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END OF ROAD FOR NNAMDI KANU

Published

2 years ago

March 19, 2024

By Bernard Davidson

The attempts by Nnamdi Kanu and members of his legal team to rigmarole around the Supreme Court judgment which upheld continued prosecution against him for treasonable charges, is laughable. Not that I outrightly criticise his lawyers for wanting their cut from the levies in dollars, pound sterling and naira collected from brainwashed vulnerable contributors across the globe, but I expected a more circumspect Kanu. I feel gobsmacked on his behalf over the fact that he is being outwitted by his team of ‘respected’ counsels. They know that his battle is a lost one. Yet, they urge him on, fine-tuning request after request before the very Nigerian Courts that he once victimized. Although, standing proxy for the highest Court of the land is not my intent, I state firmly that it did justice by throwing out efforts to discharge and acquit Kanu, for no case submission. That is because, he sure does have a case to answer. For instance, what is his current stance on the maiming of security forces and the wanton destruction of government facilities and critical infrastructure that occurred under his orders? Where does he stand today on earlier repeated calls for the killing of notable citizens perceived as opposed to the clamour for a divided Nigeria? Who is this daydreaming Kanu? It is surprising that he wants everyone to believe his deceit.

Sun Tzu, the renowned strategist did say that “what the ancients called a clever fighter is one who not only wins but excels in winning with ease”. This opinion is far from true for Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s frontrunner agitator for secession. Nigerians recall vividly how Kanu, in seeking to amalgamate the States and people of the Southeast into one separate country he would eventually rule over, ferociously charged from his safe abode in the United Kingdom about how he could dismantle Nigeria, overrun its forces and soldier his way into the eldorado that only he and his sympathizers saw. While he arrogated more authority to himself than he could muster, it was rather unfortunate that some gullible sympathisers fell prey to his vain theatrics. Not only did he become a larger-than-life threat to security, but he also incited a reasonable size of these unsuspecting youngsters who identified with his rhetoric, into believing that the only route to a free Biafra was a violently earned one. During the EndSARS, Kanu claimed ownership of the destruction in Lagos, Port-Harcourt and parts of the South East where may Policemen and Soldiers were gruesomely and willfully killed. It was legendary. Kanu cheered while many families cried. We will not forget this. We knew today, a day of reckoning and judgement would come. It indeed has.

His order that elections be boycotted and the burning of INEC offices in blackmailing the Federal Government was distastefully enforced by his sympathisers. He dared State and Federal Governments with the mandatory sit-at-home declared across the Southeast. Innocent Southeasterners and others alike who in defiance attempted to carry on their businesses suffered terribly for it and some met their untimely end under the enforcement of his orders. In resorting to a violent struggle, he profoundly failed to envision the strength of what the positive channeling of his ingenuity could achieve. Kanu chose to become a menace not only to Nigeria and the Southeast but to himself.

Unfortunately, Kanu himself had no grip over the noose he set. Some of his foot soldiers turned out to be the most dreaded terrorists that part of the country had experienced in its long history. For instance, Ikonson, who commanded IPOB’s military wing, Nnachi aka Dragon and Temple among several other emissaries of his, masterminded prison breaks, countless brutal attacks on police stations, wanton killing of security personnel and other notable citizens in the South-South and Southeast zones. That same Kanu, cannot now excuse himself of the culpability of terrorism. In denial of many sorts, Kanu and his acolyte, Simon Ekpa are in argument about who is violent and bloody. Both were. They chose to forget that those who live by the sword also die by the sword.

Some facts for public note are that in 2023, the Tony Blair Institute of Global Change charged Nigeria’s government against overlooking the threats posed by IPOB, Bandits and Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists who had the capacity to disrupt the 2023 general elections. Further damning for Kanu and his lieutenants at large was another rating by the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) which ranked IPOB the 10th deadliest terror group in the world with over 57 attacks that caused 40 deaths. Nnamdi Kanu may probably be mistaken about what a proscribed organization is, by his recent frantic antics at twisting the judicial narrative to evade the gong. His respected legal scribes must enlighten him that he is not on a suspension that can be reconsidered after the sudden paraphrasing of court arguments. He must be reminded that Counter Terrorism protocols prescribes for the proscription of an organization that commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes or encourages terrorism or is concerned in terrorism. These were the grounds for which IPOB was proscribed and Kanu is the group’s leader. He must quit the theatrics and own up for his crimes. Afterall, if history serves me right, he bragged one too many times that he could die for the cause of a free Biafra.

While this is not to gloat over his fate, another sad reality about the deluded ambition of IPOB’s Kanu was his penchant for unearned wealth. As he ruminates seeking freedom, this once-upon-a-time revered icon stole so much from his “beloved” people. The illicitly acquired wealth he amassed from the contributions of his gullible followers afforded him an exaggerated personae that has now eroded. The unfortunate thing is that he opened the door that is now being exploited by his comrade-in-charge, Simon Ekpa and other dissidents alike. A door that Kanu can no longer access.

As Nnamdi Kanu considers a deceitful route to freedom, it must be known that “the chickens will come home to roost”. There is no hiding place for Nnamdi Kanu, whether he pretends that his rendition from Kenya was illegal or feigns ignorance over actions that led to the needless devastation in the South East. He might as well groom the best of lawyers to argue for him, but the sacred fact remains that Kanu cannot evade justice. As he runs helter-skelter looking for an escape route from the hangsman noose, he must concede that he has been running aimlessly and has to face the music that he has been playing all the while. He is the leader of a terrorist organization which currently stands proscribed. He poses grave danger to the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria. Any attempts at securing him legal acquittal may just remain a futile one. For a while now, Kanu has been desirous of being transferred to Kuje prison so he can seamlessly hold court and feel in charge. He needs not worry about that. Same way he prefers Kuje prison, he would also fancy moving to Gashau Prison in Yobe or Federal Prison in Bama, Borno State. The innocent victims of his wicked and malicious actions must get justice. The lesson therein however, is that his plight should serve as a deterrence to those who create storms and hope to hide when it rains. No other route lies ahead for Kanu, except the one to be decided by the courts, guided by the laws of our land.

Bernard Davidson resides in Port Harcourt, Rivers State

News

Zulum @57: Tribute to a Trailblazing Teacher.

Published

9 hours ago

August 25, 2026

Our Reporter

By: Inuwa Bwala.
I have read a lot of tributes to Borno state Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum on his 57th birthday anniversary.
In most, Nigerians celebrate many things about Professor Babagana Umara Zulum.
To many, his unique leadership style, to others, his developmental strides and yet to others his many ventures into danger zones, the rebuilding of schools, his sleepless nights on duty and many other things.
I want to celebrate something quieter, and maybe more rare: seeing him as the teacher that he is, using
Borno as a big lecture hall, in which he deploys his teaching technique.
I dare say that, Governor Zulum goes to schools unannounced, not for photo shots, but to check attendance, to ask pupils questions, to see if the teacher is teaching. That is a lecturer’s habit.
He commissions hospitals and ask about drug inventory and rosters. That is a supervisor’s habit.
He stands in the rain with displaced families, not to make a speech, but to take notes. That is a researcher’s habit.
Most politicians campaign on promises, but he he is not seeking any position and does not need to campaign. He does things out of passion for true development.
At 57, Zulum reminds me that leadership is not about sitting in the office of power. It’s about sitting on the floor with students, under a tree with farmers, and in the dust with people who have lost everything, and then going back to “prepare the next lesson plan” for Borno redemption.
People often say a leader must choose between the office and the field, the book and the gun, and between the seminar and the street. Governor Zulum seems to have broken that rule by chosing both. And ir is working for Borno.
For me, today, I do not just celebrate a governor turning 57, I celebrate a teacher who took his entire state as his assignment, and refused to submit it half-done.
As the only Governor in Nigeria, who foes not aspire for any other political office after this, he may be retiring into a future only God know about, but one must not fail to state, that, Governor Zulum’s strength lies, not in the paraphenilia of governance but in the dedication of a leader who work, teach to graduate Borno into peace, dignity, and pride.
Happy 57th Birthday, Proffessor Babagana Umara Zulum.

News

Stakeholders, Staff Benefit from NDPHC’s Procurement Training Initiative

Published

2 days ago

August 23, 2026

Our Reporter

The Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC) has reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and efficiency in project delivery by hosting a high-level refresher and sensitization training for its management team, staff, and stakeholders.Organized by the Human Resources Department at the company’s headquarters, the programme was designed to strengthen institutional capacity, refresh knowledge, and promote greater effectiveness in the discharge of responsibilities.The training was anchored on the theme “Operationalizing by Way of Experimenting the Procurement Processes While Navigating the Pre-Bidding Stage Through to Post Bidding”, and facilitated by DEVD Integrated Project Ltd. Discussions focused on procurement processes, emphasizing due process, compliance, and optimization in power sector project execution.Participants were guided through the critical stages of procurement, from pre-bidding to post-bidding, with facilitators stressing the importance of adherence to established procedures. The session also provided a platform for robust engagement on stakeholder collaboration, highlighting how effective partnerships can drive efficiency and accountability in project delivery.The initiative enjoyed strong backing from the NDPHC Executive Management (EXCO), led by Engr. Jennifer Adighije, FNSE, FINEEE, Managing Director/CEO. She was joined by her team: Engr. Bello Babayo Bello, FNSE, FINEEE, Executive Director (Networks); Engr. Abdullahi Kassim, Executive Director (Generation); Hon. Dr. Steven Andzenge, Executive Director (Legal Services); Hon. Chukwuma Umeoji, Executive Director (Corporate Services); Hon. Omololu Agoro, Executive Director (Finance & Accounts); and Hon. Patrick Obahiagbon, Executive Director (Strategy and Commercial). Their collective presence underscored the importance of the training to the company’s strategic vision and operational goals.Facilitators encouraged participants to apply the knowledge gained to improve operational efficiency and foster stronger collaboration across departments and with external stakeholders. They noted that the lessons learned would help strengthen the company’s institutional framework and ensure that projects are delivered in line with global best practices.The event brought together management staff and other relevant stakeholders, creating an opportunity to exchange ideas and refresh their understanding of procurement processes. It also reinforced NDPHC’s commitment to professional development, transparency, and accountability in its operations.By investing in capacity-building programmes such as this, NDPHC continues to demonstrate its resolve to enhance professional standards and institutional effectiveness. The company emphasized that the training reflects its broader vision of building a stronger, more accountable institution capable of delivering sustainable power solutions to Nigeria.The sensitization exercise forms part of NDPHC’s ongoing efforts to ensure that its workforce remains equipped with the skills and knowledge required to meet the demands of the power sector. It underscores the company’s belief that continuous learning and adherence to due process are essential for achieving its corporate objectives and delivering value to stakeholders.

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Hon. Jafaru Yakubu Commends President Tinubu’s Approval of Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road Reconstruction

Published

5 days ago

August 20, 2026

Our Reporter

Hon. Jafaru Yakubu, Member of the House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria–China Friendship Group, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for granting approval for the urgent rehabilitation and total reconstruction of the Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road, a 48km stretch in Taraba State.

Yakubu, who sponsored the motion in the House of Representatives calling for immediate intervention on the road, said the President’s approval is a bold and strategic response to the plight of commuters and communities along the corridor. He explained that the motion, which was debated and adopted by the House, underscored the dangers of continued neglect, including accidents, economic disruption, and the risk of total collapse.

He further acknowledged the National Security Adviser (NSA) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu for adopting a non-kinetic approach in addressing the crisis. According to Yakubu, the NSA’s intervention elevated the urgency of the project, treating infrastructure development as a vital instrument of peace, security, and stability. By drawing national attention to the road’s deterioration, the NSA highlighted the grave risks posed to lives, trade, agriculture, and access to healthcare.

The Mutum Biyu–Garba Chede Road, constructed in the early 1980s, has deteriorated severely due to age and lack of maintenance. With the collapse of the Namnai Bridge along the Jalingo–Wukari highway, the road became the sole alternative route for heavy-duty trucks, worsening its condition and exposing communities to untold hardship.

Hon. Yakubu assured his constituents that he will continue to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Works, FERMA, and the North East Development Commission to ensure the project’s swift execution. He emphasized that the House Committee on Works has already been mandated to conduct oversight and report back within four weeks, a step he believes will guarantee transparency and accountability in the delivery of the project.

“As Chairman of the Nigeria–China Friendship Group, I am deeply conscious of the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing national development. This reconstruction is not merely about infrastructure—it is about saving lives, strengthening commerce, and reaffirming government’s duty to serve its people. On behalf of my constituency, I extend profound gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the NSA for their steadfast commitment,” Yakubu declared.

The approval of this project, following Yakubu’s sponsored motion, is widely seen as a demonstration of leadership that listens and acts decisively. For communities in Mutum Biyu, Garba Chede, and adjoining areas, the reconstruction represents hope for safer travel, renewed economic activity, and restored dignity after years of neglect.

Analysts note that the development is not just about fixing a road but about reconnecting people, boosting agriculture, and reinforcing national cohesion at a time when infrastructure remains central to Nigeria’s growth agenda.