Hon. Dabiri, Your Cultural Point is Well Taken, But Hon. Kemi’s Global Criticism of Nigeria Reflects the Nation’s Persistent Corruption, Human Rights Violations, Police Brutality, and Leadership Impunity — Not a Rejection of Culture and Heritage

In a recent statement, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chair of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), extended a diplomatic gesture toward Kemi Badenoch, the newly appointed Leader of the UK Conservative Party, hoping to bridge cultural ties by emphasizing her Nigerian heritage. Dabiri-Erewa’s outreach, which sought to congratulate Badenoch on her ascent to this prominent role, was undeniably rooted in a desire to maintain connections with Nigerians in the diaspora. Yet, it is important to understand that Kemi’s silence in response to this outreach does not signify a rejection of her heritage, but rather speaks to a much deeper frustration with the state of her homeland, Nigeria—a frustration that cannot be ignored by any well-meaning Nigerian, whether in the diaspora or at home.

Kemi Badenoch’s relationship with Nigeria is complex, rooted in both pride and disillusionment. Born in Wimbledon, London, to Nigerian parents, Badenoch spent significant portions of her formative years in Nigeria, the United States, and the UK. Her youth in Nigeria was marred by the harsh realities of political instability, economic mismanagement, and the slow decay of basic services that the nation’s citizens continue to suffer from today. These experiences forged her political beliefs and a deep-seated desire to see her home country achieve the prosperity and justice that should accompany its vast resources. But despite Nigeria’s bountiful natural wealth and the billions of dollars funneled in from international donors, the country has remained stagnated by pervasive corruption, human rights violations, police brutality, and a justice system that is more a tool of the powerful than an institution for fairness.

It is this disillusionment with Nigeria’s political and social systems, not a rejection of Nigerian culture, that likely informs Kemi’s decision to remain silent. As an influential British politician, Kemi Badenoch’s voice carries weight, not only within the UK but also internationally. Her career in British politics, spanning high-profile roles in the Conservative Party, highlights her ability to navigate complex political landscapes, from her technical background in IT to her rise through ministerial positions. Despite her ascent in British politics, it is Nigeria’s failure to realize its potential, largely due to the misconduct of its leaders, that draws her harshest criticism.

Badenoch’s silence in response to Dabiri-Erewa’s outreach should be viewed not as a personal affront to her Nigerian identity, but as a symbolic protest—a muted cry in response to the disheartening and increasingly inescapable reality that Nigeria’s leaders remain mired in corruption and impunity. While Dabiri-Erewa’s outreach is rooted in cultural pride, the reality is that Kemi, much like many Nigerians in the diaspora, has watched as Nigeria’s government continues to betray its people. The frustration and pain caused by these ongoing failures are not abstract—they are visceral and real.

Nigeria’s leaders, who are blessed with unimaginable wealth, both from the country’s vast oil reserves and foreign aid contributions, continue to perpetuate the suffering of the Nigerian people. The immense sums of money that pour into Nigeria from international partners, including Britain, are regularly siphoned off by corrupt officials, leaving Nigeria’s infrastructure in a state of disrepair. Basic human rights, like access to healthcare, clean water, and electricity, remain largely inaccessible to the majority of the population. Even more troubling, Nigerian leaders, such as former President Buhari and current President Tinubu, routinely travel to the UK for extended stays, often receiving healthcare treatment unavailable in their own country, while Nigerians at home die due to the absence of basic medical services. This hypocrisy—the wealth of the leaders against the suffering of the citizens—is what pains Kemi. She sees how her country is being drained by a system of governance that protects the rich and powerful, leaving the vulnerable to suffer.

This is why, despite her Nigerian roots, Kemi Badenoch has voiced her concerns about the state of her country and its leadership with blunt honesty. In her recent statements, Badenoch emphasized that while colonialism had a significant and lasting impact on Nigeria’s development, the time for using that as an excuse has passed. She agrees that the colonial legacy left a deep imprint on the Nigerian political system, but she firmly believes that contemporary Nigerian leaders must take responsibility for addressing the systemic issues that continue to plague the nation. In Badenoch’s eyes, it is not enough to simply point to the past—it is essential that Nigeria’s current leadership stop exploiting these historical grievances as a shield to justify their own failures. The responsibility for reform and development now lies squarely with the country’s leaders.

It is vital to note that Kemi’s silence in response to Dabiri-Erewa’s outreach is not an expression of hatred toward Nigeria or her Nigerian heritage. Instead, it can be interpreted as a deep and emotional response to the relentless corruption and impunity within Nigeria’s political structures. Kemi understands that the power of her voice can make a difference, and while she remains silent in this instance, her position on Nigeria’s political leadership has been crystal clear. She speaks out because she believes that the Nigerian people deserve better than the perpetual cycle of corruption, police brutality, and political impunity that continues to characterize the nation.

What should be understood from this interaction is that while NiDCOM’s efforts to connect Nigerians in the diaspora with their heritage are admirable, they should not overshadow the larger issues at play. Dabiri-Erewa’s approach, while well-meaning, is only part of the equation. The reality is that for many Nigerians abroad, including Kemi, the struggle goes beyond cultural identity—it is about Nigeria’s leadership and its failure to deliver on its promises to the people. A cultural connection, while important, cannot supersede the urgent need for governance that respects the rule of law, protects human rights, and prioritizes the needs of the people.

Moreover, it is crucial to acknowledge that while Kemi’s silence might be interpreted as cold or unresponsive, it speaks volumes. It reflects not only her sorrow over Nigeria’s continued degradation but also her frustration with the global complacency toward these issues. As a Nigerian-British leader, she carries the weight of both worlds—the cultural pride of her heritage and the moral responsibility of witnessing Nigeria’s ongoing struggle. In choosing to remain silent, she may be crying inside—tears shed for the countless Nigerians suffering at the hands of their own leaders, while their elected representatives live lives of luxury abroad.

While the outreach from NiDCOM should be appreciated, we must also recognize the deeper truths behind Kemi’s silence. She knows that no amount of cultural celebration can erase the systemic failures that continue to afflict Nigeria. Dabiri-Erewa’s efforts to congratulate Kemi on her political rise are laudable, but they must be tempered with an understanding of the larger political context—one that is shaped by deep-seated corruption, human rights abuses, and the suffering of Nigeria’s most vulnerable.

In the future, we hope that Kemi Badenoch will feel moved to acknowledge the congratulatory messages from NiDCOM, not only as a gesture of gratitude but also as a recognition of the potential for future collaboration and constructive dialogue. Her response, however, should never be seen as an obligation, but rather as a reflection of her own journey—a journey that is simultaneously one of pride in her Nigerian heritage and frustration with Nigeria’s ongoing failure to meet the needs of its people.

Let us hope that in time, Nigeria’s leaders will heed the calls for reform and accountability, embracing the responsibility to create a society where the basic needs of every citizen are met. And let us also hope that, in the future, Kemi Badenoch will see her silence give way to a more constructive dialogue—one that acknowledges the cultural ties that bind us, while also demanding the ethical leadership required to move Nigeria forward. She is a leader who has shown that change is possible, but that it requires honesty, accountability, and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths about the past, the present, and the future.

Professor John Egbeazien Oshodi, born in Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria, is an American-based police and prison scientist, forensic psychologist, public policy psychologist, and legal psychologist. He’s a government advisor on forensic-clinical psychological services in the USA and the founder of the Dr. John Egbeazien Oshodi Foundation for Psychological Health. With a significant role in introducing forensic psychology to Nigeria through N.U.C. and Nasarawa State University, he’s also a former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Psychological Association. He’s taught at esteemed institutions like Florida Memorial University, Florida International University, Nova Southeastern University, and more, and is currently an online faculty member at ISCOM University,  Weldios University and Walden University.

In recent times, social media platforms have become both the judge and jury of society’s moral compass. From trending hashtags to viral scandals, nothing escapes the unforgiving glare of the internet. Unfortunately, in this rapidly evolving digital age, we are witnessing a troubling shift where certain behaviors that should be condemned outright are instead celebrated, often by those who are perceived as influencers or “yeyebrities.”

A recent case in point is the scandal involving Baltasar Ebang Engonga, a man from Equatorial Guinea whose alleged sexual misconduct went viral. For the uninitiated, Engonga was exposed as a sexual pervert whose actions were nothing short of reprehensible. However, rather than being castigated and condemned for his Babylonic behavior, some Nigerian celebrities, who easily pass for “Yeyebrities” and some social media influencers have shockingly taken a different route: they appear to be romanticizing his exploits, turning a blind eye to the moral depravity of his actions.

Baltasar Ebang Engonga, who is no doubt a prominent figure in Equatorial Guinea and the Director General of its National Financial Investigation Agency, recently became embroiled in a scandal involving over 400 explicit videos. These videos, reportedly discovered during a corruption investigation, featured Engonga engaging in sexual acts with multiple women, including high-profile figures such as relatives of senior officials and wives of government personnel. The encounters were allegedly recorded with consent, but the scandal drew significant backlash, especially as some tapes were filmed in official spaces like his office. This controversy not only tarnished his professional reputation but also sparked outrage over the misuse of public office for personal indulgence.

It is indeed alarming that in the wake of this scandal, instead of condemning such despicable behavior, there has been a disturbing trend of celebrating it as some kind of “sexual prowess.” On various social media platforms, there are posts that glorify Engonga’s actions, with some even going as far as to suggest that he is a “ladies’ man” or that his conduct reflects a certain level of masculinity.

But what exactly is being celebrated here? This trend is symptomatic of a much larger problem: the erosion of values in our society. When deviant behavior is applauded, it sends a message that morality no longer holds a place in the collective conscience of our communities. It creates a culture where the lines between right and wrong are blurred, leaving the younger generation confused about what is acceptable and what is not.

The influence of celebrities in today’s digital world cannot be overstated. Many young people look up to these figures as role models, emulating their actions and adopting their beliefs. However, when celebrities, particularly those with significant social media followings, choose to glorify reprehensible actions, they wield their influence irresponsibly.

These “yeyebrities” are often quick to jump on the latest trend for likes, comments, and shares, without considering the consequences of their words and actions. In their bid to remain relevant, they have lost sight of the moral responsibility that comes with their influence. Instead of using their platforms to condemn vices and promote virtues, they contribute to the spread of a morally bankrupt culture that normalizes sexual perversion.

It is indeed a worrying phenomenon when people with a significant following choose to ignore the immorality of the acts themselves and instead focus on praising the offender’s so-called “prowess.” By doing so, they not only trivialize the pain of the victims but also encourage others to see such behavior as something to aspire to.

Lost in the sensationalism and eulogizing of Engonga’s actions are the real victims, the women and individuals who have suffered due to his actions. These victims are often silenced or forgotten in the rush to sensationalize the story for social media clout. In a society where victims are already hesitant to speak up due to stigma and fear of not being believed, this kind of behavior by influencers only worsens the situation.

By focusing on the perpetrator and glorifying his actions, we are effectively telling victims that their pain is insignificant. This not only discourages them from coming forward but also emboldens others to engage in similar acts, knowing that they too might be celebrated rather than condemned.

As a society, we have a collective responsibility to set boundaries and standards for acceptable behavior. We cannot afford to be passive in the face of growing moral decadence. If we choose to remain silent or worse, join in the chorus of those celebrating perversion, we are complicit in the erosion of our values.

There is nothing to admire or emulate in the actions of someone like Engonga, as sexual misconduct and perversion are not demonstrations of masculinity or strength; they are signs of weakness and moral bankruptcy. It takes no strength to prey on the vulnerable; it takes no honor to exploit others for personal gratification. What should be celebrated are acts of kindness, respect, and mutual consent in all relationships.

One might wonder how we arrived at a point where the lines between decency and depravity are so blurred. Social media plays a significant role in this, as it has become a platform where anything can be sensationalized for the sake of clicks and engagement. The need for instant fame and recognition has driven many people to say or do anything, no matter how morally repugnant.

Additionally, the rise of influencer culture has led to the unfortunate reality where people who lack depth, substance, or any meaningful achievements are placed on pedestals simply because they are popular. When these individuals are the ones shaping the narrative, it is no surprise that our societal values are in decline.

To reverse this disturbing trend, we must return to the basics of what it means to be a society governed by principles and values. First, celebrities and social media influencers must realize the immense power they wield and use it responsibly. They should be at the forefront of condemning immoral acts, not glorifying them.

Second, as a society, we need to encourage critical thinking among young people. They should not take everything they see on social media at face value. Parents, educators, and community leaders have a role to play in teaching young people the difference between right and wrong, and the importance of integrity and moral character.

In fact, it is crucial that we hold individuals accountable for their actions. This includes not only those who commit heinous acts but also those who use their influence to normalize or trivialize such behavior. The celebration of sexual perversion and misconduct must be called out for what it is: a dangerous trend that has no place in a civilized society.

The time has come for us to draw a line in the sand. We must reject the idea that sexual perversion is something to be celebrated. There is no virtue in vice, and there is nothing admirable about behavior that harms others. It is high time that we stop glorifying those who engage in such acts and instead celebrate those who uphold values that contribute to the betterment of society.

The world is watching, and the internet never forgets. If we continue down this path of celebrating depravity, we risk creating a future where moral bankruptcy becomes the norm. Let us choose instead to be champions of decency, respect, and integrity. It may not be the popular choice, but it is certainly the right one.

The outgoing Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki has alleged that the All Progressives Congress, APC, is borrowing between N2 billion and N5 billion to finance the inauguration of the new governor.

Obaseki, who disclosed this at the inauguration of 10-man caretaker committee members of the State’s PDP in Benin City on Friday, however, lamented that the outgoing government was not carried along nor invited for the inauguration.

DAILY POST reports that Senator Monday Okpebholo, the candidate of the APC, who defeated the PDP candidate, Asue Ighodalo in the September 21, 2024 governorship election in the State would be sworn-in on Tuesday, November 12, 2024.

He alleged that the incoming government has started spending the sum of almost N27 billion set aside for the payment for projects and other obligations by his administration.

“In this holiday period, they will want to spend as much money as possible to confuse the people. They are going to struggle to change their perception.

“We have almost N27 billion to pay for projects and obligations, but they have started blowing it, and they have gone to borrow money for the inauguration which is going to cost them N2 to N5 billion. That is the money they will first take from the treasury.

“They are doing an inauguration and the governor is not even invited. It is like they are starting a brand new government and a brand new state”, he said.
Speaking further, Obaseki assured the people that he would not be far away from the party as he would never leave the party but would remain to give advice.

He also assured the party’s chieftains and faithful that the party would reclaim its stolen mandate.

“We will get our stolen mandate back, for the sake of Nigeria because if we allow the APC to go with our stolen mandate, it will mark the end of democracy in Nigeria.

“This fight is not for our candidate but for the people of Nigeria and our nation’s democracy”, he added.

Also speaking, Asue Ighodalo, the party’s candidate at the September 21, 2024 governorship election, however, charged the party to be ready for a tough battle and the journey to reclaim the stolen mandate.

“We expect them to reply to our petition next week. We also have five days to reply to their petition.

“This will take us to about the 19th of November, 2024. We will then start what is called the pre-hearing before the major hearing which may start by the end of November.

“Our lawyers are working and are ready to reply to their petition. Times are hard and we are in difficult times, we should stand firm and be strong as we navigate the journey to reclaim our stolen mandate”, he stated.

Meanwhile, the State chapter of APC, had in a statement issued recently alleged that out of the N24.6 billion deposited into the Edo State Government’s account recently, a staggering N14 billion was siphoned by the outgoing government within one week.

The party also alleged that without due process to fiscal responsibility, Governor Obaseki had sought and received approval for three supplementary budgets since January 2024.

It noted the most recent of the supplementary budgets was the N450 billion allocation passed on the eve of the September 21, 2024 gubernatorial election by the State House of Assembly.

“The outgoing administration’s pursuit of multiple supplementary budgets within such a short period raises suspicions about the actual purpose behind these massive allocations.

“The total amount squandered during his tenure has reportedly neared the staggering sum of 2 trillion Naira.

“This astronomical figure demands answers. Edo people have a right to know where these resources have gone and why their future has been mortgaged by an outgoing administration that appears determined to empty the state coffers before leaving office”, the statement stated.

The head of the late Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja’s family, Pa Tajudeen Lagbaja, has expressed regret obtaining Nigerian Defence Academic (NDA) form for the deceased.

Pa Tajudeen, the younger brother of the late COAS’s father, stated that he would not have bought the form had he known it would lead to his death.

Some family members also alleged that Lt. General Lagbaja may have been killed through diabolical means due to a land dispute in his hometown.

According to TheNation, In 2023 a dispute arose in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area in Osun State, when representatives of the Nigerian Army planned to establish a hospital in the community.

Pa Tajudeen told TheNation that he initially obtained the NDA form for the late Lieutenant General.

“Everyone who is born must die. We give glory to God. The year that I obtained NDA form for him, if I had known that he would die before me, I would not have done so. I regret obtaining the form for him. But it is destiny.

“The death that killed Taoreed Lagbaja ought to take me. I took him as one of my children. We are greatly bereaved, we are sad. He constructed a borehole in his father’s compound and other places in the community.

“We can never forget him, his death is so shocking to us. I have accepted the fate, all the promises he made to me have hit a brick wall. He always gave us hope in the family, despite the sorrow, I give thanks to God,” the family head said.

[DailyTrust]

Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo has dissolved his cabinet ahead of the Nov.12  swearing-in of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as the new governor of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) reports that Obaseki who came into office on November 12, 2016 is expected to end his eight years tenure on November 12, 2024.

Obaseki dissolved the cabinet shortly after a valedictory session held at the Government House on Friday in Benin.

The motion for the dissolution of the State Executive Council for 2020-2024 was moved by his deputy, Godwins Omobayo, and was seconded by the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Osilama Okuofu.

At the valedictory session, the governor commended members of the council for helping him in driving the government’s vision of making Edo great again.

Obaseki also commended citizens of the state for supporting, praying and collaborating with his administration throughout his tenure.

Members of the cabinet  took turns to eulogise the governor and acknowledged his many achievements in various sectors.

They also commended the governor for the opportunity given to them to serve the people of the state in their various capacities.

The outgoing commissioners and Heads of Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs) also took turns to present awards and gifts to honour the governor.

The valedictory session for the outgoing state executive council climaxed with a dinner in honour of the state governor.

(NAN)

Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, appointed US-born Yechiel Leiter, an official who previously served as chief of staff in the finance ministry, as the next Israeli ambassador to the United States.

“Yechiel Leiter is a highly capable diplomat, an eloquent speaker, and possesses a deep understanding of American culture and politics,” Netanyahu said in a statement on Friday.

Leiter’s appointment came three days after Donald Trump’s election to a second term as U.S. president, celebrated by many Israelis because of his strong support for Israel.

As well as serving in the finance ministry, Leiter held positions as deputy director general in the Education Ministry and acting chairman of the Israel Ports Company.

His son was killed last year in the Gaza war against Palestinian militant group Hamas while serving with the Israeli military.

Leiter’s appointment was also welcomed by Yisrael Ganz, the head of the Yesha Council, an umbrella organisation representing councils of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a territory Palestinians want as part of a future state.

Ganz said Leiter, who lives in the Gush Etzion settlement area, was “a key partner in English-language advocacy for Judea and Samaria”, a name used by many Israelis for the West Bank, which Israel captured in the 1967 Middle East war.

AFP

Indications emerged during the week that the National Judicial Council (NJC) headed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun is set to hold a crucial meeting anytime soon to consider, among others, reports of its several committees that investigated allegations of misconducts against several serving judicial officers in the country.

The meeting which is the first quarterly meeting of the Council to be chaired by Justice Kekere-Ekun and the last for the year, barring any unforeseen event, has sparked palpable tension in the judiciary following a recent vow by the new Chief Justice that errant judicial officers would no longer be spared.

NJC is a creation of section 153 of the 1999 Constitution with statutory powers to appoint, promote and sanction errant judicial officers in the country.

A credible source close to the Council told Vanguard that a date for the meeting would be fixed as soon as the Chief Justice who is at present on an official assignment outside the country is back.

It was also learnt that the number one judicial officer in the country is not comfortable with the present perception of the third arm of government and that she is prepared to restore sanity into the system in no time.

“I can tell you that the Chief Justice is eagerly awaiting the reports of the various panels earlier constituted to probe sundry allegations of misconduct against the judicial officers to enable her act decisively on them,” the source said.

It would be recalled that between May and August 2024, a total of 22 petitions were written against 27 serving judges of both the Federal and state high courts in the country while the NJC referred all the complaints to one of its standing Committees , Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee, for consideration.

The Committee had examined each of the petitions and threw out a majority 18 on the accounts that they were either lacking in merit, abandoned by the petitioners or found to be subjudice since some of the issues raised therein were still subject to litigation either at the high courts or the appellate courts.

This is aside a separate eight panels earlier set up by the same NJC in June 2024 to investigate another set of judges for alleged judicial misconduct.

Specifically, the Council’s Preliminary Complaints Assessment Committee had examined 35 different petitions written against 33 judicial officers from both the Court of Appeal and the state high courts but found only eight to be meritorious.

Apart from the previous eight panels set up by the NJC in June, 2024 to probe judges, another four panels were also set up by the NJC on August 15, 2024 to investigate judges against whom prima facie case had been established.

By implication, there are 12 surviving petitions from 55 petitions affecting several judicial officers across the country being investigated by the various standing committees of the NJC.
Each standing panel, it was learnt, comprised a chairman and two other members of the Council.

It was also learnt that each of the 12 panels had separately forwarded copies of the petitions to the affected individual judges to defend themselves both in writing and orally.

A source privy to the procedure at the NJC told Vanguard that the affected judges were allowed to be represented by counsel of their choice.

Although, all the panels were given till penultimate Thursday, October 31, 2024 to wind up their sittings, some of the affected judges including the Chief Judge of a high court had requested for more time to adequately defend the petitions against them since the names of some of them featured in more than one petition.

But the Committees which were forced to give them additional 24 hours had reportedly told them that they did not have eternity to hear their petitions and should forward their responses if they had any.

“As soon as the Chief Justice is back in the country, the last quarterly meeting of the NJC would be fixed for the reports of the different panels investigating the affected judges to be taken.
“I think cases will be differently handled this time and I think this new CJN will recalibrate, in no time, the perception of the judiciary and its legitimacy,” the source added.

Ahead of the consideration of the reports, top lawyers in the country have been piling pressure on the National Judicial Council, NJC, regarding the latest crisis that erupted in Rivers State in the last few days arising from conflicting orders by two high court judges of coordinate jurisdiction on whether or not local council election in the state should hold on October 5, 2024
Some of the stakeholders pushing the position are respected members of the inner bar. Among them are former member of Imo State House of Assembly Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN, one-time Abia State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice Prof Awa Kalu, SAN, renowned academic Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, and respected silk Chief Samuel Jibrin Okutepa, SAN.

The lawyers who described the current practice of serving judges in the country to struggle for jurisdiction in political cases as embarrassing said that until examples are made, the integrity of the judiciary will continually wane, putting the nation’s fledgling democracy at risk.

Saturday Vanguard reports that sometimes in May, this year, under the watch of the immediate past Chief Justice Olukayode Ariwoola, three judges of coordinate jurisdiction —Justice Mohammed Liman, Justice S. Amobeda and Justice Amina Aliyu, in quick succession, similarly granted conflicting orders in Kano emirship dispute, which not only heated up the polity and scandalized the judiciary but also left the Kano emirate with two substantive emirs till date.

Both Justices Mohammed Liman and Justice S. Amobeda are serving under the Federal high court bench while Justice Amina Aliyu is of the Kano state judiciary.

Although Chief Justice Ariwoola invited the heads of the Federal high court and the Kano state high court to his Abuja office to get first-hand information on the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the embarrassing conflicting orders, Vanguard reports that none of the three judges handed off the cases until judgment while none was sanctioned.

But upon her assumption of office, the new CJN said it would not be business as usual.
However, few days after her elevation, two judges—Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja and Justice Chigozie Igwe of the Rivers State High Court, Port-Harcourt, issued conflicting orders regarding local council elections that recently held in Rivers state.
The conflicting orders had set the state on fire.

Judgments that defile logic, justice flying around —Okutepa, SAN

Following the shenanigans, a firebrand advocate, Mr Samuel Jibrin Okutepa, SAN who did not mention any particular case had wondered aloud why impeccable elder statesmen of the bar were keeping mum in the face of waning integrity of the legal profession.

“In those days when members of the legal profession were the hope of the marginalised and oppressed, there were strong and impeccable elder statesmen of the legal profession. When any member within the legal profession exhibited conduct that had potential of lowering the integrity of the legal profession, these elders waded in and ensured that the integrity of the legal profession did not suffer jeopardy in the hands of bad legal practitioners and judges
“Do we still have elders of Spartan courage and mien in the profession? I am asking because the legal profession is in need of elders who can save the profession from coming to a calamitous end. Today, judgments that defiled logic and justice are flying here and there. There are strong perceptions of state capture of our justice systems. Politics has entered the legal profession.

Where are our elders? This is not the best time for the legal profession,” he added.

Court orders these days are so ‘lucrative’ —Prof Odinkalu

Also reacting, a former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Prof Chidi Anselm Odinkalu, said that the joke now is that “court orders these days are so lucrative that many judges make them – in good old Nigeria-speak – double-double. Responsibility for this sorry state lies mostly with the Federal High Court.

“The ancient city of Kano now has two Emirs, one state and the other federal after a rogue Federal High Court judge decided to take chieftaincy into the federal realm. Edo State has two Deputy Governors too.

“By dint of the judicial labours of Peter Lifu, a judge, the Federal High Court also attempted to impose two separate dates on Rivers State for the conduct of Local Government elections after Chigozi Igwe, a judge of the High Court of Rivers State, had issued a considered decision setting 5 October as the date for the election.

“Rivers State Governor, Sim Fubara, acknowledged Peter Lifu’s hard work by handing him the moniker of “that justice that gave that fraudulent judgment.”

“This is not the first time the Federal High Court will gratuitously constitute itself into an appellate forum to review without benefit of the records of proceedings and with the practised ill-will of a political hit-job dressed up in judicial robes, decisions of State High Courts.

“Nor is it the first time that the Federal High Court will convert itself into a court of unlimited jurisdiction that it is not at the expense of a State High Court which, under the Constitution, is indeed the only court of unlimited jurisdiction. This Federal High Court has become the place where the law falls into disrepute and Lady Justice suffers repeat rape,” he added.

Why should a judge order police not to provide security —NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) which has also lamented the menace of conflicting judgments from the affected high court judges concerning the scheduled elections stated that even if a court has directed the Police not to work with the Electoral Commission on Rivers State, nothing says the Police should not provide security for peace and order of Rivers State, adding that the refusal to provide security was not only unconstitutional but also illegal, immoral, and a dangerous signal that invites lawlessness and undermines democracy.

NJC should wade in even without petition, scapegoat erring judicial—Ahamba, SAN

A respected member of the inner bar, Chief Mike Ahamba, SAN has also expressed revulsion at the abhorred practice of judges granting conflicting orders to heat up the polity and scandalize the judiciary.

“Those who are supporting the Federal high court in this affair should let us know under what section of the constitution a Federal high court has jurisdiction on matters outside the purview of section 251 of the constitution,” adding that the Federal high court in the first place ought not to hear such matter.

He said the National Judicial Council should not wait for petition when this kind of thing happens, advising that they should make reference to the law, call the errant judge to order and punish him.

He added that until one or two judicial officers are retired, others would not sit up.

A Federal high court has no jurisdiction to entertain cases on LG and its affairs —Prof Kalu, SAN

Also contributing, Prof Awa Kalu, SAN said that a Federal high court has no jurisdiction to entertain cases on local government and its affairs just as he wondered why a high court judge would order police not to perform its constitutional duty.

“A Federal high court, a state high court and a National Industrial Court are equal under the Constitution. What we expect as law abiding citizens is that no court should place itself beyond another when you are on the same level. “When you have local government election, why should it be controlled by federal high court? And again, the primary duty of the police is to maintain law and order. So, why should a court direct police not to do what they are supposed to do—maintenance of law and order,” he queried rhetorically.

[Vanguard]

Expectedly, politicians, who wish to run for the 2025 gubernatorial elections in Anambra, are bent on denying the obvious. They talk down – or rather play the ostrich by pretending not to see – the massive transformation going on in all sectors of the economy in Anambra State in order to make themselves look good and support their jaundiced narratives. When one commentator confronted a social media handler who dished out misinformation for these deceptive politicians, the social media handler responded by telling the commentator that he should know that ‘’this is the game of politics and that lies are allowed’’. Politics should not be about deception!

Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s transformational leadership makes the work of these political ‘hopefuls’ extremely difficult. And many – if not all of them – have even resorted to making promises that no politician can ever keep. At least, recent history shows that. They all say that they plan to run for a single term in office.

Here are the issues. Anambra State has an unwritten zoning arrangement for the governorship position that allows power to rotate between the three senatorial zones in the state, after every eight years. This arrangement was solidified by former Governor Peter Obi, who insisted that his then political party, APGA, produced a candidate from Anambra North as a way to balance the power rotation after his tenure, since he came from Anambra Central. Today, after Anambra North, it is the turn of Anambra South – the region the incumbent governor hails from. This has balanced the political calculus in Anambra and has ensured that Anambra has been peaceful politically. This has really worked in Anambra and the consensus is that this is the way to go.

In order not to alter this arrangement, all the aspiring politicians for the 2025 elections – off course most of them are from Anambra South where the incumbent comes from – have promised to run for only one term.

But no politician, in history, has kept such promise. Making this promise is to play with people’s intelligence. In some cases, there are even arguments about whether a politician actually made the one–term promise. In 2014, during the 2015 presidential election campaigns, President Olusegun Obasanjo told Bloomberg News that, in the 2011 election campaigns, President Jonathan promised not to serve beyond a single term. This was denied by President Jonathan’s camp. In 2018, the social media was awash with an interview that was purportedly granted by President Buhari to Daily Trust where he promised to run for one term if elected in 2015. But the then presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, argued that the president was misquoted.

In 2019, the Politico newspaper, reported that President Biden – who was 77 years then – signaled to aides that he would run for only one term. If this was actually true, observers of the recent US election will tell you that the only reason President Biden did not run for re-election was because of his age, probably his health and pressure from his political party. (He actually started the campaigns for his re-election before he threw in the towel). In the case of President Nelson Mandela, who is revered as one of Africa’s greatest leaders, if not for his failing health and age, Mandela would probably not have retired from active politics at 80 years in 1999 – the year he decided not to run for re-election. In Africa, the sit-tight culture of leaders makes a 4–year tenure promise an impossibility! Only life-threatening issues make this ‘’promise’’ possible.

Let us even assume that these politicians who claim to serve for only one term are honest about it and interrogate their concept of development. Many of them do not even have a track record of a strong public service experience. This means that they would likely take the first two years to learn on the job, if they were elected by any chance. They would probably not even achieve anything in their proposed 4 years. (Governor Soludo performed exceptionally well in the last 30 months because he came with a lot of experience). Besides, the conception and planning of mega projects take time. In the UK, for example, the Hinkley Point C Power Project which began in 2018 is expected to be completed in 2028.

In Anambra, massive projects are expected to commence in the coming months. They include the remodeling of the Onitsha main market, the construction of three new smart and eco-friendly cities and a massive railway system within the state. So far, there are many mega projects Governor Soludo would be commissioning in the coming months. Interested readers can see these projects here: https://www.thecable.ng/on-5-mega-projects-executed-by-soludo-without-borrowing-a-penny/

In terms of security, despite the fact that most communities do not have functional police stations in the state, the Governor Soludo-led administration’s community policing strategy still remains the most viable way to keep Anambra safe. Tech is also part of the strategy being used to keep Anambra safe. Security is not something to play divisive politics with. It is everybody’s job to keep their communities safe!

The future of Anambra, under Governor Soludo’s watch, is really bright and the politicians spewing lies because of their selfish ambitions know this.

Nwankwo is the special adviser to Soludo on special projects.

Nollywood’s ‘Wives On Strike 3’ and Hollywood’s ‘3 Working Days’ are movies TheCable recommends for you to watch in the cinema or on streamers this weekend.

More recommendations are below:

Wives On Strike 3 

Running time: 2hrs 2mins

Starring: Chioma Akpotha., Hilda Dokubo, Uche Jumbo

Synopsis: A newly elected female local government chairman finds herself in a web of darkness, battling the challenges of her newfound authority and a nightmarish revelation in her personal life.

3 Working Days

Running time: 1hr 30mins

Starring: Femi Adebayo, Gbugbemi Ejeye, Deyemi Okanlawon

Synopsis: A desperate man holds up a bank, taking the staff and customers hostage with an ultimatum to process his delayed transaction. Unknown to him, his move disrupts the plans of a deadly gang planning to attack the same bank.

A Night in 2005

Running time: 1hr 50mins

Starring: Bimbo Akintola, Ireti Doyle, Efa Iwara

Synopsis: A fun prom after-party in 2005 quickly becomes a girl’s worst nightmare. She carries a dark secret from that night into adulthood that continues to plague her everyday life.

Venom: The Last Dance

Running time: 1hr 50mins

Starring: Chiwetel Ejiofor, Clark Backo, Cristo Fernández

Synopsis: The final tale in the trilogy with Eddie and Venom on the run. The duo is being hunted by both worlds and forced into a devastating decision that will bring the curtains down.

When The Poor Smile

Running time: 1hr 50mins

Starring: Bolanle Ninalowo, Juliet Ibrahim, Kunle Remi

Synopsis: The daughter of a wealthy man falls in love with a poor worker at a holiday resort despite advances from a charming pilot. In her growth journey with the worker, she discovers that the poor also smile.

Queen Lateefah

Running time: 2hrs 5mins

Starring: Wunmi Toriola, Kunle Remi, Lateef Adedimeji

Synopsis: A socialite with a wealthy online personality meets a man who falls head over heels with her. The man is in love with her influential, accomplished persona, a facade that will come undone soon.

Joker: Folie A Deux

Running time: 2hrs 18mins

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Ken Leung, Lady Gaga

Synopsis: Arthur Fleck is placed in Arkham, awaiting trial for his crimes as the Joker. While struggling with his dual identity, Arthur stumbles upon true love and finds the music that’s always inside him.

Farmer’s Bride

Running time: 1hr 45mins

Starring: Gbubemi Ejeye, Tobi Bakre, Femi Branch

Synopsis: A young bride marries an old farmer with her mother’s arrangement. The bride despises her husband and falls in love with the old farmer’s younger nephew. The forbidden love spins out of control.

The Wild Robot

Running time: 1hr 41mins

Starring: Lupita Nyong’o, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, Paul-Mikél Williams

Synopsis: An intelligent robot is stranded on an uninhabited island after a shipwreck. To survive the harsh environment, the robot bonds with the island’s animals and cares for an orphaned baby goose.

Transformer One

Running time: 1hr 44mins

Starring: Brian Tyree Henry, Chris Hemsworth, Jon Hamm

Synopsis: The prequel tells the origin story of  Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, who were once friends and bonded like brothers.

[TheCable]