An independent investigation committee set up by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has cleared the military of an allegation that it conducted forced abortions on thousands of women in the north-east.

However, the panel indicted some soldiers for setting ablaze a woman and three children in Borno state in 2016.

The incident occurred in Marte LGA of the north-eastern state.

The findings of the committee led by Abdu Aboki, a former supreme court justice, was sequel to reporting that the military forced women to have at least 10,000 abortions between 2013 and 2021.

Speaking during a presentation of the report in Abuja on Friday, Hilary Ogbonna, secretary of the panel, said the investigative committee found out that a non-governmental organisation (NGO) conducted abortions of women in north-east during the aforementioned period.

“For the abortion assault, the panel did not find evidence that the Nigerian Armed Forces committed a systematic, secret or policy driven abortions in north-east to the tune of 10,000,” Ogbonna said.

“There was no evidence before the panel to prove that.

“For smother and poison, the panel did not find the military culpable for the massacre of children, but the panel found the military culpable of infabticide and the killing of community members in a village in Marte LGA of Borno on the 16th of June 2016.

“We recieved witness testimonies of that of survivors – you will find all of these in the report.”

The panel’s secretary said they interviewed 199 witnesses to get testimonies to arrive at their findings and conclusion.

[TheCable]

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the Nigeria Police Force in some areas within the country.

This statement is about the extant case involving the officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.

The officers were accused of extorting the sum of ten million naira from a group of young Nigerians.

A statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, revealed that the money has been recovered and the officers have since been detained and subjected to an orderly room trial.

According to the statement, the IGP “maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.”

Egbetokun also mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable of extortion and abuse of power.

The IGP reassured the general public that the Nigeria Police Force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers.

[DailyPost]

A non-governmental organisation, Yiaga Africa, has alleged political parties and candidates in Ondo State have resorted to inducing voters with cash gifts and food items to secure their support ahead of next week’s governorship election.

It said its Long Term Observers  observed cases of voter inducement during campaign activities in Akure South, Ese-Odo, Ifedore, Irele, Ondo East, Ose, and Owo LGAs

The organisation alleged that leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) distributed fertilisers, rice, cassava, and maize to community leaders tasked with distributing these items within their areas of influence.

This was contained in Yiaga’s Pre-election Assessment report presented at the signing of Peace Accord in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

The report said voters turnout in Ondo State have not exceeded 40% since 2011.

It said Ondo North has a long history of high voter turnout even though Ondo Central has the highest concentration of registered voters since the conduct of the 2011 election.

According to the report,  “With the exception of the 2011 presidential election, Ondo central senatorial district has the highest case of rejected votes in all election preceding the 2020 election.

“As the election approaches, tensions between political parties are escalating, with different sides trading accusations and warnings.
“The situation underscores the need for vigilance and peaceful conduct frollm all stakeholders involved. Security agencies should take proactive measures to mitigate these risks.

“Ensuring the safety of voters, election o cials, and all other participants is paramount to upholding the integrity of the electoral process. Preventive measures must be prioritized to avert violence and ensure a peaceful election.”

[TheNation]

A group, the Nigerian Coalition of Civil Society Organisations, has called for immediate investigations into alleged sabotage against the plan to turn around the petroleum refineries in the country.

This is just as the group demanded the immediate removal from office of the Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, noting that his management of the oil industry has done more to the local refineries than good.

In a protest rally at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, on Friday, the coalition of Civil Society Organisations said policies formulated by the NNPCL to reposition the oil sector are merely profit-driven but “Obstructs local initiatives designed to support energy self-sufficiency and job creation.”

Addressing journalists at the event, the national spokesperson of the group, Segun Adebayo, asked President Bola Tinubu to caution the NNPCL leadership to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. 

He said, “Despite Nigeria’s potential to refine fuel locally, vested interests within the NNPCL continue to impose Premium Motor Spirit importation on Nigeria. This unnecessary import dependency costs Nigeria billions in foreign exchange every year, placing our economy under enormous strain. Meanwhile, the people bear the brunt of fluctuating global oil prices and currency devaluation, and this cabal profits from maintaining the status quo.

“We must hold accountable those who prioritise personal gain over national prosperity. They are frustrating the nation’s move toward self-sufficiency, ensuring that Nigeria remains exposed to the volatility of the international oil market. This is unacceptable and unsustainable for a nation as richly endowed with natural resources as ours.

“Nigerian industrialists, such as Aliko Dangote, have invested heavily in local refineries to curb Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel. The Dangote Refinery represents a transformative opportunity for energy independence and economic growth. However, instead of supporting these efforts, the cabal at the NNPCL has actively hindered local refinery operations, prioritising imported PMS and discouraging local refining. This calculated sabotage deters investors, limits job creation, and keeps Nigeria locked in economic dependency.”

“We know President Tinubu loves Nigeria and wants the best for Nigeria; hence, we urge him to caution the NNPCL leadership, led by Mele Kyari, to avoid policies that could lead Nigeria into further economic crises. The President should immediately authorise an investigation into this cabal’s activities within the fuel sector to uncover and expose any malicious manipulation or corruption.”

Also speaking, the national coordinator of the group, Benjamin James, called on the authorities to allow the sale of crude to local refineries in naira.

He said, “One critical policy shift we advocate for is mandating that Nigerian crude oil be sold to local refineries in naira rather than in dollars. This change would significantly reduce our foreign exchange losses, empower local businesses, and protect the naira. A shift to selling crude oil domestically in naira would also send a strong message that Nigeria is serious about prioritising its local industries and economic sovereignty.

“Such a policy will empower local investors, encourage growth in the refinery sector, create jobs, and reduce fuel prices domestically. It will strengthen Nigeria’s economy and make us more resilient to external economic pressures. The time has come for Nigeria to take ownership of its resources and ensure that our natural wealth benefits the Nigerian people rather than a select few.”

The group also called for the sack of the NNPCL’s boss, threatening to take the protest to the 36 states of the federation if their demand was not met.

“We are here today at the National Assembly to demand that our representatives stand with the Nigerian people. We call for the immediate removal of Mele Kyari from his position as the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL. His leadership has frustrated local refinery initiatives, maintained harmful policies, and upheld a system that harms the nation’s economy.

“If the government does not act, NICOCSO here today, pledge to continue this advocacy, rallying every day across the 36 States to make our voices heard. We will not stand down until this administration addresses our demands for transparency, reform, and accountability within the NNPCL. Our economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people depend on decisive action against those who hinder our path toward energy independence,” he added.

[Punch]

A FEW hours after Donald Trump proclaimed victory over Kamala Harris in the United States, US, presidential election, groups in the Caribbean and Latin America met virtually to discuss the future.

Convened by the ten-country Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America, ALBA Movimientos, the participants on the Wednesday, November, 6, 2024, focused on the on-going struggles for independence in Martinique and Guadeloupe and the implications of a second Trump presidency for independence struggles.

Martinique is the birth place of Franz Fanon, famous author of The Wretched of the Earth which became the handbook of many liberation fighters.

Guadeloupe is the butterfly-shaped six-island country with enchanting beaches, tropical rainforest and famous for its rum and sugar.

On the other hand is Western Sahara, also known as the ‘Last colony in Africa’, which has been mainly occupied by neigbouring Morocco in an attempt to re-colonise it. Trump, in one of his inexplicable acts as US President, had given Western Sahara, a land his country never owned, to Morocco. So there is the issue: what would a renewed Trump presidency try against this sovereign African country?

Then there is the issue of Puerto Rico, a US colony whose people have no voting representation in the Congress or federal government. In fact, during the Madison Square Trump rally in October 2024, a comedian, Tony Hinchcliffe, called Puerto Rico a “floating island of garbage”.

Esteli Capote of the IPRI Puerto Rican Institute of International Relations spoke about the outcome of the election and the implications of a renewed Trump presidency.

She said for Puerto Ricans the American election was a “Colonial electoral process” in which the Puerto Rican Independence Party came second. This, she said, was the first time in over two centuries the independence movement would garner such votes. Esteli said with such large amount of votes for those who want independence: “We are saying to the US that we are tired of the colonial process; we are saying we are ready to move on to independence.” She said the US had deliberately impoverished Puerto Ricans and turned them in to a heavily indebted people. She added that Puerto Rico has been consciously working with regional organisations because: “It is important for us to work with the Caribbean, to work towards Our America. We are surrounded by water (but) we touch the same sea. Without the Caribbean, there is no American continent. Unfortunately, Puerto Rico is being used to militarise not just the Americas, but other peoples. There are ten bases in Puerto Rico, not just for war, but also against countries that are progressive like Venezuela. The bases here were used for the attempted coup in Venezuela. It is important to state that Puerto Ricans have never given up on independence.”

Esteli said her people developed the slogan, ‘Puerto Rico for Puerto Ricans’ because US citizens come to displace the people. That slogan, she said, is now being expanded to: “The Caribbean for the Caribbeans” because the people are inspired by the teachings of Bolivia and Jose Marti. She talked about a dream to build a confederation of the Latin American people.

The Puerto Rican leader talked about her experience in Abuja, Nigeria in August, 2024 when the international relations think tank, the Society for International Relations Awareness, SIRA, organised an international conference to end colonialism in the world. She said its main achievement was the transformation of the conference into an international End Colonialism Movement, ECM, with the aim of uniting all colonies to end colonialism.

The Puerto Rican internationalist called on all Caribbean, Pacific and Latin American countries to encourage the establishment of ECM branches. She said organising peoples for freedom has taken a more urgent need with the re-election of Trump because in his last presidency, he issued a lot of decrees against various peoples.

Cuba, she said, has been at the forefront of the war against colonialism. So: “If we want to fight colonialism, we must also fight against the (American) blockade of Cuba.”

Daylon Roque of the ALBA Movimentos said the struggles of the Caribbeans, Latin Americans and Africans are linked.

Roque refered to the February 4, 1962 ‘Second Havana Declaration’ in which Fidel Castro emphasised that national liberation has to be for all peoples. Fidel had submitted: “What is Cuba’s history but that of Latin America’s? What is the history of Latin America but the history of Asia, Africa and Oceania? And what is the history of all these peoples but the history of the cruellest and most ruthless exploitation of the world by imperialism?”

Roque said Cuba decided to militarily intervene in Africa against the advice of the Soviet Union which showed that Cuba was not being dictated to by the former. He said Cuba is propelled by principles which is why it supports Argentina on the issue of the Malvinas which is being colonised by Britain. He said it is based on these principles that Cuba annually raises the issue of de-colonisation in the United Nations.

Alain Limery, of the National Council of Popular Committees in Martinique, said the country is monopolised by the descendants of the old slave owners. He added that the protests in Martinique are a mere symptom of the crises in the region, adding that the option is either chaos or change. He said to the people the only solution is independence. The reaction of colonial France, he added, has been to bring back its murderous riot squad which had previously committed crimes against humanity.

Limery is optimistic that a New World Order is rising, pointing out that the rise of the BRICS may well be heralding that new order.

Jean Yves Judith, of the Association of Workers and Peoples of the Caribbean, presented Guadalupe’s position. He said the French have been saying that colonialism is not a crime against humanity. He added that there is the need to have a structure that can organise the workers and peoples of Martinique and Guadalupe.

Kandis Sebro, host of the virtual conference, highlighted the on-going struggles in Martinique and Guadalupe, the push-back against neo-colonialism in the Sahel, the colonial debt crises heaped on Haiti, the principled struggles of Cuba, the teachings of Walter Rodney on underdevelopment, and the need for emancipation.

The participants said they recognise that the re-election of Trump is part of the rise of the far-right and fascist forces, so there is the need for all progressive forces to unite.

Micherline Islanda Aduel, a youth peasant leader from Haiti who has been displaced for ten years, moderated the conference. She rounded off the programme with the advice that progressive humanity needs to raise awareness against colonialism and build advocacy for freedom.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo recently reflected on his time in prison, recounting the pivotal role his late wife, Stella, played in securing his release.

Obasanjo shared these memories during the inauguration of the 250-bed Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin, Edo State’s capital.

Obasanjo was detained under General Sani Abacha’s regime for alleged coup involvement and was freed by AbdulSalam Abubakar’s administration after Abacha’s death, leading to his presidency.

His late wife, Stella Obasanjo from Edo State, championed his release and later became the first lady before passing away during his second term.

Reflecting on her dedication, the 87-year-old praised Stella’s commitment, saying, “My late wife went everywhere to ensure that I came out of prison alive. She was in Vatican City, France and other parts of the world. I had it all coming out of prison.” He added, “No amount of honour would be too much for the role she played.”

Obasanjo expressed deep gratitude for the honour given to Stella through the hospital, noting, “I had a woman who made tremendous contributions to my achievements in public life.”

Obasanjo also acknowledged Governor Godwin Obaseki’s role in the hospital project, lauding him for “starting and finishing well” in office. He further reminisced about his past work with former Governor John Odigie Oyegun, whom he described as an exceptional permanent secretary.

“With this hospital, you’re assured of first-class treatment for any ailment,” he said. “More grace to the elbows of the governor. With this kind of edifice, I can say that the governor started well and is finishing well.”

[Vanguard]

In an era where the concept of marriage is constantly being tested by modern challenges and shifting social values, it is heartwarming and inspiring to stumble upon words that remind us of the true essence of this age-old institution. Recently, Chief (Dr.) Uche Nworah, also known as Ezeudo Enugwu-Ukwuna Umunri, who is a respected brand and marketing expert, shared a profound note on his Facebook page. In it, he offered timeless advice to both married couples and those planning to embark on the journey of matrimony. His words resonated deeply with many, especially couples whose relationships are characterized by disagreements and constant conflicts.

Chief Nworah’s reflections are not just another set of clichés; rather, they are anchored in his nearly two decades of personal experience in marriage. His heartfelt note carries an underlying message of hope, endurance, and partnership, a message that every married couple can learn from.

Ezeudo begins his message with a straightforward but profound piece of advice: “Marry someone who genuinely cares about you. Marry someone who will be in the marriage for the long haul.” In a world where marriages are increasingly seen as disposable, where conflicts often lead to quick divorces rather than resolutions, Chief Nworah’s counsel is a refreshing reminder that the foundation of a lasting marriage lies in genuine care and commitment.

Couples need to understand that marriage is not a sprint but a marathon. The key to staying the course is choosing a partner who is not just physically present but also emotionally invested in the relationship. When two individuals are committed to weathering the storms together, there is little that can break their bond.

The emphasis on selecting a God-fearing, family-oriented, prayerful, hardworking, forgiving, and resourceful partner is another significant point that Ezeudo highlights. These qualities are not only crucial in sustaining a marriage but also in navigating the inevitable challenges that come with it.

When couples are guided by a shared faith and mutual respect, they can draw strength from each other in times of difficulty. Ezeudo’s note reminds us that the person you marry should not just be your partner but also your confidant, cheerleader, and rock. The journey of marriage is long, and having someone who aligns with your values and shares your vision can make all the difference.

One of the most striking parts of Chief Nworah’s message is his statement: “Wives and husbands do not come ready-made and are not manufactured in a factory to be bought off-the-shelf.” This simple yet profound metaphor encapsulates the reality of marriage. Many couples enter into marriage with unrealistic expectations, believing that their partners should be perfect or that love alone will magically smooth out all differences. The truth, as Ezeudo so eloquently points out, is that marriage is a continuous work in progress.

No partner is perfect, and neither are we. It is through the process of understanding, forgiving, and growing together that couples can build a resilient and enduring bond. This lesson is particularly relevant to those whose marriages are characterized by frequent disagreements. Rather than viewing conflicts as the end, couples should see them as opportunities to grow closer, to understand each other better, and to become more tolerant of each other’s weaknesses.

In sharing a personal anecdote, Chief Nworah provided a beautiful testament to the power of support in marriage. Reflecting on an incident where he needed financial help, he recalled how his wife promptly wired the money to him without hesitation. When he asked her why, she simply responded, “I didn’t want my husband to be put to shame.” This small yet powerful gesture speaks volumes about what a supportive and loving marriage should look like.

A successful marriage is not just about grand gestures or lavish displays of affection. It’s in the little acts of kindness, the silent sacrifices, and the unspoken understanding between two people. It’s about being each other’s backbone, especially in moments of vulnerability. When one partner is in need, the other steps in without being asked. This, as Chief Nworah’s story exemplifies, is the true essence of a partnership that lasts.

Chief Nworah’s 19 and a half years of marriage have not been devoid of challenges. Yet, his message is clear: enduring marriages are those that embrace imperfections. “Over time, God perfects your union helping you to overlook each other’s weaknesses and shortcomings,” he says. This powerful statement speaks to the divine role in nurturing and sustaining marriages.

In an era where the pressure to present perfect relationships on social media is at an all-time high, couples can feel discouraged when faced with challenges. However, the reality is that no marriage is without its ups and downs. It’s through God’s grace, patience, and mutual understanding that couples can find harmony despite their differences.

Ezeudo’s words encourage couples to focus on building each other up rather than tearing each other down. It’s a reminder that marriage is not a competition but a collaboration, where both partners bring their strengths to the table to complement each other.

Chief Nworah’s message is not just for those already married but also serves as a valuable guide for intending couples. By emphasizing the importance of choosing a partner who shares your values, is willing to put in the work, and remains committed for the long haul, he provides a blueprint for building a marriage that stands the test of time.

His note concludes with a heartfelt prayer: “May you find that one person, Amen.” This is not just a prayer for those seeking a life partner but also a wish for couples already married to rediscover th

In today’s fast-paced world, where marriages are often overshadowed by societal pressures and unrealistic expectations, Chief (Dr.) Uche Nworah’s reflections serve as a breath of fresh air. His note is a gentle but powerful reminder that marriage is not just about love; it’s about choosing to care, to support, and to grow together every day, even when it’s hard.

For couples whose marriages may be experiencing turbulence, Ezeudo’s words are a beacon of hope, a reminder that every union can be perfected over time with patience, faith, and mutual respect. The message is clear: no marriage is perfect, but with the right partner, the journey can be beautiful, rewarding, and fulfilling.

As couples reflect on these wise words from a man who has walked the marital path for nearly two decades, may they find inspiration to nurture their own relationships, to support each other unconditionally, and to grow together in love.

In a world where setbacks, criticisms, and harsh realities can easily overwhelm even the strongest of spirits, there remains a handful of individuals who, regardless of the odds, refuse to throw in the towel. Among this elite group is Donald J. Trump, the controversial yet undeniably resilient figure whose “never say die” attitude has become his defining trait. Whether you admire or detest him, there is an undeniable lesson in the sheer force of will that he embodies, a lesson from which everyone can draw inspiration.

Donald Trump’s journey has never been an easy ride. From his early ventures in real estate to his eventual emergence as a global political figure, Trump’s life has been marked by a series of challenges that would have discouraged most people. Yet, instead of retreating or succumbing to the pressures, Trump has consistently demonstrated an extraordinary ability to bounce back stronger.

One of the most glaring examples of this resilience was his 2016 presidential campaign. Initially dismissed by many as a joke or a publicity stunt, Trump faced ridicule from political pundits, opponents, and even members of his own party. Yet, against all odds, he secured the Republican nomination and went on to win the presidency in one of the most shocking upsets in American electoral history. For Trump, failure is never an option, it is simply an obstacle to be overcome.

Trump’s journey, however, did not start with the presidency. As a businessman, he faced multiple financial setbacks. He saw his companies file for bankruptcy on several occasions, most notably in the early 1990s. At that time, his flagship property, the Trump Taj Mahal, along with other ventures, was struggling to stay afloat. Many critics predicted that it was the end of Trump’s empire.

Yet, true to his tenacious nature, Trump found ways to restructure his debts, negotiate with creditors, and rebuild his brand. He never allowed financial challenges to define him. Instead, he saw them as stepping stones to future successes. In a speech reflecting on those difficult times, Trump once said, “What separates the winners from the losers is how a person reacts to each new twist of fate.” This mindset, one that embraces adversity as a tool for growth, is what sets him apart.

Despite his contentious presidency, Trump’s impact on American politics is still felt today. After losing the 2020 presidential election to Joe Biden, many assumed that Trump would quietly fade into the background. But that assumption could not have been further from the truth. Trump refused to accept defeat in the traditional sense, launching legal battles to contest the election results and continuing to rally his supporters with the slogan, “Make America Great Again.”

Trump’s refusal to accept defeat might be seen by some as obstinacy, but there is an underlying lesson of persistence and belief in one’s cause. Even with the barrage of criticisms, investigations, and legal challenges that characterized his race to the White House which he just won, Trump has remained undeterred. Instead of retreating into political obscurity, he has continued to be a formidable force within the Republican Party, and has in his resiliency ran for the presidency in 2024 and won. The message here is clear: no matter how hard life knocks you down, there is always a path forward if you are determined to find it.

While Trump’s story is uniquely American and deeply intertwined with the complexities of politics and business, the essence of his resilience is something that anyone can learn from. In our personal and professional lives, we all face challenges, failures, and moments when giving up seems like the easier option. But Trump’s story reminds us that the path to success is rarely straightforward. It is often riddled with detours, dead ends, and disappointments.

Consider how often we are quick to abandon our dreams when we encounter a single setback. The fear of failure or public ridicule can paralyze us. However, Trump’s life is a case study in the power of self-belief. He has shown time and again that criticism, no matter how intense, is no match for the unwavering belief in one’s vision.

At the heart of Trump’s tenacity is a mindset that is fixated on winning. He has often been criticized for his brash demeanor, his unwillingness to concede, and his relentless pursuit of what he believes is rightfully his. Yet, it is this unyielding spirit that has allowed him to keep going, even when the odds were overwhelmingly against him.

Trump’s “never say die” attitude is not just about refusing to accept defeat, it is about reinventing oneself in the face of adversity. It is about pushing boundaries and refusing to be limited by the expectations of others. His unrelenting drive has turned his name into a brand that is recognized globally, proving that there is no limit to what one can achieve with enough determination.

Without a doubt, Trump has bequeathed a resilience formula to humanity through which we can learn from. His resilience can be distilled into several actionable lessons that cut across believing in oneself even when others don’t. In fact, the world will often doubt your capabilities, but what matters is your belief in yourself. If you do not believe in your potential, no one else will.

In a similar vein, he has taught us that failure is not the end. In fact, Trump’s life is filled with examples of turning failures into stepping stones. View setbacks not as an end but as a chance to start over with more wisdom.

Also in a similar vein, he has taught us to stay focused on our visions.  In an era of distractions and naysayers, having a clear vision can keep you grounded. Trump’s commitment to his beliefs, whether popular or controversial, has been a key driver of his success.

Not only that, he has taught people to be relentless in pursuit of their goals. In fact, consistent effort, even in the face of adversity, is what separates those who achieve their goals from those who do not. Trump’s tireless energy, even at an age when most people are contemplating retirement, is proof that relentlessness pays off.

Also learnt from his disposition is that of being not afraid of criticism.  If Trump’s story tells us anything, it is that criticism is a sign that you are doing something impactful. Embrace it, learn from it, but do not let it deter you from your path.

It is easy to get caught up in the polarizing nature of Donald Trump’s personality and politics, but beyond the controversies lies a powerful message of resilience that everyone can relate to. In a world where failure is often feared and criticized, Trump’s example shows us that setbacks are just stepping stones to success. His “never say die” attitude is a testament to the power of grit and determination.

For those navigating personal struggles, career hurdles, or the pursuit of big dreams, Trump’s journey serves as a potent reminder that giving up should never be an option. While you may not agree with his politics, his life story is a testament to the fact that, with enough resilience, you can overcome even the most insurmountable challenges.

So, the next time you face an obstacle that seems too difficult to overcome, remember the spirit of Donald Trump. Whether you admire him or not, there is no denying that his indomitable attitude is a lesson in perseverance, one that each of us can apply in our own lives.

Professor Fidelis Oditah’s  recent interactive discussion on a wide range of issues on Arise News,  are quite engaging.  As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria,  SAN and an international legal mind,  his views on national issues cannot be disregarded.  Benjamin Disraeli,  former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom once said, “with words we govern men”.  Thus, Oditah’ s words are  important and cannot be dismissed as empty effusion lacking weight or impact.

 However,  the learned Professor’s submission on what he called  the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC’s three fundamental problems are, to say the least,  prejudicial,  unfounded and misleading.  First,  Oditah stated that  “The EFCC is often being used for settling many scores. Some are political scores, some are social scores. So, you could run away from your girlfriend and the girlfriend goes to the EFCC and the EFCC could ask you questions(sic). What has that got to do with economic crimes? That is blatant  abuse of power”(sic).

 How on earth will this kind of a scenario painted by the learned silk hold water?  The simplest argument against this kind of effusion is to challenge  Oditah to provide proofs of such  banality.  We all know that this just an idle talk because the EFCC is a serious- minded law enforcement agency.  The only worrisome aspect of such a talk is that it betrays an embarrassing lack of grasp of what the EFCC’s focus is. 

This issue of appropriate and proper focusing of the mandate of the EFCC has been a central pivot of the three- pronged agenda of the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede.  In the full glare of the entire world, while addressing members of the National Assembly in October 2023,  Olukoyede stated that the focus of every fight against corruption was to stimulate growth in the economy.  For more than a year now,  the EFCC’s boss has been consistently following this route. The review of the arrest and bail procedures of the EFCC is in line with this.  Professor Oditah is probably busy with his works as a King’s Counsel in the United Kingdom and have no time to be abreast of development in the EFCC.  Olukoyede is a lawyer of high pedigree and would not allow what the learned counsel called “ blatant abuse of power”.

The second “ fundamental problem of the EFCC”,  according to Oditah is that “The EFCC has abandoned its mandate and reduce itself to a debt- collection agency,  notwithstanding the numerous court decisions saying the EFCC must stay within the narrow confines of financial and economic crimes.  The EFCC has gone out for debt recovery”.   This submission, again, is hollow and vacuous.  The EFCC’s Establishment Act does not empower the Commission to collect debt on behalf of anyone.  The recovery the EFCC does is taking back proceeds of crime from fraudsters. Asset recovery, all over the world,  is a fundamental law enforcement and anti- corruption initiative.  As a matter of  fact,  it is the ground norm of every anti- corruption fight. To this end, Olukoyede in just one year, recovered  N248,750,049,365.52 (Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million, Forty-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira, Fifty-Two Kobo).

In foreign currencies,  recoveries of the Commission in the one year of Olukoyede’s leadership are: $105,423,190.39 (One Hundred and Five Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety Dollars, Thirty-Nine Cents); £ 53,133.64 (Fifty-Three Thousand, One Hundred and Thirty-Three Pounds, Sixty-Four Pence; €172,547.10 (One Hundred and Seventy-Two Thousand, Five Hundred and Forty-Seven Euros, Ten Cents) and many others.

Going by the quantum of these recoveries, not to talk of real estate recovered all over the country,  including shares acquired with proceeds of crime in blue- chip companies,   it is simply preposterous to reduce and ridicule asset recoveries to debt recovery.  Professor Oditah owes the EFCC and the entire nation unconditional apology in this regard. Just two days ago,  a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos granted final forfeitures of over $2million and seven princely properties in choice areas of Lagos to the Federal Government.  The assets are proceeds of crime traced to a former governor of Central Bank of Nigeria,  CBN. Do such recoveries fall into the category of debt recovery insinuation of Oditah? President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently directed that N100billion be channeled to the funding of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND and the Nigerian Consumer Credit Corporation,  CreditCorp, respectively from the monetary recoveries of the EFCC. 

Is the Professor aware of all these?  It is evident that bringing down the issue of asset recovery to the ridiculous corridor of debt recovery is deliberate caricature of an important anti- corruption framework of the government.  This is an initiative which local, regional and international agencies are commending Olukoyede and the EFCC about.   It is to be noted also that the Director of  FBI and the DG of National Crime Agency in the UK where he resides have paid cortesty visits to Olukoyede  commending him  on the feat he has attained in the fight against corruption and financial crimes and to seek more collaboration with the agency in their shared  mandate of fighting  corruption and financial crimes

The third issue Odikah raised against the EFCC, like the earlier issues,  again, lacks any firm ground of substance. Hear him:

“The EFCC itself, a number of officers are more corrupt than those they are chasing.  So,  you remember what happened to Mr Bawa, Mr Matawalle, when Mr Matawalle finished his tenure as governor of Zamfara state and he said he was invited by Mr Bawa to bring $2million so as not to be investigated. The EFCC itself has become a corrupt organisation which needs to be completely disbanded and a new body set up .  The EFCC has the resources. It does not have the ethics. The EFCC majors on minor issues, catching students and showing them as cyber criminals and so it says, it procured 1000 convictions and when you look at them they are people who have defrauded people  of 20 or 22 dollars.  That’s not the mandate. That’s the periphery. The central mandate is to ensure that the resources which are put in the hands of states are used by the states and that’s where the EFCC”

Going through all these trumped- up claims,  it is obvious that Oditah has elected to totally launch unwarranted verbal war against the Commission and its officers.  How many officers of the EFCC have been tainted with corruption allegations?  Is it acceptable to use the “ sins” of very few elements in a community to paint and taint it as a community of sinners? It should be noted that there is no law enforcement agency in the world that is not vulnerable to corrupt officers.  What is important is what the agency is doing to such elements. Olukoyede is known for his no- nonsense approach to ethical issues in the Commission. As a matter of fact,  upon assumption of duties,  he directed every officer of the Commission to declare their assets and ensure that verification of assets so declared is established.  He went ahead to name the Department of Internal Affairs as Department of Ethics and Integrity.  Beyond all these,  some erring officers of the Commission have either been shown the way out or facing trial.   In recent times,  the Commission has had cause to dismiss some officers on allegations of corruption and gross misconduct. The EFCC is self- cleansing and the Commission deserves commendation for this.

It is worrisome that a Professor of the reputation and exposure of Oditah could dismiss the Commission’s onslaught against internet fraudsters as an unserious engagement.  The damages  this genre of fraudsters are causing the nation is untold.  A crime that has a projection of $10.6trillion loss to the whole world in 2025 and Nigeria lost  more than $500million in 2022 alone,  is what Oditah derisively lampooned the EFCC about.  We have cause to be worried that those who ought to know better are either playing the Ostrich or advertising their ignorance of a major malaise confronting the nation.  Owing to the threat of cybercrimes to the development of our country,  the EFCC has held two national dialogues on it.  The recent one held few days ago at the Presidential Villa.  The Professor should know that the EFCC mandate is to investigate all financial and economic crimes  and no financial crime is small or big to be investigated in order to save the soul of the nation. It should be recalled that in recent times,  the EFCC had had cause to prosecute and file charges against  four ex- governors and some former  ministers who were found culpable by EFCC’s  investigation for looting  state treasuries. This is just to confirm that the Commission is not scared of taking up large- scale fraud’s investigations and prosecution which we shall continue to do

There is no denying the fact that the respected professor goofed in all his comments about the EFCC and his views are not reflective of the realities on ground concerning the anti- corruption fight of the government.

On a final note, we enjoin professor Oditah to get himself familiar with the works of the Commission and lend his expertise and rich experience to the nation for a more robust and fully- integrated war against corruption. We also want to advise the fourth estate of the realm not to allow their platforms to be used to cast unfounded aspersions on the good works of the EFCC.  The Commission is not averse to meaningful contributions and advise from well- meaning and reform- minded Nigerians to strengthen our processes and procedures as we continue this crusade,

**Dele Oyewale is Head,  Media & Publicity of the EFCC.