Coalition Ask Nigerians To Hold Mansur Dan Ali And The Presidency Responsible For Killings In Zamfara State

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on Nigerians to hold the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali and the Presidency, especially President Buhari, responsible for the continuing killings in Zamfara State.

While addressing the media on Wednesday in Abuja, Comrade Yunusa Idris said that since the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous and clear that the primary responsibility of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens, President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces should be reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be.

Below is the full text of the press briefing:

A PRESS BRIEFING BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA ON THE WANTOM AND CONTINUING KILLINGS IN ZAMFARA STATE

Good afternoon Gentlemen of the Press.

On Wednesday 26th December, 2018, suspected bandits struck yet again in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State, killing scores of Nigerians who were murdered in cold blood in their farms while harvesting sweet potatoes. This murder is one too many of such series of murder in Zamfara State especially when the government is encouraging Nigerians to invest in Agriculture. Now, the farms are far from being safe.

The bandits made a return in the evening of Wednesday, 2018 and ransacked some villages around, unmolested and unperturbed. Most of the villages surrounding Birnin Magaji Local Government Area such as Ballaka, Tsalle, Gidan Kare, Katsinawa, Garin Boka and Garin Kaka are deserted due to repeated attacks by the bandits. Persons residing in such villages are now seeking refuge at the council headquarters and some other places.

Some of the LGAs mostly affected by armed bandits and cattle rustlers in Zamfara state includes; Tsafe, Zurmi, Shankafi, Maradun, Maru and Birnin Magaji Local Government Areas.

Ironically, the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan Ali is from Birnin Magaji, One of the areas mostly ravaged by these unending attacks.

Now, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is unambiguous and clear that the primary responsibility of Government is to protect lives and property of her citizens.

We may wish to ask what could be happening in the case of Nigerian citizens resident in Zamfara State?

For how long would this level of unprecedented carnage continue unabated?

Mr. Mansur Dan Ali, who is the current Minister of Defence needs to provide answers to these unending killings in Zamfara state.

The Presidency must tell Nigerians why these mindless killings cannot be stopped and perpetrators made to face the full wrath of the law. This is no time for blame game as Nigerians are murdered in scores daily. Nigerians therefore require answers. Quick one at that.

Nigerians Minister of Interior, Rtd Lt-Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau needs to explain why the continuing killings in Zamfara state.

President Mohammadu Buhari as President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is by this medium reminded that the security apparatus of the Nigerian state is commanded by him and not the Local Government Chairmen or the Governors as the case may be. The 2015 election victory of President Buhari was also premised on security. But very saddening, this security has consistently eluded the average Nigerian citizen.

As patriotic Nigerian citizens, the Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria therefore demand for answers to these very germane and pertinent questions as our right in not more than a fortnight of this press briefing. This is consequent to our mandate as Civil Society Organizations in furtherance to the sanctity of human life en route an enduring democratic ethos of the Nigerian state.

Thank you.

Comrade Yunusa Idris,

For the Coalition.

The Centre for Credible Leadership & Citizens Awareness Celebrates An ICON At 60

Osaro Onaiwu’s 60 Odysseys

Over the years, Earl Osaro Onaiwu, has like old wine, mature into a rare and fine specie of those endowed with grace and are living gracefully.

Onaiwu, though a man of many parts, lives the conviction of his belief, one reason he has weathered not a few storms to remain a near-permanent feature of Nigeria’s political and social space.

A former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, APGA, in Edo state was born on December 23, 1958 in Benin City. A scion of educator parents reputed for their disciplinary streak, he attended Ogbe Primary School and Baptist High School, Benin City, Auchi Polytechnic majoring in Mass Communications and have attended several executive courses. 

Onaiwu is not only a successful business man but has a rich political resume, which started in the Second Republic. 

In 1983, he was appointed Special Assistant on Special Duties to the late Dr. Samuel Ogbemudia, the famed former Governor of Old Bendel State, credited for the many legacy projects in Edo and Delta states.

In 2007, having washed his hands clean, the late former Vice-president, Admiral Augustus Aikhomu, appointed him as Special Adviser on Political & Public Affairs, a position he held until 2010.

Having ground himself in public organization with those and many other positions, Onaiwu was positioned to offer his patriotic service as coordinator, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, from 2012- 2013; and later coordinator and then director general, PDP Governors’ Forum, in 2013 to 2015.

It was in this position that Dr. Bamaga Tukur, former PDP National Chairman 2013 – 2015, appointed him as Special Adviser on Governors and Government. 

In 2018, he rejoined the Peoples Democratic Party and will be appointed by Senate President Bukola Saraki, sometime in August this year, as Special Liaison on State Matters. 

For many, the appointment was a crystallization of the long held notion in the political space that the Edo state born experienced politician and public administrator, understands the matrix of engagement with state governors and governments.

Before his active foray in politics, Onaiwu, who many of his followers call the Earl, had cut an enviable niche for himself on the social space with his sartorial taste and love for the arts and entertainment generally.

Owing to this, the Earl remains a toast of Nigerian entertainers as he provided a platform in the bourgeoning days of the country’s film and video industry to the upstarts.

The vehicle which he used to not only print his imprimatur as Nigeria’s primus inter pares in protocol services and events management, but to galvanise the top echelon of society is Red Carpet Protocols.

Over the years, Red Carpet Protocols became the signature for those who are keen on details to attention when planning their occasions.

The point needs to be made that Osaro’s odyssey – political and business-wise- has not come cheap but through dint of hard work, loyalty and commitment to excellence backed by the patience of learning, retooling and knowledgeable about timing. 

Over the years, he has demonstrated that he is a man of many parts; entrepreneur, socialite, philanthropist, patron of the arts, and fundamentally, a vehicle for the formation of the Nigeria Governors Forum.

In the early days when the governors were without a coordinating body to present a common front on issues affecting states, Onaiwu proposed a peer review mechanism to the then chairman of the NGF and his current boss, Senate President Saraki, where states can leverage on their economies of scale for accelerated development. Years on, his vision has lived on leading to his being a pivotal presence in the circle of governors over the years.

Speaking on what drives him in an interview recently, he said: “There is no shortcut to doing well in any human endeavour especially in wanting to serve your people. You need to have vision, focus and sincerity of purpose and for you to do that you have to put in your energy, drive, passion, creativity and loyalty or commitment if you like.”

It is something of a cheer that he sees the solution in every challenge. Little wonder he cringes when others find fault rather than seek for answers. According to him, it is common for people to lament, point out faults of a system that is not working but rarely offering clear perspectives on solutions.

And true to his conviction, as a governorship candidate, his motto was ‘Solution!’

As he clocks 60 this Sunday, there is little doubt that this man who towers imposingly as Nigeria’s Number 1, protocol impresario is not your normal run-of-the-mill politician with all sorts of baggage. He has managed to stay the course, eschewing political divisions, shunning religious schisms and the temptation of filthy lucre.

A true and passionate family man, it is only fitting to say, may you continue to sail the winds like Odysseus and always come up with the crown.

Those Calling For My Sack Are Agents And Merchants Of Corruption - Obono-Obla

....Fires back at the House of Representatives resolution

The Chairman, Special Presidential Investigation Panel, SPIP, Okoi Obono-Obla has hit back at the House of Representatives saying the allegedly certificate forgery and corruption is hogwash, balderdash and absolute rubbish. 

It will be recalled that the House of Representatives also urged the president to dissolve the panel headed by Obla, requesting that the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB, be effectively utilized to perform the function meant for it in the anti-corruption fight.

"It is a hatchet job by agents and merchants of corruption and graft that have looted our country for the past 19 years to intimidate, hound and harass me! But it will not work for them! It is even ridiculous to make such a call, Obono-obla said. 

He went further; "They are agents of looters that I have investigated. Is the House of Representatives the Police? I left University 30 years ago. I graduated and went to Law School. I left Law School in 1990 and was called to Bar in June 1991. 

"The university screened me and awarded me a Degree  after deeming me worthy and after fulfilling the entry requirements.  I wrote JAMB and scored excellent grades in all the subjects I wrote.  

"It is a blackmail contrived by looters and their agents using the House  of Representatives. I have even filled a suit in Court challenging the power of the House of Representatives to conduct such an investigation. But characteristically, the agents of impunity still went ahead to conduct their so call investigation. 

"It is a hatchet job with a premeditated mission. So the so called report is illegal and unconstitutional. 

Obono-obla further reiterated; "Let me inform Nigerians how this people work.  All the members of the House of Representatives Committee that purportedly investigated me were cohorts of some members of the National Assembly I was investigating.  One of them openly boasted that for daring to investigating some powerful people in the National Assembly I will be dealt with. It is a reaction to my press conference early this week where I informed Nigerians that my Panel has forwarded the names of those under it investigation to the Nigeria Immigration Service to implement the travel ban stipulated by the Executive Order No 6 of 2018 for those under trial and investigation for corruption and abuse of office.  

"I must be a genius to pass through University and Law School, practice Law for more than two decades without a “school certificate”. The whole issue is really laughable but it is sad the extent to which corruption can fight back, Obono-obla concluded. 

Coalition Calls On EFCC To Release Or Charge Malam Daudu Lawal To Court Over Bribe Allegations

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on the Economic. Financial Crime Commission to release or charge one Malam Daudu Lawal, a Governorship aspirant of Zamfara State to court instead of keeping him in detention without trial. 

In a press statement on behalf of the  Coalition,  Comrade Yunusa Idris, said it is wrong for the EFCC to allow Adams Oshiomole who received bribe worth $50million to be walking freely despite DSS indictment on him. 

Excerpt is the full statement from the coalition:

A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOG OF NIGERIA ON THE INTRIGUES OF THE EFCC, MALLAM DAUDU LAWAL AND ADAMS ASHIOMHOLE.

One of the cardinal objectives of President Mohammadu Buhari's administration is hinged on its determination to eradicate corruption in Nigeria or at least reduce it to the barest minimum. This ethos was largely embraced by all and sundry - thus, the erstwhile administration perceived by many Nigerians to be riddled with corruption was pushed out via the 2015  protest vote against wide spread corruption in the country.

Now, major issues that culminated the APC primary elections across Nigeria was the unprecedented wide spread corruption allegations against its National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole. The bribery allegations against Oshiomhole runs in excess of 50 million US dollars. This whooping sum was contributed from several states which includes: Imo, Ogun, Zamfara, etc. All these prompted the quizzing by the DSS and consequent report by the secret service.

Again, the EFCC under Mr Magu had last week invited Malam Daudu Lawal, a Governorship aspirant of Zamfara state who allegedly has given a bribe of 17m US Dallas to the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole. Malam Daudu Lawal has been detained in EFCC custody since last week without being charged to court. Adams Oshiomhole who allegedly received the 17m US Dollars as bribe has not been invited by the anti graft agency (the EFCC), let alone being charged to court. Both the giver and the receiver are equally culpable. That is the law. Anything short of this tantamount to an aberration of our laws and a kangaroo arrangement.

Consequent to the above therefore, Nigerians reserve the right to know the reasons for the following actions:

1. Why Adams Oshiomhole has not been invited by the EFCC and charged to court even with multiple corruption allegations dangling round his neck for an administration that was voted based on the anticorruption pedigree even when one Bishop Ochei from Edo state had on October 28, 2016 petitioned the EFCC against Oshiomhole on his activities while the Governor of Edo state.

2.  What has indeed become of the DSS report on the litany of Oshiomhole's bribery allegations.

3.  Why Mallam Daudu Lawal is still in the EFCC detention without being charged to court.

4. Why the alleged bribe giver is being incarcerated in the EFCC custody while the alleged receiver is moving freely unperturbed and unmolested  for a party that preaches war against corruption.

5. Could it be that Oshiomhole is being shielded by the powers that be against the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria?

For these questions, millions of Nigerians reserve the right to get answers in a nation that belongs to all of us.

We as a coalition of CSOs would keep monitoring events as is unfolds.

Thank you.

Signed:

Comrade Yunusa Idris,

For the coalition.

Group Threaten To Mobilize 10million Nigerians Against INEC Submergence Over Zamfara APC Primaries

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has called on the Independent National  Commission (INEC) to await the decision of the court instead of hurriedly fielding a government candidate  for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State. 

While addressing the press in Abuja, Comrade Yunusa Idris who spoke on behalf of the coalition warned INEC that the coalition would not fail to mobilize 10 million Nigerians against the submergence and treat to democracy,  if Professor Yakubu and his team attempts to truncate the rule of law and the neutrality of INEC by aligning with any directives that undermines the Independence and neutrality of INEC. 

Below is the full statement from the coalition:

A PRESS STATEMENT BY THE COALITION OF DEMOCRATIC WATCHDOGS OF NIGERIA

The Coalition of Democratic Watchdogs of Nigeria has been watching with keen interest the unfolding events as it affects the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the supposed neutrality of the Electoral Management Body and the INEC Chairman, Professor Mamood Yakubu on the purported neutrality and the candidature of Zamfara State APC.

Election primaries held in Zamfara state as attested by the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Zamfara state, 2 AIGs, Zamfara Commissioner of police, DSS, etc. But because the primary election did not favour an anointed candidate from the Presidency, INEC was rather too quick to announce that Zamfara state APC cannot field candidates even while the concluding primaries was ongoing.

Pursuant to the provisions of section 31 and 87 respectively of the Electoral Act 2010 (as Amended), INEC ought to have exhausted the duration for primaries before placing a restraint on the APC.

Again, the contending individuals has gone to court on this matter. It is only compliant to the rule of law that governs modern democracy that INEC waits for the judgment on this matter before fielding any candidate.

As Nigerian Citizens, we may wish to ask the following questions:

1.        Why was INEC so much in a hurry to issue a statement against an       ongoing primary election? Could it be that the outcome of the primary did            not favour the Minister of Defence who wants to be a Governor at all cost?

2.        Why is INEC  under pressure from the Presidency to adopt Mr. Mansur        Muhammad Dan-Ali, the Minister of Defence as the APC Governorship          candidate of Zamfara State even while the court is yet to pronounce     judgment?

This matter stands as a litmus test for the Professor Mamood Yakubu led INEC as Nigerians are observing with the International community showing keen interest on the mockery being perpetrated on the most populous black democratic nation of the world.

By this medium, we wish to sound a note of warning on INEC which is funded by tax payers money that our coalition would not fail to mobilize 10 million Nigerians against this submergence and treat to our democracy if Professor Yakubu and his team attempts to truncate the rule of law and the neutrality of INEC by aligning with any directive/s that undermines the Independence and neutrality of INEC.

Thank you.

Signed:

Comrade Yunusa Idris.

For the coalition

Saheed Jimoh Alatise Is Competent, Easily Accessible, Trustworthy And Will Represent His People Effectively. - Ben Duntoye

The people of Igbomina/ Ekiti in Kwara south have vowed to resist any attempt by the Information minister, Lai Mohammed to foist on them foreign politicians  from Lagos as their political leaders.

A former commissioner for Information in Kwara state and youth leader of international repute, Comrade Ben Duntoye said the people of the area voiced out their resolve during the campaign tour of the area by the stalwarts of the Peoples Democratic Party( PDP) ahead of the Saturday's bye - election to fill the vacant seat of Irepodun/ Oke- Ero/Ekiti/ Isin federal constituency in the House of Representatives.

Duntoye posited that the people of the area  are enlightened and can't fall for cheap to cosmetic politicians and their Lagos sponsors.

He said the Igbomina/ Ekiti people are special breeds who could not be entised with monetary inducement.

He said the minister of Information was fully aware of this fact and long cherished virtue of the Igbomina/ Ekiti people but was only trying to please his sponsors so that he can retain his current job.

The grassroot politician added that the All Progressives Party(APC) rented crowd at its rally in Omu- Aran will not have any effect on the outcome of the bye- election which he said PDP will win convincingly.

"Majority of APC stalwarts and supporters that attended the rally were imported from Ilorin and neighbouring states. This rented crowd will not alter the outcome of the election which the PDP is sure to win as our people have resolved not to be subservient to Lagos politicians with expansionist ambition.

"Bringing in chopper  to Omu- Aran is not enough. They can even go ahead to bring Boeing aeroplane. 

Our people have totally rejected the agenda of selling us to Lagos politicians,"he declared.

Duntoye enjoined the  people of the area not to be intimidated by high presence of security operatives but troop out en masse to vote for the candidate of the PDP on Saturday.

Our people have rejected those who play politics of hatred, who have never made impact in the lives of the people in the 42 wards of our Federal Constituency.Thugery will not work and will be totally rejected by our people.

"Security  operatives should ensure fairness and orderliness. They must protect everyone. One man one vote. Our votes must count," Duntoye posited.

He said that the PDP candidate in the election, Saheed Jimoh Alatise is competent, easily accessible, trustworthy and will represent his people effectively in the lower chamber of the national assembly.

Group Hails Amb. Abduljalil Suleiman Transparency In DCTA

The Transparency Advocacy For Development Initiative and Allied Civil Society Groups has commended the Director General of Directorate for Technical Cooperation in Africa, Amb. Abduljalil Suleiman  for bringing Transparency to the agency activities since he took over as Director General. 

The group President, Amb. Yomi David made this known in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja. 

Excerpt is the full statement from the Group;

TRANSPARENCY ADVOCACY FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE AND ALLIED CIVIL SOCIETY GROUPS COMMEND THE STEADY STRIDES OF PROGRESS, TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND DUE PROCESS MEASURES AT WORK IN THE DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL COOPERATION IN AFRICA

As a mother Organization of several frontline Civil Society Groups championing the cause for transparency, accountability and due process, we have maintained a constant watch on Public Service Institutions and Public servants particularly the appointees of our corruption averse President Muhammadu Buhari. We have maintained uninterrupted vigil in monitoring and assessing the performance of key Agencies of government particularly those identified critical to accelerating Nigeria’s economic rejuvenation.    

In an era of rapid globalization and at such a time that Nigeria seeks to make progress in her quest for economic diversification to ensure wealth generation, job creation and overall national development vis-à-vis reasserting regional leadership, one Agency that readily comes to mind as key and relevant in this quest is the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa. This much informed the decision of our Organization to beam the lens of scrutiny on the Agency. After due assessment, we cannot but come to terms with the evident fact that the Agency has been effectively repositioned under the dexterous and innovative leadership of her present Director General – Amb. AbdulJalil Suleiman – whose sole and singular pursuit is to make DTCA core of generation and transfer of technology that can measure up to the best global standards.

Our findings further revealed that transparency, accountability, fairness, due process have become the credo and watchword at DTCA. The fact that the Director General of DTCA – Amb. Abduljalil Suleiman –  has chosen to follow strictly and diligently in the footsteps of Mr. President is one factor that remains commendable and should be emulated by other Chief Executives of government Agencies. We have also keenly observed that Amb. Suleiman eschews all forms of corruption, ineptitude, lack of due process and all forms of maladministration. Thus the Agency has been properly repositioned under his adroit leadership to meet the vision and establishing mandate thereof. The Agency is no longer viewed as a mere administrative platform but has been stabilized to beam her efforts on technology development exchange and transfer, building a new breed of workforce that can aptly guarantee accelerated national and regional productivity.

Having identified the huge prospects, the Agency has in terms of economic diversification, jobs creation and overall national development, the current DTCA leadership immediately set out working assiduously to ensure that all possible vista for building local technology are explored and revved-up. The determined effort being made by DTCA to boost technology exchange and transfer is a sure masterstroke that will reverse capital flight and loss of forex as this will save the nation billions of dollars annually lost to importation of technology based goods and services. We therefore invite Nigerians to reach in for their latent innovative potentials and take advantage of this expanded window opened by DTCA for jobs creation, economic empowerment and overall self-actualization. Citizen involvement in innovative technology development is a strong catalyst for generating new jobs and the Directorate of Technical Cooperation in Africa under the Headship of Amb. Suleiman has opened a vista of opportunity that can be maximally explored by all.

Perhaps the Team spirit at work in DTCA alongside the detribalized nature of the current Director General could be adduced as one among several other reasons for the rapid rate of progress being made at the Agency in this short spate of time. Strict compliance to Federal Character, reward for hardwork, high premium on merit and fairness to all have been the hallmarks of administration in DTCA. Public Office holders ought to imbibe this aspect of governance that enhances national unity. Furthermore, prudence and shrewd management of resources have also taken the front burner as the limited resources of the Agency are effectively managed to achieve the best possible results. One such testament financial prudence was the celebration of the tenth anniversary of the Nigerian Technical Cooperation Fund which was adjudged a resounding success by all critical stakeholders with the input of minimal government funds. The commendations showered on the Director General and his Team resulting in the confirmation of his appointment is a positive indicator that an effective monitoring, evaluation and commendation mechanism has been emplaced by the Buhari led government.

The balanced manner in which the Director General has been able to tackle the crisis that rocked the Agency prior to his appointment is another laudable feat. It is on record that the Director General has explored all possible vistas to ensure that the aggrieved individuals and unions find respite.  

At this juncture, we must commend President Muhammadu for seeking Nigeria’s best brains from all parts of the world and bringing them together to head critical Agencies of our economy that can engineer economic growth and add value to Nigeria’s quest for economic diversification. The confirmation of Amb. Abduljalil Suleiman’s appointment is one such practical manifestation and his impeccable achievements stand as an incontrovertible proof.

We call on other Chief Executive Officers of government Agencies and Public servants to borrow a leaf from the administrative lifestyle of Amb. Suleiman and ensure the mandate of their respective Organizations are attained to the utmost. It is also imperative that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies strengthen their partnership with DTCA in the aspect of technology development, exchange and transfer.

We strongly believe that with these transparency measures and multifaceted partnerships emplaced by the Director General of DTCA, the Agency will ignite the long awaited technology revolution and the potentials of Nigerian youth will be translated to national productivity for the good of all. We invite the concerned public and the relevant bodies to support and partner with DTCA in the areas of innovative technology, jobs creation, e-governance framework, and IOTs as Nigeria Marches on to occupy her prime place in the global technology world.

God bless Nigeria!!!  

Amb. Yomi David                                                 

Executive Director