Contempt: Gora threatens EFCC's Bawa, Inspector General of Police With Legal Action

 Contempt: Gora threatens EFCC's Bawa, Inspector General of Police With Legal Action

The Chief Executive Officer, (CEO) Cash Flow Abi Ltd, Dr Philemon Ibrahim Gora , has threatened to dragg the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crime Commission, (EFCC) Abdulradheed Bawa and the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba to Court if they fail to obey the recent court injuctions. 

It could be recalled that the Abuja division of the Federal High Court under Justice Ahmed Mohammed, has given permission to Gora and his financial institution, 'Cashflow Abi Network', to file a suit compelling the EFCC, its Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa and the Inspector General of Police to comply with the judgment of the court in suit No FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2018, relating to his alledged fraud case that got him incarcerated for years now.

Justice Mohammed equally granted leave to the applicants to apply for an Order of Mandamus compelling or mandating the Respondents to withdraw and or discontinue charge Nos. FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2018: FRN vs Philemon Ibrahim Gora & Anor and FCT/HC/CR/203/2018: FRN vs Philemon Ibrahim Gora & 2 Ors in that the aforesaid charges were instituted in contravention of paragraph 14 of the Terms of Settlement adopted as Judgment of this court delivered on 12th July 2013 in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/7/2013 aforesaid.

In addition, the court further granted leave to the Applicants to apply for an Order of perpetual injunction pursuant to paragraph 14 of the Terms of Settlement adopted as Judgment of this Court on 12th July 2013 restraining the Respondents their officers, servant, agents and any other person deriving authority from the Respondents from trying, continuing the trial, arresting, detaining or prosecuting the Applicants in charge Nos. FHC/ABJ/CR/77/2018 and FCT/HC/CR/203/2018 and other matters related to the aforesaid charges.

Responding to the judgement, in a press statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna on Thursday, Gora said that the court verdict is a symbol of justice for the common man.

He added that the distractions by the Anti-graft Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, (NPF) is a deliberate ploy to sabotage his efforts for empowering the less priviledge in the society.

Gora, said "Over the years , the EFCC in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, unnecesarily exerting charges upon me and my Foundation, whom by every standard had meet up what is required to stay in Business.

“We therefore concluded that this is not an anti corruption driven case and cannot be part of the moves aimed at fighting corruption or attack fraudulent activity in the Nigeria economy and financial sector but a witch-hunt on the personality of Dr Gora

 “It is simply a pure malicious and politically motivated prosecution , keeping me under EFCC locked for more than 2years without bail, it's  aimed at undermining my humble background and the  humanitarian services, we are offering to the society"

"Those behind my long suffering and calculated incarceration will definitely meet the wrath of God in this lifetime. God has always fought my battles. No matter how much  fabricated mischiefs, will not and cannot stand the test of justice.”

The Humanitarian also backed the Governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, said "just recently , the Kogi state government accused the EFCC boss, Abdulrasheed Bawa , that no matter how his godfathers tried to shield him from facing the consequences of disobeying court order, he must join others in the correctional centre to be purged of contempt.

"They described why the EFCC’s laughable excuse for not obeying a court order that committed him to prison for contempt, which the Commission gave at a press conference in Abuja , the Kogi state government noted that unless his conviction was set aside or vacated by the Court or a higher court, he remained a convict.

"We also noted that anytime we try to insist in the empowering program by doing the right thing and why we stand on doing the  right thing, the system will always come after us. This is another case of desperation to fight Dr. Philemon Gora, because of his stance on reducing the gab between the extremely rich class and the helpless poor masses. 

"The fact remained that hence Bawa, had allegedly “been found to be a vindictive tormentor of the innocent and a hater of justice, we expect that ,he should comply with the judicial system otherwise, these are enough to make over 60,000 clients of Cash flow , for an unending protest!”

"We advice that Bawa, should stay on the lane of social justice and fight against corruption in the best way of international practices and not  breach human rights at will and whose human rights credentials seems questionable"

Rigging now beyond ballot snatching, says CALPED Founder at post election retreat

 

..Discussants  identity causes of vote buying, other electoral challenges

By Editor

Founder of Coalition of Association for Leadership, Peace, Empowerment and Development (CALPED), Yusuf Goje has said that  rigging and other forms of malpractice during election has gone beyond ballot snatching, as politicians now resort to using of cutting edge technology and sophisticated processes.

Goje made this known at a 1-day Post-Election Dialogue, organized by Gidan Yanci Fellows in partnership with YandyTech Community and Governance for All Initiative. The objective of the retreat was to reflect on the electoral process, identify areas of improvement, and explore strategies for enhancing transparency and inclusivity in future elections.

He said politicians of this dispensation are not only snatching ballots, but now adopting the use of Big Data Scientific  Schemes to manipulation electoral outcomes. 

Goje who was asked by  moderator of the dialogue, Mubarak Abdulganiyu Al-Ameer, who are those involved in rigging and he responded that "rigging  has gone beyond ballot snatching.. It is about data science. And this are new manifestations in system. People would now rather use such sophisticated technology to rig elections than help the society.

"Rigging exposes the values we stand for as country as society. Until we go back to our communities to change the value is when electoral processes will be free and fair."

According to Goje, corruptipn and rigging works in tandem , hence,  corruption is not peculiar  to political spheres alone, but anywhere people find themselves they want to cut corners.

He explained that " We can get our values right by adopting the  system thinking method. First, by looking at what is happening then identity course  of rigging, then proffer solution as trend emerges.  People rig election to have access to pull of resources for their own benefit. And until such mentally is uprootedthen this will persist."

Another discussant, Mohammed Abubakar, Northwest Lead, FollowTheMoney noted that there are numerous flaws with the BVAS machine provided by INEC for verification of voters, calling on the commission to reconfigure and re-train handlers of the machine before the next election.

 "BVAS in some poling units didn't work. ..Results are uploaded on IREV portals  inconsistently and many errors were recorded. There is need for more training for INEC  staff, so that they would be conversant with tools used for conducting  election," Abubakar stressed. 

Similarly, Yusha’u Abubakar Executive Director, eCAPH who was also a participant at the retreat pointed out that  some irregularities were reported regarding the use of BVAS machine in the just concluded elections, as "pictures uploaded on IREV are tampered with."

On delivery of good governance, the Director of eCAPH  urged community members to cultivate the habit of holding  their  representatives accountable once elected into office. He said they should "work collectively to ensure they are accountable by making them sign an undertaken which will be presented to them upon  assumption of office."

Meanwhile, Grace Hosea, Fellow, Gidan Yanci & Founder, Governance for All Initiative who is also a discussant at the event warned Nigerians against selling their votes, as she noted that "selling votes has consequncies in future."

Hosea then concluded by harping on "the  need to engage people in capacity buiding and sensitization on election. There is also the need to train people and get them educated so that they can hold their electorates accountable. There is need to also mentor young people, especially those that have intrest in politics so that they get it right at first instance."

My administration has no place for corruption, laziness - Kebbi Governor

 

By Editor

Kebbi State Governor, Comrade Dr Nasir Idris has said that there would be no place for corruption and laziness in his administration.

The governor made this known in statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, (CPS) Mr  Ahmed Idris. 

According to the CPS, the governor  during the swearing of the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service and the  Chief of Staff said his administration is  ready to work with hardworking and committed people. 

The CPS added that governor Idris  administration has commenced work fully to fulfill his campaign promises to people of kebbi State.

"My mission is to deliver our campaign promises to people of kebbi State," he said.He urged the newly sworn in principal officers not to compromised with any lazy workers as he is ready to work for the people of the state.

"I'm ready  to work and succeed.  I want you people to be committed to work. From today work has commenced"  he said. 

Responding, the new Secretary to the state government on behalf other appointees thanked the Governor and assured him of good their committement.

Kebbi governor mourns as ex-Minister Malami loses younger brother

 By Reporter

Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris has mourned the demise of the immediate younger brother to the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the federation, Abubakar chika Mallami, SAN. 

 Governor Idris who attended the funeral funeral prayer of the former minister's brother Dr. Zubairu Mallami described the deceased as a hard working man. 

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Ahmed Idris, he said the  deceased, Dr. Zubairu Mallami, who worked with the Kebbi State Secondary Schools Management Board passed on after a brief illness.

While expressing sympathy over the dead, the Governor described the deceased as an honest gentleman who contributed emmensely to the success of the state. 

"Governor Idris prayed to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and make Aljannatul Firdaus his final home. 

"Late Zubairu died at the age of 55 years and left behind one wife and five children," the CPS said.

APC N'West youth leader wants Akpabio to support Barau as Senate president

 

From Editor

The youth leader of  All Progressives Congress (APC) in Northwest, Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd   has appealed to  Senator Godswill Akpabio and others in the contest for the senate presidency race to support  Senator  Barau Jibrin in becoming the next senate president. 

He described Jibrin as an exemplary leader who will carry everyone in the hallowed chamber along in his decision making. 

In a statement  by the Moh'd, he particularly urged Senator Akpabio to work with Jibrin as his "deputy", noting that "Jibrin as long term serving lawmaker is more well rounded and experienced."

He explained that "Jibrin will be a 4-term senator, compared to majority of the first and second term senators who allegedly want protocols reviewed to suite their ambition of becoming the  next leader of the senate. 

According to him, prior to Jibrin's presence in the senate, he has being a legislator and well versed and experienced. Jibrin has brought 

Moh'd called on the APC party leadership and president-elect, Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu to prevail on the matter by galvanizing supports for senator Jibrin as  he said "Jibrin deserves to be the next senate president because the lawmaker has for long being committed to betterment of the country and has always put the interests of the people first. 

"Senator Barau is a man with transparency, integrity, and honesty  in his dealings with others. The  lawmaker is diplomatic and can handle the multifaceted future  challenges  in the senate. He will carry everyone along in decison making as senate president.

"On collaboration, Barau, as senate president, will work with other senators to achieve common goals of further development of the country,"Moh'd said.  

Senate President: Nigeria need Barau's wealth of experience --APC N'West youth

 

By Editor

The youth leader All Progressives Congress,( APC)  from Northwest, Abdulhamid Umar Moh'd has said that  senator Barau Jibrin's wealth of experience  is needed to navigate the senate and the country affairs. 

While noting that senator Jibrin has sponsored important bills in the hallowed chamber that were already passed into law, Moh'd also maintained his confidence in the lawmakers good decision making and diplomatic capabilities, which he claimed would help in bringing more transformation and development to the country. 

 " I'm sure he (Jibrin) will be one of the finest senate president to ever lead the hallowed chamber. Barau should be the next senate president owing to the wealth of experience he has as a long-term  lawmaker and his contribution to the success of the APC in northwest.

"He has all the leadership qualities required to lead a dynamic and diverse hallowed chamber like the National Assembly," he said.

He also recalled that  senator Jibrin secured over 200,000 votes to ensure Tinubu's victory in kano in the last election and as such, "the best way to compensate the competent senator is by making him the next senate president."

The youth leader added that Jibrin will  leverage his versatility and experience as the longest-serving senator from the Northwest region to help the country.

Moh'd his  statement  however said  having  examined the credentials of all the candidates aspiring  for  senate president from  northwest, Barau is  most suitable to be the next President of the Nigerian Senate. 

While noting that his office is aware of the several plots by regionalist political actors seeking to place their respective zones at advantage where it is not deserved, he said "there is no doubt it is the turn of northwest to produce senate president because since 1960 to date, we never produced one. This is an opportunity for the zone to shine, considering it contributions in the previous elections."

According to him, the region's APC intregrity has stood the test of time and that was why Tinubu was able to sweep other parties in the region. 

"Official election result figures show that the North West produced highest number of votes for Tinubu which makes it the natural and legimate claimant to the number three seat.  

According to him,  Northwest showed up for Tinubu when it mattered most-- the just conlucded election by providing largest votes, the region will always continue to be the party's strong hold. 

Making Barau next senate president best for our party, Tinubu, Nigeria --APC Northwest youth

 

From Editor

The All Progressives Congress, APC Northwest Youth has said that making   senator Jibrin Barau from kano state the next senate president will be good for the interest  of the party, , the President-elect, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and the country at large.

The APC youth wing described  Barau as a lawmaker with vast experience, whose emergence as the leader of the senate  will mark the begining of progress in the Tinubu administration.

In a statement by Abdulhamid Umar  Moh'd, he said Barau will work hand in hand with president-elect, Tinubu to ensure speedy passage of bills that will  propel the  growth and development of country.

He argued that  "In as much as there is checks and balance of power, the  relationship between presidency and the  senate needs to be cordial in order to pass neccessary bills without delays and resolve issues of national importance."

He said " It is heart warming to note that Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu in history has remain someone who doesn't  make decisions based on sentiment, but rather on merit and competence. 

"Judging from the perspective  of the APC as party in terms of zoning the seat of senate president, Northwest deserves to produce the next senate president - Religious background  should not  prevent Barau Jibrin from kano to become the next senate president, as he is competent.

"The National assembly arrangement  and scheme of work is not base on  religious or ethnic  sentiment, and rather based on competence.

"Barau Jibrin from kano has all it takes to led the senate. We believe he will work hand in hand with the country led by Ahmed Tinubu to foster growth and development. In as much as there is checks and balance of power, the   relationship between presidency and the  senate needs to be cordial in order to pass neccessary bills and resolve national based issues. 

"Lets also remember that the bulk of votes coming from entire South East is not up to what kano produced to make tinubu president-elect. 

And that is why Barau deserves senate president seat He is from Kano. Highest ranking Senator (4th timer) and has given a whopping 220,000 votes for Asiwaju & APC in the last election. Nearly twice the votes we got from the entire South East zone and one third that of the South South.

"Supporting him as the next Senate President is in the best strategic interest of our party, the APC," Moh'd reiterated