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S’West members mum, as 50 Reps write Tinubu, demand Kanu’s release
Names of members from the South West, were conspicuously missing in the list of about 50 members of the House of Representatives cutting across the six geo-political zones of the country, calling for the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from the detention facility of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Abubakar Malami, former Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice (AGF-MoJ), had in a joint media interaction with the leadership of the DSS, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, announced the arrest and return of Kanu, reportedly picked up from Kenya, East Africa, through what he described as “international collaborative effort,” and the IPOB leader had been in detention since then.
Efforts to get his release, including a coordinated efforts by Igbo leaders, partly solo, and partly championed by Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the pan-Igbo socio-cultural organisation, had failed either with former President, Muhammadu Buhari, who ordered the operation, which Kanu’s lawyers term a forceful rendition, who snubbed the move and Bola Tinubu, his successor, who has sustained the rebuff so far.
Strident calls from various quarters, which were accentuated by last year’s release of Sunday Igboho, a Yoruba activist, arrested and detained in Benin Republic for a similar offence and a similar relief granted Bello Bodejo, leader of the Myetti Allah Kautal Kore, who was recently arrested and charged for terrorism, by the Federal Government, seem to have found expression with the lawmakers, in a letter to Tinubu, at the weekend.
Under the aegis of the Concerned Federal Lawmakers for Peace and Security in the South-East, the group appealed to President to invoke Section 174 of the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015 to release the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Services.
Surprisingly, the South West, appears to be missing from the initiative, as no name of any lawmaker from the zone, was among those included in the list, which contained members elected on the platform of different political parties in a letter addressed to Tinubu.
Regardless, in the letter dated June 19, 2024, which urged Tinubu to commence a peace move to address the insecurity challenges in the South-East, particularly want him to mandate the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.
The lawmakers, including Obi Aguocha (Abia), Ikenga Ugochinyere (Imo), Afam Ogene (Anambra), Muhammed Jajere (Yobe), Aliyu Mustapha (Kaduna), Midala Balami (Borno), and Abiante Awaji-Inombek (Rivers), wrote: “Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the Renewed Hope agenda and the various positive reforms would be seen and felt by all. It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial.
“We collectively believe this is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace reformation and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity, as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the South-East to engage more actively in the national discussions on the renewed hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances.
“This, we believe, will also help dismantle the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. This comes at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, we, as key actors in the renewed hope agenda of Your Excellency, are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore, wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, and others. All these recorded tremendous successes, especially in resolving the crisis within the North-Central, North-East, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger Delta region, which have helped in many ways.”
Part of the letter read: “Your Excellency, we are concerned members of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a strong belief and trust that the Renewed Hope agenda of His Excellency and the various positive reforms will be seen and felt by all.
“It is against this backdrop that we, the undersigned, hereby beseech Your Excellency to direct the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi SAN, to invoke his powers of nolle prosequi under the provisions of Section 174(1) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) and Section 107(1) of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, and cause the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from detention and discontinue his trial, which we collectively believe is long overdue and would be instrumental in opening the door for much-needed conversations surrounding peace, reformation, and inclusivity, as well as addressing the issues that led to the agitations, especially at this time when Nigeria is going through several constitutional reforms.
“Your Excellency, we resolutely believe that this singular act can serve as a pivotal gesture towards national unity as it would address some of the political, security, and economic concerns in the region. It would encourage stakeholders from the South-East to engage more actively in the national discussions on the Renewed Hope agenda, thereby promoting inclusivity and addressing long-standing grievances. This we believe will also help in dismantling the apparatus of violence and restiveness that has plagued the region, allowing for a focus on economic growth and development. Also, it is coming at a time when the nation-state is under enormous pressure, including but not limited to unemployment, insecurity, hunger, and poverty, thereby de-escalating tension from all sides.
“Moreover, we as key actors in the Renewed Hope agenda of Your Excellency are not unmindful of the fact that Your Excellency has extended this gesture through the office of the Attorney General in the charge involving Omoyele Sowore wherein he was charged with treasonable felony in Charge No. FHC/ABJ CR/235/2019, Sunday Igboho, etc. All these recorded tremendous successes, especially the crisis within the North-Central, North-Eastern, and South-South regions, not forgetting peace efforts in the Niger Delta region, which have helped in so many ways. The establishment of the North East Development Commission, Ministry of the Niger Delta, Niger Delta Development Commission, Presidential Amnesty, Various Host Community Laws, etc., were all commitments to show good faith to the plight of the people as well as resolving regional conflicts.
“It is therefore our conviction that fixing the challenges in the South-East would go a long way in changing the narrative and showcasing your commitment to upholding the principles of the rule of law, justice, and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy. It would also set a precedent for addressing issues through dialogue rather than prolonged political-cum-judicial persecution and a brass show of executive lawlessness. We, therefore, implore Your Excellency to adopt this approach, save the South-East, and pave the way for a national conversation to restore, safeguard, and better the resources and economic activities in the South-East. The primary responsibility of the government is the protection of lives and property. Facilitating the release of Nnamdi Kanu would demonstrate a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and fairness, which are the bedrock of our democracy.
“Your Excellency, the benefits of such a bold and compassionate act are manifold. It would pave the way for peace initiatives, economic revitalisation, and a renewed sense of belonging among the citizens of the South-East. It would also enhance your administration’s legacy as one that prioritises national unity, peace, and progress. We are hopeful that you will consider this request with the gravity it deserves and take the necessary steps to bring about a new era of peace and inclusivity in Nigeria. Thank you, Your Excellency, for your attention to this important matter, and we look forward to a positive response.”
Those listed as part of the initiative, include:
Mr Ugochinyere
Aliyu Mustapha (PDP, Kaduna)
Midala Balami (LP, Borno)
Afam Ogene (LP, Anambra)
Dominic Okafor (APGA, Anambra)
Etanabene Benedict (LP, Delta)
Shehu Dalhatu (APC, Katsina)
Chinedu Martins (PDP, Imo)
Matthew Nwogu (LP, Imo)
Muhammed Jagere (PDP, Yobe)
Peter Aniekwe (LP, Anambra)
Koki Sagir (NNPP, Kano)
Amobi Oga(LP, Abia)
Gwacham Chinwe (APGA, Anambra)
Uchenna Okonkwo (LP, Anambra)
Abdulmaleek Danga (APC, Kogi)
Osi Nkemkama (LP, Ebonyi)
Mark Useni (PDP, Taraba)
Alexander Mascot (LP, Abia)
Philip Agbese (APC, Benue)
Ginger Onwusibe (LP, Abia)
Zakari Nyampa (PDP, Adamawa)
Jamo Aminu (APC, Katsina),
Emeka Obiajulu (LP, Anambra)
Nnabuife Chinwe Clara (LP, Anambra)
Ukodhiko Jonathan (PDP, Delta)
Akingbaso Olarewaju (PDP, Ondo)
Lilian Orogbu (LP, Anambra)
Marcus Onobu (PDP, Edo)
Chinedu Obika (LP, FCT)
Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo)
Ojuawo Adeniyi (APC, Ekiti)
Ngozi Okoli (LP, Delta)
Ezechi Nnamdi (LP, Delta)
Alozie Ikechi (LP, Abia)
Nkwonta Chris (PDP, Abia)
Paul Nnamchi (LP, Enugu)
Chidi Obetta (LP, Enugu)
Chinedu Okere (LP, Imo)
Uguru Emmanuel (APC, Ebonyi)
Joseph Nwaobasi (APGA, Ebonyi)
Anayo Onwugbu (LP, Enugu)
Chimaobi Atu (LP, Enugu)
Umeha Cyriacus (LP, Enugu)
Justice Centus Nweze was one of the seven S’Court justices that gave the judgement sacking Emeka Ihedioha and pronouncing Hope Uzodinma Governor of Imo State on January 14, 2020.
He later recanted when Ihedioha returned to the same court and declared that Uzodinma was no longer fit and proper to be governor – the only one out of the seven to hold a different view out of the seven-man panel in a dissenting judgement.
These were his exact words on March 3, 2020, with which he emphasised his position after disavowing his earlier position, to capture the impact and import of that event: “The decision of Nigeria’s Supreme Court on the Imo governorship election is wrong and will continue to haunt our (Nigeria’s) electoral jurisprudence for a long time to come.”
But, on Monday, February 6, 2023, Nweze himself, was to lead the same Supreme Court to give another highly controversial judgement – one – legal purists considered no less impactful and damaging to Nigeria’s legal jurisprudence.
It was the 3-2 Supreme Court decision that paved the way for Ahmad Lawan, former Senate President, to return to the Senate, despite being supposedly barred by an existing law forbidding politicians to contest for two different positions in an election circle.
Recall that Lawan, was one of the candidates that contested for the presidential ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a few months earlier, which was eventually won by Bola Ahmed Tinubu, now President of Nigeria.
Many had practically laughed it off, dismissing him as a jester, when he returned with a fresh struggle for the Yobe North ticket for the Senate under the same APC.
But it turned out that the real joke was on these naysayer, who taunted, mocked and even pilloried the former Nigeria’s number three citizen, because in the end, he came out thumbing his chest and shinning his teeth in triumph.
Reason! On Monday, February 6, 2023, the Supreme Court practically wrenched the APC ticket from Bashir Machina, who had earlier picked it at the APC primaries months earlier and handed same over to Lawan.
Guess whom the mantle fell on to read the lead-judgement? The selfsame Nweze, who made the statement above. With two others in support, he went ahead to decapitate the decision of the Court of Appeal, which had earlier thrown into the thrash-can Lawan’s appeal to a Federal High Court decision slamming his claim to the ticket.
Interestingly, Lawan, seemed too ashamed to continue with the matter after the attempt at the appellate court collapsed. He had to hide under the umbrella of the APC, who appealed on his behalf to get the judgement at the apex court.
But you know what? On July 30, 2023, Centus Nweze, died! Just barely six months after the outing. He was just 64 – six years shy of age of retirement for Nigerian judges.
Now, the story. A little message-bearing-bird, squealed that the late eminent jurist didn’t die a happy man.
The establishment was said to have moved in to make him eat his words for stepping out of line in the Uzodinma case. The decision was supposed to be unanimous and giving a dissenting judgement was an affront – more like challenging the gods!
The Lawan outing was the height of teaching him a lesson on how to play ball next time. And play ball he did!
He was procured to read the lead judgement as a way to punish his impudence, underscore his vulnerability and prove where the real power laid.
An erudite scholar, judicial perfectionist and purist of the highest order, whose track record was known beyond the judicial circle, he not only became a wreck thereafter, and unable to live with his conscience, he apparently died a broken man.
Now, it is hard to authenticate this. Nweze is no longer alive to tell his story. But it all the same points as an indicator to the fact that a lot of water passes under the bridge in the nation’s high places, including the judiciary.
Were Nweze alive today, may be one day, in his memoir or other places, Nigeria could read the true story of what actually happened with Lawan, with powerful forces and with intimidation. But do we even need to go that far?
In which other country of the world has the homes of judges been burst open in the middle of the night – many still in their underpants or completely in their birthday suits?
In which other country, has the Chief Judge of the country suffered the fate meted out to Walter Onnoghen by the executive branch of government? Did we not see these with our own eyes?
Has Nigeria been the same ever since? So, if you looked around today and you didn’t find the Kayode Esos, Chukwudifu Oputas, Niki Tobis et al, who looked the military in the face and dispensed justice according to law, who do you blame?
Who is the culprit if the only people who you see are those who receive keys to mansions and sing lustfully – On Your Mandate We Shall Stand? Through where did water enter the coconut?
My name is Sunny Igboanugo, I’m The Tiny Voice!
After a groundswell of outraged from many Nigerians the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Friday, said it is putting forward the proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise until after the 2027 general election.
Mohammed Haruna, spokesman of the commission, said in a statement, explained that the decision to shelve the move came from a meeting it held with Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs).
Haruna, National Commissioner and Chairman of the Information and Voter Education Committee, said in the statement: “The proposed nationwide voter revalidation exercise was considered during the meeting, after which it resolved to postpone the exercise until after the 2027 General Election.”
Explaining the rationale for the exercise, which Joash Amopitan, INEC Chairman, said was initiated during the tenure of Mahmoud Yakubu, his predecessor, the commission, stressed that the exercise remained a “vital component” of its mandate to maintain a credible and up-to-date National Register of Voters.
The statement, added: “It is designed to verify and review existing voter records, ensure the accuracy of personal data, eliminate duplicate and ineligible entries, and strengthen the overall integrity of the voter register. The exercise also aims to provide an opportunity for registered voters to confirm their details and make necessary corrections where required.”
Reaffirming its commitment to delivering “free, fair, credible, and inclusive elections,” noting that the postponement is aimed at ensuring a smooth build-up to the 2027 polls, the commission said the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR), it had initiated, would run from April 2026 to January 2027, alongside the ongoing deployment of technologies like BVAS and a hybrid results transmission system.
Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), will favour a situation where Nigerian courts will no longer leave the interpretation of their orders to either parties in a dispute or the public at large, rather than making them as direct and clear as possible.
Afam Osigwe, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), President of the body, told his host on Politics Today, a public affairs programme on Channels Television that courts must avoid the use of complex phrases in their rulings.
Against the backdrop of the diverse interpretations being adduced by parties, lawyers and Nigerians to the order of the Court of Appeal that parties to the legal dispute in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), should maintain status quo ante bellum, the NBA boss, explained that it resulted from the use of the Latin maxim rather than a clear and unambiguous order to prevent confusion and misinterpretation.
Hear him: “I think, considering the confusion that is arising in our body polity in recent times, our courts should not make orders using such Latin maxims like status quo ante bellum or pendente lite.
“The court should make clear orders as to what it means so that there is no ambiguity. It (status quo ante bellum) creates confusion. We have rendered it almost meaningless.
“It has been stripped of any clear meaning, so our courts should avoid using such phrases and instead specify what orders they are making so that nobody will be left in doubt, and no administrative body will have to interpret it and try to give its own decision on it.”
Stressing on the use of the Latin phrase that means the situation as it existed before the war, the NBA president further stated that vague court orders often led to multiple interpretations, with different parties claiming victory.
“I see situations where people go away rejoicing that the order was in their favour, thereby giving room for mischief or for anybody to interpret it the way they want.
“Where a court has chosen to make an order, it should state clearly what it has set out to do and not hide behind any Latin maxims,” Osigwe added.
Arguing that while such expressions might not pose challenges in other jurisdictions, where laws were not deliberately disfigured, the Nigerian peculiar environment had made them not only confusing but difficult to apply in resolution of disputes.
Centus Nweze (JSC): Death of legal purist, irony of Nigerian judiciary
After public outcries, INEC recants, shelves voter-revalidation move
Stop using Latin phrases, make clear, unambiguous orders – NBA tells courts
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