Connect with us

society

Kogi guber: SDP, Ajaka under fire over ‘mindless blackmail, attacks against Judiciary’

Published

on

Kogi guber: SDP, Ajaka under fire over 'mindless blackmail, attacks against Judiciary'

 

Court cases are won with evidence, not sentiments, propaganda’

Civil Society Organisations, INEC accredited observers in the November 11, 2023 Kogi governorship election as well as indigenous people of the state have raised concerns over what they described as mindless blackmail and “propaganda taken too far” by the Social Democratic Party and its candidate, Muritala Ajaka, aimed at putting undue pressure on the Judiciary.

 

 

According to them, the needless attacks on the Judiciary after every judgement, shows crass ignorance on the part of both the SDP and its candidate, “who are not being properly guided by their lawyers for obvious reasons”.

 

Kogi guber: SDP, Ajaka under fire over 'mindless blackmail, attacks against Judiciary'

 

The groups specifically noted that the continuous attacks on critical stakeholders, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary without evidence should be seriously condemned by well meaning Nigerians as an attack on Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law, stressing that such attacks should not got without security agencies arresting and investigating people behind it.

At a joint press conference on Monday in Abuja, the Coalition of CSOs, INEC-Accredited Observers in the Nov. 11 Polls, and the Kogi Indigenous People Initiative said it was condemnable that despite an ongoing court process after the election, the SDP had resorted to self-help by deriding and ridiculing the Judiciary in the public space.

They, however, reminded the SDP and its candidate, Ajaka, that court cases are won with facts and evidence, not through propaganda, intimidation and name dropping.

Speaking on behalf of the CSOs, the National Coordinator of the Coalition of Civil Society of Nigeria, Ohalete Wisdom Kelechi, said the INEC and the Judiciary were two critical institutions of government that must be protected from the prejudice of political interests.

He said, “We are concerned that some political interests have continued to stoke embers of hate, further heightening the tension in the land.

“It must be clearly stated that those who have continued to abuse, harass, lampoon, insult and event attempt to induce officers of the judiciary do not mean well for our country.

“When the electoral body and the judiciary come under fierce attacks, coordinated propaganda and mindless blackmail, the pillar of democracy hangs in the balance and good governance will take a back seat.”

Also speaking on behalf of some of the observers accredited by INEC for the election, Mr. Emmanuel Oluwasegun, commended INEC for conducting what many described as the freest and fairest election since the creation of Kogi State.

He said while the SDP performed well in the Senatorial District of its candidate but poorly in the two other senatorial districts making up the state, its key leaders had continued to pollute the political atmosphere over their failure to secure victory.

Oluwasegun said, “It is important to note that there was an election which was credible in all its ramifications. INEC officials were at their best from what we witnessed and from report by foreign observers.

“The SDP won in local governments where its popularity is organic. It was able to mobilise people to vote for the party. The APC utilised its popularity in the state to mobilise the needed support in all the local governments. It did very well in both the West and Central districts, winning overwhelmingly in the district of its candidate. This resulted in about 190,000 votes difference between it and the closest rival.”

“No one is saying political parties cannot go to court to test their luck or seek justice if they think they have a case, but the resort to name calling, character assassination and propaganda against the Judiciary is seriously off the line and must be rebuked. The Judiciary doesn’t yield to intimidation. Prove your case with facts and in line with the Electoral Act,” he said.

Also in his remarks, the leader of the Indigenous People of Kogi State, Oguche Benjamin PhD, who is also from Kogi East, said some politically exposed persons had caused a wide division between the ethnic and religious divides in the state, which had led to avoidable tension, urging them to exercise caution in their utterances.

Dr. Oguche accused the SDP of promoting ethnic divisions, hate and violence against non SDP members in Kogi East LGA. He said several high profile government officials were hounded by SDP sponsored and known Igala military personnel who were sent home on specific assignments to arrest, beat, illegally detain and torture known APC leaders and stakeholders.

He insisted that the violence, intimidation and attacks meted on APC members, which he witnessed, first hand, were “unimaginably unjustifiable and unacceptable”, adding that despite all that, the APC still won the election convincingly.

“The lower tribunal and appeal courts gave the same judgement, in line with what local and international observers saw. Why concocting non-existent figures all in the name of desperation and for propaganda? The law is blind to sentiments or hooliganism. What matters is proving your case in court beyond reasonable doubt and nothing but that,” he said.

The Kogi Indigenes therefore advised the SDP candidate to rebrand his politics away from hate peddling and outdated propaganda if he wants to try his luck at the next governorship election in the state.

“This strategy is outdated and cannot sway the learned community, and definitely not the Judiciary,” they stated.

society

GAMJI GLOBAL MEDIA AND CONSULT PUBLISHERS OF GAMJI REPORTERS CONGRATULATE MAJOR GENERAL ABDU KHALIFA IBRAHIM OFR ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDANT OF THE NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY

Published

on

 

GAMJI GLOBAL MEDIA AND CONSULT PUBLISHERS OF GAMJI REPORTERS CONGRATULATE MAJOR GENERAL ABDU KHALIFA IBRAHIM OFR ON HIS APPOINTMENT AS COMMANDANT OF THE NIGERIA DEFENCE ACADEMY

Gamji Global Media and Consult, publishers of Gamji Reporters, extends heartfelt congratulations to Major General Abdu Khalifa Ibrahim OFR on his recent appointment as the Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy. This prestigious position is a testament to his exemplary service and dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation at large.

Prior to this significant appointment, Major General Ibrahim served as the 57th Commander of the Infantry Corps of the Nigerian Army at Jaji, where he demonstrated exceptional leadership and strategic acumen. A distinguished graduate of the 39 Regular Course, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army on September 19, 1992. Major General Ibrahim holds a Bachelor of Science Honours (History) degree from the Nigeria Defense Academy and a Master’s in Strategic Studies from the University of Ibadan, Oyo State.

Throughout his illustrious career, Major General Ibrahim has held several pivotal positions, including Acting Garrison Commander of 1 Division, Commander of the 14 Brigade, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 7 Division, and Commander of the Multinational Joint Task Force in Ndjamena, Chad. His leadership in these roles has significantly contributed to enhancing national security and fostering regional stability.

Major General Ibrahim’s commendable service has not gone unnoticed, as he has received numerous accolades, including the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) award from Nigeria and the National Order of Chad (NOOC) for his outstanding contributions to peace and security in the Lake Chad Basin.

As he embarks on this new chapter as Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy, we are confident that Major General Ibrahim will continue to uphold the values of excellence, integrity, and patriotism. His extensive experience and commitment to the advancement of military education and training will undoubtedly shape the future leaders of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

We wish Major General Abdu Khalifa Ibrahim OFR every success in his new role and look forward to witnessing the positive impact of his leadership at the Nigeria Defence Academy.

Signed,

Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani
Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi/Betara Biu
Managing Director, Gamji Global Media and Consult
Editor-in-Chief, Gamji Reporters

Continue Reading

society

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA’S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE

Published

on

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA'S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE BY CHINEDU NSOFOR

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA’S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE

BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

The global freight forwarding industry has witnessed a remarkable evolution, growing steadily with an estimated market size of USD 207 billion in 2023 and projected to hit USD 250 billion by 2028 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4%. This growth has been largely driven by increasing trade agreements between countries, the rise of automation, real-time data usage, artificial intelligence, and the expanding demand for ocean and air freight. While Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, South America, and Africa all play significant roles in this industry, Africa remains a region with enormous untapped potential – a gap SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is expertly positioning itself to fill.

Africa’s freight and logistics market is rapidly emerging as a key frontier, with an expected CAGR of 6% from 2023 to 2028. Despite accounting for only 3% of global trade and with merely 17% of that trade occurring within the continent, Africa presents a massive growth opportunity for logistics providers. The African Development Bank’s investment of over USD 44 billion in infrastructure over the past six years, coupled with the potential impact of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) – predicted to boost intra-African freight demand by 28% by 2030 – positions the continent for transformative change. SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is uniquely positioned to harness these growth drivers to deliver world-class freight solutions across Africa.

As a leading African-owned freight forwarding company, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is at the heart of this exciting revolution. Leveraging cutting-edge technology, data-driven operations, and strategic partnerships, SWISSDARL provides seamless, reliable, and efficient freight and logistics solutions. The company specializes in international ocean and air freight forwarding, warehousing, customs brokerage, haulage, and supply chain management — ensuring that goods move swiftly and securely across borders and continents. SWISSDARL’s operations are backed by automation and real-time data integration, which enhance productivity, reduce operational costs, and guarantee accuracy in delivery timelines.

SWISSDARL FREIGHT AND LOGISTICS LIMITED: REDEFINING AFRICA'S FREIGHT FORWARDING LANDSCAPE
BY
CHINEDU NSOFOR

More than just a logistics company, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited is a growth partner for businesses looking to navigate Africa’s complex trade environment. With the rising demand for over 2 million trucks, 100 vessels, and 250 aircraft by 2030 across Africa, SWISSDARL’s robust network, experienced personnel, and client-centric approach ensure they stay ahead of the curve. Their expertise in navigating diverse regulatory landscapes, coupled with a commitment to operational excellence, makes them the trusted choice for businesses involved in intra-African and international trade.

In a world where speed, precision, and trust define successful freight forwarding, SWISSDARL Freight and Logistics Limited stands out as an African success story shaping the future of logistics on the continent. As the African market expands, fueled by trade liberalization, infrastructure development, and technological advancements, SWISSDARL remains committed to powering Africa’s trade dreams — delivering not just goods, but also prosperity, connectivity, and growth across borders.

Continue Reading

society

EFCC RAID ON STUDENT HOSTELS IN BIDA: NAPS CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL INVASION, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Published

on

NAPS National Convention: Polytechnic Students Call for Reforms, Elect New Leaders

EFCC RAID ON STUDENT HOSTELS IN BIDA: NAPS CONDEMNS UNLAWFUL INVASION, DEMANDS JUSTICE AND ACCOUNTABILITY

 

The leadership of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) strongly condemns the recent unjustified raid carried out by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on student hostels surrounding the Federal Polytechnic, Bida.

While NAPS remains unequivocally opposed to all forms of criminal activity, we firmly state that the fight against crime must never come at the expense of the rights, dignity, and safety of innocent Nigerian students.

According to verified reports reaching our secretariat, EFCC operatives stormed various student lodges without search warrants—harassing occupants, destroying personal property, and unlawfully arresting numerous students, many of whom have no known link to any alleged crime.

This blatant abuse of power is not only intolerable but constitutes a serious violation of fundamental human rights. Students are not criminals by default, and indiscriminate raids on academic environments erode trust, compromise mental well-being, and jeopardize academic pursuits.

We demand the following actions without delay:

Immediate and unconditional release of all unlawfully detained students.

Public apology and compensation for affected students whose rights were violated.

A transparent and thorough investigation into the misconduct of the EFCC operatives involved.

Structured dialogue between EFCC leadership and student representatives to set clear operational boundaries within academic institutions.

Strict adherence to constitutional rights and due process in all future enforcement activities.

NAPS reaffirms its commitment to supporting sincere efforts to combat crime and corruption in Nigeria. However, we will not remain silent while the nation’s future—its students—are unjustly profiled, harassed, or treated as criminals under the guise of anti-corruption enforcement.

We urge the EFCC, the Federal Government, and relevant human rights bodies to take immediate action to address this gross misconduct and prevent future occurrences.

An injury to one polytechnic student is an injury to all.

In unwavering solidarity,
Comrade Oyewumi Festus Ayomide, FCAI, GCNPS
National President,
National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS)

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending