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*Urges Supreme Court Judges to maintain integrity and resist inducement

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has called on the Supreme Court Judges to maintain their integrity and resist any attempt of subversiveness through inducement as regards the Osun governorship matter.

He said some desperate politicians have began move to upturn Governor Ademola Adeleke’s victory at Appeal Court at all cost.

Frank also raised the alarm that recent intelligence reports available suggest that the enemies of democracy and fascist elements operating in the ruling party are bent on truncating democracy by using every state apparatus available in perpetuating mischief and subversion of legitimacy, as evident in the just concluded Adamawa governorship rerun election.

In a statement released to newsmen Thursday in Abuja, the political activist opined that with an overwhelming Court of Appeal judgement, affirming the victory of Sennator Ademola Adeleke as the Osun state governor, and a previous Supreme Court judgment clearing all issues as regards his eligibility and certificates, “it is clear that any further judicial exercise is akin to witch hunt.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, alleged that some desperate politicians in the ruling APC have arisen once again to compromise the integrity of the judiciary by vowing to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal by any means necessary in relation to the Osun state Supreme Court decision.

He alleged that monetary inducement, coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to influence the judgment of the Supreme Court are rife and underway.

“Howbeit, these same elements who’ve been operating without fear for consequences have once again arisen to compromise the integrity of the judiciary by vowing to upturn the decision of the Court of Appeal, by any means necessary in relation to the Osun state Supreme Court decision. Monetary inducement of $2million per JSC on this matter is the offer inherent as well as coercion and intimidation using state security agencies to greatly influence the judgment of the SC is in top gear and underway.

“The Supreme Court must be put on notice that Nigerians are very interested in the outcomes of judgement decisions from the SC and will continue to beam it’s searchlights on the discreet activities of the Judges especially after the ridiculous decisions as regards Sen Ahmed Lawan and Sen Gods will Akabio. We are constrained to believe that indeed, recent decisions from the SC suggest that certain compromise may have been plausible by the outcomes of judicial matters.

“The hopes of many Nigerians is fast fading away as most Nigerians doubt the independence of the judiciary in the dispense of justice. The SC must not be seen going the way of the INEC chairman, who blatantly voided it’s own rules to subvert the will of the people save for personal agradissment. The JSC must put the country first in its discharge of their constitutional duties. The 2023 Presidential Elections results are still rife in the minds of many and thus any attempt to deliver any controversial judgement may end up in anarchy.

“The SC must be reminded that the Osun State matter will be first litmus test for the JSC. The facts of the matterr are very clear, with the CA putting to rest the issues of overvoting and any other discrepancies. Therefore the minimum expectations for the SC is to stand by the truth and avoid any semblance of intimidation and coercion. The Right thing must be done, as it is clear that the Osun people are extremely pleased with the choice of their governor and are elated with his performance since his inception into office.

“In other to demonstrate independence and integrity the SC should as a matter of Public Opinion approve for the use of live telecast in broadcasting it’s proceeding for the Presidential Elections matter. The Supreme Court must stand on what is right and just and endeavor to reclaim it’s already batterd image,” Frank stated.

The Special Assistant on Public Communication to Waziri Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Phrank Shaibu, has alleged that the electoral misconduct perpetrated by the Adamawa Resident Electoral Commission, Hudu Yunusa-Ari, is nothing different from what the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, did during the Presidential polls.

Yunusa-Ari had on Sunday, announced Senator Aishatu Ahmed Binani, the APC governorship candidate in Adamawa, as the winner of the election even while the results were still being collated.

The Adamawa REC has since been suspended by the headquarters of the commission while the announcement of the results has been postponed indefinitely.

Responding in a statement, however, Shaibu said the national leadership of INEC could not pretend to be unaware of the many allegations hanging on the neck of the Adamawa REC.

Shaibu added that the suspension of the Adamawa REC without his arrest and prosecution was merely a slap in the wrist.

“It is crystal clear even to the blind that the Adamawa REC learnt well from the INEC Chairman. INEC as an organization, from the top to the bottom is akin to Ali Baba and the 40 thieves. As a matter of fact, the baby goat learns to eat grass by diligently watching the mama devour the lush grass around them”.

He said, “Over a month ago, Sahara Reporters published an audio clip where the Adamawa REC was heard directing an election official, Hammajam Mohammed, to rig the governorship election in favour of Binani.

“In the leaked audio, Yunusa told Mohammed to do everything humanly possible to make Binani win. He told the electoral official that he was instructed by a higher authority to make Binani win. Governor Ahmadu Fintiri complained severally about the compromised REC but INEC did nothing about it.

“Despite having over one month to prepare for this supplementary poll, INEC retained this compromised REC who went ahead to undermine the election once more. From all that has happened, it is obvious that Yunusa-Ari was acting on orders from above and that is why Governor Ahmadu Fintiri’s warnings were ignored.

“This carefully orchestrated action is a reflection of the electoral heist of February 25, 2023 when the INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, decided to announce Bola Tinubu of the APC as winner despite the many irregularities and complaints from several opposition parties. Indeed, Yunusa-Ari acted like his father and boss, Mahmood Yakubu.”

Atiku’s aide said the Adamawa fiasco came as no surprise since INEC had always been in bed with Binani and had even admitted in a statement that it awarded a contract to one of her companies.

He added, “INEC had in a statement by National Commissioner, Festus Okoye, admitted to awarding a sensitive contract to the Binani Printing Press Limited, a firm owned by the APC governorship candidate.

“In the statement, Okoye had claimed that the company was awarded the contract as a way of stimulating the economy and encouraging Nigerian enterprise. It is obvious that Binani and INEC are in bed together.”

Shaibu said Yakubu’s name had become a by-word for scorn after conducting the most flawed election in the history of Nigeria.

Atiku’s aide wondered why INEC under the leadership of Yakubu had failed to deliver a credible poll despite receiving the largest budget ever.

He added, “How will Mahmood Yakubu be remembered? Well, Nigerian singers like Falz and Vector have already composed a song titled Yakubu so that generations unborn will remember the sort of character he is. The video alone has garnered over one million views on Youtube and has become a social media sensation.

“This is a man who promised over and over again to upload the results of elections in real-time unto the INEC’s portal and failed to do so yet he lacks the decency to apologise to over 200 million people. Nearly two months after that shambolic election, all the results have yet to be uploaded.

“Results from Rivers State even show that Tinubu did not even win in that state. Rather than suspend the announcement of results, Mr Yakubu decided to announce Tinubu as the winner. One wonders how such a man sleeps at night.”

By Pius Garba, Yola

Concerned CSOs Demand Binani, Adamawa REC Arrest

*Allege N2bn was disbursed in to facilitate announcement of APC Candidate as Governor Elect

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) have while describing the unlawful declaration of Senator Aishatu Binani as Adamawa Governor-elect, called for the immediate arrest of the state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari as well as the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the polls.

The coalition expressed this in a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Monday April 17, 2023, jointly signed by Mada Ibrahim and Michael Ayuba James.

“In the face of the glaring coup d’etat against democracy by Sen. Aishatu Dahiru Ahmed Binani, Adamawa State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), State commissioner of police, Director State Security and his counterpart of National Security and Civil Defense Corp (NSCDC) we the concerned civil society organizations (CSOs) do hereby urge president Muhammadu Buhari to as a matter of urgency directed the arrest of the mentioned anti democratic forces for treason and constitutional mischief,” the coalition demanded.

According to the text of the statement titled, “Call for the immediate arrest of Binani, Adamawa REC, Commissioner of Police, Director DSS, and NSCDC commandant for staging coup against democracy” the coalition said that as a full blown democrat, this call has become incumbent on President Muhammadu Buhari in order to save Nigeria’s democracy from being supplanted by desperate conspirators for their self serving and whimsical proclivities.

“Democracy especially in Adamawa State will continue to be under serious threats if the mentioned elements are not duly prosecuted in line with Nigeria’s extant rules for treason.

“These elements have made Nigeria a laughing stock in the committee of nations for their effrontery to hold democracy hostage in furtherance of their primitive lust for power or personal aggrandizement.

“The president whom we know for his towering credentials and integrity should not allow some few individuals to truncate our hard earned democracy because doing that is archetypal to allowing them to rubbish all his efforts at ensuring a credible electioneering process at the twilight of his exit from power.

“In this respect we want to acknowledge the decisive role played by the headquarters of INEC which wielded the big stick against their erring REC by calling off his bluff and maintained the narrow path of honor and truth,” they said.

They urged INEC to as a matter of urgency, order the arrest and prosecution of the REC to serve as deterrent to others and to also assert that the electoral umpire is truly independent.

“The morbid fascination of these dubious elements has nearly robbed Adamawa State of its peace and tranquility yesterday saved for the maturity of the people who are known for their tact, and resilience even in the face of blatant and unnecessary provocation and intimidation.

“We must acknowledge the superlative show of maturity displayed by our amiable governor, Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri for his calculated restraint and resilient in the face of the day light armed robbery hoisted by these charlatans and undemocratic forces to take his leadership through the back door.

“Such show of resilience is the reason why Adamawa State has remained calm up till this moment. What do you think would have happened to Adamawa State had governor Fintiri also displayed an insane desperation and lust for power as the others?

“Following the ugly incident of yesterday in Adamawa State where the Resident Electoral Commissioner usurped the responsibility of the returning officer, we are constraints to call on Mr. President to constitute a full blown inquest into the sordid happening with a view to prevent future ugly occurrences.

“For the sake of emphasis, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu Ari walked into INEC collation Centre on the 16 of March and declared the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, APC, Aisha Binani winner of the Adamawa Supplementary polls even when collation of results have not concluded,” they submitted.

The coalition said that according to Nigeria’s electoral law, the REC, Hudu Ari, has no power to announce the winner of the election.

“That responsibility solely lies with the state collation officer appointed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

“In view of these and other facts at our disposal, we are calling for the arrest, investigation and prosecution of Mr. Hudu Ari and his conspirators. We want the the security agencies to investigate all those involved in the black Sunday Saga.

“We note with concern how a Senior lawmaker Senator Aishatu Binani choose to ignore all the illegality shrouded in declaring her Governor- Elect and choose to give an acceptance speech.

“The speed at which the speech was read immediately after the illegal declaration shows that the whole sordid act of rascality was premeditated and perfected amongst the conspirators of doom.

“We hereby call for her immediate arrest and questioning in order to ascertain what actually transpired.

“Aishatu Binani should be questioned for giving an acceptance speech after being declared Governor Elect illegally,” they stressed.

Furthermore, they pointed out that in a viral video, it was speculated that N2 billion was disbursed in order to facilitate the announcement of the APC Gubernatorial Candidate as Governor Elect, this claim must be investigated as well .

They also demanded that the APC chairman in the state, and the governorship candidate of APC should be questioned in respect of the alleged N2 billion that was disbursed in order to change the electoral will of Adamawa people.

“Similarly, by giving acceptance speech, Binani has participated in an attempt albeit illegally to remove a sitting Governor, she should therefore be disqualified from participating in any future polls.

“We call on the Inspector General of Police, the Commandant of the Nigerian Civil Defence Corp and the Department For State Security to launch a probe into why senior officers from these security agencies accompany Mr. Ari Hudu to INEC centre where he illegally made the announcement.

“In the same vein, we are aware that officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission deployed to the state have displayed gross incompetence, partiality and favoritism all geared towards suppressing the wishes of Adamawa voters in order to make Binani the Governor of Adamawa State by hook or by crook.

“These inordinate schemes came to a head yesterday when the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Hudu legally declared Binani Governor Elect .

“Therefore, we are calling on INEC to redeploy it’s officials from the state and to bring in new ones.

“Furthermore, we are in the know that Governor Umaru Fintiri actually won the elections ab initio and that APC, Binani and others connived to foist the supplementary polls on us, in view of these, we are calling on INEC to declare Umar Fintiri as the Governor Elect of the state immediately.”

…Says Declaration by REC amounts to Civilian Coup

Former Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, Senator Shehu Sani has commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for taking the bold step to suspend the collation of the Adamawa State supplementary governorship poll.

According to the Former lawmaker, a situation, where the Resident Electoral Commission declared the APC governorship candidate the winner of the election as against the Returning Officer while the election process is still on “is equivalent to a civilian coup.”

Sen. Shehu Sani who disclosed this in a swift reaction to the what he termed ‘Ilegal declaration” by Adamawa Resident Electoral Commissioner in a statement personally signed and made available to journalists in Kaduna today commended Professor Mahmud Yakubu and the INEC for prompt intervention.

He further stated ,”It was obvious that the REC was out to truncate democracy in the state and by extension Nigeria if his action was allowed unchecked .

He expressed joy that the statement signed by the INEC National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education, Barrister Festus Okoye ,where the electoral umpire slammed the action of the Adamawa REC, saying it usurps the power of the Returning Officer is highly appreciated.

Noting that the good step about the statement is that it declared the announcement ,”… null, void and of no effect. Consequently, the collation of results of the supplementary election is hereby suspended.”

Senator Shehu Sani’s Statement further reads: ” The declaration by Adamawa REC is an equivalent of a civilian coup.

“The action of the Rec stands condemnable. Our democracy can’t survive if we condone such brazen act of criminality and brigandage.

He however, said it not enough to summon the REC and other perpetrators but also advised that ,”The REC and the security men, who perpetrated the acts must be prosecuted.

While stressing that “Our political culture and attitude to election needs chemotherapy,he noted , “The Dangerous trend in our electoral system has gone beyond the culture of Violence,Vote buying and falsification of results to the most obnoxiously and brazenly crude phase of taking over the collation center,seizing the Mic and illegally declaring the results of an election.”

*Says world watching Presidential Election Petitions proceedings

A social activist and author, Reno Omokri, has said forensic analysis of the presidential election result of the February 25, 2023 showed that there were over voting in more than 10,000 polling units, which represents almost 8% of all PUs.

He, however, told the the Nigerian judiciary that the world is watching the Presidential Election Petitions Court and hopes it will abide by the provision of the law as enshrined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act of 2022.

In a statement released to newsmen Saturday, the former President aide also called on Nigerians to add their voices to that of millions of others against miscarriage of justice by the Nigerian Judiciary.

The statement titled “An Action Call To Save Democracy in Nigeria”, said the over voting was only possible due to manual accreditation and transmission of voters and votes, rather than the legally required electronic accreditation via Bimodal Voter Accreditation System machines.

Omokri said: “On February 25, 2023, Nigeria held Presidential elections in which the ruling party won.

“However, forensic analysis of the result of the election showed that there were over voting in more than 10,000 polling units. This represents almost 8% of all PUs.

“Evidence has been presented by both the Peoples Democratic Part, and the Labour Party at the Presidential Election Petition Court that the ruling party candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, was declared President-elect based largely on the votes he amassed in some of these 8% of polling units where over voting occurred.

“Now this is very convenient, and too coincidental. And it is also unlawful.

“By virtue of Section 47 (3) of Nigeria’s Electoral Act, those results ought to have been cancelled, and the elections rescheduled for a later date when the issues with the machines would have been resolved. That section says:

‘Where a smart card reader or any other technological device deployed for accreditation of voters fails to function in any unit and a fresh card reader or technological device is not deployed, the election in that unit shall be cancelled and another election shall be scheduled.’

“The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justuce Kayode Ariwoola, who sits at the head of the judiciary, and who has set up the PEPC, made comments, on video, praising the ruling party on November 25, 2022. As a result of those comments, millions of Nigerians lack confidence in his ability to spearhead a judiciary that dispenses impartial justice.

“What I humbly ask of you reading this is for you to consider using your good offices, no matter how small you think it is, to add your voice to that of millions of Nigerians, and tell the Nigerian judiciary that the world is watching the PEPC and hopes it will abide by the provision of the law as enshrined in Nigeria’s Electoral Act of 2022.”

As the race for who becomes of the Speaker of the House of Representatives in the 10th Assembly gets tough, the Chairman, House Committee on Navy, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, member representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State in north central geopolitical zone of Nigeria have emerged as the top contender for the post abd he is highly rated for it as well .

Last week, a Non Government Organisation called Alliance for True Democracy met in the Federal Capital Territory and endorsed Gagdi for the office of the No 4 man in the country .

The group cited Gagdi’s pedigree which include : being the Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly, Legislative Aide to the Deputy Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly and the Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

The group further added that apart from holding these posts,the law maker was also a member of Plateau State Library Board 2012- 2014 and Chairman of Federal Board, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA Makurdi 2012 – 2014; Chairman of Special Committee on peace, security and reconciliation Plateau State 2015; Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

It therefore based it’s argutments with wealth of experience at both State and Federal Legislate Houses, Mr Gagdi should be given the top post of the Speaker of the House of Representatives .

Another group routing for Hon.Gagdi to become the Speaker is the popular Middle Belt Forum
According to Okpani Mike Akatu Odeh,

“Hon.Yusuf Gagdi is one of the youngest law maker at the both the 9th and 10 Assembly respectively, as such he would bring about the much needed vibrancy in to the lower legislative House ..
Secondly, Hon Gagdi would be the link between millions of Nigeria’s youth and the legislators which would ensure that the wishes and needs of our teeming young men and women would be respected .

There is also the need to to do a balancing act in the National Assembly . Since the President is the South West, his Vice is from North East and with the President likely going to the South East or South South, the Middle Belt advocacy posited that it would be in the interest of national unity and cohesion to have the experienced Law Maker as the Speaker .

Okpani explains:
“If we are to have every geopolitical zone represented at the 10th Assembly, then we should do a balancing at. If the President is from the South West, the Vice President is from the North West the Senate President is from South, is only proper to have the Speaker from one of the Middle Belt State and it is in this regard we are calling on members of the HoR to please consider justice, equity and fairness by electing Hon. Gagdi as its Speaker.

Apart from the game of endorsements by prominent groups across the country that the astute legislator heads the Lower House, political pundits and legislative analysts have tipped Gagdi as the most suited for top job .

Dr Baba Adams of Institute of Leadership and Development, Nigeria added his voice to the debate .

Adams stressed that given the Law Maker’s long years of service at the National Assembly, coupled with the fact that most of the law makers in the 10th Assembly are first timers, there is the leader to have a leader who would guide them through the difficult processes of legislative workings .

A veteran journalist who had covered the National Assembly for years, Bashar Bello is of the opinion the legislator emergence as Speaker of the House would restore hope and unity in Nigeria as Christians who have been alienated as result of the Muslim Muslim ticket would be reassured that they are not marginalised .

Born on November 5, 1980, the 42 year lawmaker had served in various other capacities before his present position which included Legislative Aide to Deputy Speaker of Plateau State House of Assembly between 2003 and 2006; member of Plateau State Library Board 2012- 2014 and Chairman of Federal Board, Lower Benue River Basin Development Authority (LBRBDA Makurdi 2012 – 2014; Chairman of Special Committee on peace, security and reconciliation Plateau State 2015; Chairman Special Committee on Peace, Security and Reconciliation Plateau State 2018 and as well as Financial Secretary of PDP Plateau State 2012 – 2014.

He was a deputy speaker of the State House of Assembly before getting elected into the House in 2019.

*Says service’s nollywood script a recipe for tragedy, needs overhaul

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Comrade Timi Frank, has said the Directorate of State Security Service (DSS) has metamorphosed into an intelligence arm of the ruling party and urgently needs a total overhaul.

Frank, however said the DSS needs to wake up and restore the lost confidence Nigerians have in its leadership.

In a statement released he made available to newsmen on Tuesday in Abuja, on the recent activities of the DSS, the political activist accused the organisation of monitoring and then leaking telephone conversations of some political leaders (Especially in opposition) in order to embarrass them and to impress the APC elements.

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, said the DSS has the right to intercept unlawful communication but not to leak private conversations that are not favourable to the ruling party.

According to Frank, the main responsibilities of the DSS as stated in its enabling Act include counter-intelligence, internal security, counter-terrorism, and surveillance as well as investigating some other types of serious crimes against the state.

“The Department of State Services or the State Security Service needs a complete and total overhaul. The agency which was established by Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was supposed to be patterned after the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in the United States of America or the MI5 Security Service in the United Kingdom.

“It is also charged with the protection of senior government officials, particularly the President, Vice President, state governors and visiting heads of states and governments with their respective families.

“But the DSS has since deviated from its core mandate in the last 10 years by becoming a willing tool to the government in power. In recent times, the DSS has focused more on regime protection and fostering the interest of politicians in the ruling party and their allies. The DSS and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have become one and the same and it is almost difficult to differentiate a statement written by the DSS and the APC.

“How do we explain away the fact that the DSS has continued to tap the telephone lines and release phone recordings of opposition politicians and influential Nigerians critical of the government?

“The latest misadventure was a leaked telephone conversation between Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi, and revered cleric, Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, and presiding Bishop of the Faith Tabernacle in Ota, Ogun State.

“On the eve of the Presidential election, Obi and Bishop Oyedepo had a private telephone conversation. There was no terror plot and the conversation in itself was not about the use of violence. Obi simply asked Bishop Oyedepo to help him convince his congregation in the southwest to vote for him.

“Similarly, a day after the Presidential election, former President Olusegun Obasanjo received a call from Musician, Charles Oputa professionally known as Charly Boy. In the conversation, Charly Boy asked Obasanjo what could be done to stop the stealing of the people’s mandate. Obasanjo suggested that they could protest. The right to peaceful protest is guaranteed by the constitution.

“Private discussions are what they are: private. Section 37 of the 1999 Constitution expressly states: ‘The privacy of citizens, their homes, correspondence, telephone conversations and telegraphic communications is hereby guaranteed and protected.”

The Bayelsa born activist descrived the recent leaked phone conversations as highly unprofessional and smacks of partisanship.

“It is worrisome when the most sophisticated security agency in the country descends into the arena of politics in order to favour the ruling party.

“How do we explain it that the immediate past DG of the DSS, Musa Lawal Daura, was a member of the APC and his successor, Yusuf Bichi, also has obvious ties with the ruling party? His son, Abba, is a member of the APC who openly supports Bola Tinubu on social media. His wife, Aisha, got the current Kano Governor-elect, Abba Yusuf, arrested last year following a confrontation between them at the VIP lounge gate of the Aminu Kano International Airport. Yes, Abba is a citizen who is free to support any candidate of his choice. But he is not an ordinary son, he is the son of the DG of the boss of the DSS whose actions or inactions would have huge ramifications for the country.

“Why have the telephone conversations of Bola Tinubu and his minions never been leaked? Why is it only the telephone conversations of opposition politicians that are being shared with journalists or posted on social media? It is obvious where Bichi’s loyalty lies. He seeks to be retained as DSS DG and is now trying to ingratiate himself to Tinubu by bootlicking.

“Under Bichi’s watch the DSS has strayed from its core mandate and metamorphosed into a town crier instead of a stealthy intelligence agency. The agency has become flippant, garrulous and loquacious. It spends more time making noise rather than gathering intelligence.

“Almost on a weekly basis, the once respected agency churns out insipid and unintelligent press releases. While their counterparts in foreign countries are involved with more noble and heroic acts, these are some of the DSS headlines as portrayed in the Nigerian media “DSS invites Chidi Onumah for wearing Biafra T-shirt”; “DSS cautions against violence and hate speech”; “DSS reiterates call against violence in Nigeria”; “DSS says there’re plans to incite religious violence across the country”; “DSS says some prominent persons plotting to destabilise the country”; “DSS uncovers plot to destabilise Nigeria”.

Continued, he said: “The latest misadventure of the DSS is another false alarm about plans to foist an interim government on the country and to also carry out nationwide protests. The nationwide protests began in various parts of the country immediately the result was announced so this is not the product of intelligence gathering. Also, the DSS should have made arrests if indeed it had uncovered a plot to foist an interim government.

“The agency also showed its disdain for the rule of law by warning the judiciary against making “frivolous orders”. What qualifies as a frivolous court order? The DSS is clearly a lawless organisation which selects which order of government to obey or disobey hence the hundreds of Nigerians being detained illegally in its various centres.

“The last time I checked, the overthrow of the government in Nigeria is treason and attracts the maximum penalty. So why has the DSS decided to announce a plan to overthrow a government when the headline should be ‘DSS arrests XXX for attempted coup?’

“With the APC in control of the Federal Government, the legislature and at least 22 states at the moment, the APC is the one that has the power to foist an interim government and not the opposition which does not even control the police. With the DSS making insinuations that the opposition are behind this plan, tt is obvious the DSS is playing a Nollywood script, a fictional plot with an uninteresting end.

“The kind of frivolity that DSS is preoccupied with while Nigerians are imperilled by insecurity adds a new cadence to the cliché of political authority acting like Emperor Nero – fiddling while the country burns. They have slaughtered professionalism on the altar of politics. Nigerians have grown tired of the DSS crying wolf when there is none.

“In the last eight years, more Nigerians have been killed and abducted by bandits more than any other time in Nigeria’s history if you remove the civil war period of 1966 to 1970. According to available data from the Nigeria Security Tracker (NST), a project of the Council on Foreign Relations’ Africa programme which documents violence in Nigeria, no fewer than 50,000 Nigerians have been killed on Buhari’s watch.

“But you will hardly see the DSS protecting the lives and dignity of regular Nigerians. All the so-called secret police are preoccupied with is hounding those who make their paymasters uncomfortable. Just today, April 4, 2023, bandits abducted 10 students from Government Day Secondary School in Kachia LGA of Kaduna. The DSS never saw this coming because they were busy tapping the telephone lines of the opposition while terrorists’ lines were left to their devices.

“On the watch of the current DSS leadership, thousands of schoolchildren have been abducted. By UNICEF’s estimates, 11,000 schools were closed between December 2020 and early 2022 over insecurity, largely in the north. The DSS never saw this coming.

“Train passengers were abducted, the Nigerian Defence Academy was attacked and a senior officer killed, prisons were attacked and over 1,000 escapees from all these attacks continue to roam freely including over 400 from the Kuje Correctional Centre. The DSS has not been able to do anything.

“Abductors use the telephone of their victims to contact their victims to pay ransom. The DSS has not been able to intercept these telephone calls to reveal the location of bandits whom Sheikh Gumi visits in broad daylight. However, the DSS has been super effective in bugging the phone lines of revered pastors and opposition politicians. What a shame!”

When the rag tag motley crew of protesters stormed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Abuja on Monday to call for a review of Taraba governorship poll, you know the circus has come to town.

It is a comic show which started in Jalingo and has been making stops around the comedy circuit. Theirs is a laughable but potentially dangerous mission to truncate democracy in the state by extra judicial means and damned the consequences. All they want is an end to the people’s mandate and a regime of total darkness at whatever cost. It’s a push that is both annoying and hilarious.

As a recap, and to bring everyone up to speed, NNPP came second in the governorship election that was massively won by Governor Elect, Lt Col Agbu Kefas of the PDP. It was a peaceful poll that aligned with all known facts of Taraba political’s history. Basically, Taraba is a PDP state true and though and the party expectedly did well in its traditional strongholds.

NNPP, a new party that managed to l adroitly capture members of the near comatose main opposition APC (that had a bad case of political covid 19), simply scored well in 3 local governments known for opposition politics. No more, no less. The party didn’t even pretend to campaign. Their appeal wasn’t broad-based and they relied solely on primordial sentiments.

Their candidate, a former Vice Chancellor of the state’s university confined his campaigns to places he felt favored and believed in what some preachers were saying: that Taraba is about to be taken like a trophy. It was an emi lokan type of delusion.

The electorate however thought differently. On his own part, Kefas was rigorous and thorough in his well structured campaign. He appealed to all, especially the youth demography cutting across the faiths. Although he was the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) preferred candidate, Kefas reached out to the religious divide and wooed liberals. This, coupled with the fact that PDP is the ruling party in the state, it wasn’t rocket science to predict the current outcome. And NNPP couldn’t believe what happened.

Next for the NNPP was to cause confusion by making spurious cases for a review. Even at the collation center, the nefarious move was exhibited. They began by asking the collation center not to accept results not favorable to them. It was a tense period as all eyes focused on INEC officials to see what they would do or not. They eventually did what was right by announcing the winner Kefas to the dismay of the “kayan marmari” coalition.

Not done, a miffed and dazed NNPP went into overdrive. They began a move to review the results. This was actually backed by the Electoral Laws. There was a 7-day opening for that. But NNPP was interpreting it the wrong way with media propaganda that their man would be dashed the mandate. The state was inundated by all sorts of wicked voicenotes of leaders of the party saying they are plotting a take over. When that failed, they watched in horror as Kefas collected his certificate of return.

Everyone taught that was all since NNPP said it was rightly heading to court. To everyone’s amusement, they reconvene in Abuja on Monday to protest and demand for the impossible, the unconstitutional and the bizarre. It was a tactics that’s failed all along and is bound to fail again.

Emmanuel Bello, spokesman to Col Kefas, writes from Jalingo

A pro democracy group, Taraba First Group (TFG), has condemned a protest purportedly staged by NNPP members on Monday at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. The protesters were, among others things, demanding for review of the Taraba polls and calling for its cancelations. Recall that NNPP came second in the governorship polls won by PDP’s Lt Col Agbu Kefas (rtd). Kefas has since been issued with a Certificate of Return.

Describing the protest as a brazen affront on democracy, TFG said Taraba electorate are prepared to defend their votes, stressing that INEC must not allow for any anti people development with devastating outcomes. In a statement issued in Jalingo and signed by Inusa Aliyu, TFG said “the evil protest in Abuja is fake and a desperate attempt to upturn people’s will. Why didn’t they protest in Jalingo? They are aware of the popularity and acceptance of these results by the majority of Taraba citizens. Any attempt to touch the people’s wish shall not only be roundly condemned. It shall be vehemently resisted. Taraba state had a very transparent election with a clear winner emerging with a large margin. If anything, everyone have been expecting a congratulatory message from Professor Sani Yahaya of the NNPP. We are therefore bemused by the fake and rented crowd that went on a protest today at INEC. A cursory glance at the protesters would easily reveal that they are not even from Taraba state. We are therefore amused by this desperation on the part of national NNPP. As a matter of fact we even doubt if this was sponsored by NNPP Taraba because they know the truth.”

TFG noted further that forces it described as from outsiders have been overtly interested in Taraba politics. The statement reads, “one of the strange things we have experienced in this election cycle is the strange interest our election garnered especially from preachers outside our state who kept claiming Taraba will be won by the NNPP by hook or crook means. They spoke about the dominance of a certain demography. To their dismay, Taraba voted for balance and historical reality. Since then, the shell shocked NNPP has been in a state of suspended animation. They are so dazed that they are hallucinating. First was an attempt to get INEC to declare Taraba polls as inconclusive. When that failed, they started a crusade for reviews of the results. All that failed and now they are resulting to emotional blackmail. But the results of the election is as glaring as night and day. We urge INEC to remain steadfast even as we call on NNPP to go court.”

The former Nigeria minister of youth and sport Mr Solomon darlung has lead a delegations of northern Nigerian Christian Clergies to sheick Dahiru usman bauchi’s house in kaduna state north western Nigeria

According to him, the aims is to strengthens Christians and Muslim relationship for peace and unity among Nigerians

It was observed that, Christians from various northern states of Nigeria which include plateau, Bauchi, katsina, Gombe, Taraba, kaduna and sokoto were opportune to be among those who attended the interfaith Ramadan iftar to promote interreligious tolerance and mutual understanding among the adherence of different faith base organization in the country

Adding that for the past 12 years, they have been coming from various states in the north to join other top Islamic scholars towards breaking Ramadan iftar fast to promote peace and unity among Nigerians .

Darlung called for more prayers from both Muslims and Christians clerics nation wide ,, as he appealled to the newly elected candidate to always unite the people and, put the nation in their hearts

Similarly, pastor yohanna buru, who is the general overseer of Christ evangelical and life intervention ministry kaduna ,says this year Ramadan comes amids of increased cost of foodstuffs, scarcity of fuel and naira notes ,

He said, we came with many Christians Clergies this time from our neighbouring states to sthrenthening good relationship with our brothers.

“we are one family Under God “
“we are all children of Adam and eve “
“we all have holy books, Qur’an and bible, send from one God “
“we all believed in paradise and the day of judgement “

Pastor yohanna said, Ramadan provide huge opportunities for Christian Clergies to meet, interact, dialogue with other top Islamic scholars on how to promote peace and enabling environment for both the adherence of different faith base organization in the country

He said, they would keep praying for peace and unity in the country. While praying for Nigerian security personnel to succeed in tackling all the security challenges bedevilling peace stability in the country

In his remarks, sheick Dahiru bauchi expressed satisfaction and thank all the Christian Clergies and youths that joined him in breaking Ramadan iftar today.

He said ,they equally continue to pray for peace and unity in the country

He wish all the Christians that travelled far away to come and join him in breaking Ramadan fast a safe journey back to their various destination