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Tag: Mallam Nuhu Ribadu

  • NTAC DG congratulates Ribadu on conferment of Sardaunar Adamawa title

    NTAC DG congratulates Ribadu on conferment of Sardaunar Adamawa title

    The Director General of the Nigerian Technical Aid Corps (NTAC), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Buba Yakub, has congratulated National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, on his conferment with the prestigious title of Sardaunar Adamawa.

    In a congratulatory letter by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Nkem Anyata-Lafia on Saturday, Yakub described Ribadu as a man whose preparation, lifestyle, and hard work have earned him trust, honour, and dignity across the globe.

    The DG noted that the conferment of the Sardauna title on Ribadu, a former chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is seen as a mark of recognition for his service to the nation and contributions to the development of Adamawa State.

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    According to him, the recognition did not come as a surprise, given Ribadu’s numerous contributions to national service and the diligent roles he has played over the years. 

    “To suggest that this was unexpected would be to deny the inevitable, for you have, by preparation, lifestyle, and hard work, positioned yourself for every form of trust, honour, and dignity across the globe,” the NTAC DG stated.

    While rejoicing with the NSA, Yakub expressed confidence that the honour would be the beginning of many more recognitions to come. 

    He extended congratulations on behalf of his family, as well as the management and staff of NTAC, noting, “We also pray that you are granted strength, wisdom, good health, and prosperity to discharge, with your characteristic forthrightness, the responsibilities of the office of Sardaunar Adamawa. Allah ya taya riko. Ameen”.

  • Fed Govt destroys 1,316 illicit arms

    Fed Govt destroys 1,316 illicit arms

    As parts of the Federal Government’s efforts to control, the proliferation of illegal firearms he National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 1,316 illicit arms.

    The illicit arms were destroyed at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri in Abuja, yesterday.

    The event marked the fifth in the destruction by the centre since its establishment in 2021.

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, who described the arms proliferation as a “monstrous challenge” to national peace and stability. reaffirmed the government’s determination to stamp out the illicit arms proliferation.

    He noted that the Federal Government was resolved to take firm measures, not only by strengthening domestic controls but also by working with international partners to curb illicit arms flows.

    He said: “It has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crimes and terrorism within and beyond our borders.

    “This event today is a reminder to all Nigerians of our collective responsibility to support the government and, by extension, the security agencies in our fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest.”

    READ ALSO: Echoes of terrorism

    Ribadu noted that the signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had provided the legal framework for a robust response to the menace. We, as patriotic citizens, must stand up to be counted at this time.

    “Let us trust the government, provide information to our security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of peace, security and development,” Ribadu said.

    Director-General (DG) of NCCSALW, Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo (rtd), said 1,316 assorted weapons were destroyed during the exercise.

    He said: ”With the exercise, NCCSALW has destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete and unserviceable weapons in just four years.”

    Kokomo emphasised that the exercise was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional and international conventions, noting that illicit arms destruction was not just about destroying weapons, but “demonstrating our transparency and accountability in ensuring that illicit arms never return to circulation“.

    “This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms.

    “Beyond ECOWAS, we are engaging Chad and Cameroon to stem the tide of cross-border arms trafficking. These engagements are already yielding results.’’

    The DG expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their cooperation.

  • FG proposes new role for retired military officers

    FG proposes new role for retired military officers

    The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, said the Federal Government is proposing a National Veteran Security Initiative, aimed at formally integrating retired officers into key roles, including advisory, intelligence and community conflict resolution.

    Ribadu announced this at the 50th Anniversary of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 18 Regular Course Alumni, at the Army Headquarters Command Officers’ Mess, Abuja.

    “You are not just heroes of our past,” Ribadu told the veterans. 

    “You are strategic partners for today and tomorrow. Nigeria still needs your leadership, wisdom, and experience.”

    The NSA urged retired military officers to return to active roles in national security, describing them as critical to the country’s stability. 

    Ribadu acknowledged significant progress in the fight against insecurity under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, but noted that the battle is far from over.

    He revealed that since May 2023, security forces have rescued over 11,250 hostages from criminal groups while more than 124,000 terrorists and their families have surrendered to Nigerian troops. Military operations have also led to the elimination of 13,543 terrorists, the recovery of 11,118 weapons, and over 252,000 rounds of ammunition.

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    In the Northwest, notorious bandit leaders such as Ali Kachalla, Boderi, and Halilu Sububu have been neutralized, with more than 50 warlords and 70 of their deputies killed. Additionally, over 35 insurgents surrendered under the government’s non-kinetic peace initiative in Kaduna.

    The NSA also highlighted successes in other regions. In the Niger Delta, oil production has increased from one million to 1.8 million barrels per day following the dismantling of nearly 2,000 illegal refineries and the recovery of stolen petroleum products worth over ₦3.5 billion.

    In the Southeast, separatist violence has declined sharply, with police stations rebuilt and sit-at-home orders losing influence. On the digital front, Ribadu noted that several cybercrime networks financing terrorism and banditry have been dismantled, cutting off millions in illicit funds.

  • FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity through agriculture

    FG to empower 150 million affected by insecurity through agriculture

    The National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, has stated that no fewer than 150 million Nigerians have been affected by insecurity across the country.

    Ribadu said this after signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on Friday in Abuja.

    The NSA stated that despite Nigerians being predominantly farmers, insecurity has severely disrupted their livelihood, leaving many struggling with hunger. He emphasized the need for a whole-of-society approach to address the root causes of insecurity in the country.

    He said: “Security is the biggest challenge we are facing across all sectors, but agriculture is the most vulnerable to insecurity. As a nation of predominantly farmers, insecurity directly impacts our livelihoods. 

    “Whether you are a farmer or from a farming family, we have all been affected in one way or another. Insecurity has turned our lives upside down. By coming together, we can better address this issue. We must unite to restore security and normalcy to our people’s lives.

    “Our people desperately need relief. I don’t think there is any country in the world today facing the same magnitude of challenges we are. Given our large population, the number of people affected by insecurity in Nigeria could exceed 120 to 150 million.”

    Ribadu stated that the perpetrators of insecurity aim to destroy the country, but that the government would never allow them to succeed. 

    “The malicious elements are becoming more aggressive, having already destabilized democracies in neighboring countries,” he said.

    “Sudan is in turmoil, and similar challenges are evident in Chad, Niger, Burkina Faso, and Mali. However, thanks to our security forces, we remain resilient in the Sahel region. We are facing difficulties, but we are managing to survive.’”

    The NSA said the signing of the MOU between NCTC and IITA marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey towards sustainable peace and security.

    “For too long, our approach to countering terrorism has relied predominantly on kinetic responses. While essential, we’ve come to realize that lasting peace requires more than force alone. Addressing the root causes of violent extremism – such as poverty, lack of opportunity, and social disenfranchisement – is equally crucial. This understanding underpins our whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach,” he said.

    According to him, the collaboration with IITA on the Agribusiness and Livelihood Empowerment Project for Disarmament, Demobilisation, Deradicalisation, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration of terrorists, communities affected by violent extremism was a testament to this evolving strategy.

    He said the partnership is commitment to non-kinetic approaches that empower individuals, restore livelihoods, and promote social cohesion. 

    According to the NSA, Nigeria has made significant strides in Demobilization, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration programmes, most notably through Operation SAFE CORRIDOR in Mallam Sidi, Gombe State. 

    “We are also witnessing a growing willingness among terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers in the North West regions to surrender,” he said.

    National Coordinator of NCTC, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, stressed the need to address the root causes of violent extremism such as poverty, marginalization, and lack of opportunity through inclusive, whole-of-government and whole-of-society solutions.

    He said Federal Government’s Disarmament, Deradicalization and Reintegration (DDR) programme, in Gombe State, has already yielded significant gains, with many low-risk former combatants successfully rehabilitated and reintegrated. 

    “It is in this context that we consider agriculture as a critical tool for driving economic empowerment, restoring livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion in conflict-affected communities,” he said. 

    Laka said the signing of the MOU marks a key milestone in the shared efforts to build resilience and reduce the drivers of violent extremism through livelihood empowerment. 

    He added thy the document will serve as a strategic framework to guide the implementation of the Agribusiness and Livelihood Project, which targets ex-combatants, conflict-affected communities, and widows of fallen soldiers. 

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    “Through this project, beneficiaries will gain access to land, inputs, training, mentorship, and market linkages supported by collaboration with state and local governments, civil society, and the private sector,” he said.

    The Deputy Director General of IITA, Dr. Denshell Kenton, stated that the implementation principles are not new, noting that they have been tested and proven effective.

    “These are not quick fixes.The focus is on long-term, sustainable, positive changes that lead to communities becoming much better places to live.

    “Because each person and family, one, have enough good quality food, and two, respectable incomes and living conditions that leads to the overall community being stable and prosperous. And when we have many communities, or all communities, in an area that are improved, then we have success.

    “I pledge to you that IITA is ready, willing, and able to be your partner in Zamfara, Gombe states, and any other states that decide to join this dynamic partnership that we’re having with NCTC.’

    “We don’t claim to have all the answers, but I promise you we will work day and night with commitment and motivation in partnership with you to make communities where we are working together safe, stable, and productive communities,”.

  • Ex-agitators urge Ribadu, IGP to probe sponsors of smear campaign against PAP boss, Tantita

    Ex-agitators urge Ribadu, IGP to probe sponsors of smear campaign against PAP boss, Tantita

    Leaders of ex-agitators from the Niger Delta have called on the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to uncover those behind a smear campaign against the Administrator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Dr. Dennis Otuaro, and the Chairman of Tantita Security Services Limited, Chief Government Ekpemupolo, also known as Tompolo.

    The leaders of PAP’s phases one, two, and three, in collaboration with the Concerned Niger Delta Youths (CNDY), condemned the ongoing cyberstalking targeted at Otuaro and Tompolo, describing it as a deliberate attempt to destabilize the region for selfish gains.

    Speaking in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, over the weekend, the leaders denounced the actions of a group operating locally and internationally, which has been spreading allegations of kidnapping and financial misappropriation against the two Niger Delta figures.

    Phase Three Leader, Emma Satu, dismissed the accusations as baseless, attributing them to jealousy and a desperate bid to discredit the contributions of Otuaro and Tompolo. He highlighted Otuaro’s achievements in leading PAP, particularly the unprecedented number of scholarships awarded to Niger Delta indigenes for higher education both locally and abroad, along with other impactful initiatives.

    The leader of Concerned Niger Delta Youths, Oferebo Opakiviari, also echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the transformative role of Tantita in combating oil theft and boosting Nigeria’s oil production, leading to increased revenue for the government.

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     He said: “Why are these individuals so determined to sabotage Niger Delta indigenes that are making such tremendous strides in our region?” 

    The leaders said the security agencies should beam their searchlights on Ben Ebikabowei Victor, alias Boyloaf and Chief Bibopere Ajube Shoot-at-Sight in their probe.

    They said: “The international community should note that the allegations of crime against humanity, kidnapping, corruption, misappropriation of funds, and other malpractices are fueled by hatred, jealousy and desperation.

    “We call on the National Security Adviser and the Inspector General of Police to be aware of and investigate the activities of the sponsors of these allegations.

    “We, the ex-agitators, are the primary stakeholders of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, and we are unequivocally satisfied with the dynamic and steady leadership of Dr. Otuaro. We thank him for his commitment to the program’s success.”

    The leaders reiterated their support for Otuaro and Ekpemupolo urging the government to carry out the investigations to safeguard the peace and stability of the Niger Delta.

    They further urged President Bola Tinubu and the NSA to sustain the requisite support to the Administrator and PAP, and the Tantita boss to continue with their impactful performances in the region.

  • NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    NSA hands over 58 rescued victims to Kaduna govt

    The National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu on Saturday handed over 58 people rescued during joint security operations to the Kaduna State Government.

    The victims were presented by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, to the Kaduna Chief of Staff, Sani Limankila, who represented Go Uba Sani during the ceremony. 

    Gen. Musa emphasised that no ransom was paid for their release.

    “This rescue was achieved through the combined efforts of the military and other security agencies”, Musa said, adding “the operation utilized both kinetic and non-kinetic methods, underscoring the need for collective effort, not just military actions.”

    He highlighted the importance of collaboration at all levels, from the presidency and the Office of the National Security Adviser to the Ministry of Defence and the Kaduna State Government. 

    According to him, such synergy enabled the successful rescue of the victims.

    Musa reiterated that every Nigerian has a role to play in ensuring security, saying “if we do not work together, it will be extremely difficult to succeed. It’s a whole-of-society approach”.

    He also warned against sabotage by individuals attempting to undermine government efforts, stressing that security agencies are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all Nigerians.

    “Many of us have sacrificed weekends and holidays, working day and night to achieve these successes. We assure Nigerians that we will continue until every captive is freed and every Nigerian can move freely across the country,” Musa said.

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    The CDS noted that some individuals involved in banditry were forced into it, but the military remains determined to hold perpetrators accountable for their crimes.

    The National Coordinator of the National Counter Terrorism Centre (NCTC), Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, provided details about the victims. 

    He said they were kidnapped from Gayam, Sabon Layi, and Kwaga villages in Dan Musa council area of Katsina State.

    Laka revealed that the joint operation, conducted by troops of 1 Division on Nov. 14, led to their rescue. 

    The victims included 35 males and 23 females.

    “Preliminary investigations revealed that they were kidnapped by armed bandits under the command of a notorious criminal known as Janbros. The victims were forced to trek hundreds of kilometers through the Birnin Gwari forest”, Laka said.

    He added that following their rescue, the victims received medical care and necessary assistance to stabilize them, explaining that six victims who required hospitalization have now recovered and were reunited with the others for the handover.

    Sani Limankila, representing the Kaduna State Governor, expressed gratitude to the security agencies for their efforts and called on Nigerians to support ongoing operations to end kidnapping and insecurity.

  • Nigeria more important than winner on Saturday, says Ribadu

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential campaign Council has said that while it is confident that President Muhammadu Buhari will emerge victorious at this weekend’s Presidential election, it also believe that the contest is not a do or die.

    Director, Field Operations of the Council, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu told newsmen that all those involved in the election should be aware that the contest is about Nigeria and should therefore not do anything that will undermine the interest of the country.

    Ribadu said: “The opposition party and those who we are contesting with, they should please understand it is not a do or die affair. It is about Nigerians.

    “Let Nigerians be the winner. If Nigerians are winners, then that is what politics is all about and that is what the future will look like. It is not about them or us, let Nigerians be the winners and the only way Nigerians can be the winner is if they play it fairly, honestly, justly, that is what is needed/required.”

    Ribadu assured that supporters and agents of APC would not be involved in criminal activities during the elections on Saturday, adding that the APC believes that Nigeria is more important than the party that wins the Saturday’s election.

    While saying that the APC was ready for the election, Ribadu said, “We would say we are prepared and we have worked hard. Twenty-four hours day and night we have been on this to prepare our supporters, particularly our volunteers and canvassers. We have over 300,000 of such people across the Country who has formally declared they are working for us.

    “We have given them all the necessary information they need to know that will help to sell our candidate very well and we have told them to do it peacefully in a way that we would have free and fair elections. They are ready and are all out there. We have sent a message across that we must conduct ourselves with all decorum, dignity with the APC/ PMB volunteers.

    “We have received very strong message from PMB and from everybody that no misbehavior will be tolerated. Our people will behave very well, our people will not be involved in any criminal activities, our people are going to conduct themselves according to the law and we believe that victory will be ours because we have prepared and worked hard.

    “I am very happy and excited with our level of preparedness towards the forthcoming exercise on Saturday. We only pray that we would be able to have it from all the players to adopt same attitude of free and fair election and let the winner emerge through a peaceful process.”

    On his trust on the Independent National Electoral Commission readiness, he said, “We hope that INEC is better prepared this time, we have witnessed what happened last weekend. We were all prepared and out then suddenly the got disappointed. We hope and pray that it is not going to happen again that they are fully prepared and everything is on ground for the elections on Saturday.

    “Also, the other players, the opposition party and those who we are contesting with, they should please understand it is not a do or die affair. It is about Nigerians. Let Nigerians be the winner, if Nigerians are winners then that is what politics is all about and that is what the future will look like.

    “It is not about them or us, let Nigerians be the winners and the only way Nigerians can be the winner is if they play it fairly, honestly, justly, that is what is needed/required.

    “My concern is that I hope they are also going to do exactly how we are doing, very well prepared, go to the field, convince the voters and let the vote count. Let Nigerians be winners in this matter.“

  • Ribadu, Abe, others lose out as APC Appeals Panel submits report

    …party beat deadline for submission of list

     

    Former Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Chairman, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Senator Representing Rivers East in the upper legislative chamber and the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Usani Uguru Usani may have emerged as some of the biggest losers in the nomination process for the governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

    The outcome of the Appeals Committee which considered complain from the aspirants for the various offices did not favour them as their Appeals were rejected by the panel while upholding the results of the primaries in the various states.

    Read Also:APC Primary: Appeal Panel upholds Nwosu’s election

    Those who also lost out in the governorship race in accordance with the committee report include brother to the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, Alhaji Mahmoud Halilu popularly known as Modi, President of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) Bala Bobboi Kaigama and Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun who lost the opportunity to have his choice candidate returned as the party flag bearer.

    However, there was palpable tension within and around the National headquarters of the party as aspirants for the Senate and House of Representatives battle to have knowledge of the outcome of the screening and probably the list of candidates sent to INEC by the party.

    The party’s Director of Organisation, Alhaji Abubakar Kari who led some officials of the party in a branded APC bus to submit the list to INEC was seen at about 2.00pm cuddling the list of candidates which has been kept secret.

    It was however gathered that many members of the party across the country who were not sure of whether the decision of the appeal panel were in their favour have been making frantic calls to the secretariat to know their fate.

    The Nation learnt that several of the petitions submitted to the Appeals Panel were either not entertained or dismissed for lacking in substance and this has not gone down well with many of those whose petitions were not entertained.

    The two petitions against the governorship primaries in Rivers by Senator Magnus Abe and Chief Dumo Lulu-Briggs were not upheld, while the only petition from Delta written by Prof. Pat Utomi was dismissed and tagged “overtaken by event”.

    From Borno, there were four petitions against the conduct of the governorship primary, with the committee recommending that a consensus option b explored to be driven by the National Chairman in consultation with the President.

    It was also gathered that majority of the petitions against the conduct of the Senate and House of Representatives primaries were not upheld for various reasons ranging from lack of merit, lack of proof to lack of time for fresh primaries while no reasons were adduced for not upholding some others.

    Similarly, some petitions were upheld and some of the petitioners declared as candidates of the party either because they actually won the primaries and were substituted or for other reasons ranging from lack of clearance and others that were not adduced by the committee.

    For example, the Athanasisus Okon who runs the Buhari Friends Organisation Network who was excluded from the primary for Itu/Udom/Oboh-Akara federal constituency was upheld and declared candidate of the party by the committee for reason that he has a strong pedigree and has been a strong supporter of the President and the party.

    A summary of the report indicate that all petitions against the Senate and House of Representatives primaries were rejected by the panel, the same position with Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross Rivers state.

    In Delta, eight petitions were upheld for winning the primaries and having their names substituted, while seven were rejected, while the three petitions against the conduct of the governorship primary in Akwa Ibom state was rejected alongside eight House of Representatives seat, while five were upheld.

    From Kaduna, six petitions were treated for the Senatorial primaries with five of them rejected while one (Shehu Sani) was upheld, while nine of the ten petitions received for the House of Representatives were rejected.

    Two petitions each were received against the governorship primaries in Sokoto and Jigawa and rejected, while three House of Representatives and three Senatorial petitions were rejected from the two states.

    Petitions from Kebbi and Katsina states were also rejected while the two against the conduct of the governorship primary were referred to the National Working Committee for decision, while the petitions from Kano were either upheld or referred to the party national secretariat for action.

    From Taraba state, The Nation gathered that ten petitions were r covered against the conduct of the governorship primary, four against the Senate primary and nine against the House of Representatives primaries, with all petitions rejected, a similar situation with Adamawa and Bauchi states, with only one Senatorial and one House of Representatives seat in Bauchi upheld.
    The situation is not different from the south west zone with six petitions treated from Ekiti against the conduct of the National Assembly primaries and rejected, three House of Representatives petition from Osun were also rejected.

    From Ondo State, the panel upheld three petitions for senate, refers one to the NWC, rejects two and upheld the five petitions for House of Representatives, saying that they won the primary and were substituted.

    Of the two petitions received from Lagos, one was rejected for the senate, while the one for the House of Representatives was upheld.

    The panel also rejected two Senatorial petitions from Ogun and recommended that the third petitioner be adopted as the candidate saying stakeholder of the party in the areas agreed to adopt him as a sole candidate.

    However, aspirants whose petitions were not treated are protesting against the report of the Appeals Panel saying grave injustice has been done to them both in the conduct of the primaries and the outcome of the Appeals Panel.

    One of the aspirants Mr. Adaze Wilson Imafidon, who was seeking the party’s ticket to contest the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde House of Representatives Federal Constituency seat, submitted a petition to the appeals committee through his lawyers, describing the purported primary election held in the constituency as a sham.

    According to his legal representatives, Imafidon and Imafidon of Eghosa Chambers, their client resorted to writing the petition to the committee because of the injustice that was done to him and his supporters who are bonafide members of the party.

    The aspirant alleged that none of the accredited members of the APC committee sent to the area was present during the purported election in the Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency except in Urhonigbe South where only the INEC went to observe.

    “Consequently, it is now beyond contention that the proposed primary election into the Federal House of Representatives in Orhionmwon/Uhunmwonde Federal Constituency, which was slated for Saturday 6th October 2018, and indeed all other APC primary elections throughout Edo State did not hold to the dismay of our client and his mammoth supporters.” The petition disclosed.
    They said any attempt to present any of the aspirants to INEC as the winner of the botched APC primary election of 6th October 2018 would be illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional.

    “We, therefore, call on the National Working Committee (NWC) to appreciate the concerns raised above and to do justice as appropriate in the overall interest of the Party.”

    Another aspirant, Christopher Ariri, who is an aspirant for the Orhionmwon East State Constituency of Edo State,  said, “Some of the accredited members of the appropriate committee mandated by the party to supervise and conduct the primary election into the Edo state House of Assembly’s Orhionmwon East Constituency, totally hijacked the process when they noticed our huge support by deliberately declining to count votes cast for us so as to foist on us a situation of complete helplessness”.

    Meanwhile a group, on the platform of Benue South APC Justice and Equality Movement has taken a peaceful protest to the headquarters of the party, asking the NWC to call the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh to order for allegedly substituting the names of elected candidates with those who did not participate at the primary.

    The coordinator of the group, Mr. Akor Ikwuocha, told newsmen that they were surprised that after winners have emerged and names were submitted to the approximate authority by the electoral committee, “the Minister allegedly from overseas, called a meeting of few persons and announced to them that he is substituting names of most of the candidates because they were not his choice.

    “Today, there is no single campaign bill board of President Muhammadu Buhari in the whole of Benue South Senatorial district despite the fact that the Benue South has a cabinet member in person of Chief Audu Ogbe.”

    The protesters said the attempt to change the names of elected candidates across Benue South may further engender disenchantment among the APC members.

    They, however, appealed to the NWC to call the Minister to order and ensure that all those candidates that won the primary elections are allowed to go for the general election as party’s candidates.

     

     

     

     

  • Ribadu, Pate warn against indirect primary

    …says APC may lose Adamawa, Bauchi

     

     

    Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu has warned against that the party may not have candidates for the general elections in Adamawa State if it goes ahead to conduct its primary election through the indirect mode as against the direct mode preferred by majority of the aspirants.

    Similarly, former Minister of state for Health, Dr. Mohammed Ali Pate warned against the use of indirect primary in Bauchi state saying his party may not win the state if unpopular candidate is forced on the people through indirect primary.

    Read Also:I sacrificed my Presidential ambition for Buhari – Ribadu

    While Ribadu said that any aspirant who was afraid to face members of the party in a direct primary was not prepared to face the people of the state in a general election, Pate believe that direct primary should be used during the primary election so as to test the popularity of all the aspirants.

    Both Ribadu and Dr. Pate spoke after going through the mandatory screening for all aspirants contesting various offices on the platform of the party by the National Working Committee of the party.

    Ribadu said the processes that threw up the leadership of the party in Adamawa State is presently being challenged in court, pointing out that if the court invalidate the process, whatever might have been done by the leadership will be null and void.

    He insisted that majority of the aspirants contesting various positions in the state preferred the direct primary mode, saying it was the best process because it gives ownership of the process to the people and eliminate corruption.

    He wondered why anybody should be afraid of facing the people through the direct primary option, stressing that anybody who is afraid to face members of the party was not prepared to face the people of the state during the general election.

    Ribadu said “The governor is an aspirant and there are other aspirants who are also contesting. The rest of the aspirants said they want direct primary. It is not just governorship, but the Senatorial and House of Representatives.

    “Majority of those who are contesting or who want to contest wants direct primary. Adamawa State is one 9f the states going through difficult court cases and I don’t think that the party will allow itself to go ahead and do indirect primary when there is a pending court case that is challenging the legality of the state executive.

    “In an event that the court declares the state executive illegal, then the whole thing that was done by that executive will be a nullity and the party will end up in trouble and will not have candidates to go into the general election.

    “The issue of direct primary is to determine by the National Working Committee and will come up with a position. We are waiting, believing that they will look into the case of Adamawa and see that it will be in the best interest of the party for us to have direct primary.

    “Direct primary is giving the people the opportunity to directly get involve in the process of selecting those who are going to carry their flag in the general election.

    “Why should somebody be afraid of direct primary. If you are afraid to face the people, then you are not prepared to face the general election. You are afraid to face members of your party and now you are waiting to go into the general election. I think it is ridiculous.

    “Direct primary is justice and fairness, it is giving the party back to the people so that they can determine and decide those who are going to be their own candidates. I think it is in the best interest of this party that we adopt the direct primary because it will stop corruption.

    “You will stop people who corner things and always specialize in doing things, always manipulating, compromising, taking advantage of positions, taking public money and using it for their personal interest to the disadvantage of others. Direct primary is a solution to the problems that we are facing.

    “It is fine to base the decision on mode of primary on the decision of the state EXCO and the stakeholders as well as the aspirants. Don’t forget that the most important person in this process is the aspirants. Those who have paid money, so much money to contest are the most important people in this process and the party has recognized that.

    “I don’t think that it is right to say that it should be EXCO that should determine that. We know what the EXCO is in our own system and who put them there. But they are not the ones who are going to contest because they are not the aspirants.

    “When the aspirants say this is what they want, they should get that because the6 are they are the stakeholders. Let the stakeholder, the governor and the EXCO sit down and decide. If you don’t agree. We are doing direct primary and there is no agreement in many states including Adamawa.”

    On his part, Pate who is among the governorship aspirants campaigning for direct primary said his group has made its case known to the national leadership of the party that without direct primary winning Bauchi state might be difficult.

    He said: “We have made our case, if the party wants to win Bauchi state; it should put forward a credible, popular candidate. At this point, we know that the mass of people in Bauchi state are worried that an imposition will not bud well in the general elections and so we place our faith on the leadership of the party to do the right thing and allow fair process to play out otherwise we cannot guarantee APC winning Bauchi state.

    “There is a structured process that we have been made to participate for the various offices we are seeking on the platform of the party. I have done mine and for Bauchi state, we have an agenda which is to bring development which has so far eluded our people.

    “So even though we have an incumbent governor, we know his term comes to an end in 2019 and we are sure to takeover even as we also believe in the party to do the right thing and ensure that members and aspirants get the justice they deserve if the party wants to succeed in Bauchi.”

  • Court refuses to order AGF to investigate EFCC chairmen

    Court refuses to order AGF to investigate EFCC chairmen

    An FCT High Court, Jabi, has struck out an application seeking an order to compel the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), to investigate former EFCC chairmen for alleged corruption.

    Justice Abba-Bello Muhammad struck out the application after listening to the submission of the applicant’s counsel, Mr Frank Tietie.

    Plaintiffs in the matter with suit number M/4853/17 were George Uboh and George Uboh Whistleblower Network.

    Muhammad struck out the suit on the ground that the applicants lacked the locus standi to compel the Attorney- General to investigate past chairmen of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC).

    According to the judge, the applicants have no power under the provisions of the law to decide for the AGF who to prosecute.

    “I have examined the application of the applicants seeking an order of the court to commence an action of mandamus on the respondents.

    “Applicant must have a locus standi before such an application can be granted,’’ the judge said.

    According to Muhammad, a private legal practitioner has no locus standi to compel the AGF to prosecute a person.

    The judge added that Section 383 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) was specific on when a private legal practitioner could compel the AGF to investigate an individual
    The applicants had prayed the court, to exercise its powers under Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution and order the AGF to investigate and prosecute former and present EFCC chairmen.

    Those listed for investigation were Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Mrs Farida Waziri, Mr Ibrahim Lamorde, Ibrahim Magu and Access Bank Plc.

    They averred that the EFCC chairmen were fraudulent, and refused to account for recovered money in accordance with Section 15, 16, and 17 of the EFCC Act.
    The plaintiffs said that the respondent owed them a duty to prosecute the EFCC chairmen