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Tag: associates

  • US returns $52.88m seized from Diezani, associates

    US returns $52.88m seized from Diezani, associates

    Nigeria yesterday received from the United States of America (USA) approximately $52.88 million being proceeds from the forfeiture of the Galactica assets linked to former Petroleum Resources Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, and her associates.

    The funds repatriation came under the Asset Return Agreement (ARA) between the two countries.

    Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Justice Minister, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), signed for Nigeria while the Ambassador of the United States, Richard M. Mills Jr. signed for his country.

    Fifty million dollars of the money will be utilised through the World Bank to partly fund the Rural Electrification Project designed to increase the reliability and availability of renewable energy in Nigeria.

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    The balance of $2.88m will be disbursed as a grant by Nigeria to the International Institute for Justice (IIJ) to support “the Rule of Law and Counter-Terrorism Project,” through counter-terrorism capacity building for Criminal Justice Sector Practitioners in East, West and North Africa.

    The AGF was optimistic that the projects to which the funds will be applied would contribute in no small measure to creating an enabling environment for socio-economic growth and development.

    According to him, measures have been put in place to ensure that the repatriated funds are not only disbursed but also utilised transparently and accountably by the World Bank and IIJ, with periodic reports to be forwarded to Nigeria and the US on the implementation of the projects.

    He added: “This robust framework will guarantee that the funds are effectively used for the full benefit of the Nigerian people in line with the United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) and the Global Forum on Asset Recovery (GFAR) principles.”

    The AGF said the agreement was not only a testament to the unwavering commitment of both nations to fighting corruption, it also signifies the commitment of the United States of America to facilitating restitution and supporting integrity and accountability in governance.

    “The collaboration between Nigeria and the United States is underpinned by our shared values and mutual respect, and this has been pivotal in facilitating this agreement,” he said.

    “This partnership highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing the global scourge of corruption, which is also linked to trans-border crimes.

    “It underscores the obligations and commitments enshrined in the UNCAC and the Proceeds of Crime (Recovery and Management) Act (POCA), which guide our collective efforts to ensure that stolen assets are returned and used for the benefits of our citizens.”

    The AGF asked the US to continue to demonstrate the usual cooperation and understanding in other pending cases of repatriation, so that the agreements in relation thereto could be concluded as soon as possible, as Nigeria is in dire need of these refunds.

    He said yesterday’s  signing of the agreement was “a significant affirmation of the resolve of President Bola Tinubu to build a Nigeria that is free from the shackles of corruption, and to ensure available resources are devoted to socio-economic development of our nation.

    “It is a clarion call to all stakeholders—both domestic and international—to continue working together to uphold the principles of integrity, transparency and accountability.”

    Mills Jr. described the agreement signing as a remarkable achievement in the ongoing efforts by both countries to curb corruption, uphold the rule of law and recover stolen funds so that they could be returned for the benefit of Nigerians.

    He expressed confidence that the AGF and his team would effectively monitor and ensure that the funds are used as spelt out in the agreement, and for the benefit of Nigerians.

    The Court of Appeal, on November 26, 2021, affirmed the forfeiture of jewellery estimated at $40 million belonging to the former Minister to the Federal Government.

    Justice I.N. Oweibo of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos had on September 10, 2019 ordered the final forfeiture of the jewellery and a customised gold Iphone all valued at $40m belonging to Deziani, to the FG.

    The FHC, in its judgment, rejected claim by Allison-Madueke’s lawyer, Awa Kalu, SAN, that the items in contention were legitimately acquired by Deziani before becoming a minister.

    It said the jewellery and Iphone were reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime, as the respondent failed to show how they were acquired.

    Justice Oweibo had also held that the respondent failed to show cause why the properties should not be forfeited to the Federal Government, and consequently granted the EFCC’s application.

    The former minister approached the Court of Appeal which ruled that there was no substance in Alison-Madueke’s bid to overturn the lower court’s order.

    The confiscated items were in 33 sets and included  419 bangles; 315 rings; 304 earrings; 267 necklaces; 189 wristwatches; 174 necklaces and earrings; 78 bracelets; 77 brooches; and 74 pendants.

    The ex-minister is currently standing trial at the Westminister’s Court in London, United Kingdom, for alleged bribery while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has also slammed her with 13-count charges bordering on money laundering in Dubai, United Kingdom, United States of America and Nigeria.

    The EFCC, on January 24, 2022 obtained an arrest warrant against the former minister from a Federal High Court in Abuja.

  • Friends, associates, others celebrate Pius Adesanmi in Ondo

    FRIENDS, associates and admirers at the weekend paid tributes in Akure, the Ondo State capital, in honour of Prof. Pius Adesanmi, who died in the ill-fated Ethiopian Airline 302.

    In attendance at the event, which took place at the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre in Adegbemile, Akure, were the Special Adviser to Ondo State Governor on Public Utilities, Tunji Light Ariyomo; former Ondo State Head of Service (HoS) Ajose Kudehinbu; Rev. Fr. Joseph Ogodo of Ondo Catholic Diocese, who is the Director, Domus Pacis Pastoral Institute, Igoba, Akure; President of 83/88 set of St. Thomas Aquinas College Akure Old Students’ Association Tope Famuti, and others.

    Speaking on the life and times of the late erudite scholar, Ariyomo said Adesanmi was an intrepid revolutionary, who fought with superior ideas for the emancipation of the black race.

    According to him, the late Adesanmi believed that education and leadership were two principal keys to the liberation of Nigeria and the rest of Africa.

    He said: “Pius knew long ago that our future as a people would be affected by the depth and quality of our education as well as the quality of minds that constitute our leadership.”

    Ariyomo added: “There are many works of Pius that many have described as the best. For me, however, due to its central significance to the leadership ascension theme of most African democracies, my best of Pius’ works is an essay titled ‘2015: I endorse you, spectocrat!’”

    Ariyomo, who could not hold back tears, described Adesanmi as brilliance-personified.

    Kudehinbu, in his tribute, described the late professor as someone who was focused on seeing Africa become a safe haven for its people.

    He said the late erudite professor was never tired of promoting knowledge that could lead to bridging the gap between the poor and the rich.

  • Family, associates demand justice

    The Olatoye family, friends, political associates and members of the Olatoye Sugar Foundation (OSF), have demanded justice in the killing of a member of the House of Representatives, Temitope Olatoye, aka Sugar.

    He, until his death, represented Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency of Oyo State.

    The deceased’s eldest brother, Mr. Olajide Olatoye, accompanied by friends, political associates and members of OSF made the call yesterday during a news conference at the OSF Secretariat, Bodija, Ibadan.

    The lawmaker was murdered at Lalupon, Ibadan, during the March 9 Governorship and House of Assembly elections.

    Olajide Olatoye, who spoke on behalf of the family, urged the government and security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators were brought to book.

    He said: “We hail AIG Leye Oyebade of Zone II and Police Commissioner Shina Olukolu of Oyo State Command for their prompt response and investigation of the killing, which led to the arrest of some suspects.

    “I am sure those arrested by the police were leaders of those who masterminded our son’s killing.”

    He described as “campaign of calumny”, reports against the lawmaker trending on social media, saying such mischiefs were orchestrated by the lawmaker’s political enemies.

    “Our attention has been drawn to several negative publications trending on social media, including the photographs of the dying Olatoye.

    “We wish to maintain that all the negative impression about the late Olatoye and his family started with the gruesome and horrific photographs allegedly published by a hospital and political enemies.

    “We maintain that these attacks on the deceased can best be described as fake news from mischief makers and political enemies to gain cheap political advantage”, he noted.

    He said the voice note credited to one Mrs. Folake, who claimed to be the landlady of the late lawmaker, was nothing but falsehood aimed at disparaging the deceased.

    “We hereby deny the assertion as same is without evidence and any iota of truth, therefore in the realm of fake news. We, therefore, call on the public to disregard same.”

    Olatoye said the family had instructed its lawyers to begin legal action against Sahara Reporters and other online platforms over the publication of falsehood about the deceased.

    He said the late lawmaker lived a fulfilled and philanthropic life, adding he was committed to the well-being of the downtrodden.

    The deceased’s brother thanked friends, the public and well- wishers for their support to the family.

    He hailed House of Representatives Speaker Yakubu Dogara for his support.

    The Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to the deceased, Dr. Tunde Hamzat, described the late legislator as an unadvertised philanthropist, who was always willing to help people.

    He said the late lawmaker was service personified, adding that the deceased devoted his life to the emancipation of the downtrodden and Oyo State project.

    Hamzat also praised security agencies for their prompt investigation of the killing, which led to some arrests.

    He hoped Sugar’s death would end high profile assassinations.

  • Associates seek role for ex-DSS boss Daura

    After about 64 days of debriefing,  former Department of State Services (DSS) Director-General  Lawal Daura has been released from custody and his security aides restored.

    President Muhammadu Buhari has the final say on Daura’s fate.

    One of the allegations against Daura is unauthorised deployment of hooded security operatives to the National Assembly.

    It was learnt that some Daura associates are pushing for a key role for him in the President’s re-election campaign.

    Although he was in charge of security during the 2015 Presidential Campaign, it was unclear which specific role might be assigned to him.

    The former DG of DSS, who was removed on August 7, 2018, had been in a safe house for de-briefing as a former head of an intelligence agency.

    According to sources,  Daura was released on Tuesday to rejoin his family.

    A source, who spoke in confidence, said: “He was released on Tuesday and he has rejoined his family accordingly.

    “During his de-briefing, he insisted that he acted in the national interest in deploying operatives in the National Assembly. He also described the allegation of being a mole in the government as ‘utter balderdash.’ He protested what he described as maltreatment by the government.

    “The Inspector -General of Police (IGP), Ibrahim Idris, in his report, claimed that Daura ‘acted unilaterally, without informing the Presidency. He did not share or intimate other security agencies on the unlawful operations’. It is left to President Muhammadu Buhari to decide whether  the ex-DSS boss has a case to answer.

    “Don’t forget that the sack of Daura was greeted with discordant tunes in the Presidency and Buhari’s cabinet.”

    But there were speculations last night that Daura had been “restricted” from talking to the press.

    One of his associates who pleaded not to be named, however, denied that Daura had been restricted or banned from speaking with the press. “He has a lot to say but as a former intelligence chief, he will be guided by the ethics of the profession.

    “The former DG is only pained by the fact that he was sacrificed and his integrity rubbished. He feels the nation should hear the other side.”

    As at press time, there were indications that Daura may play a key role in the re-election campaign of the President.

    Some of his associates have been pushing for the role, which is yet to be defined.

    Daura was in charge of security for the Presidential Campaign Organisation of the APC in 2015.

    Another source said: “Some members of the kitchen cabinet and powerful forces in government still believe Daura should play a key role in the re-election campaign of Buhari.

    “Some have recommended him for intelligence back up for the campaign but a few others have made a strong case for his return to security desk like the case in 2015. I think the details of the role he will play will emerge in the next few weeks.”

  • Associates pray for aspirant

    Supporters, associates and friends of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mashood Mustspha, yesterday organised a special prayer for the realisation of his governorship ambition.

    The prayers held in Isale Aluko area of Ilorin, the capital.

    Though the prayer was specifically organised to mark Mustapha’s 55th birthday, the clerics were requested to beseech God to grant his desire of becoming governor.

    One of the clerics, Alfa AbdulGaniyu Asileke, repeatedly asked the clerics and dignitaries to focus  the prayer on his governorship ambition.

    Mustapha, a close aide and ally of Senate President Bukola Saraki, is yet to make his ambition public, but his supporters have begun subtle moves to ensure that he clinches the seat in 2019.

    Mustapha was commissioner for Lands and Housing; special adviser (Special Duties) to ex-Governor Bukola Saraki between 2003 and 2011.

  • Associates pray for Kwara governorship aspirant

    Supporters, associates and friends of a former member of the House of Representatives, Mashood Mustspha, yesterday organised a special prayer for the realisation of his governorship ambition.

    The prayers held in Isale Aluko area of Ilorin, the state capital.

    Though the prayer was specifically organised to mark Mustapha’s 55th birthday, the clerics were requested to beseech God to grant his desire of becoming the next governor.

    One of the clerics, Alfa AbdulGaniyu Asileke, repeatedly asked the clerics and dignitaries to focus prayer on the celebrant’s gubernatorial ambition.

    Mustapha, a close aide and ally of Senate President Bukola Saraki, is yet to make his ambition public, but his supporters have begun subtle moves to ensure that he clinches the governorship seat in 2019.

    Mustapha was Commissioner for Lands and Housing; Special Adviser (Special Duties) to then Governor Bukola Saraki between 2003 and 2011.

  • Family, associates, UN to pay last respects to Osotimehin 

    Family and friends of the former Health Minister Dr Babatunde Oshotimehin have concluded arrangements on how to pay their last respect to the deceased.

    The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) would also play a significant role for befitting last rites for Osotimehin, who was the head of the organisation until his demise.

    In a statement yesterday by Niyi Ojuolape, who was Osotimehin’s Special Assistant, the events for the celebration of the life of the former minister will will take place variously in London, Abuja and Ibadan from  10th – 21st July.

    It commences with the Babatunde Osotimehin Lecture organised by the UNFPA at the Family Planning Summit on 10 July 2017, 5:00 – 6:00pm at County Hall (Next to the Marriott Hotel) London while the funeral service is on 21 July by 11:00am at the All Souls Church, Old Bodija, Ibadan, Oyo State,

  • Day friends, associates celebrated Peterside, Asita

    Day friends, associates celebrated Peterside, Asita

    It is rare to find a governorship candidate and his running mate sharing the same birthday, but that is the situation in Rivers State.

    The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State during the 2015 election, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and his running mate, Mr. Honourable Okorie Asita, a lawyer, were born on December 31.

    Last December 31 was a memorable day for Peterside and Asita, as they clocked 46 and 50, having been born in 1970 and 1966.

    Peterside is an alumnus of the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (RSUST), Port Harcourt and the University of Port Harcourt, popularly called Unique UNIPORT, where he bagged Doctorate in Organisational Behaviour, while his doctoral dissertation was in Corporate Political Strategy.

    The Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) also attended Georgia State University, Atlanta and Harvard-Kennedy School, University of Harvard.

    While at the RSUST, Port Harcourt, where he studied Medical Laboratory Sciences, specialising in Haematology and Blood Transfusion, Peterside was elected National President of the National Union of Rivers State Students (NURSS) in January 1992. His Master’s in Management was also at RSUST, after a Post-Graduate Diploma (PGD).

    Peterside and Asita were at the House of Representatives at the same time (2011-2015). The NIMASA boss hails from Opobo, the headquarters of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Area of Rivers state, the kingdom of the famous King Jaja, while Asita is an indigene of Okarki in Ahoada West LGA of the state.

    The governorship candidate of the APC in Rivers in the 2015 election, while speaking at the elaborate birthday bash organised by his friends, which took place at the highbrow and newly-inaugurated Lasien Pavilion Royale, an event centre on Forces Avenue, old Government Reservation Area (GRA), near Government House, Port Harcourt, said Asita played a key role in his election as National President of NURSS, while they were both at RSUST.

    Peterside said: “The good Lord has been faithful to us. He has been kind to us. We do not deserve His mercy and honour. We thank the Almighty God and we vow to serve Him all the days of our lives.

    “I am here to share with you that God rewards a life of sincerity, honesty, humility and trust. My brother Asita and I are products of God’s mercy and faithfulness.

    “Honesty, humility, fear of the Lord, trusting God will definitely be rewarded now and eternally. That is why we have absolutely no fear about what the future holds for us. The good Lord will always make a way, where there seems to be no way.”

    The NIMASA boss was appointed as Commissioner for Works by the then Rivers Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, now the Minister of Transportation.

    From being a commissioner, he was in 2011 elected to represent Andoni-Opobo/Nkoro constituency in the House of Representatives, where he became the Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum (Downstream).

    Peterside also said: “After the Almighty God, God chose Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as an instrument to take me from one point to another. It will be uncharitable not to acknowledge the roles he (Amaechi) has played in my life.

    “There is nobody who gets something, without God providing a platform or an instrument. I am grateful to Rt. Hon. Amaechi and his family. I also wish to thank the leadership of the APC in Rivers State. I have enjoyed tremendous support from the APC.”

    While the ex-Rivers commissioner for works was chairing the House of Representatives’ Committee on Petroleum (Downstream), the lawmaker representing Rivers Southeast Senatorial District, Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, was also chairing the same committee in the Senate, which made them to be much closer, besides being Rivers indigenes.

    When Peterside aspired in 2015 to be Rivers governor, Abe, who hails from Bera-Ogoni in Gokana LGA of Rivers state, was also a strong contender/aspirant on the platform of APC. The former eventually got the party’s ticket, while leaders of APC prevailed on the latter to return to the Senate, where he presently is.

    The director-general of NIMASA said: “Senator Abe has always been my friend. Sometime in 1991/1992, Chief Rufus Ada-George (the then Rivers governor) put us together in a committee to celebrate the silver jubilee anniversary of the creation of Rivers State.

    “When I was getting married in 1999/2000, in my home, the person that first arrived was Senator Magnus Abe. I used to live at No. 29, Immaculate Street, Borikiri, Port Harcourt. Senator Abe literally supervised my dressing, until we got to church.

    “Senator Abe said to me he was not going to stay throughout the wedding and that he would leave at some point. We have always had a close relationship. He has been to me, a brother, a friend and a trusted ally. Nothing will change it.”

    Peterside also publicly acknowledged the roles played by his running mate, whom he described as his reliable and trustworthy brother, friend and confidant.

    He said: “In 1991, I wanted to be the President of the Students’ Union at the RSUST, Port Harcourt, Asita played a key role and I emerged the President, by God’s grace.

     

    “Asita who played the key role at RSUST, went to the background. In 2015, when the members and leaders of the Rivers State APC chose me as the party’s governorship candidate, they also chose Asita to work with me as running mate.

    “We made attempt (in 2015), but God said He did not want me to be governor at that point in time and we said God, we surrender to your will and that God’s will is the best for us.

    “To the best of our ability, we (he and Asita) will continue to live a life of sincerity and selflessness. We will always put the interest of the generality first, before our own personal interest, whenever we have the opportunity. We will always put God first in all our activities and we will put the people next. Gratitude is a way of life for me. I appreciate all of you.”

    Asita, earlier in his opening remarks, stated that in spite of being four years older than Peterside, they remained very close friends, describing the governorship candidate as very honest, transparent, hardworking, a man of integrity and honour.

    Abe, born on May 24, 1965, while proposing the toast, described Peterside and Asita as his God-fearing and reliable friends, while referring to the director-general of NIMASA as an accomplished Nigerian, who had recorded tremendous achievements at 46, while displaying brilliance and intellect.

    The ex-Secretary to the Rivers State Government in Amaechi’s administration (Abe) also noted that the unique and easy-going Asita had no worries, making him to look like a 30-year-old man at 50.

    There were many men of God/clerics at the carnival-like thanksgiving, with the sermon handled by Rev. Essa Ogorry, who said there was the need for people to always put their trust only in God Almighty, while various groups of beautifully-dressed choristers added colour to the birthday bash.

    In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the birthday committee, Bisi Nwankwo, an engineer, declared that besides God, the success of the thanksgiving should be attributed to a former member of the House of Representatives, who represented Akuku-Toru/Asari-Toru constituency of Rivers state between 2011 and 2015, Dr. Dawari Ibietela George.

    Peterside was first appointed Special Assistant to the then Rivers Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, on Students and Youths’ Affairs in August 1999, from where he was invited to serve as Chairman, Opobo-Nkoro Local Government Council in December 2002.

    He was later appointed as Senior Special Assistant on Works to the then governor, after his tenure as the chairman of Opobo/Nkoro council, while in 2005, he went further to pursue another passion of leadership grooming, through the founding of a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Development and Leadership Institute (DLI).

    While Peterside was championing the transformation of DLI from a local NGO to an international non-profit organisation, Amaechi invited him to serve as commissioner of works.

    The Amaopusenibo of Opobo Kingdom (Peterside), at various times, turned down no fewer than fourteen chieftaincy titles, many honourary doctoral degrees and awards, while rather believing in the people as a reason for service.

    The NIMASA boss is married to Elima, a lawyer, and they are blessed with three children: Soba, Belema and Miebi.

    The Rivers Chairman of the APC, Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, while speaking on the birthday, said: “Those who have followed Dr. Peterside’s trajectory as a leader from his school days, until he was appointed Senior Special Assistant to Rivers Governor on Youths and Students Affairs at the beginning of this republic, know that he obviously has a rendezvous with history and he has shown invaluable and inestimable capacity to deliver beyond target.

    “Peterside has become legendary for showing limitless benevolence to the downtrodden, associates, colleagues and practical display of immense love and compassion to everyone that has crossed his path in life, especially with many persons on his ongoing overseas scholarship programme, which he started many years ago.”

    Ikanya also stated that Peterside’s 46 birthday was a perfect opportunity for him to sense the feeling of being alive in the depths of his heart and promise himself to continue to do greater things and aim even higher.

    While speaking with reporters after the thanksgiving, the NIMASA boss noted that Wike had a Herculean task to prove that the two leaked rigging audio tapes were not his voice.

    Peterside said: “It is a big embarrassment to our state that a governor or anybody who occupies the office of governor can be associated with the two leaked audio tapes.”

    While commenting on the passage of the Rivers State’s 2017 Budget under 48 hours, before Friday’s inauguration of the six APC lawmakers, the NIMASA boss noted that it was ridiculous and shocking.

    “We all know that Wike has taken loans in excess of N130 billion. Is there any provision in the budget to service the loans? No such provision.”

    Peterside also expressed displeasure on the spate of insecurity in Rivers, with kidnappers, cultists, armed robbers, sea pirates and assassins, among others, letting loose, leading to loss of lives and property.

     

     

     

  • CIBN to admit new associates

    CIBN to admit new associates

    The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, CIBN has concluded arrangement to admit into its fold, a new set of Associates Members (ACIB) of the Institute at an induction ceremony.

    The programme, which holds on Saturday in Lagos,  would attract distinguished members of the banking community, corporate organisations, Council Members, Fellows, Honorary Senior Members and well wishers.

    The guest speaker, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Auldon Limited, Paul Orajiaka, will present the induction address titled Starting Up the Right Way: Attracting Investment to your Fledging Business while the Special guest of honour,  Head of Service, Lagos State, Mrs. Olabowale Ademola, will address the graduates on another relevant subject.

    Also, CIBN President, Prof. Segun Ajibola , will chair the occasion, while the Registrar/Chief Executive, ‘Seye Awojobi,  will be the chief host.

  • What we’ll miss about Braithwaite, by associates

    What we’ll miss about Braithwaite, by associates

    Political associates of the late lawyer and activist Mr Tunji Braithwaite have listed the qualities that stood him out.

    In a tribute on behalf of members of the Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), Prince Ajibola Oluyede, a lawyer, yesterday observed that the late Braithwaite worked for the good of Nigeria.

    The tribute reads: “With heavy hearts, members of the NAP announce the passing of a great leader, Dr. Tunji Braithwaite.

    “Our late leader passed on to glory on resurrection day, March 28,  2016, at the age of 82 years, and we have no doubt that he is resting in the bosom of  Jesus Christ, who he worshipped and served all his life.

    “Dr. Braithwaite’s seminal work,  The Jurisprudence of the living Oracles, testifies to the moral underpinnings of the life and activities of this great crusader for an egalitarian Nigerian nation.

    His life and activities demonstrated his belief that the rule of law was synonymous with the rule of God and that any “law” that was disconsonant with God’s dictates was not a true law and would be harmful to people, who are subjected to such laws.

    “For this reason he fought all his life for social justice, democracy and the rule of law.

    “His declaration of war against rats, cockroaches and mosquitoes in 1978 at the formation of the NAP (though euphemistically stating an intention to oust the political establishment, the corrupt and destructive political system, through a social revolution) resonated with the masses  and especially with university students apprehensive for their future under the neo-colonialist administrations that had foisted on the country a backward and corrupt system promoting mediocrity and exalted criminal wealth.

    “Many of us who joined the NAP from school in those days did so not in pursuit of political office but in support of an idea that we believed would liberate Nigerians. Our political naiveté, notwithstanding, the establishment perceived the NAP as a threat to the status quo and refused to register it in 1978, though it was the most widely accepted political movement in Nigeria at the time.

    “Eventually, when it became evident that the credibility of the political system was diminishing with every day the NAP remained unregistered, the establishment was forced to register the NAP in 1980 to give some legitimacy to the system.

    “Many will remember that the elections that followed that registration was the most manipulated and rigged in the history of Nigeria leading to the intervention of the military in order to stave off a social revolution spearheaded by the NAP.

    “The rest is now history and there is hardly need to chronicle the predictions and warnings from Dr. Braithwaite to the political establishment as to the inevitable outcome of their lack of foresight and brazenfaced theft of the communal wealth.

    “Suffice to say that those warnings and predictions were made by a man, who had a great vision for Nigeria to break into its destiny as a great, prosperous and progressive nation, providing leadership and support for other African nations to bring the continent out of the backwardness and darkness that eons of the slave trade and colonialism had  foisted on it.

    “Dr. Braithwaite never wavered in his pursuit of the welfare of the masses and sacrificed his personal resources in this pursuit. To achieve the goals set out in the manifesto of the NAP and captured in its motto, ‘Nigeria needs a positive change’, the NAP under Dr. Braithwaite’s leadership initiated and led many coalitions and alliances that were expected to produce ‘a positive change’.

    “In 1999, NAP spearheaded the formation of the Democratic Advance Movement (DAM) to create a platform for true democrats to seize power from the establishment parties formed by members and surrogates of the military.”