Apex Court Ruling On 2023 Presidential Election Legitimizes Illegality, Promotes Lawlessness – BDFCG

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October 28, 2023

Following the ruling of the apex court of Nigeria affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s victory in the controversial 2023 Presidential Election, a group, Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has said that the foundation of the nation, instead of being consolidated, has rather been eroded by the court legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.

The group, in a statement signed by its Spokesperson, Prosper Odinga, said the judicial decision has dumbfounded both the opposition political parties and common citizens; whose last hope in judiciary “has continually been betrayed with continual unhealthy alliance with the executive arm”.

The Pro-Biafran group stated that for far too long Nigeria has grappled with a lack of law and order, adding that the recent Supreme Court ruling only exacerbates the already questionable culture of injustice that permeates the Nigerian society.

By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, BDFCG said the supreme court has finally sent a dangerous message that undermines the very fabric of the justice system they hypocritically serve to preserve.

Expressing concerns over the far-reaching effects of the apex court ruling, BDFCG said the erosion of justice in Nigeria should be a matter of grave concern for all Africans committed to the principles of democracy and human rights, and called on all Biafrans across the world to be more organized in pursuit of her right for self determination.

The statement reads:
*NATURAL JUSTICE REMAINS THE LAST COURSE FOR NIGERIAN MASSES*

The apex court of Nigeria has ruled on the controversial 2023 Presidential Election affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency of which Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) has archived with another series of controversial judicial decisions that affects the foundation of justice and rule of law.

This ruling has dumbfounded both the opposition political parties and common citizens whose last hope on judiciary has continually been betrayed with continual unhealthy alliance with the executive arm.

It is with great alarm that BDFCG noted the court’s decision which was supposed to consolidate the foundation of the nation but only succeeds to erode it by legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.

For far too long, Nigeria has grappled with a lack of law and order, and this recent ruling by the Supreme Court only exacerbates the already questionable culture of injustice that permeates our society. By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, the supreme court has finally sent a dangerous message that undermines the very fabric of the justice system they hypocritically serve to preserve.

It is imperative that we recognize the far-reaching implications of this ruling. This insensitive decision signals a concerning shift towards authoritarianism. It underscores the need for the masses to exercise their right, to scrutinize and assess this judiciary in the context of the challenges they currently face and the credibility of the executive leadership that has been imposed.

The masses, as the ultimate custodians of democracy, have the right to evaluate the decisions of the judiciary, even the apex court in the context of their everyday lives and the impact of their rulings.

The Biafra De Facto Customary Government calls upon all Biafrans across the world to be more organized in pursuit of her right for self determination. President Tinubu can hijack the institutions in Nigeria but nobody can hijack the power of organised people.

Biafra De Facto Customary Government believes in the power of rule of law and justice of the people to bring about the desired societal change and to hold leaders accountable for their actions because democracy ,no matter how bad, allows individuals to speak out when they feel their rights are being trampled upon, and it is this freedom that strengthens the foundations of democracy.

Furthermore, the erosion of justice in Nigeria should be a matter of grave concern for all Africans committed to the principles of democracy and human rights. The struggle for justice and the preservation of democratic values continues, and we stand with the people in their pursuit of a fair and just society.

Prosper Odinga
Spokesperson, BDFCG
Phone: +19173465419
Email: biafradefactogov@gmail.com

Breaking : Jonathan visits Tinubu, charges political class, ex-presidents to unite for citizens’ comfort

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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October 27, 2023

Former President Goodluck Jonathan, on Friday, October 27, reminded Nigerians that elections were over and that it was time for the nation to move forward.

Jonathan said: “We need to bring all our political leaders, including all our former Presidents together, we will not be fighting, if top leaders continue fighting they will not suffer that much, but the downtrodden will suffer and we want to end that tension so we move forward. Elections are over and so we must move forward.”

He also said that Nigeria has all it takes to lead the Black continent, despite the current economic challenges facing the nation . The ex-president noted: “That is what all Africans are saying, I had a program on democracy dialogue and Prof Lumumba spoke there, he emphasized the need for Nigeria to take a lead in Africa. Yes, we have challenges economically now but we still have what it takes to lead Africa.

Source : Nation Newspaper

Davido breaks silence on Dammy Krane’s debt allegations

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Adamma Ikeogu

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October 27, 2023

Award-winning music star, Davido, has responded to his colleague, Oyindamola Emmanuel, popularly known as Dammy Krane regarding the allegations of unpaid debts, stating that he had never received compensation for the three verses he contributed to Dammy Krane’s song nine years ago.

Dammy Krane in a post on Tuesday claimed that Davido owed him for their successful collaboration on the song “Pere” and appealed to the musician to settle the debt, citing his daughter’s impending school fees as the reason.

Responding to the allegations on Friday, Davido, in a post on X, pointed out that he had never received compensation for the three verses he contributed to Dammy Krane’s song nine years ago.

Davido also recalled the times he provided shelter and sustenance to Dammy Krane in Atlanta when the latter was homeless.

Davido said, “I never got paid for that also my 3 verses I’ve gifted you all your dead career… .. oh yea plus my royalties, we charge now so that’s about $ 150k x3 a verse.. also house rent and food when u stayed in my house in Atlanta when you were homeless.”

Source : Punch Newspaper

EFCC detains Emefiele after DSS frees ex-CBN gov

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Adamma Ikeogu

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October 27, 2023

Former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, is currently being detained in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

It has been confirmed that Emefiele, who is currently being interrogated at the National Headquarters of the anti-graft agency, Jabi, Abuja, was picked up by EFCC operatives Thursday night, less than an hour after he regained his freedom from the dungeon of the Department of State Services.

An impeccable source revealed the development to our correspondent Friday morning, noting that the EFCC is probing Emefiele over alleged impropriety during his term as the head of the apex bank.

“Yes, Emefiele is currently in our (EFCC) custody; he was arrested last night less than an hour after the DSS freed him. He’s currently being interrogated at the headquarters, as he’s being investigated for alleged misappropriation of funds amongst other things during his term as CBN governor,” the source noted.

Source : Punch Newspaper

Why Supreme Court Cannot Invalidate A Presidential Election Conducted By INEC- Clarke

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bvichannel1

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October 27, 2023

A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Robert Clarke has said that there will be no end to electoral litigations till the 1999 Constitution is amended.

Clarke argued the the Supreme Court cannot set aside the result of a presidential election because the constitution states that whatever the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) presents is right.

The elder statesman asserted that the 1999 Constitution has given the electoral body too much power.

He stated this during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.

Clarke statement is coming against the backdrop of the Supreme Court judgement that upheld President Bola Tinubu’s election.

He lamented that there have been about six election petitions and the Supreme Court has never invalidated any presidential election in Nigeria.

According to Clarke, “The problem today is that the system we have, except it is rigorously looked into, we will continue for every four years to do the same thing we are doing for the next 20 years. I started with this constitution in 1999; today, 2023, there has been no difference. Every four years, we do a roundabout in trekking and come to the same point.

“We have done about six election petitions and the Supreme Court has never set aside any presidential election in Nigeria. Why should they, when the law says whatever the umpire does is by law presumed to be right?

“So, once the umpire which is INEC presents documents to the tribunal and says ‘I have done my job, these are the results, if you are not happy come and challenge me and bring your own result.

“That is what is happening. We have to make sure INEC is not given that advantage to present document and the court has no option than accept them as correct.

“For us not to come back in four years’ time to come and be talking the same thing that we are doing today, we must amend the 1999 Constitution to remove that section that says to be able to contest an election you must belong to a political party.”

Industrialist, Odunukwe Tasks Government On Prioritizing Steady Power Supply, Industrialization

By

Joseph Albert

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October 27, 2023

An industrialist and former National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Barrister Charles Odunukwe, has called on the government to prioritize steady power supply and stimulate industrialization in order to encourage local manufacturing of essential items.

Speaking on how economic policies affect lives and businesses in Nigeria and African region at large after he received “Dynamic Enterpreneur of Excellence” award from UNIZIK Business School in Awka, Chief Odunukwe, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Colonades Hotel Lagos, called for the creation of industrial hubs, as well as mentoring of youths on how to secure a better future by making good use of their individual talents.

He equally called on government to create necessary infrastructure, including sports facilities, to encourage the youths on the use of football and other sporting activities in discovering individual talents.

Chief Odunukwe noted that elsewhere, private individuals manage football club, calling on the government to give the sports sector desired attention.

On the high rate of foreign currency exchange, the industrialist blamed it on people he said are buying and storing forex because they lack faith in the local currency, adding that a single policy statement from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria can address the challenge.

Expressing delight over the award bestowed on him, Chief Odunukwe called on those who can to help in supporting the institution to achieve great feat.

Earlier in her lead paper presentation at the 2023 International Hybrid Conference organised by the UNIZIK Business School, an economic policy expert and former Vice President of the World Banks, African Region, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, said that African is in dire need of a political system and culture that will engender economic prosperity of citizens.

The one-time Nigerian Minister of Education regretted that the dominant mindset of African political leaders negates common good of the citizens, reason the continent is still lagging behind.

She, however, recommended competitive politics to help in achieving human capital development in the region, in addition to other reforms that include implementation of sound policies, strengthening of institutions, as well as focusing on quality investments that guarantee human capital development.

Also in his keynote speech, the Chairman of United Nigeria Airlines, Professor Obiora Okonkwo, represented by Professor Charles Obiora, affirmed that a peaceful political transition guarantees enhanced development that ensures that people feel the impact of democracy, and called on African leaders to make equity and accountability their watchwords in all policies and implementation actions.

Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Professor Charles Esimone, represented by former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic, Professor Frederick Odibo, noted that many African countries have passed through political transitions from colonialism to independence long enough to have broken the yoke of underdevelopment, expressing hope that the conference would help open new insights towards tackling the Nigerian and African challenge.

Also in their remarks, the host and Director of UNIZIK Business School, Professor Emma Okoye, and the Chairman of Nigeria Institute of Management, Venerable Professor Anayo Nkamnebe, said international discourse as the one organised by the UNIZIK Business School stimulates critical thinking that helps drive development, expressing hope that a blueprint will be generated at the end of the conference to inform policies that will improve governance.

Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion and Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, represented by Professor Sam Omenyi, said the theme of the conference, “Political transition and economic development: the African perspective”, is apt, especially now that there are changes in political leadership in states of African nations.

GGM Endorses The Power Of The People In The Face Of Supreme Court Injustice

By

bvichannel1

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October 27, 2023

Good Governance Ministry (GGM ) strongly condemns yesterday ruling by Supreme Court of Nigeria affirming Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the President of Nigeria. This ruling has shown the level of insensitive and injustice across the nation, and we are compelled to alert the masses and the international community that Nigeria’s Legislature and Judiciary have been hijacked by the Executive, thereby endangering the foundations of democracy and paving the way for dictatorship.

It is with great alarm that we witnessed the court’s decision legitimizing illegality and, in effect, promoting an environment of lawlessness.Supreme Court has rewarded election riggers and INEC for deliberately refusing to upload election results from the polling stations including altering of election result figures.

By endorsing the manipulated electoral process tainted with irregularities and disregarding the rule of law, the Supreme court has watered down her power as Court of last resort . With this obvious electoral injustice as approved by Supreme Court , GGM has no choice than to call for supremacy of the people; the power of the people is greater than those few people in Government.

The People will now ,more radically exercise their rights to scrutinize and assess institutions of Government and those running those institutions.This is ,therefore ,a call for mass action against bribery , corruption, injustice,bad governance, nepotism and all those things that promote backwardness.

The struggle for justice and the preservation of democratic values continues, and we stand with the people in their pursuit of a fair and just society.We must be organized to win this battle against the political buccaneers.

Anaenugwu Ndubuisi
For GGM
08104207522

Anambra Lawmaker, Akpua Sponsors Motion Calling For Action To Forestall Building Collapse

By

Joseph Albert

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October 27, 2023

The Anambra State House of Assembly, through the motion sponsored by the member representing Njikoka Two Constituency, Dr. Jude Akpua, during plenary, has passed a resolution urging Governor Chukwuma Soludo to direct the Managing Director of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, and the Chairman, Material Testing Agency in the state to ensure that buildings under construction across the sate are continuously monitored after the initial approval to ensure strict compliance with all structural regulations.

This, according to the House, is to forestall cases of building collapse in the state.

Sponsoring the motion, Dr. Akpua informed his fellow lawmakers that experts attribute the cause of incessant building collapse to use of substandard materials, non-adherence and compliance to design and structural specifications, lack of comprehensive subsoil investigation before design are done, use of quacks, among others.

He observed that negative impacts of building collapse inflict both physical injuries and death, psychological and economic losses that cause untold hardship and pain, as well as leave the victims traumatized.

Recall that recently three persons from same family in Nimo, Dr. Akpua’s constituency, lost their lives when a storey building with a pent house collapsed on them at Egbu Umuenem Otolo Nnewi while they were on electrical work in the building; still under construction.

Contributing to the motion on the floor of the House, the member representing Onitsha North Two Constituency, Honourable Pat Okafor, disclosed that strict compliance to building ethics and regulations; as provided by the relevant agencies, will ensure that structural integrity of buildings in Anambra State are of the highest standards, as access to safe and affordable buildings for Ndi Anambra is a major contributor to sustainable development.

On his part, the member representing Ayamelum Constituency, Honourable Bernard Udemezue, who called for a rigorous physical monitoring of building construction across the state by the relevant authorities, urged developers to desist from cutting corners in building construction to put an end to cases of building collapse.

Others, including the member representing Ihiala Two Constituency, Honourable Golden Ilo, and the member representing Ogbaru One Constituency, Honourable Noble Igwe, charged the concerned authorities to be alive to their responsibilities to address the ugly trend.

Speaker of the House; Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, who warned quacks to desist from building construction in the state, said anybody caught will be punished accordingly.

Soludo Aids In Serious Trouble Over Attack

By

bvichannel1

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October 25, 2023

Following the assault on a bus driver with GUO Motors by Soludo’s aide, Ossy Onuko, kingmakers and Ozo titled holders from Awka town (Where Onuko hails from), on Tuesday visited Chief Godwin Ubaka Okeke, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of G. U. O. Transport Limited.

They begged him to pardon their son, Mr. Ossy Onuko, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Awka Capital Territory Development Agency, ACTDA whose escorts attached to his office reportedly battered a driver attached to G. U. O Transport Company.

Vigilante operatives acting on behalf of Onuko and men of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC attached to his office had last Friday descended heavily on the GUO bus driver whose name was simply given as Obum at UNIZIK Temporary Site Junction, Awka for allegedly overtaking Onuko’s convoy dangerously, along the Enugu/Onitsha Expressway.

The attack with machete and reported beatings whose video went viral landed the driver in the hospital where he is currently receiving treatment.

The incident has also sparked outrage and condemnations in the public domain with the GUO Company issuing a statement calling out the Soludo administration over the attitude of his aides and threatening to take further actions to pursue justice.

The Awka kingmakers, numbering about 20, dressed in full white traditional chieftaincy regalia and led by Chief Austin Ndigwe, (Ike Obodo Awka) arrived Chief Okeke’s residential home at GRA Onitsha with a giant sized ram, drinks and kolanuts.

After introductions and exchange of pleasantries, Chief Ndigwe told Chief Okeke that the Awka Community was in his home in full capacity to plead on behalf of their son, Ossy Onuko so that justice can be tampered with mercy.

He noted that the entire Awka Community felt bad over the incident which he described as a very unfortunate one for Onuko, a young Awka citizen who has not been found wanting or associated with any social vices before now, hence the reason they decided to visit immediately to intervene and apologise on his behalf, as their son.

Specifically, Chief Ndigwe also known as Uzu Awka, disclosed that the kingmakers had already blamed Onuko their son for his action and pleaded with Chief Okeke to withhold all further actions in the matter because knowing his antecedent and pedigree, Onuko cannot withstand his wrath if he (Okeke) should be allowed to push the matter forward.

Three other cabinet chiefs including a former Deputy Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Chief Hon. Kene Molokwu also joined in appealing to Chief Okeke to forgive and forget, adding that they were even ready to offset the driver’s hospital bills .

Responding, Chief Okeke commended them for the important visit even as he condemned the resort to brigandage and molestation meted on citizens and residents of the State by government agents in the name of revenue drive.

He however informed his visitors that having retired from the company and handed over the management to his children, the matter was already beyond him as the company from Lagos office has already pushed out petition to that effect .

Chief Okeke also disclosed that the incident would have generated widespread protests and demonstrations because many interest groups both within the South-East, other parts of Nigeria and the diaspora including USA and UK were already spoiling for a showdown if not that he prevailed on all the aggrieved to sheath their swords for now.

He also warned individuals and groups against recklessness and acts of brigandage particularly when they find themselves within the corridors of power noting that such acts has adversely affected business and the economy in Anmbra State because many don’t come to Onitsha to source their goods anymore.

Chief Okeke stated that as a man of peace, he can make further sacrifices for peace to reign if government will do their own part.

“All I want in Anambra State is peace. Once the government takes care of touts and those who brutalise the citizens so that traders can operate in a free atmosphere devoid of fear, I can agree not to push this matter further.

“If this is the sacrifice I can make, my family and my company to end molestation of people in Anambra State so that people can come to Onitsha and other parts of Anambra State and buy what they want without fear of attack, then I agree,” Chief Okeke stated.

BREAKING: Tinubu approves N18bn assurance policy for fallen heroes’ families

By

Adamma Ikeogu

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October 25, 2023

President Bola Tinubu has approved N18 billion for the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements for families of fallen heroes of the Nigerian Armed Forces .

The President also assured of his administration’s continued support to the nation’s armed forces by repositioning the forces.

He said: “We owe a debt of gratitude to our gallant troops, who have risen to the challenge of securing this great nation. In appreciation of the sacrifices of the men and women of our armed forces and to underscore this government’s commitment with their welfare, I have approved the sum of N18 billion for the payment of the Group Life Assurance benefits and other entitlements to the families of service members who lost their lives in line of duty.”

Source : Nation Newspaper