A former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has lamented the newfound love between judges and politicians, saying it is destroying democratic legitimacy in Nigeria.

The law professor said politicians and governors, having realised that the votes of the masses don’t count, have decided to court judges by frequently donating Sports Utility Vehicles (SUVs) to the judicial officers to win electoral cases.

Odinkalu was a guest on Inside Sources with Laolu Akande, a socio-political programme aired on Channels Television on Friday.

According to him, politicians tell their contenders to approach the courts after a contentious electoral process, and “the courts rule that they have won, democracy has won. So, judges are being used to destroy the system”.

He said, “In this economy, you buy a V6 or a V8? It’s beyond idiotic and it is aggravating. They (governors) have bought four-wheel drive for senators and members of the House of Representatives. State governors have bought four-wheel drive for their state legislators. They are donating four-wheel drive to the judiciary all over the country.

“We have this outbreak of acquisitive-ness, an epidemic of crass acquisitiveness that is ridiculous. Why do they do all of these? It’s procurement. When they do that, they take more money into their pockets than they actually give away. It’s an excuse to acquire.”

The human rights activist lamented that governors continue to donate expensive vehicles to their cronies when there are no equipped hospitals and standard schools in their domains.

“There are no hospitals, there are no schools, there are no roads. And so we have to buy private healthcare overseas. We have to send our children to private schools overseas. We have private helipads and now we have private jets and private airstrips. We have private security also. That is the problem,” he said.

‘True Reforms Must Start With INEC, Judiciary’

Odinkalu said true democratic reforms must start with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the judiciary and anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

“This is why I have settled for INEC and the judiciary. That is where it begins,” he said.

“They have sworn in new judges of the high courts and new justices of the Appeal Court. Did you see the number of state governors who were there? The number of senior politicians who were there?

“Politicians hosting receptions for judges and the judges going because the politicians know that our votes don’t count; what counts is the votes of judges and they are deliberating courting the judges.

“This judicial walkaround on processes of legitimacy has essentially destroyed democratic legitimacy and popular legitimacy in the people as a foundation of democracy. People are wondering why we are not getting the dividends of democracy when our votes don’t matter.”

“There are institutions we cannot afford to go bad. And I count three among those. In no particular order, INEC, the judiciary, and anti-corruption agencies. And that’s why I go hard on them in my private and public intellectual life. I go hard on them because these are the sentinels on the door of the people who will inflict destitution on the country or secure the country. And if we don’t make these institutions work, it is going to be impossible to save the country,” Odinkalu added.

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential aspirant, Dele Momodu, has advised President Bola Tinubu against taking the reputation of a dictator by fighting citizens’ right to protest.

Dele Momodu‘s advice followed statements from Nigeria’s security agencies, including Department of Security Services (DSS), Nigeria Police, Nigeria Army and Defence Headquarters against citizens’ planned hunger protest.

Momodu reminded President Tinubu that he engaged in several protests before becoming president against policies of governments.

In a statement on Friday, on his X handle, the publisher of Ovation Magazine said, “As I write this, my mind goes back to my earliest recollection of you as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As a young journalist, you were everyone’s delight. The June 12 Presidential election annulment brought out the best in you as a pro-democracy figure.

“You spent money and time fighting the military. Our exile years were lived in constant fear and trepidation.”

The PDP chieftain told Tinubu that since he became President things have been hard for citizens because of his economic policies.

He said the President failed to realize the country was more complicated than Lagos State.

He continued, “Unfortunately, things have not been easy for Nigerians (except members of the privilegentsia) since you realized your lifelong ambition. And let me be frank sir. You caused it all. You did not realize that a country is much more complicated than a state.

“I’m sad and embarrassed that a fighter for democracy is now saying Nigerians will not be allowed to congregate and demonstrate on the streets, something you and I enjoyed during the military regimes, at home and abroad.

“I will never support anarchy, after engaging in peace initiatives in Sierra Leone, Liberia and The Gambia. But I’m reasonably assured that any potential threat can be contained and nipped in the bud, since our secret service claims to have discovered the sponsors of mayhem. Such people should be arrested speedily.

Dele Momodu further advised President Tinubu to go back to his friends who fought for democracy alongside him for sincere truth.

He told Tinubu to use the opportunity of the planned protest to test the strength of Nigeria’s security agencies.

“Please Sir, go back to your original friends in civil liberties and seek their assistance. Then, use this opportunity to test the strength, security architecture and combat readiness of our security agencies. Ignore the advice of the hawks in your team. They have nothing to lose since they are mostly beneficiaries of what others died for. Resist the temptations of full blown dictatorship,” he said.

The Take-It-Back Movement, a civil society organization, has claimed that its bank account with a major bank has been frozen on the orders of the Department of State Services (DSS).

According to the group, this action is a direct response to their involvement in the upcoming nationwide protest.

In a statement posted on their X account on Friday, the organization condemned the freeze as an unlawful act.

The group demanded that their account be reinstated within 24 hours or face legal action against the bank.

“It has now come to our attention that @UBAGroup has frozen our account on the instructions of the DSS over our involvement in the forthcoming protest.

“We describe this action as lawless, and demand our account be unfrozen immediately within the next 24hours, without which a legal action will be instituted against @UBAGroup,” the post read.

Former African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, commented on the situation, labeling it a conspiracy against the Nigerian populace.

Naija News reports that Nigerians are organizing a nationwide protest from August 1 to August 10, 2024.

The protest, dubbed #EndBadGovernance, aims to address the issues of widespread hunger and inflation in the country.

Recall that the DSS on Thursday issued a stern warning against the planned nationwide protest aimed at addressing the economic hardships in the country.

In a press statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Strategic Communications, Dr Peter Afunanya, and made available to Vanguard, the DSS disclosed that it had identified the sponsors of the protest.

In a move to stabilize the foreign exchange market and counteract the recent depreciation of the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has disbursed $148 million to 29 authorized dealers.

This was disclosed in a statement posted on the apex bank’s website on Friday.

The statement highlighted that the sales were conducted on Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23, 2024, with exchange rates ranging between ₦1470.00/$1 and ₦1510.00/$1.

This intervention follows the CBN’s previous disbursement of $122.67 million to 46 authorized dealers two weeks ago, aimed at promoting market stability and reducing volatility.

Additionally, a week ago, the CBN announced the sale of $20,000 to each Bureau De Change (BDC) operator at the rate of ₦1,450/$1.

Despite these efforts, the naira has continued to depreciate, trading above ₦1,600 against the US dollar at the official market on Thursday.

The continuous decline of the naira has raised concerns among businesses and consumers, with rising import costs and increasing inflationary pressures.

The CBN’s interventions are critical in providing liquidity and restoring confidence in the market during these challenging times.

The statement read, “The Central Bank of Nigeria sold a cumulative sum of US S148,000,000.00 in the Nigerian Foreign Exchange market to authorised dealers on July 22 and 23, 2024.

“The sale of foreign exchange was to 29 authorised dealer banks at an exchange rate of 1470.00/US$1-1510.00/US$1.”

A former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has dared the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike over the planned nationwide strike.

Recall that Wike had stated that the protest would not hold in Abuja.

He said that August 1 had been set aside for the chairmen of the six Area Councils of the FCT to give out certificates of recognition to their traditional rulers.

The Minister gave the warning while briefing journalists on the outcome of the FCT Security Council meeting in Abuja on Thursday.

Reacting via his X handle on Friday, Sowore stated that the protest would start from Abuja.

He shared a news article of the minister declaring that there would be no protest in the territory, and wrote, “It is starting from and in Abuja!.”

Naija News reports that some Nigerians are mobilising for the nationwide protest slated for August 1 to August 10, 2024.

Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has revealed the details of the meeting between traditional rulers and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Recall that Tinubu held an emergency meeting with Traditional Rulers led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III on Thursday.

The meeting was not unconnected to the imminent nationwide protest over the widespread hardship in the country. The protest is slated for August 1-10, 2024, on Thursday.

Speaking after the meeting, the monarch said Tinubu asked Nigerians who are dissatisfied with his administration to express their dissatisfaction at the polls and vote him out in the 2027 presidential election.

Ooni of Ife noted that Tinubu called for dialogue while reiterating his resolve to end the country’s economic hardship.

“The President has said, ‘Any leader that you don’t like, wait (until 2027) and vote him out.’ He is open to dialogue. We know that Nigeria faces many challenges. But are we going to destroy our nation by ourselves? Is that what we are all after?

“It is very difficult to build, but it is the easiest to destroy. We are all stakeholders in this country and are stronger as a nation than individually,” the Ooni of Ife said.

Tinubu had earlier said the sponsors of the protest are enemies of Nigeria, adding that his government is doing everything to address the challenges faced by Nigerians.

He also said Nigeria’s economy is on the path of recovery and gave assurance of better days.

This comes amid rising dissatisfaction among Nigerians on the state of the economy as core and food inflation stood at 34.19 percent and 40.87 percent, respectively.

Wale Edun, the minister of finance, says over 600,000 households have benefited from the direct cash transfer programme of the federal government following the resumption of payments.

Edun spoke on Thursday in Abuja during the half-year review ministerial press briefing, themed, ‘Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024’.

On July 18, 2023, President Bola Tinubu ordered an immediate review of the conditional cash transfer scheme — an intervention initiative coordinated by the national social investment programme agency (NSIPA).

The president later suspended all programmes administered by NSIPA for six weeks, as part of a probe of alleged malfeasance in the management of the agency and its programmes.

During a radio interview session in Kaduna, Mohammed Idris, the minister of information and national orientation, disclosed the federal government’s plan to resume the intervention schemes.

Speaking at the press briefing, the minister reiterated Tinubu’s commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and the government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in its social protection initiatives.

“Following the resumption of payments, over 600,000 households have already received this direct transfer this week,” Edun was quoted as saying in a statement by in a statement on by Mohammed Manga, the ministry’s director of information and public relations.

Edun said the government has made significant strides in its economic reforms, “well on its way to achieving a step-change in the revenues of the government; closely in line with the budget for 2024”.

He also announced the government’s exit from the ways and means borrowing mechanism, highlighting successes of the government’s reforms while citing a projected budget deficit of 4 percent in the 2024 fiscal year.

Edun acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the reforms but assured that Nigerians would soon benefit from the expected outcomes.

He said the government’s “well-coordinated economic policies are beginning to yield results, evidenced by the deceleration in inflation growth, a rise in foreign investments compared to the same period last year”.

The minister said one of the major priorities of the incumbent government in the immediate term is to reduce food prices and focus on providing all the necessary support to increase local food production, given the impact of high food prices on inflation.

He said efforts are underway to achieve this goal.

The minister said with the outcome of the first half of 2024, “the economy is turning the corner.”

Edun added that with macroeconomic stability, the economy is being well positioned for sustained and inclusive growth that creates jobs, lifts millions out of poverty, and drives domestic and foreign investments that would improve the general wellbeing of the average Nigerian.

The Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigeria Police Force has deployed 4,200 policemen in Abuja ahead of the planned nationwide protest.

The spokesperson of the FCT Police Command, Josephine Adeh, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the deployment was to ensure public safety, protection of protesters and to prevent the protests from being hijacked by non-state actors.

Adeh added that Police operatives deployed include explosive ordinance device experts at various strategic locations.

She added that there would be raids on identified black spots, uncompleted buildings/shanties, and stop and search operations, among others, in collaboration with sister security agencies.

President Bola Tinubu has acknowledged his participation in various protests throughout his political career but stressed the importance of maintaining non-violence during demonstrations.

The President made these remarks while receiving the Letter of Credence from the newly appointed United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Richard Mills Jr., at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

During the ceremony, President Tinubu emphasized the critical role of peaceful protests in a democratic society, highlighting that they are a fundamental aspect of democracy and a legitimate way for citizens to express their grievances.

However, he noted that no government would tolerate protests that escalate into violence, leading to the destruction of lives and property.

The President reiterated his commitment to sustaining democracy and its institutions in Nigeria, ensuring that citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly and expression are protected.

He expressed optimism about the continued partnership between Nigeria and the United States, particularly in areas of democratic governance and institutional support.

The President said, “Our relationship with America is rich. We believe in democracy and freedom. Some of your predecessors worked hard during our transition to democracy, and we remember the likes of Ambassador Howard Jeter.

“We look forward to Nigeria and the United States continuously working to expand cooperation on shared goals and democratic values.

“During the military era, we made our voices heard against dictatorship, and I was part of the group that engaged in peaceful protests without resorting to the destruction of property. We have worked hard to ensure 25 years of unbroken democracy, and I will continue to maintain this democracy.”

The President said in as much as he believes that demonstrations are part of democracy, “we will never encourage any protests that lead to the destruction of lives and property”.

Welcoming the U.S. State Department’s acknowledgement of Nigeria’s strategic role on the continent as Africa’s largest democracy, President Tinubu called on the U.S. government to pay more attention to Africa.

He further stated, “Nigeria is ready to play its role as the largest democracy in Africa that is worthy of emulation to other African countries, but we need more U.S. partnership on the continent that is beneficial to both sides. We believe in freedom, and we are providing the leadership to make Nigeria’s economy grow.”

Ambassador Mills affirmed U.S. support for Nigeria’s democracy and pledged support for bigger roles for Nigeria in the international arena.

Mills said, “Nigeria is crucial to the United States because we share democratic values, and we are ready to give you all the support.

“I am here to make sure that the relationship blossoms both on democracy and the economic side.”

Expressing the United States’ commitment to expanding cooperation with Nigeria on cybercrimes, the Ambassador announced the establishment of a special office at the Embassy to work closely with the Economic andF inancial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday, held a meeting with traditional rulers in the country as part of efforts to avert a planned nationwide protest.

The meeting, which held in the State House, Abuja, had in attendance prominent monarchs, including the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

During the meeting, President Tinubu reiterated his commitment to making Nigeria a better place for all and sundry, noting that he asked for the job and he is ready to do it. According to him, he has accepted all the liabilities of his predecessors.

The President declared during the meeting that his administration is not afraid of the protest, but is worried about what may happen to ordinary Nigerians if the protest goes ahead.

According to him, the destruction which happened in Lagos during the famous #EndSARS protest in 2020 are still fresh in his memories.

The Nigerian leader stressed that he is committed to doing more to meet the needs and aspirations of the people, even as he noted that the nation’s economy is on a gradual but steady path of recovery.

“Yes, it is true that I asked for this job, and I approached some of you to support me. So, I have no excuse not to do the job with sincerity of purpose and honesty. I have committed myself to it diligently, and I will never look backwards.

“I have accepted the assets and the liabilities of my predecessor. How I will take Nigeria forward should be my concern, and that is my concern.

“I have been extremely busy. The only exercise I have had here is the walk from the residence to this place and then continue with the work.

“Nigeria is hilly, and it is the largest democracy in Africa. No other democracy comes close to us in terms of population on the continent. We cannot blame God for giving us these children, and we have to seek peace and better livelihoods,’’ the President said as quoted in a statement by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale.

President Tinubu went ahead to list some of the actions taken by his administration to ease the burden on Nigerians.

He identified the student loan programme, the consumer credit scheme, and the affirmation of fiscal autonomy for local government councils, saying the Ministry of Finance will continue to ensure that funds go to the grassroots for human and infrastructural development.

“Today, the Bank of Agriculture is empty. We have to reactivate it. If they are not talking about flooding, they are talking of banditry. We have to start all over again. Yes, infrastructural decay is there.

“The Lagos-Calabar coastal road is not being done without studies. It is an economic energizer. From it, we can create infrastructure along the route to develop wind energy and generate power, and we can expand our irrigation network.

“The economic viability of infrastructure has to be studied before we embark on projects. How many dams are there on the corridors of Sokoto- Badagry? From there, we can energize electricity. We can do irrigation and additional farms.

“Even if it is two million hectares of arable land, you can create opportunities for farmers on a small scale. Then you have to find capital for them.

“Nigeria is on the path of recovery. You have heard it from the Minister of Finance, Mr. Wale Edun. We are not afraid of protests. Our concern is the ordinary people, and the damages that will be done. Till today, I cannot forget the brand new 60 and 100 seater buses, down there in Lagos that were burnt down, and we are now complaining of transportation. That is the problem. That is why I must say thank you for talking to the citizens,’’ the President told the traditional rulers.

President Tinubu submitted that security is getting better in Nigeria and the foot would not be taken off the pedal.

“Security is getting better, but we cannot take our eyes off the camera because it takes one accident for things to flare up. We are managing it.

“We have created instruments to support the students so that they get education, consumer credit to expand the economy, to improve the purchasing power of the people in order to rejuvenate the economy within a short period of time. We are still recalibrating our oil usage,’’ the President stated.

President Tinubu said he will continue to explain the economic reforms and projected benefits to the nation, adding that he remains open to dialogue for the development of the country.

President Tinubu urged the royal fathers to reach out to citizens on the genuine intentions of the government to deliver on its promises of Renewed Hope.

“Now, we are sending money to the local governments. I addressed the governors today on that issue. I have been distributing fertilizer, rice, and other items to support the recovery of citizens. I assure you, Nigerians, we are looking at the light at the end of the tunnel. I can assure you, this economy will be revived, will survive, and prosper,’’ the President emphasized.

In his remarks, the Sultan of Sokoto said: “I believe that this brief meeting will clear some issues that many people have in their minds. At our meeting on Monday, we had a very open discussion on all issues affecting the nation. We are the ones who will tell you the truth about what is happening in our various communities.’’

The royal father said an executive council meeting was held on Monday, and the Council, composed of all State Chairmen of the 36 States and the FCT, met to deliberate on the economy.

The Ooni of Ife thanked the President for inviting the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating of Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and the GCEO of NNPCL, Mele Kyari, to brief the traditional rulers on the state of the economy.

“We heard from the GCEO of NNPCL. They are the ones that propel our economy. We have heard from the Minister of Finance. We also heard from the Minister of Budget and the NSA. We want to encourage you, Mr. President, we will all get back to our various communities and let our people know because none of us locks our palaces,’’ the Monarch added