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Nigeria, a country governed by law, categorically denies any human rights abuse
The Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom opened its conference on Tuesday in London, with its leader making false claims about human rights abuses and violations in Nigeria. The Nigerian government was wrongly and falsely accused of rights abuse because the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, was stopped from travelling abroad after he snubbed the invitation of a law enforcement agency conducting an ongoing investigation. Ajaero, who probably considers himself above the law, was slated to speak at the same conference where the UK TUC leader attacked Nigeria. His actions, however, have serious consequences, as no one is above the law in Nigeria. Clearly, under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (As Amended), no person is above the summons of law enforcement agencies and lawful investigation. Like the United Kingdom and other civilised nations, Nigeria is a country of law governed by the Constitution. We are not aware that there is anyone in the United Kingdom or anywhere in Europe and the United States, trade union leaders inclusive, who will flagrantly ignore the invitation or summons of MI5 or Scotland Yard or treat the FBI with the level of disdain Mr Ajaero has subjected law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. In the United States, for example, former President Donald Trump has been the subject of numerous investigations and prosecutions in courts in several states since he left office. Mr. Hunter Biden, son of the President of the United States, has been the subject of a lawful investigation by the FBI. We, therefore, reject any notion and allusion to human rights violations in Nigeria. The accusations made by the Trade Union Congress in the United Kingdom are, thus, unfounded and based on a misunderstanding of the situation. Besides, the Nigerian Government is being led by a pro-democracy activist president who will do everything to protect civil liberties and the rights of all citizens. There is no adversarial relationship between the Labour Movement in Nigeria and the government. While labour unions and the government may not always agree on policy direction, the government has consistently shown readiness to engage on any issue with labour despite the latter’s political partisanship. Contrary to the erroneous impression being created, the invitation extended by the Department of State Services to Mr. Ajaero has nothing to do with his role as the President of NLC. As a responsible citizen of Nigeria, Mr Ajaero should honour any invitation from our security agencies and resolve any issues that may arise during the investigation instead of stirring adverse public opinion against the security agencies. It is worth reminding Nigerians and the global community that the federal government recognises that the labour movement exists to protect and defend the interests of its members. What is also worth noting is that Labour, in most cases, only advances ideological positions that fly in the face of economic realities. Many ideological stances of the labour unions in Nigeria in the past have only stunted the economic growth and development of the country and even compromised the material well-being of the workers and the poor people they protect. A case in point was the strong opposition of the NLC and TUC to the sale of Port-Harcourt and Kaduna Refineries to Bluestar Consortium, promoted in 2007 by Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Seventeen years after the labour movement forced the successor government of Umar Yar’ Adua to cancel the sale of the two refineries, none of the four government-owned refineries worked. In the obverse, Mr. Aliko Dangote, one of the promoters of Bluestar, has built the largest single-train refinery in the world. In a twist of fate, the same Labour Movement that fiercely opposed Dangote from taking over the two refineries in 2007 hailed him on completing his 650,000-bpd refinery in Lagos. The administration of President Tinubu will continue to promote the best economic interest of Nigerians despite the current challenges. It will also continue to pursue policies and programmes that will expand national economic output and create prosperity for our citizens. Bayo Onanuga Special Adviser to the President (Information & Strategy)
Oil theft: IGP Squad busts illegal refinery, arrests four suspects
The operatives of the IGP Special Task Force on Petroleum and Illegal Bunkering (IGP-STFPIB) have once again made a significant breakthrough in the continuous fight against oil theft, illegal bunkering and economic sabotage. This milestone achievement was marked after the operatives, in collaboration with the department of operations, Rivers State Command, on 12th September 2024, made discovery of a storage facility in Trans Amadi, Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, used in dealing and processing illegally acquired Crude oil. This operation had led to the arrest of four (4) suspects namely; Emmanuel Nwachi ‘m’ 58 years; Adamu Bala ‘m’ 35years; Nura Musa ‘m’ 22 years; Bashir Abubakar ‘m’ 28 years, and the recovery of 40,000 Litres of petroleum products, stored in 67 white storage tanks. The team however destroyed the site and recovered the equipment and machines used in committing these crimes. The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, PhD, NPM., has reemphasized the commitment of the Force to tackling every form of crime, criminality and corruption, extending to those involved in this economic sabotage. The Force remains unyielding and will continue to bring these perpetrators to book.
Nigerians stranded in Marrakesh, FG frowns at Air Maroc
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Mr. Festus Keyamo (SAN) has frowned the treatment melted to Nigerian passengers by the Authorities of Air Maroc in Marrakesh. In a post on his X handle, the Minister claimed the passengers whom are mostly Nigerians are being subjected to sleep on the floor at the airport. His words; “I have just been informed of the inhuman treatment some Nigerians have been subjected to by ROYAL AIR MAROC @RAM_Maroc in Marrakesh, Morocco. “My information is that the flight took off from Casablanca and was headed for Abuja, but had to make an emergency landing in Marrakesh for some technical reason(s). “However, the passengers, majority of whom are Nigerians, have been left without care at the terminal and without food and decent shelter, with women and children sleeping on the floor! Whilst I call on ROYAL AIR MAROC @RAM_Maroc to immediately remedy this situation. “I have directed the Consumer Protection Department of the NCAA to immediately engage ROYAL AIR MAROC NIGERIA @royalairmarocng to bring immediate relief to these Nigerians.” Air Maroc are yet to make official statement on the development as at press time.
Wanted ‘drug baron’ behind 4 cocaine shipments to S’Arabia, Qatar arrested
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have taken into custody a wanted drug baron, Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu (a.k.a Barryshine) two years after coming under the radar of the anti-narcotics Agency. Suleiman who is the Managing Director/CEO of Barryshine Suleiman Nigeria Ltd came under the Agency’s watchlist over his alleged role in four foiled attempts to export cocaine to Saudi Arabia and Qatar through the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos between 2022 and 2024. His name first featured on November 13, 2022, when a female passenger on Qatar airlines flight to Saudi Arabia, Alhaja Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika was arrested at the MMIA in possession of 400 grams of cocaine, which was concealed inside female footwears. Investigation later revealed that one Abdullahi Olarenwaju Ramon, who is a brother to Suleiman hired the arrested drug courier. Further facts emerged that the flight tickets and other travel expenses of the suspect were sourced by Alhaji Suleiman Ganiu Aremu. A few days after the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika, another drug mule, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga was also arrested on November 24, 2022, with the same quantity of cocaine, 400 grams, concealed in male footwears while going to the same destination, Saudi Arabia. The suspect, Lawal Lateef Oyenuga confessed that one Wasiu Sanni Gbolahan (a.k.a Teacher) who was later arrested and convicted by the court, hired him for Suleiman. Lawal further alleged that Wasiu Gbolahan linked him up with the baron through one Igbono, who was later unveiled through investigation as Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye (a.k.a Igbono, Murphy, Femi Iwaya, Ade Iwaya, Baba Eje and Ejeoto) While investigation of the two cases subsisted and the manhunt for the baron was ongoing, two drug mules were arrested at the MMIA on June 21, 2024 on their way to Doha, Qatar. One of the suspects who was later identified as Aikhomoun Daniel (a.k.a Oladapo Olanrewaju) expelled in observation custody a total of 90 pellets of cocaine, weighing 1.022kg, which he ingested, while the second suspect, Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji excreted 60 wraps of cocaine with a total weight of 662 grams. Further investigation later revealed that the two arrested couriers, Aikhomoun Daniel and Ayigoro Waheed Omobolaji were recruited by the same Igbono who works for the baron and featured in 2022 during the arrest of Ajesegiri Kehinde Sidika and Lawal Lateef Oyenuga. Financial investigation conducted by the Agency also linked the baron Suleiman to the arrested suspects and two of his associates who recruit traffickers for him: Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, both currently at large. As a result, the Agency blocked the bank accounts linked to members of the cartel after which Suleiman was eventually taken into custody on August 26, 2024 for further investigation. In his statements, Suleiman claimed he is into property development and hotel management while he lives in Lagos and Paris, France. He also stated that he runs another business that deals in cloths with his wife at Balogun market, Lagos Island, adding that his regular visits to Saudi Arabia was to perform lesser hajj. He said he holds the traditional title of Akeweje of Yaba (Youth Leader of Yaba Land). Already, some properties traced to Suleiman include: two houses at 63 and 72 Queens Street, Ebute-Meta and his Barryshine hotel at 95 Freeman street, Yaba, Lagos. Meanwhile, Justice Dipeolu Deinde Isaac of the Federal High Court, Lagos has granted an application by the NDLEA for the extension of the detention of the drug kingpin Suleiman for 30 days and to declare his two associates: Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye and Olanrewaju Abdullahi Ramon, both currently at large, wanted. Ruling on the motion ex-parte in suit number: FHC/L/MISC/555/24, Justice Dipeolu said “an order is hereby made declaring one Oluwafemi Akande Abidoye a.ka ‘Igbono’, ‘Murphy’, ‘Femi Iwaya’, ‘Ade Iwaya’, ‘Baba Eje’, ‘Ejeoto’ wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in multiple drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Barryshine).” The judge also ruled that “an order is hereby made declaring one Olarenwaju Ramon Abdulahi wanted who is presently at large for his involvement in the drug trafficking activities with Suleiman Aremu Ganiu (a.k.a Baryshine) with respect to the arrest of Ajisegiri Kehinde Sidika who was arrested at MMIA Ikeja-Lagos during outward clearance of Qatar Airways flight to Saudi Arabia with 400 grams of cocaine concealed in foot wears.” Reacting to the development, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Rtd) commended the officers and men of the MMIA Strategic Command for the painstaking two years investigation that culminated in the conviction of three traffickers and the eventual arrest of the kingpin behind the cartel. He said this demonstrates that the long arm of the law will always get whoever is involved in the criminal trade no matter how long it takes.
Beckham attends Eriksson’s funeral in Sweden
The funeral of Sven-Göran Eriksson, the first foreign manager to coach the England national team, was held on Friday in the small Swedish town of Torsby where he grew up before embarking on an illustrious career at the pinnacle of European football. A soft-spoken but determined coach, Eriksson guided teams in Sweden, Portugal and Italy, winning major trophies in the 1980s and 1990s before taking on the England job in 2001, managing stars such as David Beckham, who was among the attendees at the service. Eriksson announced in January that he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer and spent much of the following months reconnecting with many of the places and people central to his career before he died last month. He fulfilled his dream of managing Liverpool, after leading the club in a charity legends game against Ajax at Anfield in March. The funeral took place in Torsby, a rural town of less than 5,000 people near the border with Norway, and was attended by several hundred people inside the church. Some 200 seats in the neo-Gothic church from 1898 were reserved for his family, friends and players from his career in the football world, according to his agent. The remaining seats were open for the public, according to Eriksson’s wish Others followed the service on a big screen set up outside and the funeral was given blanket coverage by Swedish media. The wooden coffin was wheeled in by pallbearers at the church Friday morning. Next to the casket was a photo of Eriksson on a small table. The floral wreaths included ones sent by FIFA and Lazio, the Italian team that Eriksson led to the Serie A title in 2000. Others attending the funeral included the Swedish coach’s longtime partner Nancy Dell’Olio. Tributes flowed in from prime ministers, clubs and former players following the news of his death while national teams including England and Sweden played with black arm bands during the the September international break. Eriksson, known in Sweden simply as “Svennis,” led England to the 2002 and 2006 World Cup quarterfinals, and to the 2004 European Championship, managing a golden generation of players that besides Beckham included stars such as Frank Lampard, Wayne Rooney and Steven Gerrard. He began building his international reputation when he guided Swedish club IFK Gothenburg to the UEFA Cup in 1982 and went on to win silverware as coach of Portugal’s Benfica and Italian clubs Roma, Fiorentina, Lazio and Sampdoria. Unable to end England’s trophy drought, he left the helm of the national side in 2006, going on to coach Manchester City and Leicester City as well as Mexico and Ivory Coast and clubs in China and Philippines.
Pyrates frown at bullying innocent Nigerians by security agencies
The National Association of Seadogs, NAS, (Pyrates Confraternity), has unequivocally condemned the actions of security agencies that trample upon fundamental human rights and undermine Nigeria’s democratic values. NAS, in a statement by its Capoon, Dr Joseph Oteri, expressed concerned that in the face of Nigerians’ current economic challenges and the escalating insecurity gripping the nation, security agencies were adding to the burden by bullying innocent Nigerians. Citing the cases of the recent arrest of the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC , Comrade Joe Ajaero, and the charges of terrorism against several anti-high cost of living protesters, the association said it is highly distressing to witness security agencies resorting to bullying innocent citizens under the guise of combating terrorism and related charges. The statement read, “The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) is deeply troubled by the current economic challenges facing Nigerians and the escalating insecurity gripping our nation. “It is evident that Nigeria, as Africa’s largest economy, is grappling with many economic issues such as high inflation, foreign exchange rate volatility, low productivity, weak governance, and inadequate infrastructure. These challenges not only threaten our growth prospects but also jeopardize stability. “In addition to these pressing economic concerns, insecurity in Nigeria is on the rise. The recent report by SBM Intelligence revealing 7,568 people kidnapped in 1,130 incidents between July 2023 and June 2024 paints a grim picture of the pervasive insecurity plaguing our country. “Amidst these alarming circumstances where Nigerians are already bearing the brunt of economic hardships and living in fear due to escalating insecurity, it is highly distressing to witness security agencies resorting to bullying innocent citizens under the guise of combating terrorism and related charges. “The reports coming to light about #EndBadGovernance protesters facing terrorism charges for exercising their constitutional rights through peaceful protests are deeply concerning. “Furthermore, individuals such as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress being subjected to arbitrary probes without clear justification only fuel this worrying trend. “It is utterly unacceptable that instead of addressing these critical issues affecting our nation, both economically and regarding security, innocent citizens are being targeted unjustly by security agencies.” The NAS Capn said such heavy-handed tactics violate fundamental human rights and erode trust between citizens and those entrusted with ensuring their safety. He added, “The National Association of Seadogs (Pyrates Confraternity) unequivocally condemns these actions by security agencies which trample upon basic human rights and undermine democratic values.” Therefore, NAS has called for a thorough investigation of innocent Nigerians being unjustly persecuted. It added that Nigeria’s democracy was built upon principles such as fairness, justice, and equality before the law. It is incumbent on all relevant authorities at federal, state, and local levels to ensure that those responsible for perpetrating violations against Nigerian citizens are held accountable within Nigerian laws and international human rights standards. “We urge all stakeholders, including government bodies, civil society organisations, religious leaders, and media professionals, among others, to collaborate to find lasting solutions that will improve the overall safety and well-being of our fellow compatriots. “It’s time for us all to unite to condemn bullying against innocent Nigerians and give them a voice. “They do not deserve injustices perpetrated on them, especially during this period when many families are struggling due to harsh economic realities coupled with pervasive insecurity across different parts of Nigeria. “We must stand together to ensure that such injustices are not tolerated in our society,” he concluded.
Dangote urges African business leaders to drive continent’s transformation
The President and Chief Executive of the Pan-African conglomerate, Dangote Group Aliko Dangote, has called on African business leaders to take the lead in transforming the continent. Speaking at the just concluded African Renaissance Retreat held in Kigali, Rwanda, Dangote pointed out that despite significant challenges besetting Africa, its youthful population and abundant resources, including about 30% of the world’s mineral reserves and the largest reserves of gold, cobalt, uranium, platinum, and diamonds, offer opportunities for substantial and inclusive growth. “Additionally, we have 65% of the world’s arable land and 10% of the planet’s internal renewable freshwater sources. Together these present a myriad of opportunities for robust, inclusive growth that harness our abundant human potential and natural resources to increase prosperity, not just in Africa but across the globe,” he said. Dangote added that Africa is at a crucial inflection point, with the world’s youngest and fastest-growing population, rapidly expanding cities, and a growing embrace of innovation and new technologies, including Artificial Intelligence. Dangote noted that despite dealing with multiple barriers such as visas, inconsistent change in government policies, inadequate technical talent, lack of critical infrastructure, foreign exchange crises, inflation, cost of capital and other conflicts of differing dimensions, the Dangote Group has expanded from Nigeria to 14 countries across the continent, spanning multiple sectors from cement to fertilizers, sugar to oil refineries, petrochemicals, agriculture and more. “The good news is that despite these challenges, we have succeeded in building a pan-African Group that employs over 50,000 people and generates revenues that should exceed $30bn by the end of 2025,” he said. Dangote who initiated the retreat noted that he had long contemplated bringing together a group of dedicated African business leaders to address the continent’s challenges, identify concrete solutions, and showcase Africa as a viable investment destination despite its obstacles. He emphasized that the objective of the retreat was to offer an opportunity for collective action in tackling various issues, including persistent conflicts, energy and food security, supply chain disruptions, the debt crisis, and access to long-term concessional funding for development. “This small private and high-level gathering to discuss these issues and align on how we will own and shape our narrative for development is long overdue. With the foremost entrepreneurs on the continent, the leaders of the largest pan-African companies, those at the helm of the most important development institutions in Africa, our brothers and sisters leading global institutions, our leading investors, our pre-eminent civil society activists and a few of our most respected political leaders, this first step will be an opportunity to have a frank and honest dialogue amongst ourselves to consolidate what we see as our common ground” said Dangote. He added “we are coming together not just as leaders in our respective institutions but as visionaries and catalysts for transforming our societies. It is our collective responsibility to play our role in transforming our continent. Nobody will do it for us but us – especially us in this room”. While expressing his hope that the retreat would produce initiatives capable of significantly shaping Africa’s future and benefiting its people, Dangote acknowledged the contributions of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and former Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn. However, he cautioned that it is crucial for the leaders present to move beyond dialogue to decisive implementation and tangible impact. The Retreat participants resolved to urge African private sector and political leaders to engage in regular high-level dialogue. Additional proposals included supporting the ratification of the free movement of people protocol, launching the African Renaissance Companies Gender Compact, and convening top global business leaders of African descent. The leaders also aimed to champion an initiative aimed at significantly reducing logistics costs across the continent and one focused on ensuring internet access for a broader segment of Africa’s population. Participants at the retreat , which took place from September 6 to 8, included Amina J. Mohammed, Deputy Secretary-General of the United Nations; Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the African Export-Import Bank; former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf; Adebayo Ogunlesi, Chairperson of Global Infrastructure Partners; former Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Dessalegn, Samaila Zubairu of the African Finance Corporation, Makhtar Diop of IFC, and Jeremy Awori, CEO of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated. Others were Bernie Mensah of Bank of America; Dr. James Mwangi of Equity Group Holdings; Alain Ebobisse of Africa50; Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede of Access Holdings; Genevieve Sangudi of Alterra Capital Partners; Jim Ovia of Zenith Bank; Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings; Naguib Sawiris of Orascom Telecom Holding; Dr. Vera Songwe; Jonathan Oppenheimer of Oppenheimer partners; Dr. James Manyika of Google; Clare Akamanzi of NBA Africa; Fred Swaniker of Africa Leadership Group; Professor Hakeem Belo-Osagie of Harvard Business School; Myma Belo-Osagie of Harvard Africa Studies Centre; Patrice Motsepe of African Rainbow Minerals; Mohammed Dewji of METL; Moussa Faki Mahamat of Africa Union; Graca Machel of the Graca Machel Trust; Wamkele Mene of African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat; Tope Lawani of Helios Partners; Masai Ujiri of the Toronto Raptors; Mimi Alemayehou of Three Cairns Group; Dr. Donald Kaberuka of Southbridge Group; Precious Moloi-Motsepe of Africa Fashion International; Richelieu Dennis of Sundial Group of Companies; Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary General of Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie; Hassanein Hiridjee of Axian Group; Kate Fotso of Telcar Cocoa; Nkosana Moyo of Mandela Institute for Development Studies; Nku Nyembezi of Standard Bank Group.
CAF President bags highest Ivorian Award
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has been conferred with the highest Award in Cote d’Ivoire, which is the “Commander of National Order” by the Head of State of Cote d’Ivoire, President Alassane Ouattara, and the Chancellor of National Orders in Abidjan. The CAF General Secretary Veron Mosengo-Omba was conferred with the “Officer of the National Order” Award. President Ouattara said Dr Motsepe has played a key role not only in the successful delivery of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations but also in changing the face and fortunes of African Football. The Award by the Ivorian Government is also in recognition of Dr Motsepe’s commitment and leadership for delivering the most successful CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the history of this competition. President Ouattara said: “We are exceptionally proud of the work President Motsepe has done since taking over at CAF. The success of the Africa Cup of Nations is thanks to his and CAF’s leadership. The Award is in recognition of the excellent work he is doing at CAF and in promoting football development in Africa.” Dr Motsepe was joined by the President of FIF Yacine Idriss Diallo, Veron Mosengo-Omba and the leadership of Football in Cote d’Ivoire. President Motsepe said: “I am deeply honoured and humbled to receive this Award on behalf of the CAF Member Associations representing the 54 African countries that are Members of CAF. My deepest gratitude to President Ouattara, the Government and people of Cote d’Ivoire for this distinguished Award. The enormous success of the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was based on the visionary leadership of President Ouattara, the commitment of his Government as well as the support of CAF’s 54 Member Associations, the CAF EXCO, the Secretary General and staff of CAF, President Idriss Diallo, the LOC, the Football Leadership in Cote d’Ivoire, CAF sponsors and the passionate Cote d’Ivoire and African football supporters. The AFCON Cote d’Ivoire was also an excellent example of football’s capacity to bring together and unite people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in Africa and worldwide. The 1.4 billion people in 180 countries who watched the AFCON Cote d’Ivoire clearly indicates that African football is globally competitive and is as good as the best in the world. We will continue to invest in academies for boys and girls, schools football, trainers and coaches, the building of stadiums and other football infrastructure and facilities and support our Member Associations.” Mosengo-Omba also thanked the Ivorian Government for his award.