Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has directed capital market operators to register with their trade groups or associations by October 31 as it moves to strengthen the implementation of its new complaints management framework.
In a circular to the operators, SEC said it would sanction those that fail to comply with the deadline.
According to the commission, the directive was sequel to the decisions at the just-concluded Capital Market Committee (CMC) meeting held in Lagos earlier this month.
SEC noted that as part of efforts to restore investor confidence in the capital market, it had developed rules on complaints management in February, last year.
The rules outline a new and more responsive complaint management framework that requires the SEC,Self-Regulatory Organisations (SROs) and capital market Trade Groups/Associations to establish fair, impartial and objective complaints management policies for the handling of investor complaints. This new framework is expected to significantly improve dispute resolution within the market and ultimately reduce infraction rates as it streamlines the complaints management process.
“Historically, the SEC had been receiving the overwhelming majority of complaints from investors even when such complaints could be addressed more swiftly at trade group level. In attending to such huge volumes of complaints, the SEC has had to allocate significant resources that could be better utilised in more effective market development and regulation.This informed the need to overhaul the complaints management mechanism in the capital market as encapsulated in the SEC Rules and Regulations which are available on the website,” SEC noted.
According to the commission, to effectively delegate key complaints management functions to market operators, the SEC recognises the need to strengthen SROs and Industry Trade Groups/Associations to enable them play more prominent roles in the management and resolution of investor complaints.
It noted that empowering SROs and trade groups to handle and resolve investor complaints is in line with best practice from both emerging and developed markets.
However, the Commission pointed out that since the new complaints management framework was released by the SEC in February 2015, its implementation has been rather slow due to the inability of a few trade groups to develop their respective complaints management policies.
The apex capital market regulator stated that a review of the framework’s implementation at the last CMC meeting revealed that a key constraint facing the trade groups is the non-compliance of some market operators who are yet to be registered with their relevant trade association.
Some civil society organisations in Bayelsa State recently raised the alarm over the increasing cases of brutality and extortion of residents by rampaging security operatives in the state.
The groups consisting of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO), Bayelsa Non-Governmental Organisations Forum (BANGOF) and the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) expessed their concerns at a news conference in Yenagoa.
The Chairman, BANGOF, Robinson Kuroghobogha, who read the statement of the groups, said that human rights violation in Bayelsa was on “a geometric increase”.
Robinson said that men of the armed forces and other security agencies, particularly the police force, only have the mandate to provide security for citizens and not to harass and intimidate them.
He cited the recent assaults on Tonye Yemoleigha, a reporter with Radio Bayelsa by an Air Force operative, and Philomena Briggs, a student, by five policemen, as some examples of police brutality in the state.
He said: “It has come to the notice of the civil society that the rate of assault, harassment, intimidation and unlawful extortion of law-abiding citizens in Yenagoa by armed security personnel has been on the rise.
“Several cases of brutality by armed (security) personnel have been reported to various institutions with no tangible response from them.
“The case of Mr. Tonye Yemoleigha, a journalist with the Bayelsa State Broadcasting Corporation who was brutally assaulted by an Air Force personnel on the May 18 and that of Mrs. Philomena Briggs, a student, reportedly assaulted by five armed policemen are recent examples of the level of impunity of armed personnel in the state.”
He said the brutality on residents by the security operatives was a violation of their fundamental human rights guaranteed in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
“The human rights community and indeed all law-abiding citizens of Bayelsa are seriously concerned with the excessive conduct of armed security personnel.
“The protection of lives and property and ensuring the rights of law-abiding citizens are not violated are the primary functions of the police.
“Therefore, policemen acting with impunity and violating the fundamental rights of law-abiding citizens is a deliberate call to chaos and anarchy and no sane society will approve of that.”
He urged heads of security agencies to take appropriate steps to reduce to the barest minimum cases of officers’ misconduct and brutal assault on innocent citizen.
Robinson demanded compensation from the security agencies to all victims of recent brutality that had been reported to them.
He said: “The Human Rights Community and indeed all law abiding citizens of Bayelsa are seriously concerned with the excessive conduct of armed security personnel. The protection of lives and properties and ensuring the rights of law abiding citizens are not violated are the primary functions of the police.
“Therefore, policeman acting with impunity and violating the fundamental rights of law abiding citizens is a deliberate call to chaos and anarchy and no sane society will approve of that.
“Law abiding citizens are always proud and happy to support the security personnel who conduct themselves in professional manner and as part of the society. We have worked closely with the security agencies to promote peace in the state.
“Therefore, we strongly urge that deterrent actions be taking to eliminate such unprofessional conduct among security personnel especially the police. The world is a global village. The recent uproar in United State of America because of the conduct of a few police officers should be a signpost to all security personnel who think they are above the law.
“ln the light of the above, while we seek elaborate collaboration with all security agencies in the state to promote lasting peace and security, we call on heads of security institutions in the state to take appropriate steps to reduce to the barest minimum incidence of officers’ misconduct and brutal assaults of innocent law abiding citizens.
“As law-abiding citizens, we will promote all legislation and lawful effort to ensure the success of the operations of security personnel, but we shall also not relent in bringing to justice officers who abuse the privilege accorded them as security personnel.
“We shall work with the Human Right Commission, the Judiciary and other key partners to ensure the dignity of human lives in Bayelsa State”.
Present at the conference were Chairman, CLO, Bayelsa State, Chief Nengi James, FIDA Chairman, Dise Ogbise-Erhisere, former Secretary, CLO and Coordinator, Environmental Right Action, Mr. Alagoa Morris, among others.
The West Africa Women Association (WAWA), the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have warned the federal and state governments against neglecting the Nigerian child.
They made this admission at a programme organised by WAWA last Friday at the ECOWAS Commission office in Onikan, Lagos.
WAWA Focal Person in Nigeria Mrs Beatrice Ubeku called for more proactive steps to ensure that children’s issues were taken seriously.
She said: “If not well catered for, these children may engage in violence and other negative acts and this will double our already enormous challenges.
She advised parent, guardian, teacher, elder, religious group, NGOs, to look after the protect future of the kids.
Yeye Oge of Lagos Dr Opral Benson urged children to shun social vices in order not to jeopardise their future.
Mrs Benson said parents should spend more time with their children, get to know them better, talk and advise them and also bring them to programmes.
“We should help them, teach them, interact with them and praise them whenever they do something right,” she said.
She called on leaders to do all within their power to create an enabling environment that will give the Nigerian child, a sense of belonging.
To facilitate gas optimisation, the executive council of the Nigerian Gas Association (NGA) has inaugurated five study groups to lead research and explore viable methods to exploiting the vast and untapped gas resources for domestic utilisation.
NGA President Bolaji Osunsanya said: “I am excited by the calibre and experience of the volunteers involved, and the vibrant enthusiasm they’ve shown for the task at hand. The rejuvenation of the study groups encourages the self-development of our members, and establishes the groups as focal engagement points and drivers of the NGA’s pertinent objectives. More importantly, the key findings collated will significantly enhance the association’s advocacy capacity, and enable us better synergise with the government and other important institutions to promote the best technical, regulatory, and contractual practices.”
NGA’s 1st Vice President and overseer of the study groups, Dada Thomas said: “The fact-based research and key position papers provided by the study groups will play a crucial part in advancing the NGA’s four cardinal value propositions of anticipating and driving legislation and policies; positioning the association as the data and knowledge resource centre of choice within the industry; encouraging best practices and acceptable standards; and promoting viable investments within the Nigerian gas sector. The executive council is committed to the prevailing success of the groups, and will ensure adequate support is constantly provided.”
The study groups are Natural Gas Transmission and Distribution chaired by Mr. James Odiase, Senior Manager, Commercial Gas, Seven Exploration & Production Limited; Industrial Utilization and Power Generation, chaired by Mrs. Yetunde Taiwo, Managing Director, Seplat Gas, a subsidiary of Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc; Domestic, Commercial and Transportation, chaired by Mr. Emeka Ene, Managing Director Oildata Energy Group; Environment, Safety and Health, chaired by Mr. Toyin Adenuga, Managing Director, Shell Gas Nigeria Limited; and Legal and Fiscal, Mr. Ike Oguine, Chief Consultant, Advisory Legal Consultants
The Human Rights Monitoring Agenda (HURMA) in collaboration with the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Lagos branch and the African Youth Coalition against Injustice and Impunity (AYCAII) have appealed to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to consider the plight of residents of Mosafejo whose community was demolished by the Lagos State Government.
In a press statement jointly signed by the National Coordinator of HURMA, Lagos Chairman of CDHR and the Lagos branch of AYCAII, Comrades Buna O. Isiak, Alex Omotehinse and Nallah Fatai respectively, the groups said: “It is over a month that the entire village of Mosafejo, under Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA) (only community that voted for the APC) at Oshodi, was demolished by the Lagos State Government.
“With just seven days notice, the Lagos State Taskforce stormed the area at midnight, injured people, demolished and sold their properties. More painfully, on Saturday February 20, one of the victims of the brutality, Mr. George Ishola (a retired military officer who was pursuing his benefit) died due to injury sustained and homelessness.
“After a cry out by the Human Rights Monitoring Agenda for the voiceless displaced people, the Lagos State House of Assembly promised to do justice to the matter. The House has invited the people to a committee meeting to hear them out, visited the demolished village and as well gave condolence message to the family of the deceased.
Unfortunately, the House decided to be quite for some time now while the homeless people live in pains and agony. The silence over the pains of these Lagosians is seen as a test on the masses’ patience and this is already gathering momentum as some other organisations are also preparing to join the struggle.”
Continuing, the statement noted that “the Civil Society shall continue to bridge the gap between the Government and the people at the grassroots, who, due to confidence reposed in us, are willing to assist in whistle blowing. This is to expose bad eggs and bring our country back to the good old days. But the Lagos APC Government seems to be working towards frustrating the same people whose co-operation we are seeking to tackle corruption and terrorism.
“According to the displaced people, ‘our constitutional rights are being violated by the same government whose duty is to protect it.”
“HURMA does not contest the power of the government to acquire land for public use and not private and selfish interest of a few clique in government. But this, however, must be done with proper procedure.
“That the Lagos State government could demolish an entire village without prior notice other than seven days, nor offer any compensation to the victims, is a direct violation of several sections (from chapters two to chapter four) of the Nigerian Constitution.
“We appreciate the Lagos House of Assembly so far, for proving to constitute members who are true peoples’ representative while we look forward to prompt action.”
Formed in February 2013, the All Progressives Congress (APC) is the result of an alliance of Nigeria’s three biggest opposition parties the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) to take on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2015 elections.
Strengthened by the defection of five governors, Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara State), Rabiu Kwankwaso (Kano State), Murtala Nyako (Adamawa State) and Aliyu Wamakko (Sokoto State) and the addition of other states by defection or favourable election tribunal decisions, the party approached 2015 with enhanced credentials. Despite acrimonious campaigns and the machinery of state deployed in PDP’s favour, APC withstood heat in the polity to retain seats and wrest control with Muhammadu’s Buhari’s emergence as president by almost 2.6 million votes as icing on the cake.
As presidential nominee of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) in 2003 and 2007 and presidential nominee of the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) in 2011, Buhari contested and lost the presidential elections. The 2015 triumph was, therefore, a remarkable feat as many, including the candidate himself, had all but lost hope.
The APC cause was apparently helped by PDP’s documented misrule in 16 years of the Fourth Republic with the serial gaffes of the incumbent especially telling. Election date postponement and desperate attempts at financial inducement of the electorate failed to reverse widespread disillusion as APC carried the day with its “change” mantra.
When Jonathan conceded defeat on March 31, it was the first time in Nigeria’s political history that an opposition political party unseated a governing party in a general election and one in which power transferred peacefully from one political party to another. In addition, the APC won the majority of seats in the Senate and the House of Representatives, though it fell shy of winning a super-majority to override the ability of the opposition People’s Democratic Party to block legislation.
Managing the consequence of victory is the party’s immediate challenge, however. As the emergence of Bukola Saraki as Senate President proved, not all party members are willing to submit to the party’s wish. And none can pre-empt a governorship running mate when his principal dies mid-election as the case of Kogi State governorship hopeful, James Faleke evinces.
People’s Democratic Party (PDP)
PDP president rally
After dominating the 16-year history of the Fourth Republic, the People’s Demococratic Party (PDP) finds itself in the opposition a role it struggles to play, considering the hail of sour grapes from former party officials and leading figures since losing the March, 2015 general elections.
After the 2015 showing and electoral reverses suffered by the party to date, it may remain in opposition for some time unless, by trademark arithmetic sleight of hand taken out in the (in)famous Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) election of May 2013, 16 years metamorphose into the 60 once predicted by former PDP national chairman, Vincent Ogbulafor.
The ‘reign’ launched in 1998 when ‘the largest political party in Africa’ selected former military leader Olusegun Obasanjo as the presidential candidate in the elections of February 1999, with Atiku Abubakar (Governor-Elect of Adamawa State and a former leading member of the Social Democratic Party) as his running mate. The duo won and was sworn-in in May 1999.
Chief Obasanjo’s two terms at Aso Villa barely inspired a people yearning for true democracy and its dividend after years of successive military dictatorship. Characterised by subterfuge, vindictiveness, contrived accountability and disguised corruption, the Obj years ushered in, via ‘do-or-die’ elections, Umaru Yar’Adua and his vice-president, Goodluck Jonathan. The latter, by uncanny stroke of luck, found himself substansively at the helm in 2010 through the progressives-backed doctrine of necessity following his principal’s demise.
He rode to 2011 victory backed, again, by the progressives and a sentimental nation, but the beneficiary spurned the benefactor until the 2015 general elections loomed and the prospect of a 10-year democratic occupancy of the State House beckoned.
By the time the dust settled on the March elections, APC won in 21 of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) while PDP claimed 15 states and the FCT. But the rhetoric of PDP’s election conduct runs deeper.
After the Presidency mismanaged the Boko Haram insurgency through a slow and detached response, the North was all but lost. With the Southeast and South-south more or less in support, Jonathan turned, with his political lieutenants, to the Southwest.
The PDP’s rather decadent approach tugged at the seams of societal fabric. Money, in local currency and foreign currency, was flung at the conundrum, youths seduced and ethnic jingo played up.
PDP lost.
Months after the election, the consequences unravel. Slush funds funneled through the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, were deployed for electioneering, it emerged. And Dasuki allegedly withrew from the Central Bank $2.1 billion meant for purchase of arms to combat Boko Haram in the Northeast. The money was distributed the funds to party officials instead.
Chairman Emeritus of DAAR Communications Ltd., Raymond Dokpesi, former Director of Finance in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Shuaibu Salisu, and former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafawara, among others were named as beneficiaries.
INEC
The confrontation between Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) chairman, Attahiru Jega, and Godsday Orubebe, a former Minister for Niger Delta Affairs and 2015 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) agent, may have been the highlight of the 2015 Presidential election.
At the INEC collation centre in Abuja during conclusion of the polls, Orubebe held on to the microphone at a point and insisted that Prof Jega discontinue declaration of results, accusing Jega of refusing to accept a petition from the PDP protesting results from Kano, Katsina and Jigawa.
Orubebe’s reaction mirrored a general frustration with election procedings by PDP officials used to domination until the All Progressives Congress (APC) upstaged them. In the event, violence, voter manipulation and compromised electoral officers sustained a culture of flawed polls. Elections in Akwa Ibom, Delta and Rivers States stand out for reference.
During the election campaigns, Jega attracted criticism from the opposition and the party in power. Nominated in 2010 by President Goodluck Jonathan as replacement for Maurice Iwu subject to Senate confirmation, Jega became the new chairman of the electoral body.
While his heroics exonerated him, Jega ould not spread himself beyond the headquarters. Once the oppostiton took over, justice was bound to arrive in due course, hence the scenario of the Court of Appeal upturning results and election tribunals voiding the elections of senators and representatives for failing to comply substantially with provisions of the Electoral Act.
To the chagrin of hopeful democrats will a rerun galore now follow the oft-witnessed spectacle of card-reader malfunction and needless manual accreditation with attendant manipulation.
He may have come recommended, but Jega’s successor, Mahmood Yakubu, crossed flak on his first assignment and superintended a similar outing in the next. INEC headquarters in Abuja was not spared after the Kogi State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Halilu Pai, on the death, mid-election, of APC governorship candidate, Abubaka Audu, declared the gubernatorial election of November 21 inconclusive.
Thus unfurled a chain of criticism that yokes jurispudents and legal gurus to uncommon ground. Audu’s deputy, James Faleke, said that he would not be available for the January 27, 2016 swearing-in with Yahaya Bello, the candidate preferred by APC as announced by party chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun. Faleke had, upon the death of his principal, Prince Audu, written INEC to declare him as winner of the polls, despite INEC having initially declared the poll as inconclusive.
INEC said its hands were legally bound and so could not have changed the rules in the middle of the game. Its Director in charge of Voter Education, Publicity, Civil Society and Gender Liaison, Oluwole Osaze-Uzzi, said the commission decided to err on the side of the law as the guidelines were clear on situations that could warrant the declaration of an election as “inconclusive.”
He said despite the fact that about 13, 227 voters out of 49, 000 registered voters participated in the supplementary election, “INEC had a constitutional duty to conduct that election within certain parameters or framework. He added that Faleke’s withdrawal would be correct within 45 days before the election, the time allowed for withdrawal, as long as the party forwarded the letter to the commission. Faleke went to court to assert his claim to the governorship ticket before the supplementary poll of December 5.
In a twist, INEC also declared the Bayelsa election on the same day inconclusive. The volatile Southern Ijaw Local Council of the state was fingered as reason. Elections could not take place in the area, unlike other parts of the state, and the exercise was rescheduled for Sunday.
Soldiersdeployed to the area, but the polls floundered the next day, forcing INEC to cancel the rescheduled exercise over widespread violence, ballot box-snatching and hostage-taking of electoral officials. The state Resident Electoral Commissioner, Baritor Kpagih, said a new date for a fresh poll in the area would be announced in due course.
Herdsmen
As critical contributors to the economy and wellbeing of Nigerians, herdsmen generate more than a passing comment through their activities. Beef from the cattle they herd is reputed for its worldwide reputation of palatability and wholesomeness.
But they can as well dish the most unpalatable stuff. Long have they maimed, killed and devasted farmlands south, west, north and east while grazing cattle. And long have they displayed little remorse after.
Apparently tiring of the limited income earned from their part-vital, part-bothersome activity, however, some of them have lately taken to a crime synonymous with another region: kidnapping. Isolated crimes of the magnitude trailed by muted lament seemed to draw muted response, until a group of renegade pastoralists seized upon part-time farmer, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and distinguished Southwest statesman, Olu Falae, in Ilado, Akure, Ondo State.
They spirited the septuagenarian after brutalising staff and ransacking the farm.
In anguish the country followed developments, until Chief Falae returned for a ransom initially denied by a cluless police. Running the security apparatus ragged, the crooks promised to return. They did in handcuffs when security agents embarrassed into action caught up with some of them. They were subsequently identified by their victim.
A war or words has since ensued between kinsmen on both sides and beyond. Incensed by Falae’s treatment, Yoruba elders called for an end to the activities of Fulani herdsmen in the Southwest. Condemning the kidnap, the Miyeti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and the Association of Fulani Chiefs of South West Nigeria opposed the call.
Former Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwakwanso, also rejected the call as it countered the ties that bind the nation together. Afenifere faulted Kwankwaso’s call for education of the Fulani to end the nomadic lifestyle.
Others suggested grazing reserves across the country since everyone ‘enjoyed’ (for a fee) the beef produced by the herdsmen.
Fuel marketers
About the most influential group in Nigeria’s contrived economic dynamics, fuel marketers are commended and criticised in equal measure. Despite the activities of the unscrupulous ones, their importance may not be understated in the petroleum products import and subsidy regime.
Whenever they fail to load and distribute products because of unsettled subsidy claims which was often in former president Goodluck Jonathan’s time the economy reeled from their impact. Fuel queues materilised on the highways, inflation soared and the government scrambled to pay and curtail disquiet.
Nigerians who expected last March’s change in government to cause a change in the fuel supply mix have found the going rough. After a lull, the period of scarcity returned towards the end of the year a most auspicious time for subsidy removal, considering the history of fuel price hike.
The government’s recent announcement of imminent reversion to the fuel pump price of N97 from N87 stoked speculation. Whether caused by falling oil crude oil prices which demanded commensurate reduction in the retail rate or political considerations, according to critics, the initial N10 reduction was hailed as palliative amidst economic hardship.
With the price of oil crashing further and President Buhari’s team grappling to right an economy gone wayward, the government would have to find a way to lower the cost of production, especially when subsidy payments are estimated to constitute a hefty chunk of the country’s budget.
Marketers blamed the recent scarcity on the government’s insincerity in settling subsidy claims when it knew about outstanding claims at the inception of the administration while the government retuned the gesture. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) blamed the persistent fuel crisis on continuous vandalisation of pipelines, sharp practices by oil marketers and delay in the payment of outstanding subsidy claims to the marketers. Unscrupulous marketers were also involved in hoarding, sharp practices and diversion of petroleum products for sale in black markets across the country.
Nonetheless, the government scrambled to pay off the marketers with the recent release of N407.07 billion for subsidy claims covering 2014 and the current year. The effect may be some time in coming, however, as sharp practice prevails, particularly after the government announced imminent removal of the subsidy early next year.
Biafra agitators
Until recently, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and erstwhile leader, Ralph Uwazuruike, championed the call for a separate country for the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria on the basis of marginalisation. Despite run-ins with the authorities and killings suffered, MASSOB claimed it was a peaceful group seeking amicable solution to an identity predicament.
But accusations of a loss of focus dogged the MASSOB leadership until partisanship conduct in the run-up to the 2015 general elections compounded disenchantment. Many saw a connection between the group and factions of the Odua People’s Congress (OPC) in relationship to the army of campaigners for former president Goodluck Jonathan’s re-election. Nationalist agitators merely sustained their fire until pecuniary gains emanated, came the contention.
Disillusioned Biafra-seeking youths aligned with another group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) led by the United Kingdom-based Nnamdi Kanu. Kanu recently set up a pirate radio station, Radio Biafra, which has been broadcasting at various frequencies around the world.
The Nigerian Government, through its broadcasting regulator, the Broadcasting Organisation of Nigerian (BON) and Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), sought to clamp down on the pirate radio without success until broadcast material aligned with sentiment. In November, Biafran independence protests erupted in the South-south and Southeast on a scale beyond national imagination.
Dismissed until then as an errant group, the separatists manage to seize attention, if not territory. Speaking through the Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed, the Federal Government initially described the agitation as “completely legitimate” and noted that the basic cause was “economic”. But the government recanted.
Shaken by the resoluteness of the demonstrators in Port Harcourt, Onitsha and other cities, the government wielded the big stick. But the protests got worse following the arrest and prosecution of Kanu, whose pirate radio the government accused of spreading hate and violence.
Igbo elders pleaded with the youth to allow them discuss the issue of neglect of the region with the authorities in power, but they refused, insisting on the unconditional release of Kanu who went on trial for treason.
Shunning warnings by the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase, the agitators blocked the Niger bridgehead and vowed to stay there for three days until Nnamdi Kanu was set free. They caused a traffic gridlock at the Asaba and Onitsha axes of the bridge and held up travellers for several hours.
Then the protesters set ablaze a truck and mosque in Onitsha. A joint operation by soldiers and the police eventually dislodged the protesters, leaving nine persons dead and over a hundred people were arrested.
Next move, the government’s: FG urged An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court to terminate further hearing on the charge, saying it has concluded plans to take the matter before a higher court. The court last Wednesday struck out the one-count criminal charge preferred against Kanu, following an application by the Department of State Services (DSS) to withdraw the charge.
IPOB protesters appear undeterred, marching at the Alaba International Market, Ojo, Lagos, with youths bearing the Biafran flag and wearing its T-shirts storming the market Thursday afternoon in their thousands.
Beyond economics, some of the factors that preceded the Civil War of 1967-1970 obviously linger. Led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, the secession arose from economic, ethnic, cultural and religious tension in the country. Two and a half years of war in which a million civilians died in fighting and from starvation resulting from blockades ended with unconditional surrender and avowed reintegration.
Conditions are eerily similar today, but the result need not be. An identity crisis is closely attended by resource control and marginalisation issues that the government would have to address while containing the aggression.
Ibrahim al-Zakzaky’s Shiite sect
The Nigerian Army’s reported shooting of 35 followers, including three undergraduate biological sons, of the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim al-Zakzaky following pro-Palestinian procession in Zaria on July 25, 2014 drew worldwide sympathy and caused the government to set up a committee to investigate the action.
More than a year later, the cleric and his group grabbed the headlines for reasons as painful. Soldiers on the convoy of Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt-Gen Tukur Buratai, last weekend engaged sect members who blocked the highway on a public procession in Zaria, Kaduna State.
The sect claimed that it was decimated. The COAS said his convoy acted in self-defence after pleas to clear the road were rebuffed.
Security forces invaded Sheikh al-Zakzaky’s house on December 12, 2015 in retaliation for the alleged assassination attempt. There was unverified number of casualties, which the army claimed was due to resistance from the Islamic Movement’s followers. Sheikh al-Zakzaky was arrested.
Sect members subsequently protested in six northern Nigerian cities against the military crackdown while Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani weighed in, phoning President Buhari on the incident which the Federal Government termed “a military affair”.
Zakzaky attended traditional Quranic and Islamic schools in Zaria and the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria. Secretary-general of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in school and later Vice President (International Affairs) of the National Body of the MSSN, his activity in the society saw the conception of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria.
Two groups, the Attorcities Watch (AW) and Omidyar Network Leadership Forum ( ONLF), have vowed to fight impunity in Africa by exposing its perpetrators.
They signed a memorandum of Understanding ( MoU) in Abuja during the Pan African Lawyers (PALU) conference.
AW was reprsented by its board member, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, while Ms. Agnes Ebo’o and Stanley Ibe signed as individual grantees under the auspices of ONLF, an alumni initiative of the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Programme of the Center for Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law (CDDRL), Stanford University.
Ebo’o and Ibe, alumni of the Draper Hills Summer Fellows Programme of the CDDRL are joint recipients of the first Collaborative Grants Initiative of the ONLF. The funded project will be implemented in close collaboration with Atrocities Watch and the two alumni grantees.
Atrocities Watch is a non-profit, Pan African organisation founded and led by Ugandan journalist and former Chairperson of Darfur Consortium, Dismas Nkunda, who is known for his strong pursuit and desire to end mass atrocities and impunity in Africa.
AW focuses on a number of strategic objectives including using new media and digital tracking of mass atrocities to inform continental early warning mechanisms and offer remedial and preventive actions against occurrence of mass atrocities.
AW also encourages the inclusion of young Africans in the understanding of the commission of atrocities crimes and helps the young forge future interventions, using fast developing social media.
“This is a perfect start for us. With this funding, we will certainly be able to unearth those who commit crimes against our people in the remote hope that they will go scot free,” said Dr. Odinkalu.
Ms.Agnes Ebo’o, a Cameroon-ian, said: “ The project will provide a platform for young Africans to learn about past atrocities and hopefully learn on how to avoid them in the future”.
Ibe, a Nigerian lawyer, said: “ The grant will support the development of a website that professionals can use to share their work on mass atrocities with a view to exposing those crimes, promote justice and hopefully preventing future occurrence.”
Mr. Nkunda said: “The beauty of this collaboration, initiated by a Cameroonian, a Nigerian and an Ugandan, is that it will help us put our first step into the door of documenting what has hitherto, not been so much in the public domain, but more importantly, to make sure that new media can be a tool for combating mass atrocities on the African continent and elsewhere.”
The six-month project is expected to develop information and a platform that individuals and institutions on the continent can use to build cases for either domestic or indeed, international accountability.
UNITED States consumer privacy groups have called for a Federal investigation into Experian, following a major hack at the credit database firm.
Experian claims personal data on 15 million T-Mobile US customers was stolen in the breach. But the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG), backed by 28 other bodies, fears the hack may have extended to the rest of Experian’s credit database. This holds personal information about some 200 million Americans, it said.
“A data security breach that affected Experian’s credit report files would be a terrifying and unmitigated disaster,” it added.
The Experian breach occurred at Decisioning Solutions, a subsidiary of the credit agency, which T-Mobile uses to process information on subscribers. Names, birth dates and social security numbers were among data stolen, but not financial details, the firms said. Experian has said the business was “completely separate” from its main credit bureau business, which was “not affected”.
But in a statement, PIRG’s consumer programme director, Ed Mierzwinski, urged both the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Trade Agency to investigate whether other Experian databases had been breached.
He said: “If the server holding the T-Mobile files was subject to fewer security protections than the full Experian credit reporting database, why?
“If it was subject to the same protections as the credit reporting server, doesn’t this raise the troubling possibility that the server holding highly sensitive credit and personal information of over 200 million Americans is vulnerable to a data hack by identity thieves?”
Image caption Experian’s servers hold sensitive credit and personal information on over 200 million Americans
Prominent cybercrime journalist Brian Krebs has also raised concerns about Experian’s internal data protection policies.
In a blog, published on 8 October, he claimed to have interviewed “half a dozen security experts” who recently left Experian frustrated with its approach.
“Nearly all described Experian as a company fixated on acquiring companies in the data broker and analytics technology space, even as it has stymied efforts to improve security and accountability at the firm,” he said.
Experian data has been breached before – such as in 2012, when an attack on an Experian subsidiary exposed social security numbers of 200 million Americans.
This prompted an investigation by at least four states, including Connecticut.
Commenting on PIRG’s campaign, an Experian spokesman said: “Experian understands the concerns raised and we are prepared to respond promptly to requests from regulatory agencies for more details about the incident.”
He added: “Security is a top priority for the company, and Experian is committed to continuous investments in upgrading talent, processes, and technologies needed to protect our systems.”
He said the firm had invested of “tens of millions of dollars” in the last three years to strengthen its security.
A number of lawsuits seeking class action status are under way against T-Mobile and Experian, on behalf of victims affected by the breach.
There was tension at the Assemblies of God Church on Mount Street, off Agbani-Road, Enugu State, as rival groups clashed over access to the church.
The church had been locked on police orders following a disagreement on the alleged transfer of a new pastor two months ago. To avert a clash, factions were told to hold their services in the compound.
Consequently, the compound was divided into two; the groups erected canopies and hold parallel services.
It took the intervention of the senior pastor, Rev. Amaechi Agbo, who leads a faction, to stop angry members from disrupting the service of the other group.
The faction has vowed not to allow “strangers” take over their place of worship. The group recognised Dr. Chidi Okoroafor, said to have been ordained the new general overseer, as their leader.
Agbo said trouble started on July 19 “when a member, claiming to be a lawyer but championing illegality and unlawfulness, imported Nathan Udeze to overthrow me.
“We reported to the police and went to court; the police advised us to lock the church and we did. We started worshiping outside and they sought court order to open the church.
“They did not allow the court decide before coming last Monday and broke the school’s entrance. Today (Sunday), they broke the church’s entrance, contrary to the agreement we reached with the police to wait for the court to decide.”
Expressing anger at the police handling of the matter, Rev. Agbo said: “I called the DPO to inform him that these people have broken into the church, he urged us to maintain peace and told me to see him by 2pm. I don’t know what he meant by that; these people broke into the school and today, into the church and the police are watching them”.
On the claim that he had been transferred, he said: “I am still in charge of this place; I came here on April 12 , 2013 and till date, I remain the senior pastor.”
“We are shocked at what happened today; if we had gone inside, there would have been bloodshed. I thank God that my members refused to confront them in the face of such provocation because something terrible would have happened here today.
“We are calling on law enforcement agencies to do the needful and avert trouble,” Rev. Agbo said.
But leader of the second faction, Rev. Paul Nathan Udeze, said he remained the authentic priest in charge of the church. He denied forcing his way into the church.
A retired clergy, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, has urged the political elite and interest groups to eschew primordial sentiments and support the policies of President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration.
Ladigbolu gave the advice today at a sensitisation programme in Oyo town.
He said despite the fact that the country is abundantly resourced, there has been an absence of real development in terms of the quality of social existence and social relations of majority of the populace.
He said: “The first prerequisite of good governance is that the average citizen must have an assurance or at least a near assurance of justice, fairness and equity in most of his or her relationships in the society, be it in the economic, political or social realm. It is in this kind of situation that the average citizen will have a stake in the stability and progress of the society as a stakeholder.”
