News
Herdsmen Crisis: “Open Grazing Archaic” – Ekweremadu
By Aaron Ossai, Abuja
To end the herdsmen crisis, the Deputy President of the senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has advised the nation to urgently adopt ranching and do away with open grazing, which he described as “archaic, anachronistic, and out of tune with modern society”.
He also reiterated his call for the decentralisation of policing in Nigeria and Africa, saying that it was the continent’s sure way out of its myriad of security challenges.
Ekweremadu made these known at the House of Commons, Parliament of the United Kingdom (UK), where he delivered a lecture titled “African Politics: The Dynamics and Lessons”.
He, however, explained that the Federal Government’s only business in ranching would be the provision of policy direction, insisting that land matters and regulation of ranching were the responsibilities of the states.
Hear him: “Importantly, I believe that ranching is the way to go rather than open grazing. However, it is for the Federal Government to provide the policy direction, while the states take up the challenge because the issue of cattle rearing is a state matter as all lands are vested in the respective states under the Land Use Act in Nigeria.
“The states need to come up with legislations to end open grazing. It is not for them to set up ranches since it is people’s private business. The states should instead come up with agricultural credit schemes that will encourage and support the farmers to set up their ranches.
Ekweremadu blamed the worsening insecurity in Nigeria on unitary policing in a federal system.
“The senseless killings in Benue, Taraba, Plateau, Kaduna, Adamawa, Nasarawa, and Zamfara States in Nigeria; the insurgency in the North East Nigeria; and the militancy in the South-South of the country thrive because of the abnormal, centralised system of policing in Nigeria”, he said.
“Africa must enthrone modern policing that is swift, active, and reliable. This will not only secure lives and property, but also will secure the confidence of investors and our nascent democracies.
“For instance, we have about 350,000 policemen to serve a population of about 180 million people in Nigeria. It is like a drop of water in the ocean, especially as most of the police population is ill equipped, ill motivated, and deployed to protect government functionaries, businessmen and their facilities to the detriment of the larger population.
“Nigeria, therefore, must come to terms with the need to allow subnational governments to set up their internal security organisations. This way, states and local governments will determine the number of policemen they need, how much applies to their internal security in their respective budgets, and the type of training to give to their respective police in line with their peculiar security challenges and realities”, he added
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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