celebrity radar - gossips
Bawa Must Go’ protest continues in Lagos, as more anti-corruption CSOs join CACOL, 100 others in mass rally
‘Bawa Must Go’ protest continues in Lagos, as more anti-corruption CSOs join CACOL, 100 others in mass rally
. A serial violator of court order not fit to Head EFCC – Debo Adeniran
Nigeria’s foremost Anti-corruption Civil Society Organisations, numbering over 100, again, trooped out on the streets of Lagos, on Monday, with thousands of their members and supporters, in continuation of their “Protest Against Politicisation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Disobedience of Court Orders and Infringement on Human Rights of Nigerians.”
Monday’s protest was the third since the top activists began their call for the sack of the EFCC Chairman, Abdulrasheed Bawa, on Friday.
They insisted that EFCC, under Bawa, had turned itself into a sensational media agency, churning out deliberate misinformation on almost a daily basis to strengthen a political cause, adding that responsible CSOs would not fold their arms and watch the country’s global anti-corruption outlook slip into a mess “all in the name of the anti-democratic tendencies of a few recalcitrant leaders.”
The ‘Bawa Must Go’ protesters, were led on Monday by the Chairman, Centre for Anti-corruption and Open Leadership, Debo Adeniran; Executive Director, Zero Graft Centre, Kolawole Sanchez-Jude; Chairman, Coalition Against Corruption and Bad Governance, Toyin Raheem; Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson; Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun; Director, Activists for Good Governance, Declan Ihehaire; and Ahmed Balogun of Media Rights Concern, among others.
When asked why the CSOs wanted Bawa to quit, the Chairman of CACOL, Debo Adeniran, said Bawa had to be removed because he had allegedly become an embarrassment to the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
According to him, a serial violator of court order is not fit to be the Head of an agency that is supposed to sanitise the society.
Adeniran, a foremost Nigerian anti-corruption activist, said, “We are not only asking him (Bawa) to quit, we are asking the authorities to remove him because he has become an embarrassment to the fight against corruption. Any act of dishonesty is corruption. Anything that is against the law, that is deliberately done with impunity is corruption. It doesn’t matter how you feel about a case. Even if it is a drunken judge that gives a verdict on any issue taken to the court, you are bound to obey the court order.
“For several years, we have criticised the military regimes and civilian administrations that have ruled us with impunity. Impunity comes when the court is no longer seen as an arbiter between the people and the provisions of the extant laws. We rely on the courts to adjudicate in matters of conflict between the people and the system. And anytime anyone runs against the system, it is also the court that will adjudicate.”
“A situation whereby somebody is so powerful, somebody is so influential, somebody sees that he has a larger than life image and decides that he is not going to respect our law courts or the laws of the land, it is against the rule of natural justice, it is against the ethos of democratic practice, it is against the principles of human rights. So, definitely, a serial violator of court order is not fit to be the Head of an agency that is supposed to sanitise the society,” he declared.
The anti-corruption CSOs also hinted that they would petition the Chief Justice of Nigeria to demand that until the court order to arrest Bawa is effected, “no court should entertain any EFCC case henceforth.”
Other leaders of the CSOs, who took turns to speak with the media claimed that some EFCC officials had confided in their members that they were not happy that the Commission appeared to be focusing mainly on settling political scores than confronting its big mandate.
“You can’t run to the same courts you disrespect to get judgment for your cases. And you can’t also choose which court judgement to obey. If Bawa has been committed to prison, he has no business being in office right now. And someone who has flouted the order of the court on several occasions cannot head an agency as sensitive as EFCC.
“Some of their officials had confided in our members at different times that they were not happy that the Commission appears to focus more on settling political scores than actually confronting its big mandate,” Executive Director, Centre for Public Accountability, Olufemi Lawson, said.
On his part, Spokesperson for the Transparency and Accountability Group, Ayodeji Ologun, noted, “Many cases of genuine corruption are left unattended under Bawa. He came on board through vendetta and he has proved in the period he has been in office that he might have been appointed to serve as a tool for political assault on opponents of his sponsors.”
Other CSO leaders present at the protest were Ochiaga Jude, Centre for Ethics and Good Governance; Barr. Cletus Okedube, Barr. Johnson Areola, Barr. George Sanda, among a host of other notable activists, lawyers and women’s rights NGOs.
celebrity radar - gossips
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
Buratai Lauds Emir of Biu for Bestowing ‘Sarkin Yaki’ Title on Gen Bulama Biu mini (Rtd)
His Royal Highness, Alhaji (Dr) Mustapha Umar Mustapha Aliyu II, CON, the Emir of Biu, has conferred the prestigious traditional title of ‘Sarkin Yaki Biu Emirate’ on Major General Bulama Biu mni (Rtd) in recognition of his immense contributions to security and peace in Borno State and Nigeria at large.
The Emir described General Bulama Biu as a fearless and patriotic son of the Emirate who played a critical role in the fight against Boko Haram, bringing stability to the region. “The people of Biu Emirate are proud of you as a very distinguished professional soldier,” the Emir declared.
Reacting to the honor, former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai CFR, commended the Emir of Biu for recognizing the sacrifices and dedication of General Bulama Biu. He highlighted the retired general’s outstanding military service, particularly his leadership as GOC 7 Division and Commander Sector 3 MNJTF, where he exhibited remarkable bravery and tactical excellence.
“General Bulama Biu is a warrior whose contributions to national security will never be forgotten,” Buratai stated. “His military career was shaped by discipline, courage, and an unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria. This honor by the Emir of Biu is well-deserved, and I have no doubt that he will continue to serve the Emirate and the nation with distinction.”
Buratai further noted that General Bulama Biu follows in the footsteps of his late father, Major Bulama Biu MON, the first Regimental Sergeant Major of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), who was highly respected for his role in training generations of military officers.
Borno State Deputy Governor, His Excellency Alhaji Umar Usman Kadafur, also congratulated General Bulama Biu, describing him as a fearless and pragmatic leader who won the admiration of his troops, security agencies, and the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF). “He was always in the bush, leading from the front, never backing down,” the deputy governor remarked.
The traditional turbanning ceremony for General Bulama Biu is set to take place on a date to be announced, as the people of Biu Emirate prepare to celebrate one of their own—a battle-tested soldier now honored as their ‘Sarkin Yaki’ (Warlord).
celebrity radar - gossips
Mum Saved My Destiny!’ – Gospel Star Frank Edwards Remembers How His Mother Stopped Him from Signing $320,000 Deal
Nigerian-UK Worship Powerhouse Celebrates 15 Years in Music, Promotes New Hit ‘Jigidem,’ and Gears Up for April 2025 Release!
Grace Efobi, the UK-based Nigerian contemporary gospel artist, has continued to soar in the global gospel music scene, marking 15 years of professional music ministry with an unwavering passion for God’s kingdom. Born and raised in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, her journey began in the church choir, where her voice first captivated hearts. Today, she stands as a seasoned recording artist with 10 powerful tracks to her name.
‘JIGIDEM’ TAKES CENTER STAGE!
Efobi’s latest release, Jigidem, is making waves across digital platforms, blessing listeners with its soul-stirring melodies. Featuring the sensational Rheta Ritche Jacobs, the song is a divine anthem of hope, faith, and strength in God.
NEW MUSIC ALERT: ‘YOU REIGN’ DROPS APRIL 2025!
As she continues her remarkable journey, Efobi is set to release a brand-new single, ‘YOU REIGN,’ in April 2025. The song is a powerful declaration of God’s supremacy, the resurrection of Christ, and His infinite greatness. With her signature heartfelt delivery and lyrical depth, You Reign promises to be a worship anthem for generations.
A WOMAN OF IMPACT
Beyond the music, Grace Efobi is a devoted wife, mother, and proud grandmother, balancing her family life with an unshakable commitment to spreading the gospel through music. Her unwavering faith and dedication continue to inspire many across the globe.
Stay connected with Grace Efobi:
Instagram: @graceefobi
Facebook: @graceefobi
TikTok: @graceefobi
YouTube: @gefobi7@googlemail.com
With her voice as a vessel of worship, Grace Efobi’s legacy in gospel music is only getting stronger!
#GraceEfobi #Jigidem #YouReign #GospelMusic #WorshipAnthem #KingdomSound
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