Anambra State, once a region plagued by dire insecurity and underdevelopment, is now on the marble of a remarkable transformation. Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, with his innovative leadership, has laid the foundation for what could be the next African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley.

In just three years, Governor Soludo’s administration has not only addressed long-standing issues but has also set the stage for a prosperous future.

This summative exposition is just a glimpse of the multifaceted achievements of Governor Soludo, exploring how his administration has redefined governance, infrastructure, security, and economic development in Anambra State.

As many already know, Governor Soludo’s vision for Anambra is encapsulated in the ambitious African Dubai-Taiwan-Silicon Valley (ADTS) project. This vision is supported by a youthful and dynamic ‘Solution Team’ that has been instrumental in redefining governance. The administration’s focus on integrity, equity, and inclusiveness has led to significant strides in infrastructure, security, and economic development.

Governor Soludo’s mantra, “One State, One People, One Agenda,” underpins his commitment to unity and collective progress.

In terms of infrastructure, Anambra has seen a massive road and transportation revolution. Over 754 kilometres of new roads have been contracted, with 462 kilometres asphalted and completed. The state government has also rehabilitated five major water schemes, ensuring access to piped water for its residents. Additionally, the administration has embarked on a renewable energy initiative, converting over 26,000 diesel-powered streetlights to solar power. The construction of the state-of-the-art Government House complex and the remodeling and expansion of the Three Arms Zone are further strong pointers to the administration’s commitment to modernisation.

Economically, Anambra is positioning itself as a commercial and logistics hub. The establishment of the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC) and the Pharmaceutical Distribution and Manufacturing Hub are proofs of the state’s commitment to industrialisation. These projects are expected to attract significant investment and create numerous job opportunities. The administration’s focus on digitalisation, including the establishment of the Solution Innovation District (SID), is driving the growth of the tech and digital economy. The SID has trained over 30,000 people in digital skills and supported over 100 new business ideas.

Governor Soludo’s administration has prioritised security, establishing new ‘Agunechemba’ security architecture anchored in technology and the “Homeland Security Law.” This has led to a significant reduction in criminal activities, with the dismantling of over 60 criminal camps and the arrest of numerous suspects. The administration has also made significant impact in justice delivery, including the full automation of the Anambra State Judiciary System and the establishment of virtual hearing facilities in 30 High Courts and four Correctional Centres.

The Soludo administration has made significant investments in human capital, focusing on education and healthcare. The introduction of free and qualitative education has led to a remarkable increase in school enrollment. The administration has also prioritised healthcare, building new general hospitals, introducing initiatives such as free antenatal and delivery services, and the renovation and equipping of primary healthcare centres.

Environmental sustainability is a key pillar of Soludo’s administration. The state government has implemented a vigorous tree planting policy, committing to planting over 1,000,000 trees annually. The administration has also embarked on a solar revolution in the power sector, installing solar streetlights and powering government offices through solar energy sources. Efforts to control erosion and improve waste management have resulted in significant environmental improvements.

Thus far, Governor Soludo’s progressive leadership has set Anambra State on a path of sustainable growth and development. The state’s progress in just three years is a tribute to the power of dynamic leadership and strategic planning. As Anambra continues to rise, the foundations laid by Governor Soludo’s administration will undoubtedly lead to a prosperous and sustainable future for its citizens. The journey towards a livable and prosperous homeland, anchored on the mantra of "One State, One People, One Agenda" envisioned to become the African Dubai-Taiwan Silicon valley of Nigeria is fully on course!

I heartily felicitate Christians in Nigeria and worldwide as they commemorate Easter, the celebration of Jesus Christ's crucifixion and resurrection—the cornerstone of the Christian faith.

The Holy Week, which spans Palm Sunday through Holy Thursday and Good Friday and culminates in Easter Sunday, calls us to reflect deeply on the enduring values of sacrifice, redemption, love, and hope.

As President of our blessed nation, I draw inspiration from this timeless message of hope and renewal. I remain steadfast in my commitment to delivering the promise of a Renewed Hope, a better, more just, and prosperous Nigeria for all.

The recent tragic incidents and the loss of lives in some parts of our country deeply saddened me. I understand the pain and fear these incidents have caused. Let me assure you that my administration's resolve to restore peace and security remains unshakable. Forces of evil will never prevail over our country. I have given clear directives to the Armed Forces and all relevant security agencies to end insecurity decisively and without delay. With the unwavering courage and commitment of our gallant men and women in uniform, we are turning the tide and making steady progress in reclaiming peace and stability.

We are also grateful to all Nigerians for your patience and resilience as our economy begins to show encouraging signs of recovery. We understand the economic challenges many of you are facing, and we are working tirelessly to restore investor confidence, stabilise key sectors, and build an inclusive economy that serves the interests of all Nigerians.

During this Easter, we join the global Christian community in thanking God for Pope Francis's recovery. We pray that his renewed strength continues to inspire his leadership and service to humanity.

I earnestly pray that Easter's spirit fills every heart and home with renewed faith in the immense possibilities ahead of us as a nation. Just as Christ triumphed over death, so too shall our country triumph over every challenge we face. The present moment may be cloudy, but it will usher in a glorious day.

I urge all Nigerians to remain hopeful, united, and resolute in pursuing national progress. The task before us is enormous, but together, with faith and determination, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome. Our unity and resilience are our greatest strengths.

May the risen Christ bless our homes with peace and our nation with continued unity and prosperity.

Happy Easter to all my fellow Nigerians


Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
Federal Republic of Nigeria

Every student of the Bible will be presumed to be familiar with the Great Sanhedrin that can be regarded as equivalent to the modern-day Supreme Court in most countries of the world that pride themselves as subscribers to the doctrine and practice of the Rule of Law. Cases move from lower courts to the highest court in such countries, a court taken to be infallible and final! Our own thoughtful Justice Chukwudi Oputa we called Socrates drummed this into our ears when he said: “We are not final because we are infallible, but we are infallible only because we are final”. So was it in Israel at the time of the Lord Jesus Christ. There are cases that go straight to the Supreme Court if we take Nigeria as an example, matters such as States versus States or States versus the Federal Government. In Israel at the time each town was seat of Sanhedrin, a court of justice consisting of 23 members. Originally, members were a gathering of elders to settle disputes. According to records, it was established by Moses but became courts after the Jews came back from Babylonian captivity. The Great Sanhedrin based in Jerusalem had 70 members saddled with, predictably, religious affairs, then law and the state. On edge following experiences from captivity, the Great Sanhedrin members were also charged with the protection and representation of all the Jews. At its head was the High Priest who as of the time of the Lord was called Caiaphas.

Torah being the body of laws and general rules of conduct purportedly drawn principally from the Divine Revelation of the Commandments and Prohibitions to the chosen Jewish race was the “guidebook” for them. These were read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day. Of the 82 articles of the penal code, Caiaphas had 12 ready to entrap and convict at all costs the Lord Whom the priestly and political establishments had regarded as a threat to their authority, to their hold on power and influence over the people.

The Scribes and Pharisees took exception to Christ making a self-revelation of Himself and to healing on the Sabbath Day. The Lord Christ had said “I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14, 6). He healed a man who had been infirm for 38 years in Jerusalem. The man could not enter a Bethesda pool by a sheep market to bathe and be cleansed, (John 5: 2, 8, 9). He also healed the son of a nobleman sick and close to death at Capernaum (John 4:50). These took place on a Sabbath Day and the Torah fanatics took umbrage. The situation worsened when He said to them: “My Father worketh hitherto, and I work. Therefore, the Jews sought the more to kill him, because not only had He broken the sabbath, but said also that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God.” (John 5: 17-18). “Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you. The Son can do nothing of Himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever He doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise. For the Father loveth the Son and sheweth Him all things that Himself doeth: and He will shew Him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.” (John 19-20). Those who witnessed the Lord heal a man who had been blind from birth made similar remarks as those who were disturbed in the earlier cases: “This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. (John 9: 16).

These were not all; they sought to put Him on a collision course with Rome by asking Him questions about payment of taxes, “And they send unto him certain of the Pharisees and of the Herodians, to catch Him in His words. And when they were come, they say unto Him, Master, we know that thou art true, and carest for no man: for thou regardest not the person of men, but teachest the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Ceasar, or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? But He, knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, Why tempt me? Bring me a penny, that I may see it. And they brought it. And He saith unto them. Who is this image and superscription? And they said unto Him, Cesser’s. And Jesus answering said unto them, Render unto Ceasar the things that are Ceasar’s, and to God the things that are God’s. And they marvelled at Him” (Mark 12: 13-17). Drake’s Annotated Reference Bible.

Several instances to entrap the Lord. Consider also the betrayal of Judas Iscariot who had linked with the Resistant Movement to rope Him and pass Him as leader of the armed rebellious group. Part of the plot was to give Him an unforgettable reception during which He would be haled as the King of Israel. The country had long sought to throw off the yoke of Rome and the Resistant Movement thought the time to get the Lord Jesus endorse and present Him as the leader in their quest was during the Passover in Jerusalem when pilgrims in multitudes would gather. And indeed, they staged the reception that surprised the Lord. On the occasion there were cries and there was rejoicing: “Blessed is the King of Israel that cometh in the name of the Lord.”

The Lord rode on camel’s back quite all right, but these praise-singing and hailing meant absolutely nothing to Him. He had no use of earthly power. His Mission was far too sublime. It was not to enslave but to free; it was to release human beings from their errors, weaknesses and attendant guilt that hinders ascent to the luminous Kingdom of His Father that is Paradise. He could see through the plot. He headed for the Temple and in addressing the congregation among whom were the warriors who had come to do battle, said that submission to the Will of the Father was paramount and that all should love their fellowmen. He even commanded them to love their enemies. Members of the resistant movement could not believe their ears and they concluded that they had been conned by Judas. Caiaphas was lurking in the shadows in all these. Although disappointed, but convinced, however, that Judas hated his Master no end, and could still be useful. He quickly buried his disappointment and struck a deal with him to return to the Master so that when it was time to get Him, the disloyal Disciple would be able to reveal the Lord’s whereabouts.

How did the hatred of Judas arise? Hatred for Him Who had, at every turn, been overwhelming His helper with love! But Judas had his firm gaze elsewhere, on materialism. He was always disappointed at how some of the people healed and many grateful listeners deeply touched by the Lord’s address had attempted to demonstrate their gratitude by offering Him their wealth but which the Lord would not accept. His Master always rejected the gifts. Judas found this inexplicable. When they should be swimming in material comfort, Judas reasoned, murmuring, they were going about like vagrants living from hand to mouth!

The Penal Code Caiaphas had ready for reference and to invoke against the Son of God read as follows Article by Article:
1). He who knowingly and deliberately transgresses the Sabbath commandment or any other precept of the Torah is an impious person;
2). He must be warned;
3). If he does not heed the warning, and continues to offend against the Torah, he must be sentenced to death and stoned.
4). He who doubts the Divine origin of the Torah will suffer death by burning.
6). The Great Sanhedrin in the Temple of Jerusalem dispenses justice in the full authority of God. God Himself respects these judicial decisions.
13). He who rebels against the officiating clergy in Jerusalem is deserving of death.
16). He who openly utters the name of Jahveh is a blasphemer.
21). The convicted blasphemer will be stoned.
52). A pseudo-prophet is a renegade preacher who seeks by means of visions, illusions, false oracles, magic, exorcism, hallucination or genuine miracles to seduce Israel to apostasy.
55). A pseudo-prophet must be judged by the Great Sanhedrin, and be executed in Jerusalem.
76). The President of the Great Sanhedrin has the right in exceptional cases to pass over any obstructive regulations in order to put a swift and radical end to apostasy. Such an action is called the Horaath Schaah, an action according to the need of the moment.
82). Even the execution of an innocent person can serve in the maintenance of law and order, and the salvation of god’s people.

The trial of the Son of God became urgent after He raised Lazarus back to life in Bethany after Mary and Martha asked Him for help over their brother who had taken seriously ill. The act stirred up great sensation on the one hand and raised hope of the imminent coming of the Messiah on the other in the widespread belief they had harboured that the calling of dead people to life was to precede His emergence and that the liberation from Rome was in the offing. While it generated the enheartening feeling of the liberation it struck alarm in the hearts of the Jewish leaders who feared for their own power and influence being taken away. And they asked the Envoy of God: “Tell us, by what authority doest thou these things or who is he that gave thee this authority?” The leaders consisted of the High Priest, scribes and elders who also constituted the Great Sanhedrin. An urgent and special meeting was convened at the behest of Caiaphas to discuss the Lazarus situation: “What do we? For this man doeth many miracles. If we let him thus alone, all men will believe on him: and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.” (John 11, 47-48). Exploiting the confusion in the minds of his colleagues, Caiaphas convinced them that the Son of God Whom he described as troublesome and dangerous must be done away with. He referred them to Article 82 of the penal code so they could invoke it: “Even the execution of an innocent person can serve in the maintenance of law and order, and the salvation of God’s people.” “It is expedient for us, that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation perish not.”

An announcement was made for all the Jews to give information about the whereabouts of the Lord Jesus; town-criers read out the announcement by the priests in the streets of Jerusalem that the Lord Jesus of Nazareth had been sentenced to death for blasphemy by the supreme court of justice. The announcement was crafted in a way that the pilgrims and the people normally resident in Jerusalem who had only a few days hailed the Son of the Most high as the King of the Israel on whom they had pinned hopes for national liberation changed their attitude and felt that they had been deceived. Practically every who-was-who from members of the Sanhedrin to Temple priests, scribes, pharisees and Sadducees joined the crowd in their hostility. The wife of Pontious Pilate had been disturbed and she warned her husband: “Have thou nothing to do with the death of that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him.” The Jews were unrelenting. They lied against the Son of the Most High. Pilate washed off his hands. The Lord was humiliated, He carried the cross on which He was to be nailed, He was jeered…in the end He was executed like a common criminal. The Prince of Peace: the Personification of Love as the Love Arm of the Father Who had sent Him to bring the Truth to erring mankind and lay open the way back to Paradise. Until His Coming no human spirit had succeeded in getting back to Paradise. His Coming provided the keys to the Golden Gate of the Spiritual Realm more known as Paradise.

French writer Ernest Schmitt wrote: “Life-giving Word of God against dead-letter belief and intellectual sophistry. Divine Love defeated by the hatred of those whom It wished to save. The Son of God sentenced as blasphemer, because He neither could nor would deny His Origin, even at the price of His earth-life. A drama of comic dimensions, and the gravest crime that was ever committed.”

John the Apostle wrote: “In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.” (John 1, 4-5).

Up till today, a great many in Christendom do say the Son of God died for the sins of mankind with all the tribulations and humiliation He went through when it should have been: He died because of our sins. Mankind did not recognise the Son of God how much more think of protecting Him from persecution and harm. Indeed, punny human beings dared to lay hands on Him. It is revealed in higher knowledge on earth today that in not one case has it occurred in which an Envoy of God was recognized or made welcome. The Mission is always entangled in recrimination befuddled by man’s own ideas and expectations. Whether they are Prophets, Teachers of Mankind or Forerunners, from lack of recognition they had been faced with hostilities and incalculable suffering. Every time the expectation of mankind never accorded with God’s design and His Will.

There have been tremendously shaken events on earth manifesting in seven Light Manifestations over millennia. And 150 years ago today, mankind still in slumber were launched into the Age of Everlasting Testament with a most unique occurrence which will lead into the complete enthronement of the Will of God; when only what is in harmony with It shall stand no matter what it may be, man or systems—social, political or economic. The wars, chaos and confusion; political instability and economic collapse, are gales of purification and the trumpets of the proverbial World Judgment to install the new order according to His Will. We mankind are never on the alert; we are ever in slumber and the picture of the wakeful has never corresponded with the reality of God’s Will! What are these times saying to us?

“In Him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and darkness comprehended it not!”

This year’s unique Easter Festival on 18 April, 2025, has provided a most opportune time for deep reflection over the waves of the Rays of Light around us and our world.

A judge in the United States ruled on Thursday, that Alphabet’s Google illegally dominates two markets for online advertising technology.

This is another blow to the tech giant, paving the way for U.S. antitrust prosecutors to seek a breakup of its ad products.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema in Alexandria, Virginia, found Google liable for “willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power” in the markets for publisher ad servers and ad exchanges between buyers and sellers.

The ruling opens the door to another hearing to assess what steps Google needs to take to reestablish competition in those markets.

These steps may include divesting certain parts of its business in a future trial that has yet to be scheduled.

The second court ruling is that Google holds an illegal monopoly, following a similar judgment over an online search case.

Publisher ad servers are platforms that store and manage digital ad inventory.

Along with ad exchanges, the technology lets news publishers and other online content providers make money by selling ads. Those funds are the “lifeblood” of the internet, Brinkema wrote.

“In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” Brinkema wrote.

However, she wrote, antitrust enforcers failed to prove a separate claim that the company had a monopoly in advertising ad networks.

U.S. Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the ruling “a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolising the digital public square.”

“This Department of Justice will continue taking bold legal action to protect the American people from tech companies’ encroachments on free speech and free markets,” she said.

Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Lee-Anne Mulholland said Google will appeal the ruling.

“We won half of this case, and we will appeal the other half,” she said, adding that the company disagrees with the decision on its publisher tools.

“Publishers have many options and they choose Google because our ad tech tools are simple, affordable and effective.”

Google’s shares dropped by 1.4% after Thursday’s ruling. Experts previously told reporters that the tech giant’s financial hit from a loss in the case would be minimal.

The company is best known for its search engine.

The DOJ has said that Google should have to sell off at least its Google Ad Manager, which includes the company’s publisher ad server and ad exchange.

[Leadership]

A former senator representing Kaduna Central, Shehu Sani, has said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will continue to be unpopular until his policies start producing positive results. 

Sani stated this during an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today. 

He said that the president was setting a standard in Nigeria by allowing even people from the South West to criticize him.

He said, “When I stood up in the parliament to speak about the insecurity in the north, I faced serious resistance from senators from northern part of Nigeria.

“You were expected to be quite and embrace whatever it is because the president came from your region.

“Any attempt by you to raise alarm on the killings in the north or poverty in the north or the out-of-school children issue when Buhari was there, you would be reminded that you should not damage the image of the president because you come from that part of the country.

“Tinubu is embarking on a project he knows very well he will be unpopular. You either do two things: please people by doing what the people want, or to look at the future of the country where we are heading to and lose some popularity or votes for you to achieve it. Tinubu will continue to be unpopular untill the results of the reform start coming out.”

[DailyTrust]

The Senior Pastor of Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Paul Enenche, has expressed deep concern over the continued spate of killings across parts of Nigeria amid silence from those in authority.

The cleric, while addressing his congregation during a Special Service at the Glory Dome in Abuja, questioned why blood continues to flow like water in Nigeria without meaningful intervention from those in authority.

He disclosed that shortly before the service, he received a distressing phone call from a village pastor in one of the attacked communities, narrating how families were wiped out and children murdered in their sleep.

Lamenting the deteriorating state of security in the country, Enenche wondered what evil Nigerians had committed to deserve such mindless bloodshed, stressing that the silence of leaders has become more troubling than the violence itself.

According to him, “You have your farmland and some people come to uproot cassava to feed their animals, and you ask why? They waste your blood on your father’s land. What did we do in this country to warrant this?”

“Blood flowing like water in Plateau State, Benue State, and others.

“What evil did we do in this country that we have not had the solution to this matter?

“When will we have people there that will have heart for people? That will sit up and make legislation. That will eliminate the wastage of blood in this land. Why is blood flowing like water? And nobody is saying anything.”

The clergyman further described how even a former security operative recently confessed to him his fears of travelling to his own hometown due to the level of insecurity along major roads.

[DailyPost]

Do you think you know everything about your iPhone? Think again. Apple packs a ton of hidden features into every iOS update, and many of them fly under the radar.

Whether you’re a casual user or a seasoned iPhone pro, these 18 clever tips and tricks will help you unlock even more from your device.

Here are 18 things you probably didn’t know your iPhone could do

1. Identify Plants or Animals from Photos
Snap a picture, tap the Info button, and if your iPhone recognizes it, a starry icon will appear. Tap it to learn more about the plant or animal.

2. Turn Your iPhone into a White Noise Machine
Go to Settings > Accessibility > Audio & Visual > Background Sounds and choose calming options like Ocean or Rain—perfect for relaxation or putting babies to sleep.

3. Ask Siri to Read Web Pages Aloud
In Safari, say “Read this” or “I want to listen to this page.” You can also tap the Page Settings button and select Listen to Page. 

4. Schedule Text Messages
Avoid late-night sends by tapping the + icon beside your message and selecting Send Later to schedule your text for a specific date and time.

5. Lock Private Safari Tabs with Face ID
Enable Require Face ID to Unlock Private Browsing in Settings > Safari to keep prying eyes out of your browsing history.

6. Create Custom Voice-Controlled Gestures
Set up actions you can trigger with a spoken command via Settings > Accessibility > Voice Control > Commands > Create New Command.

7. Remove Backgrounds from Photos Instantly
In the Files app, tap and hold a picture, go to Quick Actions, then hit Remove Background for easy editing.

8. Select All with Two Fingers
In apps like Messages or Notes, swipe down with two fingers to quickly select multiple items at once.

9. Copy or Translate Text with Your Camera
Open the Camera, point at text, then tap the icon with three lines in a square. You can copy, translate, or share it instantly.

10. Decode Laundry-Care Symbols
Snap a pic of clothing tags and tap the Info button, then select Look Up Laundry Care to find out what each symbol means.

11. Face ID Lock for Individual Apps
Long press any app and select Require Face ID to lock it—ideal for keeping kids or snoopers out.

12. Use Guided Access to Lock into One App
Enable Guided Access in Settings > Accessibility to prevent anyone (like a child) from switching to other apps while using your phone.

13. Snap Photos Faster with Camera Shortcuts
From the lock screen, swipe left to open the Camera. Use the volume button to take photos or hold it for videos. Swipe the shutter for burst mode.

14. Limit Screen Time on Addictive Apps
In Settings > Screen Time > App Limits, set daily limits for time-wasting apps. You can customize by day if needed.

15. Move Multiple Apps at Once
In Edit Home Screen mode, drag one app, then tap others to move them all together to another page.

16. Share Wi-Fi with a QR Code
Go to the Passwords app, select your Wi-Fi network, and tap Show Network QR Code—great for Android users or large groups.

17. Record Phone Calls Natively
During a call, tap the Start Call Recording button (looks like vertical lines). A voice will confirm it’s being recorded.

18. Automatically Transcribe Voice Notes & Calls
Recorded calls and voice memos are auto-transcribed in the Notes app—perfect for interviews, lectures, or reminders.

A former Chief Magistrate in Rivers State, Ejike George, has defended his recent resignation from the state judiciary, stating that he cannot operate under the directives of a sole administrator.

George made the disclosure on Thursday night during a live interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today.

Recall that President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, and appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as the state’s sole administrator.

George said, “My reason for resignation is simply because I cannot adapt to the military style of adjudication that would be introduced by the reason of the sole administrator.

“I am simply saying that I cannot take instructions from a military administrator. I cannot.”

The former magistrate expressed discontent with the Federal Government’s decision to suspend Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu, and members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.

Tinubu, invoking Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution, claimed the suspension was necessary to halt the escalating political crisis in the state.

However, George disagreed.

“There was no crisis in Rivers State to warrant the suspension of an elected governor and his deputy, and the imposition of a military-style rule. It is not fair to the people of Rivers State,” he argued.

Ibas, who served as Nigeria’s Chief of Naval Staff between 2015 and 2021, hails from neighbouring Cross River State and was named sole administrator as part of federal efforts to restore order in Rivers State.

George, who served the Rivers State Judiciary for 16 years, maintained that judicial officers were not trained to function under military-style leadership.

“Our courts are courts of summary jurisdiction. Our proceedings are not guided by the Constitution of this country.

“That being the case, it means that I would take directives from my employer who is the Chief Judge of Rivers State.

“We, in turn, take some level of directive from the governor; that would have been the elected governor who had acted as the chief security officer of the state,” he said.

He continued, “In the entire 16 years that I served with the Rivers State Judiciary, I have taken instructions from civilian administrators. I do not know how I am going to adapt and now begin to take instructions from a military administrator. I find it very strange.”

George also challenged claims made by the Rivers State Judicial Commission that he retired voluntarily and not through resignation.

“I never faced any panel for any misconduct.

“Let them publish any report if there is one. I resigned on my own accord,” he said.

He further explained that the judiciary had not offered any training on how to operate under military oversight.

“Until that is done, I don’t know how even my colleagues would cope.

“So, for me, unfortunately, I am not the type that would keep my mouth shut. So, I decided to throw in the towel and go home and look for something else to do”, he said.

It was a day of mourning. Thursday, April 17, 2025 was exactly 200 years France imposed an evil tax on Haiti for daring to stop slavery and securing its independence. Haiti, until today, is in deep crises mainly due to the debilitating effects of that criminal tax and, interferences by Europe and the United States, US.

Haiti struck a death blow against slavery and colonialism by militarily defeating combined French and British forces after a 13-year war of liberation which began on August 21, 1791. It was initially an uneven war in which the European armies had vastly superior military advantages, and the revolt was thought a walkover. But the enslaving countries did not factor in the determination of a people to free themselves from being owned like cattle. Despite the frightening casualties of over 350,000 Black people killed in the revolt, the revolutionaries never gave up. For them, it was either victory or death. The Europeans did not concede defeat until about 75,000 of them had been killed. The British were the first to flee, abandoning their French first cousins. Then the French followed, and the heroic Haitians on January 1, 1804 declared independence.

The revolution produced some of the most brilliant fighters in world history: Toussaint Louverture, who led the revolt until his capture in 1802 and subsequent death in a French prison, and his successor, Jean-Jacques Dessalines. 

After militarily breaking the back of the Europeans, Dessalines on June 23, 1803 wrote US President Thomas Jefferson. The revolutionaries had seized a US ship, The Federal. Dessalines in releasing the ship, sent the letter through its captain, Nehemiah Barr. In it, he indirectly justified the Haitian Revolution on the basis of the US revolt against British colonialism. He also gave an update: “The people of Saint-Domingue (Haiti) tired of paying with our blood the price of our blind allegiance to a mother country that cuts her children’s throats, and following the example of the wisest nations, have thrown off the yoke of tyranny and sworn to expel the torturers. Our countryside is already purged of their sight. A few cities are still under their domination but have nothing further to offer to their avid rapacity.” He then assured Jefferson of good trade between their nations.

After independence, Dessalines the new leader declared: “It is not enough to have expelled the barbarians who have bloodied our land for two centuries … We must, with one last act of national authority, forever assure the empire of liberty in the country of our birth; we must take any hope of re-enslaving us away from the inhuman government …. In the end we must live independent or die.”

However, the sins of Haiti were not just its humiliation of European super powers by Black people employing superior military strategies and powers. For the Europeans, this first successful slave revolt was a bad example for all enslaved, colonised or oppressed peoples. The pointed lesson of the Haitian Revolution is that all oppressed people can liberate themselves no matter how powerful their oppressors.

Perhaps the greatest danger the Haitian Revolution posed to the European enslavers and colonialists was its helping to free some other colonies like Brazil, Bolivia, Venezuela, Nicaragua, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama, Costa Rica, Northern Peru and Guyana.

The Europeans were also alarmed that the Haitians planned to send liberation fighters to free Africa from the colonial masters. Dessalines had asked rhetorically: “The Blacks whose fathers are in Africa, will they have nothing? He was assassinated two years after independence.

But the Europeans would not allow Haiti breathe; France and Britain imposed a blockade making it difficult for Haiti to trade. Finally in 1825, France, with the backing of some European countries, sent a massive expedition to Haiti and, with military threat to invade the young nation, imposed a tax of 150 million francs or today’s US$105 billion. It said the tax was compensation to the French government and former French slave owners for their loss of revenue from colonialism and slavery.

The amount was three times the GDP of Haiti and the country, faced with military invasion and an economy weakened by blockade, was forced to agree. It took Haiti 122 years to pay this evil tax through French banks and the US Citibank.

The French ransom tax was paid off in 1947 leaving the Haitian economy in poor shape. But tragically, a conscienceless dictatorship backed by the Europeans took over the country ten years later. It was led by Francois Duvalier alias “Papa Doc” which not only brutalised the citizenry and stole the country blind, but also vastly increased its debts. When he died in 1971, his son, Jean-Claude Duvalier alias “Baby Doc” continued the brutal dictatorship. He ruled for 15 years until a mass revolt in February, 1986 ended his rule.

In the 29-year iron rule by the Duvaliers, 40,000 – 60,000 Haitians were killed and many more tortured and injured. To achieve this level of bestiality, the Duvalier dynasty ran its own private militia called the Tontons Macoutes. Also, hundreds of thousands fled the country.

The post-Duvalier era was not so bright. By 1990, the country used 80 per cent of its income for debt repayment. The main leader that made a difference was Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide who was elected President in December, 1990 after winning 67 per cent of the votes. He was overthrown in September 1991 for embarking on pro-poor schemes such massive education, healthcare and empowerment programmes. He was reinstated in 1994 through US pressures. He lost elections the following year but was re-elected in 2000 with 92 per cent of the votes. However, Aristide was again overthrown in a 2004 coup which he said was carried out by France and the US.

Meanwhile the centre could no longer hold in Haiti, a situation worsened by a 2010 category 7 earthquake in which 222, 570 were killed, over 300,000 injured and 1.3 million displaced.

Haitian President Jovenel Moise was on July 7, 2021 assassinated in his home by foreign mercenaries. Haiti has since degenerated into a state of lawlessness under the control of armed gangs.

There is the need for the African Union, AU, in collaboration with the Caribbean Community, CARICOM, to fund a solution.

They should also get the United Nations to resume its stabilisation mission which it has abandoned since April 13, 2017. This will be an independent force compared to Kenyan policemen backed by countries with private interests. The Haitian situation is a human, not race problem. So, all humanity should join hands in ensuring a solution.

Meanwhile, France should refund the freedom tax it started extorting from Haiti, 200 years ago. You want to see the face of a thief? Look at France.

Former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Dr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has dismissed claims by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura’s group that members of the Congress for Progressive Change, CPC, bloc of All Progressives Congress, APC, had ruled out defection and endorsed President Bola Tinubu for 2027 elections.

Malami, who spoke through his media aide, Muhammed Bello Doka, said the CPC bloc, which was former President Muhammadu Buhari’s platform, said the bloc was the only entity that could speak on whether or not it was leaving the APC and not Al-Makura’s group.

“When you say CPC bloc, one needs to know who they are referring to. Is it the likes of Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, Adamu Adamu, Masari and Faruku Adamu Aliyu who, a few months ago had been throwing Buhari under the bus, in desperate attempts to gain relevance that should decide for the bloc? Malami queried.

He described their decision as personal, with no connection with CPC bloc, adding that it was for them to gain relevance in the APC for personal benefits.

On his rumoured defection to the Social Democracy Party, SDP, Malami dismissed it as figments of the imagination of those peddling the rumour.

“Malami is a prominent figure in Nigeria, therefore, cannot defect to any party in secret, he is still in APC but in a broad consultations with different platforms. Until the consultations are over, it is premature to talk about defection or declaration of interest.”

He, however, said he remained in active politics and would make his position known when the time wast ripe to do so.

‘’Malami has right to belong to any political party and to contest any position in Kebbi State,’’ the aide said.
Recall that the former Nasarawa State governor, Al-Makura, former Katsina governor, Bello Masari, ex-Education Minister, Alhaji AdamuAdamu, along with 20 others, had after a meeting issued a communique, affirming their support for President Tinubu and his policies and programmes.

The communique had read partly: ‘’We, the undersigned leaders and committed members of the former CPC, who were part of those instrumental in the historic merger that gave birth to the APC, hereby issue this statement to clarify our unalloyed loyalty to our great party and express firm solidarity with the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

‘’Recent misleading narrative suggesting a defection or disaffection among CPC stakeholders are false, misleading and should be ignored. We remain integral to the APC and are fully aligned with its leadership.’’

Also recall that when the national Chairman of APC, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje, led party members on a courtesy visit to former President Muhammadu Buhari in Kaduna two weeks ago to plead with him to prevail on CPC members in APC not to leave the party, the ex-President told him people had the right to join any party of their choice.

[Vanguard]