most authentic voter records, as voters cannot cast their votes without proper accreditation through BVAS.
Despite the intent to enhance credibility, the introduction of BVAS has paradoxically deepened the credibility crisis, raising doubts about the independence of the electoral body and diminishing voter confidence.

The recent introduction of advanced technology in the electoral process, aimed at achieving a 50% technological and 50% human-based system, included the implementation of BVAS. While BVAS initially boosted voter confidence, issues arose during its initial deployment in the Isoko South Constituency in Delta State, where technical challenges hampered the voter accreditation process.

The Anambra election of 2022 served as a pivotal moment in Nigeria's electoral history as BVAS was utilized for a state election for the first time thereby setting the stage for future elections. The widespread voter registration following the introduction of BVAS, especially among disillusioned youths, underscored the potential of technology to restore faith in the electoral process.

However, concerns persist regarding the integrity and transparency of the electoral empire, particularly with discrepancies between voter numbers and BVAS records. The ongoing Kogi election battle serves as a litmus test for the credibility and necessity of the technology, with crucial implications for the future of Nigerian democracy.

In conclusion, the current situation underscores the critical role of the judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, in upholding the integrity of the electoral process. The ultimate decision on the validity of BVAS and electoral outcomes rests with the judiciary, offering a glimmer of hope in salvaging democracy from the grip of electoral malpractice.

It is imperative for all stakeholders to remain vigilant and committed to safeguarding the sanctity of the democratic process. Democracy's survival hinges on transparent, credible elections free from interference and manipulations of any kind. The eyes of the nation are fixed on the Supreme Court, awaiting a verdict that will shape the future of Nigerian democracy.

It is therefore, imperatively pertinent for us to act decisively to preserve the essence of democracy and ensure that the will of the people prevail by staying true to the BVAS innovation as figures of true voter accreditation can only be gotten from it otherwise, democracy in Nigeria may be shortlived.

The Pen master writes from Abuja.

Anti corruption fight my foot. same old story. yeye the smell. this APC government is a charm.

Lying government with a lying minister. This government has succeeded massively in fooling Nigerians. Let d lying game continue jare...........Hahahaha

CORRUPTION:
PDP planted it, while APC is nurturing it to a monumental height.
95% of Nigerians erroneously believe corruption is only about looting the people's common wealth for self aggrandizement.
Corruption, goes beyond this common assertion.
Here are two dictionary definitions of the most used word in Nigeria (corruption):
1. The act of changing, or of being changed, for the worse; departure from what is pure, simple, or correct.
2. The destruction or manipulation of part of something e.g data, either by deliberate or accidental human action.
From the foregoing definitions, it is crystal clear that, looting is only a macrocosm of the word corruption.
An objective review of activities of the present APC-Buhari led government will open your eyes to the humongous corruption being perpetrated by this regime, only if you allow your good sense of reasoning and moral justice to prevail, rather than, primordial ethno-religious sentiment.
Lopsided appointments, non adherence to rule of law, political incarceration, nepotism etc have become the best achievements of the present APC- Buhari led government.
For instance, 98% of heads of security agencies are northern Muslims, Heads of MDA's are largely from the north preferably Muslims with some close southern willing tools as deputies and or vice respectively.
The recent recruitment into the SSS as published by premium times says it all.
The result of the exercise shows: 331 officers were recruited from the north with Katsina state having 51, as against 44 officers recruited from the entire south with Akwaibom state having just 5.
Recent data on education as released by NBS shows, the entire north has just about 35% qualified manpower, while, the entire South has about 65%.
QUESTIONS:
1. what is the rationale behind recruiting largely from an area with less qualified manpower, compared to a region that can boost of about 80% manpower having less than half of the appointment?
2. Can we still say that, this government belongs to everybody and nobody?
3. Can you a staunch supporter of the present APC- Buhari led government assuage the fact that, this government is covered in the garb of corruption and robed by multifarious nepotism?
4. Can we think of any other government who thrived on deceit, complaints, double standard, and grandstanding as much as we see in this government.
5. What then is the way out of this conundrum?
6. Don't you think we should finally make effort to bury PDP and APC while rooting for a less evil alternative?
Get busy with the answers..............
God Bless Nigeria!!!
God Bless Kogi State!!!
God Bless Idah LGA!!!
Comr. OCHEDI.

And u want our great grandfather Buhari to continue as President till 2023. Monumental hypocrisy!

Most Nigerians are too narrow minded.
U believed Stephanie Olodo when she said the Apostle met with her father and mother for her introduction. But it's now difficult for u to accept the fact that, the father and mother have at various times come out to say, nothing like that ever happened. And that, they never met with the Apostle let alone discussing any introduction as regards their daughter.
Anyone who only believes one side of a story and choose to ignore the other side, is at best idiosyncratic, ignorant of sane dispositions and a total disgrace to humanity.

Lie lie party

Some Nigerians with their foolish mindset. Instead of appreciating a Governor who is exhibiting humility even in power, u choose to rather hail and leak the boots of the one who flies in an helicopter and is always far away from his people. Governor Fayose is demonstrating his humble disposition, yet u choose to insult him. Shame on all of u who believe in highhandedness in governance.

How many Governors care for their people like this man. In fact, how many of them can stand in d middle of their people without fear. This man is d face of modern democracy in Nigeria. Fearless, Kindhearted, Truthful et al. God bless Fayose!!!