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Rights advocate urges #EndSARS organisers to dialogue with FG
A U.S.-based Nigerian rights advocate, Dr Emmanuel Orji, has urged organisers of the #EndSARS protest to constitute a team to dialogue with the Federal Government.
Orji, a research Fellow at the City University of New York, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York.
He said it was time for the youth to embrace dialogue having succeeded in getting concessions from the government and support from the international community.
“History teaches that big crises of the world are resolved at a table,” Orji, who is Coordinator of the Legacy Initiative International Advocacy (LIIA), U.S. chapter, told NAN.
#EndSARS protest started in 2017 with calls for the disbandment of the now defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) and wider police reforms.
The protest was reinvigorated on Oct. 7 following revelations of more abuses by SARS operatives that sparked demonstrations across the country and major cities abroad.
The protesters came up with five demands, including prosecution of errant SARS personnel and compensation for their victims, which the government has already taken steps to meet.
In an address to the nation on Oct. 22, President Muhammadu Buhari called on genuine protesters to “constructively engage government in finding solutions”.
Buhari also appealed to them to take advantage of various “well-thought-out initiatives” of his administration designed to make their lives better.
Orji advised the president to fire heads of security and military units found wanting in the killing of innocent civilians to pave the way for lasting solutions.
“Like I had the opportunity to voice elsewhere recently in New York City, the heads or commanders of the uniformed security or military units that killed innocent Nigerian citizens invoking their rights should be removed from office.
“In the western world, these commanders should have voluntarily stepped down to allow fresh brains to find fresh answers to the issues raised.
“The expression common in legal discipline that a person should not be a judge in his own cause, belongs here (Nemo judex in causa sua),” he said.
On the mass looting of COVID-19 palliatives in many states, the LIIA coordinator wondered why such items meant for the hungry masses should be in warehouses.
He urged anti-graft agencies to get to the root of the matter and take necessary action against those found culpable.
On Tuesday, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) announced plans to investigate the sources of items. (NAN)
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
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