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9th Assembly:  Okafor Declares Interest, Writes Oshiomhole

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Ahead of the plan by the All Progressive Congress (APC) to zone the speaker of House of Representatives’ slot, Chike Okafor (APC-Imo), on Tuesday, formally declared his intention to run for the position.

Mr Okafor made his intention known when members of Good Governance and Transparency Initiative (GGTI) visited him at his National Assembly’s office, Abuja.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that GGTI, an association of different youth organisations in the country, had, during the visit, endorsed Mr Okafor as its preferred candidate for the speaker’s slot.

The lawmaker, who represents Ehime Mbano/Ihitte Uboma/Obowo Federal Constituency, disclosed that he had already written to the party’s National Chairman, Adams Oshiomhole, on his intention to vie for the position.

”The issue of zoning and election of principal officers of the National Assembly is about the most important talking point for most legislators and politicians, presently.

”While the position of the Senate President has been zoned by our party, the APC, to the North-East, we are aware that the party is yet to zone the Speakership of the House of Representatives to any zone.

”You are already aware of the clamour from across the country for equitable distribution of the principal offices of the National Assembly.

”Most importantly, the recent push by several APC support groups from across the northern states and the South-East calling on the party’s leadership to zone the speakership of the 9th assembly of the House of Representatives to the South-East,” he said.

According to him, in 2015, the APC denied the South-East principal officer’s positions in the National Assembly on the ground that we did not have a ranking member under the APC.

”I was slated for leadership position then, but was eventually denied the position of deputy whip because I was a first timer. Now, I am back and ranking!

”Gentlemen and ladies, let me use the opportunity of your visit and overwhelming endorsement to declare that I have thrown my hat into the ring.

”I am running for the speakership of the 9th assembly of the House of Representatives, and have formally written to the National chairman, and members of the National Working Committee (NWC) of my party, the APC,” he remarked.

Mr Okafor, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Health, said it was no gainsaying that the South-East, which was denied a leadership position in the ruling party leadership caucus of the 8th assembly deserved compensation in the 9th assembly.

”And I am the appropriate vehicle for an equitable compensation to the South-East,” he said.

The lawmaker, who said his zone gave 403,958 votes to President Muhammadu Buhari’s re-election victory in 2019 presidential poll, said this was against 198, 248 votes from the five states of the region in 2015.

”403,000 votes for Mr. President in the 2019 presidential election may not seem a big deal, but there is no geo-political zone in Nigeria that doubled its vote haul of 2015 in 2019 and improved on it performance in 2015 by more than 100% except the South-East!

”A ruling party doesn’t just look at the numbers alone; it also looks at national interest; it looks at social justice; it considers political stability and harmony in the body politics.

”It feels the pulse of the nation and weighs in on equitable inclusion of federating units of the country in line with the provisions of the constitution of the country and the party, even as it affects sharing of political offices.

”And looking at all these indices, as a party, we have not given the South-East a fair deal! Not yet,” he said.

The lawmaker, however, hinted that he would not hesitate to go by the party’s decision should APC decide to zone the position against his wish.

Earlier, the leader of GGTI delegation, Abdulbasit Abubakar, said after the group’s congress meeting at Arewa House, Kaduna, Mr Okafor was unanimously endorsed by members as most qualified person to lead the 9th House.

He said a 5000-man march would soon be organised by the group to press home their demand.

(NAN)

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Extortion: IGP Orders ‘Severe’ Punishment For Corrupt Officers

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The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun has condemned alleged extortions by some officers of the force in some areas within the country, and has ordered “severe” punishment for corrupt officers.

He referenced the case involving officers of the Zone 16 Zonal Headquarters, Yenegoa, identified as ASP Emmanuel Ubong, Inspector Nse Okon, Inspector Adiewere Collins, and Inspector Kuromare Marine.

The officers were accused of extorting the sum of ₦10m from a group of young Nigerians.

In a statement signed by the Force’s Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumiyiwa Adejobi on Friday, the police said the money has been recovered through the efforts of the new Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16.

Adejobi also said the officers have since been detained and subjected to orderly room trial.

The statement added, “The Nigeria Police Force, under the leadership of IGP Egbetokun, maintains a zero-tolerance policy for any act of corruption and police misconduct, as the Force takes every allegation of extortion and abuse of power extremely seriously.

“The IGP has however reassured the general public that the force will continue to investigate all allegations levelled against erring officers of the Force thoroughly.

“In pursuit of restorative justice, the Inspector-General of Police has mandated severe consequences for any officer, no matter how highly ranked, found culpable, acting as a deterrent to those who may seek to compromise the integrity of the Force.

Adejobi also said that the IGP has also scheduled a workshop for police officers on child care and effective investigation.

“Similarly, to guarantee that officers within the Force receive adequate training in child care and protection and effective investigations considerate of vulnerable individuals, most especially children in conflict with the law, the IGP has rescheduled the workshop with all Heads of Police investigative units to take place on Monday, November 11, 2024.

“The workshop will not only focus on enhancing technical capabilities but also emphasise the essential ethical principles when dealing with sensitive cases in order to have a child-friendly police system in Nigeria.

“By emphasising compassion, transparency, and adherence to modern investigation techniques, the Nigeria Police Force aims to foster a culture of professionalism and accountability among its personnel, thereby strengthening public trust and confidence in the organisation.”

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#EndBadGovernance Protest: No Law Prohibits Prosecution Of Minors – AGF

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The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the arraignment of young #EndBadGovernace protesters for treason.

Speaking in Abuja during the commissioning of Law Corridor’s new office complex and the presentation of a book on the modern Nigerian legal system, the AGF said the arraignment of the minors was within the confines of Nigerian law.

“No law in this country says a minor cannot be tried, and I have also heard suggestions that they should go to a family court,” Fagbemi noted.


The trial of 119 protesters, including minors aged between 14-17 years, had been condemned by Nigerians and international organisations.

The minors had since been released and reunited with their families following the order by President Bola Tinubu.

The AGF insisted the matter was serious and commended the president for ordering the release of the protesters.

He said Tinubu Tinubu was compassionate, hence his order on the release of the minors despite “facts” that security agencies possess on the protest.

The attorney general said: “The study of the law and the constitution leaves you no other conclusion than that the federal high court has jurisdiction in matters bordering on treason and related issues. So, whatever the situation, the president has closed the chapter by his decision to have these young men released.

“The president was very compassionate; he is a father and a grandfather. If you look at the facts in the possession of the security agency, you would marvel.

“But the president said, despite all this, ‘I have children, grandchildren,’ and that motivated his passion to release them and also enable them in some ways.

“So the credit goes to him for showing compassionate consideration in releasing the young chaps.

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#EndBadGovernanceProtest: Reps minority caucus demands compensation for minors

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The House of Representatives Minority Caucus has called for compensation for minors arrested for allegedly participating in the hunger protest that took place in major cities across the country.

On 1 October, some Nigerians took to the streets to protest hardships exacerbated by the removal of fuel subsidies by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in 2023.

Last week, images of children arrested in connection with the protest sparked local and international condemnation, with many accusing government officials of starving them while they were in custody.

In a statement issued on Friday, signed by Kingsley Chinda, Ali Isa, Aliyu Madaki, and George Ozodinobi — Minority Leader, Minority Whip, Deputy Minority Leader, and Deputy Minority Whip of the House of Representatives, respectively — the caucus called for an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and alleged ill-treatment of the protesters.

The caucus also commended President Bola Tinubu for ordering the immediate release of the minors, who were charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigerian Police Force.

The statement read, “While we commend the President for his timely intervention, the caucus strongly advocates for a thorough investigation, prosecution, and disciplinary action against the individuals and government agencies involved in this despicable, callous, and inhuman act that has led to national disgrace and global condemnation.

“Any person or institution responsible for detaining these children in cells for around 95 days — when they should have been attending school, learning trades, or practising vocations — must be held accountable, with punitive measures issued to serve as a deterrent to others.

“Considering the psychological trauma and health challenges the children may have endured, we urge that quality reformatory therapy sessions and medical support be provided as they reunite with their families. We also call for immediate reparations for the children and their families to alleviate the hardships, pain, and emotional distress suffered during this period of unlawful detention.

“Following the recent release of about 76 young people charged with terrorism, treason, and arson by the Nigerian Police Force for participating in the #EndBadGovernance protest, the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives praises President Bola Tinubu for being responsive to calls from Nigerians and the international community.

“We commend President Tinubu for his prompt directive, which came just days after the children’s arraignment and led the Attorney-General of the Federation to seek full control and termination of the case.”

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