Following threats of military action by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Burkina Faso and Mali have deployed fighter jets to Niger Republic.
Burkina Faso and Mali warned that any military intervention in Niger would be considered a declaration of war against them.
ECOWAS had threatened to declare war on Niger Republic if the junta failed to reinstate the democratically elected president, Mohamed Bazoum.
However, both governments said any military intervention in Niger would destabilise the region.
A joint statement by both governments reads partly: “The disastrous consequences of a military intervention in Niger could destabilise the entire region.”
“Mali and Burkina Faso turned their commitments into concrete action by deploying warplanes to respond to any attack on Niger,” it said, noting the planes were Super Tucano fighter jets.
Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State has cautioned Simon Ekpa and his cohorts over his social media attacks and threat to life on their traditional ruler, Igwe Dr Micheal Idigo.
At a joint press briefing held at Isabanka Palace, Aguleri by Aguleri Community Assembly, traditional prime minister, members of royal cabinet, ndi Ichie and Ojiana Aguleri, the President General of Aguleri Community Assembly, Barrister Ifeanyi Iloakasia, on behalf of the community said Mr Ekpa threatened to shave the heads of Ndi Igwe Aguleri with blunt objects for visiting the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu through his solicitor, Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor to direct people against the controversial sit-at-home orders.
Barrister Iloakasia clarified that the traditional ruler of Aguleri, Igwe Dr Idigo was misidentified by Mr Ekpa for Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Aguleri, a quasi-autonomous community within the larger Aguleri community.
He stated that Igwe Idigo did not at any time visit Mazi Kanu at Abuja alone or in company of anybody, but instead that it was Eze Eri that visited the IPOB leader and addressed newsmen after the visit.
The President General, however, maintained that Eze Eri as “Aka Ji Ovo Igbo” and as a concerned stakeholder in the South East has the right to visit Mazi Kanu and to make public statements without being subjected to unwarranted insults or threats.
He explained that the press briefing was to caution Simon Ekpa and his cohorts, and to tell them that Aguleri as a community did not take their insults and threats likely.
In his remarks afterwards, Igwe Idigo, who described the security situation in the South East as regrettable, said there cannot be any meaningful development in an atmosphere of insecurity, calling on South Easterners to work together and address insecurity in the zone.
The traditional ruler also called on the federal government to show clear indications that the claims of marginalization against the South East is not justified by coming up with inclusive policies that will give the region its due recognition and for the unconditional release of Mazi Kanu who has been acquitted by a competent court of law.
In the nuanced landscape of Nigerian politics, where charisma often overshadows character, and rhetoric commonly trumps reality, the story of Tony Ejiogu stands as a compelling testament to the power of discipline, morality, and genuine commitment to public service. Born into a privileged home in southeastern Nigeria, Ejiogu’s upbringing was anything but typical of those who enjoy the benefits of wealth and status. Guided by parents who instilled in him a strong sense of ethics, discipline, and a profound understanding of his social responsibilities, he emerged as a unique figure, prepared to transform the politics of his homeland.
Tony Ejiogu’s privileged background did not lead to a life of complacency or entitlement. Instead, it became the breeding ground for an intense dedication to education, professional excellence, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of Imo State. After achieving remarkable success in the United States as a financial management and business development expert, Ejiogu made the conscious decision to return to Nigeria. This choice was driven not by personal ambition but by a deeply rooted desire to bring about meaningful change in his home state.
As the gubernatorial candidate for Imo State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Ejiogu has not merely joined the political fray but has infused it with a vision that is both practical and revolutionary. His policies, grounded in empirical research and tempered by a pragmatic approach, reflect his unique blend of global perspective and local understanding.
But more than his policies, what sets Ejiogu apart is his character. In an era where politics often seems bereft of genuine moral leadership, Ejiogu stands as a beacon of integrity, empathy, and unwavering dedication to the principles that underpin good governance.
As the gubernatorial election in Imo State looms on the horizon, the story of Tony Ejiogu is gaining national attention. He represents not merely a political choice but a philosophical shift—a transition from politics as usual to a leadership paradigm that values character, competence, and compassionate governance. This article delves into the life of Tony Ejiogu, unraveling his upbringing, his vision, his plans, and exploring why he may be the unsung hero that southeastern politics has long needed. It’s a story of a man redefining leadership and inspiring a generation to believe that true change is not only possible but within reach. It’s the story of a privileged child who chose the path of service over self-interest, and in doing so, may just change the face of politics in southeastern Nigeria.
A Privileged Birth, a Different Path
Tony Ejiogu’s birth into a privileged family in southeastern Nigeria could have written a predictable story of a life immersed in comfort and detached from the plight of the ordinary Nigerian. Yet, even from his early childhood, Ejiogu’s life was marked by lessons that transcended his social standing.
His parents, both highly educated and successful in their respective fields, ensured that their son understood the world from a perspective that extended beyond the walls of their affluent home. They taught him the importance of discipline, hard work, empathy, and most importantly, social responsibility.
Unlike many children of privilege, Ejiogu was not insulated from the struggles and realities of everyday Nigerians. His parents encouraged him to engage with his community, to learn from those less fortunate, and to cultivate a sense of duty towards the upliftment of those around him.
Educational and Professional Pursuits
Following a rigorous upbringing that blended traditional Nigerian values with a modern educational approach, Ejiogu left for the United States to pursue his higher education. He excelled at the University of Akron, Ohio. He didn’t stop there, he kept his academic pursuits blazing and soon, he earned himself a Master’s degree in Administration from Bowie State University and subsequently an MBA in Finance from the University of Maryland. His academic achievements were only the beginning of a journey that would see him rise to prominence as a business development expert, both in the United States and globally.
Yet, despite his success, the call of his homeland never waned. A desire to contribute to the progress of southeastern Nigeria continually tugged at his heart. It was a call he could not ignore.
The Return to Nigeria and a Foray into Politics
Upon his return to Nigeria, Ejiogu immediately immersed himself in the local business environment, using his expertise to foster growth and innovation. But his vision extended beyond the corporate world; he saw a political landscape that needed rejuvenation and a touch of the integrity and discipline he had been raised with.
Running for the gubernatorial position in Imo State under the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) was not a decision he took lightly. It was a conscious choice to take the principles he had learned and the expertise he had developed to a stage where they could affect real change.
His campaign has been marked by a departure from the traditional political rhetoric. Instead, it has been characterised by practical, well-researched policies aimed at education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. His approach has resonated with the people, creating a wave of optimism and belief in a new political direction.
A Man of Character in a Time of Need
But what sets Ejiogu apart, even more than his policies, is his character. In a time when Nigerian politics is often marred by corruption, opportunism, and a lack of true leadership, Ejiogu stands as a beacon of something different. His integrity, his compassion, and his unwavering commitment to the principles of good governance have marked him as a unique figure in southeastern politics.
The upcoming gubernatorial election in Imo State is more than a political contest. It’s a battle for the soul of the region, a defining moment that could herald a new era in Nigerian politics. As the nation watches, Tony Ejiogu is not just a candidate; he’s a symbol of a change that’s both necessary and within reach. He’s the unsung hero that southeastern politics may have been waiting for. His story is not just about a privileged child who chose to serve; it’s about a leader who has the potential to redefine what political leadership means in Nigeria.
A Desperate Call for Change
The political landscape of Imo State, a land rich in both cultural heritage and untapped potential, has been marred by years of mismanagement and corruption. The call for change has become a desperate cry for liberation from the shackles of underdevelopment, crime, and a lack of basic necessities that have left the people of the state disillusioned. This call needed a response, and it found its answer in Tony Ejiogu.
Tony Ejiogu: The Will of the Masses
What sets Ejiogu apart is not just his promises or policies but his embodiment of the will and aspirations of the masses. He is a leader who, by both word and action, has staked his life for the interest of the people. This is not a mere rhetoric; Ejiogu has abandoned personal wealth, comfort, and the allure of a profitable private sector career to pursue a path filled with challenges, all in the quest for the liberation of the masses.
His connection to the people of Imo State is palpable. Whether interacting with rural farmers, educators, healthcare workers, or the youth, Ejiogu’s passion for change resonates in every conversation. He has become more than a politician; he’s a symbol of hope and transformation.
A Comprehensive Vision: The 5-Point Agenda
Tony Ejiogu’s approach to governance is both unique and profound. He sees beyond the surface, understanding that the solutions required for Imo State must tackle the underlying structural and governance issues. His metaphorical statement, ‘If your house is on fire, chasing away the rodents is the least of your worries,’ captures his perspective perfectly. He sees a state that needs more than routine solutions; it needs a complete transformation.
His 5-point agenda is a roadmap for this transformation:
Governance and Transparency: A commitment to running a transparent, accountable, and efficient government. His promise to restore trust is more than a slogan; it’s a binding pact with the people of Imo State.
Education: Investing in the future by revitalising the education sector, from primary to tertiary institutions, ensuring access and quality education for all.
Healthcare: A complete overhaul of the healthcare system, focusing on accessibility, affordability, and quality care.
Agriculture and Rural Development: Leveraging the rich agricultural potential of the state, Ejiogu plans to create jobs, increase food production, and boost rural economies.
Security: A comprehensive approach to security that goes beyond mere enforcement to addressing the root causes of insecurity in the state, providing safety and peace of mind for all.
A New Era for Imo State
Ejiogu’s vision is not just a plan; it’s a movement that has captured the hearts and minds of the people. It’s a blueprint for a state that not only meets the basic needs of its citizens but thrives as a beacon of innovation, growth, and prosperity.
The story of Tony Ejiogu is the story of Imo State’s longing for a new dawn. A dawn where promises are kept, where leadership is responsive, and where the government truly serves the people. His mission is not for personal gain; it’s a selfless dedication to a cause greater than himself.
In Ejiogu, the people of Imo State have found more than a candidate; they have found a reflection of their own dreams, struggles, and aspirations. As the election draws closer, the significance of this moment in the state’s history cannot be overstated. Tony Ejiogu is not just running for office; he’s running for the soul of Imo State, carrying with him the actual will of the masses. His campaign is not about politics as usual; it’s about a transformation that will resonate for generations to come.
As November 11 approaches, the date of the gubernatorial elections, Imolites must reflect on their troubled past and make a choice that will set them on a path to prosperity. Tony Ejiogu represents a rare breed of politician, one with intellect, integrity, compassion, humility, and a clear vision for transformation.
His candidacy signifies the possibility of having a governor who possesses the cerebral content, international exposure, and verifiable track record for leadership. It’s time for a different kind of politics in Imo State. It’s time for a leader who embodies the virtues and values that people can believe in. The search for such a leader seems to have found its end in Tony Ejiogu, the APGA candidate.
The young man from Emekukwu, in Owerri zone, is on a roll. His ambition is not merely to win an election but to lead a transformation. He is determined to lift Imo State out of its present quagmire and resurrect it to greater heights.
The opportunity to change the trajectory of leadership and the fortunes of Imo State lies in the hands of its citizens. Tony Ejiogu’s emergence as a formidable candidate offers a promise of a brighter future and a restoration of pride and dignity.
In a political landscape where many leaders have faltered, Ejiogu stands tall as the unsung hero of southeastern politics, embodying a refreshing departure from the traditional political norm and offering a new dawn for Imo State.
In the words of Ejiogu himself, ‘Our house is on fire, and that is why we are where we are.’ Now, it is the time to extinguish the flames, rebuild the house, and usher in a new era under his leadership. A vote for Tony Ejiogu is a vote for integrity, vision, and progress. It is a vote for a future that Imo State so desperately needs and a duty owed to posterity. All hands must indeed be on deck for this mission.
There is no doubt that the only political party that has got no intra conflicts and infused incoherence is APGA. While other political parties were daggers swagging , welding brimstones and swords during the period leading to their guber primaries, APGA simply locked her doors, had a hearty meeting and came up with someone she believes in
The choice was unopposed. No body else procured her nomination forms as the party ensured that the most credible must get the reserved ticket. This is the arrangement that threw up Mr Anthony Ejiogu! He quietly picked the ticket and picked up the support of the teeming party population. Not a single member had a different thought. The support was undivided. The expectation is also high.
Tony Ejiogu represents the best in the venerated stable of the party that has held out as the soul of Ndigbo. APGA in Imo State has not been as lucky as she is at the moment. The 2011 swand that led to the emergence of the Richest man in Imo State keeps hunting the party. Again, the tossy deals that saw the guber ticket tucked into the breast pocket of the strong man of Isiebu, Mbano, dealt a big blow to the image of the party. And with these two backtaking deals that came in quick succession, the party vowed to stand taller in the mistakes made
When in the month of May 2023, the leadership of the party prayed and literally asked Tony Ejiogu to fly her flag in the coming Guber elections in Imo State, she has in mind, the need to “rebuild the walls ” of APGA. What was on the lips of every party man was: “APGA must get it right this time around ”
The party wanted someone who is capable of winning the elections. Tony, the 49 year old technocrat from Emekuku, has what his rivals lack. APGA studied the political climate of the state and decided to present a candidate whose life, character, background, exposure, experience and vision are not only antithetical to the norm, provisions and convention of the prevailing politics , but also a pointer to the need to replace the smearing old ways with a working formular
Tony, the APGA candidate doesn’t fit into the mold of the conventional politician. He doesn’t see himself as a politician in the strictest use of the word. He believes fully in his ability to contribute towards the redemption project in the state. He doesn’t have the money to play around with and he doesn’t have the luxury of the support base of strong and entrenched political allies. He hasn’t been long in the domain of the states political memories and as such, would easily pass as a relatively unknown face in Imo State
APGA as a party needed to prove a score. The party’s ticket wasn’t earmarked for a money bag. Again, the party wasn’t looking for a big man who would run the elections and perhaps run away with the party’s flag. APGA needed to address the old minuses and this led to the ultimate search and the eventual discovery of a young man, who is not part of the state’s problem, and who, would lead in the solutions
The choice of Tony , is the choice of APGA..The party feels fulfilled that she has finally yielded to the desires of Ndiimo by producing a sound candidate. The party is proud of Tony and feels excited with the numerous endorsements and wude-ranging acceptance he receives across the state. I am sure, Hon John Iwualla led State exco would be heaving a sigh of relief with the emergence of Mr Ejiogu. The rank and file of the party have got a bigger task in the weeks and couple of months ahead. And we are witnessing lateral expressions of love, solidarity and classy support of the party for her beloved candidate.
While other political parties are in the court to determine the legality of various primaries they conducted and the status of various claimants, APGA is already building up massive support for her consensus candidate
A Chieftain of the All Progressive Grand Alliance, APGA, and community leader in Ifitedunu, Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Vincent Udobi has called on Governor Chukwuma Soludo to sack his Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Community Affairs, Mr. Tonycollins Nwabunwanne.
Chief Udobi alleged that reinstating and recognizing Mr. Uchenna Nwoye as the President General of Ifitedunu community by the Commissioner caused about seventy percent of problems therein, which he said Governor Soludo may not be well-informed about.
He said the Commissioner’s sack will help to save the image of the state and APGA ahead of the 2025 governorship election in Anambra, insisting that Nwabunwanne would truncate Soludo’s good intentions and by extension his reelection in 2025.
Chief Udobi accused the Commissioner of fomenting troubles virtually in every community in the state
He said Nwoye had since been impeached by the community as their PG, and alleged that he, Nwoye is an ex-convict, who constitutionally was not supposed to hold any public office.
He also accused Nwoye of constructing personal shops at the community’s Nkwo market, selling them at N2.5million each, and pocketing the proceeds.
He said “The decision to impeach Nwoye as the PG of the community was reached by the entire Community and chairmen of five villages namely, Obiezie, Ugbomili ,Akwa, Umualugo and Uguala, after several attempts to draw the commissioner’s attention to the fact that Nwoye is an ex-convict.”
Udobi noted that despite presenting credible evidence of the conviction of Nwoye by a Federal High court to Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner continued to recognize Nwoye as the PG of the community, just because they are personal friends.
He said the Commissioner was blocking the truth about the issue in Ifitedunu to the governor, adding, “Nwabunwanne is acting as judge, as police, and everything in this case.
Continuing, Udobi said,”We urge Governor Soludo to investigate our complaints laid before the Commissioner, because I dont know why he( Nwabunwanne) should be defending an ex-convict who is unfit to be the PG of Ifitedunu as clearly expressed in our constitution.
“The commissioner is not an interpreter of law but a mouth piece of the executive arm of government of Prof Charles Soludo .So Nwabunwanne telling us that Nwoye who was convicted for a criminal offence but granted bail is not an ex-convict even after we have rejected him as our PG on constitutional grounds, is questionable”
“I am not against Commissioner being friend with the former PG but he can’t jeopardize the peace and development of our community in the name of friendship with Uchenna Nwoye”
“Our governor is an intelligent man. But Nwabunwanne is blocking the truth to the governor because I know that the governor will not condone all these if the truth is known to him.
“I’m calling the governor to sack Nwabunwanne now to avert the danger this Commissioner will pose to his government in future. The governor deserves a reelection because he is doing well, but Nwabunwanne is fomenting trouble in virtually every community in the state and this is not good for the governor.
On the rumour making the round that he was contesting for Igweship position of the community, Udobi, disimiss the rumour, and noted that it was not the turn of his village to man the Igweship leadership.
But in a press briefing in Awka, ASATU National President, Barrister Titus Akpu, who commended achievements of Commissioner Nwabunwanne, said most communities in the state are now calm and experiencing peace under him.
On the Ifitedunu incident, where the PG was attacked and badly injured in the public, the ASATU National President called on relevant authorities who have been petitioned over the incident to expedite actions on investigation and punish those found culpable to serve as deterrent to others.
On his part, the Commissioner, Mr. Nwabunwanne, said the call for his sack was not necessary, noting that the constitution of Ifitedunu requires that the decision to sack an elected President-General must be taken in a general meeting supported by two-third of those present.
Quoting Ifitedunu constitution Nwabunwanne said Udobi was wrong to stand against Nwoye because he is covered by the community’s constitution.
He faulted actions taken against the President-General especially when he was assaulted in the market place by thugs allegedly brought by Udobi.
Nwabunwanne called on security agencies to take action and make the necessary arrests for peace to return to the community.
Reacting also, the embattled PG, Nwoye, denied the allegations levelled against him, insisting that he remained the PG, and that the village chairmen and BOT members have no power to impeach/remove him from office, according to the constitution of Ifitedunu community.
It is political and self-incriminating to destroy billboards for reading “All eyes on the judiciary.” This is a message of patriotism dressed up for the general good, which all honourable people should identify with. Therefore, it is shocking that top officials of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCO) have been suspended and their unit disbanded following the “All eyes on the judiciary” billboards that surfaced in Abuja and a few other states.
The statement is targeted at no one and solely calls on the judiciary to exercise caution and extreme diligence in carrying out its duties because the issues at hand, particularly the presidential election petitions, are among the most divisive in the country’s electoral history.
Nobody wants to see Nigeria burn for the simple reason that the judiciary appeared callous and rendered decisions that most Nigerians could not comprehend. A judgement must not only serve justice but must also appear to have done so to be considered just.
Normally, ARCO should convey such a message as part of its social corporate responsibility. Such messages are provided by tobacco companies: “Smokers are liable to die young”; “Drink responsibly” is yet another common message of CSR, this time from Nigeria Breweries.
Some patriotic Nigerians hosted the all-eye on judicial message, which was something that ARCO should have done as CSR. But rather than praising these Nigerians, ARCO denounced the initiative as though it’s urging the judiciary to act against someone. This is untrue. The message is merely calling for judgment with justice.
Now that I think about it, Nigerians easily recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) moved accountability from itself to the judiciary. The renowned advice to “go to court” was given by Professor Mahmood Yakubu, the head of the Commission. Out of the 18 political parties that presented candidates in the 2023 presidential election, five urged their supporters to follow the INEC’s directive and headed to court.
Prof Mahmood Yakubu intentionally shifted Nigerians’ focus away from INEC and towards the courts when he advised political parties and their candidates to file lawsuits. In other words, it was INEC and its chairman who originally offered that phrase—”all eyes on the judiciary”—and Nigerians have since followed suit by focusing their attention there.
Some patriotic Nigerians had put up a few billboards here and there, repeating the same advice: “All eyes on the judiciary,” to underscore the need to trust the country’s judicial system and for the bench not to let down their guards.
We must permit the judiciary to carry out its duties and this has been the case. Aside from the lament of Her Lordship Ngozi Azinge of the Kano State Tribunal, who alerted Nigerians that she was being pursued with a sack of bribe money, the Nigerian judiciary has not complained of being tormented, let alone bothered by the unprecedented interest being displayed by some patriotic Nigerians who are urging Nigerians look up to the PEPT and Supreme Court.
I also believe that Nigerians have a right to remind the judiciary of the significance of this election. They want to remind the judiciary that this election cannot be decided by technicalities, such as making a candidate who finished fourth in a gubernatorial race the first and victor.
An obvious breach of various regulations governing political parties in Nigeria is when some persons who did not participate in party primaries are currently sitting in the national assembly. Or, lucid legal issues are obscured by a fog of technicalities. Thus, after navigating dubious smokescreens, a man gets identified as a lady.
There is a saying: “Expressio unius est exclusio alterius”, which means, “expressly mentioning one thing is explicitly excluding another”. When an existing law specifies what should be done, such as when the constitution requires that a winning candidate secure 25% of the vote in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), when the law specifies that forgery and indictment disqualify a candidate, etc., when statistics demonstrate wilful falsification of numbers recorded as votes, etc. The literary meanings of these legal and constitutional clauses as understood by ordinary Nigerians are what they are looking out for, and hoping and fervently praying there should be no judicial abracadabra to obfuscate simple issues in the so-called national interest.
The men who work in legal profession consider themselves the only learned people. The rest of us experts in learning. Fair enough! Bench as the pinnacle of the judiciary needs to educate Nigerians, who are willing to learn and have been patiently waiting and admiring the two apex courts – the Presidential Election Petitions Court and the Supreme Court – where the presidential election will ultimately be dispensed with and concluded.
You can hold Prof. Mahmood Yakubu and INEC accountable for everything that happened because they started doing a great job and gave up in the closing hours by purposefully disabling IReV as Amazon witnesses testified, and by refusing to hear petitions that were lawfully presented before it prior to the final declaration of presidential election result as allowed by the Electoral Act of 2022.
Again, if INEC and Prof Mahmood Yakubu had sought clear interpretations of the points of law from the Supreme Court even before the election, such problems wouldn’t be included in the current petitions and litigations by candidates and political parties For instance, INEC could have asked the Supreme Court for its opinion and legal position on the 25% in the FCT issue, especially after being alerted to it by a renowned Nigerian attorney, Olisa Agbakoba.
The country reached this deadlock as a result of the abdication of statutory duties by INEC. The problems relating to substantial compliance with the Electoral Act and the computation of results at various levels should be the only issues before the tribunals. But INEC’s failure to resolve critical points of law before election result declarations has now given the tribunals, particularly the PEPT and Supreme Court, additional work to do and created the anxiety heating up the polity.
Normally, the judiciary shouldn’t have any direct role in determining election outcomes. Wherever that occurs, the judiciary replaces the electorates, and it could get worse if the courts return candidates on technicalities rather than relying on the electorate’s votes. In the 2019 governorship elections, it occurred in the cases of Hope Uzodinma in Imo state and Ademola Adeleke in Osun state. Adeleke’s case was extremely pitiful. He lost simply because one of the judges hearing the case failed to act within time as required. The main factor in Hope Uzodinma’s victory was that INEC (the same INEC) failed to provide copies of annulled results in roughly 360 polling units.
This strange muddle was caused by what INEC did, which was either to upload 18,000 unreadable or blank results; to fail to upload election results in real-time from the polling units as required by Electoral Act 2022 section 64 (Procedures at Election) sub-section 4, which expressly states: “A collation officer or returning officer at an election shall collate and announce the result of an election, subject to his or her verification and confirmation that the – (a) number of accredited voters stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the number of accredited voters recorded and transmitted directly from polling units under section 47 (2) of this Act; (b) the votes stated on the collated result are correct and consistent with the votes or results recorded and transmitted directly from polling units…”
Going by such extensive provisions of the aforementioned Electoral Act, the General Election of 2023 should rank among the best in the country’s history. Prof Yakubu and INEC were confident and prepared to deliver , inspiring much confidence, until monkey hands that appeared to be human hands intervened at the last minute.
By violating its own guidelines and ignoring the Electoral Act’s explicit prescriptions, INEC acted in a manner comparable to one making the best soup possible and then adding a plate full of salt to it so that no one could taste it. That is what turned the 2023 General Election —which ought to have been the best—into the worst one ever.
Since INEC failed both itself and Nigerians, the judiciary should be the centre of attention so that it does not also fail. There is no other option or place for Nigerians to go. The judiciary is, after all, the common man’s last resort. Why, then, do some individuals get nervous when Nigerians look at the PEPT and Supreme Court in the hope of obtaining justice? Would they rather that Nigerians seek out self-help?
·Dr. Law Mefor, an Abuja-based forensic and social psychologist, is a fellow of The Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts; drlawmefor@gmail.com; Twitter: @DrlawsonMefor.
The management of the University of Calabar (UNICAL) has suspended Cyril Ndifon, the dean of the faculty of law, accused of sexual harassment.
Ndifon’s suspension was announced in a letter signed by Gabriel Egbe, the varsity’s registrar, on Thursday.
On Monday, some female students, led by Benedict Otu, the president of the Law Students Association of Nigeria (LAWSAN), staged a protest, demanding the sack of Ndifon.
The protesting students — clad in their white shirts and black skirts — were chanting “Ndifon, go! go”!
They carried placards with disturbing inscriptions. Some of the inscriptions read: “Professor Ndifon let the girls with big breasts breathe stop suffocating us”, “Enough of law school list manipulation”, and “Professor Ndifon must go for our sanity”.
On Wednesday, the authorities of the institution began a probe into the allegations against Ndifon.
Ndifon’s suspension is pending an investigation into the allegations and also effective from August 17, 2023.
“Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC.45A dated August 14, 2023, on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August, 2023,” the letter reads in part.
In the letter, the institution said Ndifon’s suspension was due to his handling of a query issued to him by the varsity’s management.
Ndifon was directed to transfer all the varsity’s property in his possession, along with his official responsibilities, before vacating his office.
The professor was also instructed to stay away from the school premises, except when responding to an invitation from the panel overseeing the investigation.
The letter reads:
UNICAL SUSPENDS DEAN OF LAW OVER VIOLATION OF EXTANT LAWS
The Management of the University of Calabar has suspended the Dean, Faculty of Law, Prof. Cyril Ndifon for alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the institution.
The suspension conveyed in a letter signed by the University Registrar, Mr. Gabriel Egbe takes effect from August 17, 2023. According to the letter, the suspension came on the heels of the Dean’s response to a query earlier
issued to him by the University Management which the Vice Chancellor was dissatisfied with.
Dissatisfied with his response, the Vice Chancellor, according to the letter, has relieved Prof. Ndifon of his position as Dean and placed him on suspension while the matter is referred to a panel that will be set-up to investigate the allegations levelled against him.
The letter reads this; “Please refer to our letter Ref UC/REG/DISC 45A dated August 14, 2023 on your alleged violation of the provisions of the extant laws and policies of the University and your response to the said letter which was dated 16th August, 2023.
“The Vice Chancellor has gone through your written representations and is not satisfied with your explanations. She has therefore directed that you should be relieved of your position as Dean, Faculty of Law and placed on suspension while the matter is referred to a panel that will be set-up to investigate these allegations.
“The relief of position as Dean, Faculty of Law and suspension from official duties takes effect from August 17, 2023, You are to hand over all University property in your possession including all official responsibilities presently handled by you to the Sub-Dean of the Faculty before vacating office.
You are to stay away from the University premises except while responding to invitation from the panel investigating these allegations”
Mr Umar Bago, the governor of Niger State, has raised concern over the activities of armed bandits in various local government areas of the state, adding that the situation is crippling farming activities in the state.
The governor made this known when the Commandant General of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Ahmed Audi, paid him a visit in the state house on Tuesday.
He said the depraved activities of the bandits, including killings, mass abductions, cattle rustling, and illegal mining have left residents at the mercy of the criminals.
Bago said, “Niger State is being referred to as the food basket of the country largely due to our largest land mass in the country, which is also suitable for agriculture and being made use by the government and large percentage of the people.
“But the growing security concern meant that our people are constantly at the mercy of bandits and other criminal elements.”
The governor, who also decried the nefarious activities of illegal miners in the state, promised to continue to work on equipping the security agencies in the state.
Also, speaking during the meeting, Mr Audi promised to further enhance the working relationship between the NSCDC and other security agencies in order to rid the state of all the criminal elements that had been terrorising it lately.
“We came around to see for ourselves, a kind of on-the-spot assessment of the security situation in Niger State and to familiarize with you.
“We hope to work on our synergy with other security agencies in the state and create better security atmosphere for people of Niger State,” he added.
On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed that a total of 36 officers lost their lives in Niger State.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided this information during a briefing where he outlined the casualties resulting from both the ambush of troops in Niger State and the subsequent crash of an evacuation helicopter on August 14, 2023.
The detailed breakdown of the casualties was presented during the biweekly briefing of the Defence Media Operations.
In response to queries about the helicopter crash’s cause, Major General Buba reiterated that an ongoing investigation is being conducted to ascertain the exact cause. He cautioned citizens against falling for terrorist propaganda and urged them to maintain their patriotic spirit.
The incident occurred when insurgents launched an ambush on troops in the Zungeru region of Niger State, resulting in the sacrifice of some courageous soldiers from the Nigerian Army.
Furthermore, a Nigerian Air Force MI-171 Helicopter, deployed for casualty evacuation purposes, crashed on Monday in the Shiroro Local Government Area (LGA) of the same state.
Aprofessor in the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom, SinemAbasi Ekong has narrated how the embattled Dean of the Faculty of Law in the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Prof. Cyril Ndifon allegedly raped her 20-year-old daughter in his office.
Prof. Ekong said Ndifon tore her daughter’s answer script during a test and subsequently used that to trick her daughter to go to his office, where he allegedly raped her twice.
SaharaReporters on Monday reported that female students of the faculty of law at the University of Calabar demanded the immediate removal of their dean, Ndifon for allegedly sexually harassing them.
This is seen in a viral video on X, formerly known as Twitter which shows the moment the predominantly female students, clad in their traditional white and black attire, protested in the school.
The angry students are seen in the video displaying placards with inscriptions like, “We are tired of sucking big ****”, “Professor Ndifon, let the girls with big breasts breathe. Stop suffocating us,” and “Enough of law school list manipulation.”
Meanwhile, a civil society organization, under the aegis Sacredhearts Gender Protective Initiative in December 2022 questioned the reinstatement and promotion of the dean who was once accused of raping a female student in his office.
Prof. Ekong’s account as obtained by SaharaReporters is as follows:
It was on August 29, a Saturday, I got an anonymous call from the Airport Police Station in Calabar.
The caller sought to know if I was the mother of (name withheld) and I said yes, he said my daughter was giving a statement at the police station. I exclaimed because the 20-year-old student had never visited the police station before let alone give statement.
The caller said she was crying when a good Samaritan saw her, asked her some questions and eventually brought her to the station. I immediately had to call my in-law in Calabar – because we are based in Akwa Ibom State – who now had to go to the station to meet with her.
He (my in-law) went there and being a medical doctor, he directed the conduct of medical examination on her. That done, I now asked my daughter to narrate to me what transpired. She told me that she was sexually assaulted by the Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Cyril Ndifon.
She said the incident happened in the dean’s office between 3 pm and 5 pm of August 29. I immediately insisted that my in-law should bring her to Akwa Ibom, it was then my husband and I sat her down to find out what actually transpired.
I must state that she is a brilliant student; you can find that out from her department. She said they had a test, incidentally it is only the law and medical students that are on campus at the moment, others had yet to return from their short holiday. So, the entire campus is quiet but it beats my imagination why a lecturer would fix a test for Saturday when there are so many empty lecture halls begging to be used during the week.
The dean may have done this to satisfy his usual and normal animalistic behaviour. She said the test was supposed to have been for one hour and he had instructed two persons to supervise it. Suddenly, he (the dean) came in and stopped the test 20 minutes before time at which time so many students were probably struggling to dot the I’s and cross the T’s. He walked straight to my daughter’s desk collected the script and tore it.
He left the torn script on her seat, so the girl collected the pieces up and put them in her bag. She left with her three friends. According to her, you will still have to pass through the faculty before leaving the building. She said as they were leaving, the dean accosted her again and asked if she still had the shredded script, she said yes. He instructed her to follow him to the general dean’s office to recopy the answers on a plane sheet, which she did.
The unsuspecting girl followed him to the general office where two people were including the dean’s secretary. The office of the dean is on the first floor of the building, according to my daughter. She said while writing in that office, the dean who had earlier gone out, came in again and instructed her to follow him to his private office on the second floor so that she could comfortably use the table.
It meant this whole thing was premeditated because if the dean was sincere, he would have used his official office space next to the secretary’s office instead of going to his private office. She said he claimed that he had some work to do also and would want to monitor the girl and my daughter had to follow him. Not up to five minutes after getting to his private office, the dean asked the young woman to kiss him, she refused. He now pretended as if all was well so that she could feel free. She continued copying.
Before she knew what was happening, he got up and tried to force my daughter to drink whiskey, she told him that she had never taken alcohol.
Now let me give you her background. She finished from the Air Force Comprehensive School in Akwa Ibom State where there is no cheating and where the students are well tutored. He now asked her how many A’s do you have?
My daughter said she has many. He now promised to increase the tally. She told him point blank that she was not interested in influencing her results. So, he now tried to force the drink, but the girl struggled. Before this time he had locked the door and kept the keys away. He now told her that he wanted to have sex with her, they started struggling. She pleaded with him that she had not eaten since morning and that she read deep into the night for the test. But he kept struggling with her. She was shouting but there was no rescue.
In the process, he removed his clothes and continued struggling and probably overpowered her after exhaustion. He forcefully removed her trousers and assaulted her. By this time, the girl attempted to run out again but the door was locked. He dragged her back and pushed her down again. Within spilt seconds he quickly dashed out after dressing hurriedly, suspecting that people would have heard, locked the doors and came back some few minutes later with a bottle of stout.
My daughter was weak and was pleading with him to allow her go that she was feeling dizzy; he had sex with her again for the second time. When he saw that she was almost becoming speechless and also fainting, he opened the door and told her to go. He offered to drop her but my daughter said no. She went down the building herself where she met one of her friends who was still waiting and was narrating her ordeal crying when a good Samaritan saw her and carried her.
This case was reported at the police station. She was taken to the police clinic for medical examination. We have reported it officially to the university authority. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. James Epoke, was sad about it and he asked us to do a letter, which we did. I asked the vice-chancellor if the dean was above the law, because I told him that I learnt this had been his stock-in-trade over the years, he said with the letter with him, he was going to take action. The thing happened on a Saturday. I called my daughter back on Sunday, we went to see the vice-chancellor on Monday but ended up seeing him on Tuesday.
I know the God of justice is alive to see me through this case. Even though this has happened, it is my prayer that this matter should set other children free. I have confidence that the university authority will handle this because the vice-chancellor gave me his word because I told him that nobody should victimise my daughter.
For those lecturers trying to protect Ndifon, if they think this action is good, may sexual assault never depart from their families. This is a traumatising experience. I never thought it will happen because my daughter is brilliant. Why did he not choose to do it with those girls who willingly go to him to beg for scores? Why my daughter who never went to him for scores?
A 70-year-old man forcefully having sex with a 20-year-old student, my daughter, who is the pride of the family, this is wicked. The pains of us, the parents, whose daughters he has molested, will hunt him forever and ever. She cried.
