The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Keyamo

  • Keyamo declares political ambition

    Keyamo declares political ambition

    Human rights activist Festus Keyamo has indicated his interest to contest for governor.

    He promised to take Delta State out of what he called its “present state of underdevelopment.”

    Speaking in Effurun,Warri during the maiden meeting of his political platform, Delta Forces United, Keyamo condemned what he regarded as the politics of cronyism and ethnicity in the state.

    The rights activist said there has not been much to show for the 14 years of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP’s) governance in the state.

    Keyamo vowed to live the rest of his life for the development of the state.

    “Delta State has been held hostage by a cabal. The cabal has done much to promote mediocrity by not allowing internal democracy reign.”

     

  • Nigeria @ 52: Falana, Keyamo, NBA call for sober reflection

    Nigeria @ 52: Falana, Keyamo, NBA call for sober reflection

    Some Lagos based lawyers said on Monday Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary call for a sober reflection, especially by the elite, on how to ensure sustainable democracy.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the lawyers, who spoke in separate interviews in Lagos, expressed optimism on the survival of the nation’s democracy and democratic institutions.

    Mr. Femi Falana said that the important task facing the nation’s political system was how to foster lasting democracy and not “the mere celebration of independence.”

    According to him, the quality of life of an average Nigeria is better off in the past compared to the present situation.

    Falana said that Nigeria’s 52nd Independence anniversary should be used to evolve strategies for redressing the national crisis of under development and the consolidation of democratic principles.

    He said that the concern of government as the nation celebrates freedom of the Nigerian people from the colonial masters should be how to ensure quality life for every Nigerian.

    “Our leaders must ensure the realisation of the dream of independence, which is to make life more abundant for the citizens.”

    Falana said the routine celebration of Independence Day would be futile, if there were no positive changes reflected in the political system.

    The Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos branch, Mr. Taiwo Taiwo, said the nation lacked true democrats in spite of operating a democratic government.

    “We operate a democracy without democrats. Our politicians must sit up to the challenges of ensuring true democracy in the polity.

    “As it were, the Nigerian democracy is not so much of a plus, but there is still room for redress; am sure we will get there soon,” he said.

    Mr. Festus Keyamo urged the present political leaders to take a cue from their predecessors in the 1990s.

    He said that contrary to misinformed opinions, democracy as a system of government should be progressive.

    Keyamo said the anniversary would only be meaningful and infectious to the citizens if it targeted the overhaul of the nation’s political, economic and socio-economic milieu.

    “A true democracy must begin with making the votes of the masses count in every election,” he told NAN.

     

  • $15m Ibori bribe: Keyamo writes IGP over court order

    $15m Ibori bribe: Keyamo writes IGP over court order

    The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, was yesterday urged to evince fearlessness in carrying out a court order instructing him to investigate the direct criminal complaint filed by activist -lawyer Festus Keyamo, against Senator Andy Uba and businessman Chibuike Achigbu over the Ibori $15 million bribe.

    The Chief Magistrate Court, sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, presided over by Chief Magistrate Okagu, had, on Monday, September 10, made an order directing the Inspector-General of Police to conduct a thorough criminal investigation against Senator Andy Uba and Chibuike Achigbu over allegations surrounding the $15 million Ibori bribe.

    The order, The Nation learnt, was made based on a Direct Criminal Complaint filed in the court by the lawyer against Uba and Achigbu, accusing them of conspiracy, abetment and bribery in respect of the $15 million Ibori bribe

    In a letter dated September 11, and entitled: Court Order to investigate a Direct Criminal Complaint against one Andy Uba and Chibuike Achigbu over $15 million Ibori Bribe,” Keyamo told the IGP: “Please find attached an order of the Chief Magistrate court, sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, directing you to investigate the complaints contained in the Direct Criminal Complaint, filed by myself, against one Andy Uba and ChibuikeAchigbu.

    “As you can see, the said order was made on the 10th of September, 2012 and you are expected to report back to the court with your findings on this matter on the 26th of September, 2012 . As a result, time is of the essence in this investigation.

    “I only need to add that in conducting your investigation, I urge you to be upright, fearless, unbiased and to do your job according to the dictates of your conscience and the oath of your office, no matter whose ox is gored in the process. The heavens will not fall.”