News
Ekweremadu Bemoans High Human Trafficking Rate
By Aaron Ossai
The Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has decried the high rate of human trafficking in Nigeria, which he put at about 875,500 per annum, and called for concerted efforts to end the scourge.
Relying on the figures released by the Global Slavery Index, Ekweremadu also revealed that there were about 45.8 million people living in one form of slavery or the other in about 167 countries around the world.
He spoke at an event organised by Devatop Centre for Africa Development to mark the 2017 World Day Against Trafficking in Persons at the National Human Rights Commission, Abuja, on Thursday.
He regretted that Nigeria was a source, transit as well as destination of persons, including women and children trafficked for prostitution, forced labour, and other forms of dehumanising servitude and exploitation.
The lawmaker called for more concern and concerted efforts by Nigerians and the international community to end the scourge.
He said: “Although human trafficking syndicates are themselves powerful and operate with the collaboration of corrupt persons in agencies entrusted with law enforcement and protection of persons across the world, the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is a reminder that the war against the scourge is one we are very capable of winning.
“It is a call to renew our resolve to not only track down and bring the perpetrators to book, but also to cut their supply chains”.
Ekweremadu said, among other factors, poverty was at the centre of traffic in persons as it “predisposes victims to desperation to escape into a false greener pasture, not knowing that they are jumping from the frying pan into the fire”.
He also bemoaned the high number of Nigerians driven into suicidal self-trafficking missions across the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea.
“According to the Missing Migrants project, at least 2,357 deaths have already been recorded in the Mediterranean Sea between January 1 and July 12, 2017.
“Of this number, Sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria inclusive, accounts for the highest number of the identified ill-fated migrants.
“Caught between the devils of economic hardship at home and the deep, blue Mediterranean Sea with a fantasy better life in Europe, thousands prefers to risk the later”.
He, therefore, advocated more jobs and better economic environment as major panacea to human trafficking.
He added: “A substantial reduction in poverty will certainly reduce the vulnerability of our citizens who would not ordinarily be lured into the hands of human traffickers, the modern day slave merchants if they had as little as three square meals on their table in a day or are able to meet the basic needs of life.
“We must, therefore, embark on policies that promote massive job creation, equal opportunity, and generally more conducive economic environment for the citizens”.
While assuring of the commitment of the National Assembly to partnering with Non-governmental organisations and other arms of government to provide stiffer and more deterring legal frameworks against human trafficking, Ekweremadu, however, called for stronger political will to robustly and intensively implement extant legislations on human trafficking.
“We must also address the porosity of our borders and reposition our law enforcement and judicial system to be more proactive, responsive, quicker, and incorruptible in the administration of justice on offenders”, he emphasised.
Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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Investigations by Nigerian Concord Newspaper reveal that the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Pius Akutah, has allegedly misappropriated public funds for a lavish lifestyle.
According to our findings, within months of assuming office, Akutah allegedly purchased a bulletproof SUV valued at approximately N850 million. In addition, he is reported to have acquired over twenty exotic SUVs for use as a convoy.
Akutah is also said to have acquired multiple high-value properties, including three in Abuja’s Maitama and Asokoro districts worth over N2 billion, and two in Lagos’ Banana Island valued at N1.8 billion. These acquisitions appear far beyond the scope of his official salary and allowances.
Further investigation suggests that Akutah may be using public funds to support political ambitions, including allegedly grooming militants across 23 local government areas in Benue State for a potential 2027 gubernatorial bid.
Staff of the Shippers Council reportedly claim that Akutah frequently accesses the council’s treasury without proper authorization. Some insiders have indicated that a petition will soon be filed with the EFCC, ICPC, and the Presidency to report his alleged misconduct.
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I am writing to felicitate with Your Excellency, Atku Abubakar, GCON, former Vice-President of Nigeria (Zege Mule u Tiv & Wazirin Adamawa)
on the occasion of your 79th birthday anniversary.
I join your teeming admirers globally in celebrating you on this special day, an adorable Statesman and my Boss.
I recall with nostalgia, how countless generations have benefited from your generosity, wealth of experience and benevolence including being my key benefactor even as a young lawyer for my professional success.
Your Excellency, may your special day be filled with grandeur befitting your illustrious career.
I wish you continued success, prosperity, and an unending stream of accolades.
It takes a remarkable kind of fortitude to remain active in public life well into one’s golden years. Your dedication and patriotism remain truly exceptional.
May you enjoy a day of reflection on your many years of fruitful service to humanity. It is my prayer that God Almighty grants you many more healthy, fruitful, and fulfilling years ahead, and continues to endow you with wisdom, strength, and the grace to keep contributing to our nation-building.
Happy Birthday, Your Excellency.
Michael Kaase Aondoakaa SAN.
Former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice
TAU reaffirms commitment to globally competitive learning
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