CISLAC Raises Concern Over Escalating Financing Of Terrorist Activities in Nigeria

Bilkisu Adejoh

Nigeria continues to be a major center of organized criminal activity in the West African region.

Countering the financing of terrorism is a highly complex endeavour that involves many different actors.

It is in view of this that the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) in collaboration with Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) on Wednesday organized a stakeholders’ Dialogue on Preventing Terrorism Financing and Violent Extremism in Nigeria

Speaking during the dialogue, Auwal Ibrahim Musa(Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, echoed concerns over the escalating financing of terrorist activities in Nigeria, citing adverse global terrorism indices and recent government identifications of entities involved in terrorism financing.

“The financial sector has been exploited for terrorism financing. The use of the financial sector indicates the increasing capabilities of some terrorist groups. These include the Bureau de Change operators, Point of Sale (POS) devices, wire transfers, and Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions, among other enabling platforms expanding the scope and depth of terrorism financing.

Rafsanjani stressed the need for collective action among stakeholders to combat terrorism and its adverse effects on poverty rates and internal displacement in the country.

He hinted that the lack of control and monitoring of border makes terrorists, as well as small arms and light weapons, to infiltrate the country rapidly.

Rafsanjani, stressed the imperative of strengthening security measures at borders by Nigerian authorities to prevent the inflow of funds and resources for terrorist activities

CISLAC Boss expressed that dialogue remains critical to galvanise all-inclusive conversation on the thematic focus, giving the recurring threats to lives and property of many Nigerians, occasioned by terrorism and violent extremism that have hitherto bedeviled the country

“You would all agree with me that terrorism constitutes a global threat, and Nigeria, unfortunately, is one of the countries that faces a high level of terrorism.

“While attempts to combat terrorism and violent extremism in the country continue, policy attention has been shifted towards many sources of terrorism financing, which have continued to fuel terrorism and other violent conflicts in Nigeria.

“Without doubt, terrorism finance is the backbone of terrorist groups as funds go into buying weapons, recruiting militants, and operating terrorist organisations. Just as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) puts it, ‘terrorist groups need money to sustain themselves and carry out terrorist acts.” He added

Terrorism Financing

Also speaking, the Director General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), Mr. Edwin Harris Jr., emphasised the urgent need for decisive action to address the proliferation of violent extremism and terrorism across the ECOWAS region.

Harris stressed the essential nature of addressing terrorism financing, highlighting its pivotal role in debilitating extremist groups’ operational capacities and restoring peace and security to the ECOWAS region

“Nigeria has immensely benefited from GIABA capacity building programmes, sometimes the gaps in our lifes is the gap of knowledge when we build capacity we close the gaps.” He said

“The primary mandate of GIABA is to develop measures to protect the economies of member States from abuse and the laundering of the proceeds of crimes and to strengthen cooperation among its member states.”

The Chairman Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC),Ola Olukoyede assured settling for the use of technology to combat illicit flow of monies into the hands of terrorists

“How do we explain the action of unscrupulous actors who hide under the cover of humanitarian activities to fund terrorist groups? These are issues that we must continue to interrogate.

“The EFCC has had cause to prosecute so-called promoters of non-profit organisation who exploited the desperate conditions in the North-East to profiteer. I am sure many of you are aware of a lady that is called Mama Boko Haram, who at the peak of the insurgency positioned herself as a credible intermediary for the insurgents, but is now in jail for exploiting the distressed citizens of the North-East for personal gain.

Speaking further, the Chairman Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)
Dr. Aliyu emphasized ICPC’s readiness to lead collaborative efforts with international partners, law enforcement agencies and financial institutions noting that ICPC’s efforts not only align with its mandate to prevent and combat corruption but also play a crucial role in safeguarding national and global security against the scourge of terrorism

He outlined the Commission’s determination to dismantle intricate networks facilitating illicit financial flows, which sustain terrorism through arms procurement, terrorist recruitment and operational logistics.

NSCC Unveils Geriatric Social Care Sector in Nigeria

By Emmanuel Daudu

As the population in Nigeria continues to age, it is crucial to provide adequate social care for older adults to ensure their well-being and quality of life.

One of the primary focuses of geriatric social care in Nigeria is to provide support for the physical, emotional, and social needs of elderly individuals. This includes access to healthcare services, assistance with daily living activities, and social engagement opportunities. The goal is to promote healthy aging and enable older adults to live independently for as long as possible.

In Nigeria, geriatric social care services are typically provided through a combination of public and private initiatives. Government programs aim to provide affordable and accessible healthcare services for older adults, including regular health check-ups, medication management, and treatment for age-related diseases. Private organizations, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and community-based programs also play a crucial role in delivering social care services to older adults.

Some of the key components of geriatric social care in Nigeria include:

Healthcare Services: Access to healthcare services is a fundamental aspect of geriatric social care. This includes regular check-ups, screenings, and treatment for age-related conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis. Specialized healthcare facilities for geriatric care are also essential to ensure that older adults receive appropriate and tailored medical attention.

Home-Based Care: Many older adults prefer to age in their own homes rather than in institutional settings. Home-based care services provide assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and medication management. Home care professionals, including nurses, caregivers, and therapists, offer support to older adults while enabling them to maintain their independence.

Social Support: Loneliness and social isolation can significantly impact the mental health and well-being of older adults. Geriatric social care in Nigeria includes initiatives to combat social isolation through community programs, recreational activities, and support groups specifically targeted towards the elderly. These enable older adults to participate in social and leisure activities, establish social connections, and maintain their cognitive abilities.

Advocacy and Policy Development: Geriatric social care also involves advocating for the rights and needs of older adults and influencing policy development at both the government and community levels. This ensures that the unique challenges faced by older adults are addressed in healthcare policies, resource allocation, and the implementation of social care services.

While geriatric social care in Nigeria has made significant strides, there are still challenges to overcome, including inadequate healthcare infrastructure, a lack of trained personnel, and limited financial resources. However, with increased awareness and efforts from both the government and civil society, the provision of geriatric social care in Nigeria can be improved, ensuring a better quality of life for elderly individuals in the country.

As Nigeria’s population continues to age, with estimates suggesting that by 2050, the number of people aged 60 and over will surpass 40 million, hence the demand for effective geriatric social care services is increasingly pressing.

It is on this background  that the National Senior Citizens Center (NSCC), on Wednesday 15th May 2024, in Abuja unveiled the groundbreaking geriatric development aimed at improving geriatric social care across the country.

The unveiling ceremony, held in collaboration with various government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and healthcare providers, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s efforts to address the needs of its aging population.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Emem Omokaro DG (NSCC) stated that the geriatric social care came at a crucial time as Nigeria’s elderly population continues to grow, highlighting the urgent need for specialized care and support services.

She noted that today marks the foundation laying of what would be a journey to building an expansive Geriatric Social Care Quality Assurance System which is the bedrock of  a very multidimensional  care industry.

“Nigeria by this development aims to ensure that the care workforce has the knowledge, skills and competencies crucial to enable workers to practice older-person centered care while also building a paid quality social care workforce to ensure reduction of negative stereotypes about caregiving to older people”, she said.

Furthermore, Dr. Omokaro stated that the development is in line with the Job creation, improved productivity, inclusion and equity priority pillars and deliverables by the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Dr. Omakaro stated that NSCC seeks support, budget inclusion and partnership in the following areas: Promoting, training and certification of caregivers; Promoting the Agency Model of Care which accredits Care Agencies, homes within communities where care is requested thus strengthening families to care, promote cultural and religious values and Ageing; Granting access to skilled home caregivers and certified options for residential care; Assisted living facilities; Respite homes and Universal Health coverage; Innovate financing of home and facility-based care with social insurance via the NHIA-Vulnerable Group Funds Integrating ICOPE in Primary health Care systems.

She further disclosed that the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC) Strategic Plan 2022-2032 and the National Plan of Action on Ageing, detailed in clear terms the development of a paid skilled workforce for the geriatric social care sector, the development of National benchmark and minimum standards in training and certification of care givers, care agencies and the development of career opportunities for identified competencies.

According to her, “The initiative focuses on providing comprehensive social care services tailored to the unique requirements of elderly individuals, including healthcare, social support, and community engagement”.

CG NSCDC ASSURES UNWAVERING DETERMINATION TO SAFEGUARD ALL CRITICAL NATIONAL ASSETS, INFRASTRUCTURE

…CALLS FOR INTER-AGENCY COOPERATION TO  ACHIEVE GREATER FEAT

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. OFR; has assured the public of unwavering determination to secure lives and property, maintain law and order and most importantly to safeguard all critical national assets and infrastructure in the nation as the Corps remains the lead agency in this regards.

According to a press release signed by CSC Babawale Zaid Afolabi, the
National PRO, NSCDC
National Headquarters Abuja, Dr Audi made this known while welcoming the Directors of IHS Nigeria Limited led by Fatima Ibrahim- Haruna; he further hinted that the mandate of the NSCDC are well defined and  specific as enshrined in the establishment Act 2003 as amended in 2007.

The NSCDC Boss reiterated on the importance of the Critical Assets and Infrastructures noting that any act of destruction or vandalism would have  debilitating effects on the state of the nation’s economy.

It is against this backdrop that the Corps has Mapped out different strategies to nip in the bud all activities of economic saboteurs vandalizing government properties and Critical National Assets and Infrastructure (CNAI).

“As a lead agency in the protection of CNAI as contained in the National Security Document;  the Corps remains resolute and calls on other critical stakeholders and security agencies to collaborate with the Corps for the maximum protection of CNAI’.

The CG further assured the IHS Nigeria Limited delegation of  partnership in order to  ensure seamless obstruction in their operations. He also applauded the company for donating 15 pieces of 3-in-one Desktop Computers with four printers to the NSCDC.

Speaking earlier, Associate Director, Government Relations, Fatima Ibrahim-Haruna, applauded the efforts of NSCDC in protecting CNAI adding that the visit was to appreciate the gesture by donating the set of  computers and printers as a mark of corporate social responsibility.

According to her, IHS Towers of Strength owns over 17,000 towers over the country and the organisation works in partnership with NSCDC which makes it imperative to show such appreciation.

She pledged on behalf of her organisation to improve the ICT Centre of the Corps and sought for more continous robust relationship with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

MINISTER OF DEFENCE CHARGES TROOPS TO SUSTAIN EFFORTS TOWARDS A SAFE NIGERIA

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, MON, mni has urged troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI to continue their tireless efforts towards ensuring that the entire country is completely safe.

According to Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe, Director ( Information and Public Relations) in a press release he signed, disclosed that Badaru made the charge during a one- day working visit to the Headquarters of 8 Division and Operation HADARIN DAJI’s Area of Responsibility in Sokoto State.

The Minister commended the troops for their remarkable achievements in curbing insecurity in the North West States and in Nigeria in general.

He assured them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to their welfare and acknowledged the operational challenges they face. He reiterated that the President is working hard to address these challenges and is fully supportive of the military’s efforts.

Speaking on the fight against insurgency and other related criminalities in Nigeria, the Minister said that the successes recorded in the fight was because of President Tinubu’s strong support and the good synergy among security agencies.

He said: “Considering the team assembled, we have a highly cooperative and effective collaboration between the Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, and other security agencies.

“The level of cooperation has been unprecedented, resulting in significant progress in addressing security challenges.”

Badaru assured the troops that with the requisite equipments, determination, courage, and collaboration, the prevailing security challenges would soon be a thing of the past .

He expressed gratitude to the troops for their unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation, while assuring them of the government’s dedication to ensuring their welfare and that of their families.

The Minister was briefed by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Joint Task Force (North West) Operation HADARIN DAJI, Maj Gen Godwin Mutkut, on the operational activities, achievements, and challenges of Operation HADARIN DAJI.

Earlier, the Minister paid courtesy visits to the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, and the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, His Excellency Alhaji Idris Mohammed Gobir, soliciting their support for the military and assuring that troops will intensify operations to bring insecurity to the lowest ebb in the North West and also to drum their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR’s Renewed Hope Agenda in the fight against insecurity for the entire nation.

EMBRACE EMERGING TECHNOLOGY TO BUILD A MORE SECURED NATION – BADARU

By Emmanuel Daudu

The Honourable Minister of Defence, H.E. Muhammed Badaru, CON, mni, has urged the National Space Defence Administration to harness the power of emerging technologies to build a more secure and prosperous future for the nation and its people. This, he said, will enable the nation to confront the challenges of tomorrow with confidence and resilience.

According to a press release signed by Henshaw Ogubike Mnipr FCAi Fsca Fcpe, Director (Information and Public Relations), speaking as a special guest of honour during the opening of a two-day symposium on Defence Space Administration in Abuja, Badaru emphasized the need for the nation’s security architecture to leverage on emerging technologies to counter new and sophisticated threats, ranging from cyber-attacks to space-based challenges.

“In today’s rapidly evolving world, where technological advancements are reshaping the landscape of national security, we must adapt and innovate to protect our defence infrastructure effectively,” the Minister said. “It is crucial to stay ahead of the curve and harness the power of emerging technologies to fortify our defence and ensure the security of our nation.”

The Minister commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for his continued support in providing an enabling environment for the Nigerian Armed Forces to operate effectively and efficiently. He reiterated that technology plays a vital role in the fight against insecurity, and therefore, the nation’s security architecture must leverage and strengthen its defence infrastructure and safeguard the nation by deploying new technologies.

During the event, the Minister and other dignitaries were conducted on a tour of the exhibition stands by the Chief of Defence Space Administration, Air Vice Marshal AA Shinkafi, to showcase various military equipment produced by the Administration on display.

FG Commences Review of Youth Development Policy

Maryam Aminu

The federal government has taken comprehensive and proactive approach in addressing the challenges facing young people in Nigeria by commencing the process of a thorough review of the youth development policy with key Stakeholders.

The Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, shared this important initiative during an interactive session with critical stakeholders from the 36 States including FCT on Wednesday in Abuja.

The session has it theme: Leadership and Public Policy: Grassroot Mobilisers- The Challenges and Remedies through Remodeling’, highlighted the government’s commitment to youth development.

Dr. Ibrahim emphasized the need for input from all critical stakeholders before presenting the draft of the Youth Development Policy to the Federal Executive Council (FEC) for approval.

The government aims to involve all relevant parties in the process of establishing sustainable solutions to the prevalent issues, particularly by ensuring accessible financial resources for the younger generation, meaningful inclusion of youth, and addressing the requirements of individuals with special needs.

L-R Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Youth Development, Middle -Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim, Hon Minister of Youth Development and Mohammed Abbah Isah, Senior Special Assistant to Mr. President on people with Special needs during a Youth critical stakeholders parley with the Hon. Minister of Youth Development, Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim in her office

“We cannot progress without a comprehensive Youth Development Policy. Upon our arrival, we encountered an outdated policy, prompting us to devise programs and initiatives that actively engage young people and allow them to influence policy decisions.

She expressed that the current administration is committed to fostering trust between young people and the government.
“To achieve this synergy, we must wholeheartedly be committed to delivering on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Initiatives” as promised”, she stated.

Hon. Abbah Isah, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on People with Special Needs and Equal Opportunities, emphasized that 40 percent of Nigerian youth living with disabilities face significant hardships, including limited access to basic social amenities, economic instability leading to financial hardship, and inadequate healthcare services.

He also highlighted other challenges that this demographic encounters on a daily basis.

Furthermore, Abah, expressed his appreciation to Mr. President’s for his unwavering dedication to ensure that all segments of society receive the necessary support and attention within the framework of the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of his administration.

In his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary to the Ministry of Youth Development, Dr. Dunoma Umar Ahmed, thanked the participants and stated that the interactive session will be a continuous engagement with critical stakeholders across the country.

GANDUJE PLEDGES INCLUSIVITY AS STATE WOMEN LEADERS PASS VOTE OF CONFIDENCE

The Forum of 36 states women leaders and the Federal Capital Territory of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by its president, Ambassador Patricia Yakubu Tuesday, paid a courtesy call on the National chairman of the party Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje at the National Secretariat of the party in Abuja.

In her speech the President of the Forum, Patricia Yakubu echoed the unanimous decision of the state women leaders to pass a vote of confidence on the National chairman of the party. The forum anchored its decision on the successes recorded since the chairman assumed office, from the high record of decampees to the APC fold, to the election successes recorded recently, so also, the unity achieved among most party stakeholders and followers.

Patricia underscored the fact that the state women leaders are encouraged by the leadership style of the National chairman and prayed for more wisdom and grace to take the party to greater heights.

She further enumerated the sacrifices of APC women during the 2023 election that has contributed emensely in the success of the party but decried the fact that, most women at the state level have not been adequately compensated.

She called on the party leadership to carry women along, ensure inclusivity and full participation in Government programs by ministries and agencies, especially in states where APC does not have state Governors.

Earlier, the National women leader, Mary Alile Idele had congratulated the women for their resilience, sacrifices and efforts in ensuring victory for the party. She appreciated the National chairman for making out time to meet with the state women leaders.

Responding, the National Chairman, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, promised the state women leaders that their cry has been heard and the party will ensure inclusivity in its programs. Ganduje said the Government of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu is genda sensitive and has given appointments to women more than previous administrations in the country.

Ganduje said the Government is just one year old and their is room for more appointments in the coming days, he promised to ensure that the women are included in programs that will empower them and put smiles on their faces.

Ambassador Patricia, later presented gifts to the National chairman on behalf of the state women leaders.

Anti Vandalism: NSCDC CG’s Special Intelligence  Squad Uncovers Pipeline Illegal Connection Points In Rivers State and Re-Affairms Commitment to Combating Crude Oil Theft Across the Nation

By Emmanuel Daudu

In her relentless war against the menace of illegal dealings in petroleum products and economic sabotage in the oil region; the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps; Dr Ahmed Abubakar Audi mni. OFR has reaffirmed the Corps’ commitment to waging a relentless war against oil theft across the nation.

According to a press release signed by CSC Babawale Afolabi, National Public Relations Officer, NSCDC Headquarters, Abuja, Dr Audi  spoke to the Correspondents of the Corps’ Defenders TV through the CG’s SIS Commander; DC Dandaura Appolos narrated the new strategies put in place by vandals who have recently devised a covert means of operations to prevent security agencies from detecting their mischievous act.

“We were prompted by an Intelligence received while on intensive operational patrol across the Niger Delta; the CG’s Special Intelligence Squad swung into action and uncovered two illegal bunkering sites in different locations where illegal connections were made to syphone Oil from Well Heads using very huge hoses laid and buried underground in a thick forest at Odagwa/Owaza Riverside boundaries of Rivers/Abia State and another site at Odagwa in Etche Local Government Area of Rivers State where vandals tampered with Valves of the Manifold and siphoned crude at Imo River 2, Oil and Gas flow station operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Commission (NPDC)”.

“During the operations, we observed that the first local refining site had been earlier destroyed by the security agencies but was later rebuilt to contain over 5 locally fabricated ovens, drums, underground and calibrated plastic surface reservoirs with galvanized metal and heavy-duty hoses and pipes”.

“Some of the exhibits recovered are Heavy duty Hoses, Surface Tanks filled with Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), many drums and kegs, clothing and personal effects while the suspects are currently at large”.

“Storming the second illegal refining site we arrested One (1) Suspect named: John Obinna who was caught in the act; from the statements volunteered by the suspect, he hinted that his work at the site is loading and carrying crude and that other suspects who already took to their heels upon sighting our operatives were already at the verge of refining the crude oil”.

“We also sighted a 20,000 litres capacity trampoline surface reservoir where the major pipes were visibly connected”.

“The following exhibits were further recovered: One (1) new Yellow colour Robin EY 20 Pumping Machine, Blue colour heavy-duty hoses, over 5,000 litres of locally refined petroleum products in cellophane bags and reservoir, about 10,000 litres of AGO stored in a cooking oven, 2 Shovels and Spades, buckets and 4 Flash Headlights”.

“Let me at this point re-assure the public that the NSCDC remain committed to her statutory mandate as the lead agency in safeguarding all critical national assets and infrastructure across the nation”.

“The Intelligence Department has commenced a thorough investigation into the matter and the suspect in custody is currently assisting us in the ongoing investigation as the law takes its course… the CG’s SIS Commander said”.

NiMet And Financial Reporting Council To Collaborate In Promoting Sustainability Practices

Officials of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, have met to discuss areas of partnership towards improving sustainability practices by corporate organizations in Nigeria.

During a courtesy visit on the Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of FRC in Abuja, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, on Monday, 13th May, 2024, the Director General, Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike said; “Climate change is fast becoming a priority for financial regulators. The work we do at NiMet through our weather and climate reports are the foundation for sustainability practices. This partnership will enable NiMet and FRC to jointly develop capacity”.

While welcoming the NiMet team, Dr. Olowo said; “There are opportunities for alignment between NiMet and FRC in fulfilling the core mandates of the two agencies, especially in the areas of sustainability reporting, climate risks and opportunities. Although we are championing sustainability reporting, FRC is also promoting sustainable practices among Nigerian organizations”.

Some directors and senior staff of the two agencies were present during the courtesy visit.

PHOTO NEWS

Left to Right: Dr. Rabiu Olowo, Executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Financial Reporting Council (FRC) of Nigeria, and Professor Charles Anosike, Director General, Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), during a courtesy visit by NiMet team to FRC in Abuja on Monday, 13th May, 2024.

CSO eulogies kogi governorship Tribunal members, implores judges to stand by truth

By Godwin Anyanwu

A civil society organisation under the aegis of Northern Initiative for the Defence of Democracy( NIDD)has commended the members of the kogi state governorship election tribunal, sitting in Abuja for their resolve to give a fair hearing to all the parties involved in the November 11th gubernatorial election in the state.

The president of the group, Ambassador Nurudeen Musa Sadiq, flanked by his secretary, Hajia Ramatu AbdulRahaman disclosed this at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday.

The president said the decision of the tribunal judges so far expressed neutrality and flexibility, as embedded in its enabling law in handling the disputes arising from the kogi gubernatorial election, saying , the posture is a watershed for an enduring democracy in the country.

Ambassador Sadiq said judges all over the world consider evidence (s) adduced before their courts , including compliance with enabling laws on matters in dispute before passing their judgement.

He said records had shown that disputes arising from election matters in the country were mostly considered on alter of sentiments, technicality as well as personal views of judges and impunity of leaders and other interest groups.

The group said , unfortunately, indication has shown recently that kogi state had been a victim of such judgements, with consequences of emerging leadership devoid of the feelings of the people.

“In one of such judgements in 2016 on kogi gubernatorial tussle , the Apex court set it aside, sensing its flaws as it came up with a caveat that it should not be referred to in the court of the land anywhere in subsequent electoral dispute “, he said .

The group therefore implored the kogi governorship election tribunal to toe the part of honour and do something differently for the court of the land to be seen as the last hope of the deprived, cheated and poor persons in the society.

Ambassador Sadiq said the present tribunal judges have shown there is still hope for the common man in his quest to seek for redress in the court of law in this country by expressing its character according to the enabling law.

He said this can been viewed from the happenings since the tribunal commenced the legal fire work to resolve the dispute arising from kogi gubernatorial election.

The group stated that despite the hiccups created by interest groups in the dispute , the tribunal members stood their ground to ensure that the case before them is given an objective treatment as demanded by the law .

“We are aware of the orchestrated attack and campaign of calumny against the tribunal members from the onset, that supposed to discourage and disarm them to succumb to whims and caprices of the combatants in the disputes , but the judges stood their ground resolutely.

“We are also in the know, how their lives came under threat and attack because of their avowed stance to treat the electoral disputes before them on its merit legally, by orchestrated terrorism against them .

“It’s still fresh in our minds how the tribunal members came under blackmail by interest groups for their refusing to bend the rules or dance to the tune of certain power that be”, said Ambassador Sadiq.

The group therefore implored the judges to stand by the path of truth to the end, and not be deterred by the antics of these tribal and regional leaders who are out to intimidate them to have their way, stressing, history will not forget them when the chips are down and their names will be written with an indelible mark on the sand of time.

Ambassador Sadiq who said the truth remains that the consistency of the tribunal members has made the case to go thus so far, appealed to them to play the game by its rules and declare the right person as decided by electorate on 11th gubernatorial election, for a new dawn in kogi .

He said : “Mark you , the whole world , particularly the helpless electorate in kogi whose votes never counts in previous elections will sieve a sigh of relief for the first time , if the case is treated on evidence as revealed by electoral materials/ equipment , compliance to the rules of the enabling laws and witnesses rather than on technicality, which was the vogue on kogi electoral matters.

“It is worthy of note that as the Plaintiffs and Respondents are closing their case by a way of submitting their final written addresses on the disputed subject matter on 13th May 2024 , the onus lies on the judges to critically assess the evidences before them to pass their judgement.

The group urged the parties in the election dispute to realize that it’s the interest of millions of voters, not parochial interest of leaders or interest groups that matters at the ongoing case in the Tribunal .

Ambassador Sadiq said it makes sense to hear the leaders, saying the poors and the needy should be allowed to breathe, but the poors can only breathe if their votes are allowed to count and the leadership of their choice is enthroned; not being decided on technicality of the law coloured by sentiments and impunity.