Connect with us

society

NIGERIANS SHOULD OWN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION.

Published

on

NIGERIANS SHOULD OWN THE FIGHT AGAINST CORRUPTION.

BEIGN THE TEXT OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE VANGUARD FOR CREDIBLE REPRESENTATION IN ABUJA, FCT ON MY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2024.

Ladies and gentlemen of the press, distinguished guests, and fellow Nigerians,

We gather today not to only reaffirm our commitment to combating corruption and promoting a prosperous Nigeria, but also to emphasise the crucial need for unity in the fight against corruption in our dear nation.

We, the Vanguard for Credible Representation, a national body of harmonised, well-meaning Nigerians from different walks of life and across diversities, at home and abroad, have patiently observed the state and trajectory of our blessed and beloved nation, Nigeria, under the stewardship of the present administration, and have deemed it necessary to contribute in this least possible manner, a little of our own diligent observations and fact-backed suggestions, which the good people of our country are in agreement with.

We must recognise that combating corruption is a shared responsibility; and with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s recent assurances that no one will be spared in the anti-graft war, we urge all Nigerians to join us in this noble cause, report corruption incidents, support whistle-blowers and promote transparency and accountability.

Together, we can create a corruption-free society that benefits everyone. While we commend the EFCC’s recent successes, we urge other anti-corruption and security agencies to join forces in this battle and also called upon the EFCC to continue to fight on, be resolute in its commitment to protecting whistleblowers and encouraging reporting; collaborating with local and international partners to recover stolen assets; and educating the general public on corruption’s devastating consequences.

For example, corruption has dealt suffocating blows to our educational system. The Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Musa Adamu Aliyu (SAN), described corruption as a cancer that has severely affected the performance of the education sector. He noted that the lower levels of the education system have been the most impacted. Aliyu attributed corruption in the sector to a lack of transparency and accountability: “…Corruption is at the heart of these experiences, a huge chunk of which may be attributed to a lack of transparency and accountability, and the direct and indirect impact of this on access to and quality of education cannot be overemphasised.”

Scoring 180 countries around the world, the Corruption Perceptions Index is the leading global indicator of public sector corruption, which reported that Nigeria has a score of 25 this year, with a change of 1 since last year, meaning it ranks 145 out of 180 countries.
Tens of trillions of Naira has been lost to corruption over the decades and the devastating and stagnating effects on all other sectors in general and on infrastructural development in particular, can better be imagined. Today, Nigeria has $2.3 trillion infrastructural deficit gap, which could have been bridged with the trillions of Naira lost to corruption.

We call on the President and heads of the other arms of government, and on the State Governments, and ask that strong will be applied on their part to give heed to our voice at this moment, as what we have to say is of national interest, and for the good of all Nigerians that believe in Nigeria, and of the Nation as a whole.

The faith of the people in the fight against corruption and the anti-corruption drive of this present administration is threatened as each day passes with the disrespect and obstructive activities of state actors.

It is long overdue and very pertinent that all corruption cases that were initiated and have been ongoing should be pursued and treated as priority of this administration, by giving all necessary political will and impetus to expedite process in serving justice in its course and for the progress of our Nation.

Without unity among people and groups of people, regardless of race, tribe, religion and class, growth will be stunted, and there will surely be no tangible development or advancement.

EFCC vs YAHAYA BELLO
The drama that has ensued in the attempt to bring to trial, the former governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Yahaya Bello, is not only nauseating and demoralising, but also has made Nigeria a laughing stock in the international community. The nation is now viewed as a country where certain people of high political status are above the laws of the land.

If we may ask, where is the touted synergy among the security apparatus of the nation state? What happened to the pledge by each and every member of the security and law enforcement agencies to uphold the laws of the land, regardless of whose ox is gored; and without fear or favour.
It is a shame of the nation that the the EFCC continues to bemoan lack of cooperation in its efforts to arrest the former governor, who is being shielded by his kinsman and successor in office, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, Governor of Kogi State.

That the declared-wanted former governor along with a sitting governor, Governor Ododo arrived at the car park of the EFCC on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, with the full accompaniment of Ododo’s convoy security details, has brought to the fore, the germane question in our search for nationhood: Who are the security agents attached to VIPs, government officials and other politically exposed persons loyal to?. Will it be too much if the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Security Service issue orders to their operatives to aid EFCC in fetching the former governor?

The above questions have come to the fore and they are critical to our evolving nation state. Why is former governor Yahaya Bello finding it difficult to clear his name of all these allegations? Why will the EFCC be looking for Yahaya Bello when the same person is surrounded by security agents of the state, paid by the state?. What is expected in a virile nation would have been that security agents around Governor Ododo would have been instructed by their respective commands to help both Yahaya Bello and the EFCC or the Court to access justice, especially when a court of the land had issued a valid and subsisting warrant of arrest on the former governor. Is it not a huge joke that the court issued a bench warrant on Yahaya Bello and the EFCC, a statutory federal agency, is till now still seeking for his arrest while he is being protected by federal security agents provided for Governor Usman Ododo by the Federal Government?

Unity and synergy among our security agencies should not just be a touted theme, it must be a guiding principle for the sake of our nation. We are proud of the progress made so far, but we recognise there is still much work to be done. Let us work together to build a prosperous Nigeria, free from corruption. We are calling on all and sundry to join hands and also calling on EFCC to also go after other public and private officials and individuals across the nation and bring them to book. Seemingly closed files should be reopened to retrieve trillions of Naira belong to the Nigerian people.

Corruption has caused irreparable suffering to our people and nation in all ramifications. We can no longer afford to stand by and watch in idleness with our hands thrown up in helplessness.

GOVERNOR USMAN ODODO INVOLVEMENT
The alleged obstructive actions and antics of the governor of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Usman Ododo, is seriously becoming glaring, and we want the governor to be aware that such action is viewed as repugnant and unbecoming of a state governor who swore to uphold the Constitution of the Federal Republic and also pledge his allegiance to the Federal Republic of Nigeria .

The effrontery and audacity against the Constitution of Nigeria, being displayed has never happened in the history of Nigeria and was hitherto unthought of. We have formally written to the Nigeria’s Governors Forum, the Progressives Governors Forum and the Presidency (see the letter attached), to weigh-in and have this matter resolved on the side of Nigerian people.

We hope that advisers of Governor Ododo, just like we are now doing, will be able to tell him that what he has done so far is an obstruction of the EFCC in the performance of its statutory duties, with legal consequences now or in the future.

Finally, we commend the section of the activists and media communities that have been upright and resilient in the renewed battle against corruption.
We urge Nigerians to own the present reinvigorated battle against corruption and unconditionally support efforts to bring offenders to book in order to create a better nation in which we will all be proud of, confident that no one is above the law. .

Thank you for your attention.

Akinloye Oyeniyi
Executive Director.

Onche Ugbabe
Head of Mission.

society

Why Do I Consistently Mention ErukuCity Plus Parental Guidance?

Published

on

Why Do I Consistently Mention ErukuCity Plus Parental Guidance?
~By Oluwaseun Fabiyi

 

 

Your heritage or background plays an undeniable role in shaping your life, regardless of whether you recognize its impact. Generally, people in Lagos, abroad, or worldwide have a historical ancestry or family lineage. You can quote me anywhere.

When individuals of high stature forget their humble beginnings, they potentially forfeit the opportunity to impart valuable life lessons to their children and inadvertently become educated yet culturally uninformed

ErukuCity, located within Ekiti Local Government of Kwara State, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, agricultural excellence, impressive sports records, robust security measures, quality educational institutions, and considerable influence on Kwara State politics, which I aim to highlight in an upcoming project celebrating my hometown’s exceptional qualities.

My origins trace back to ErukuCity, where I was raised in a Muslim family with deep ties to hunting and farming. The influential legacy of Balogun Dodondawa is prominent in our family history and throughout ErukuCity. Efforts are soon to be made to compile and highlight the late Balogun’s contributions to the community.

Under Parental Guidance And Wisdom, I Began My Journey:

In our adolescent years, while residing in our hometown, our parents frequently advised us to develop a practical proficiency or business venture, confident that it would enhance, not hinder, our educational aspirations

Whenever our parents mentioned this, I felt growing frustration with their ideology, believing their lack of education contributed to their premature advocacy for vocational skills as a supplemental income stream

It never occurred to me that our parents had a profound understanding of the potential challenges the country would face in the future. During my JSS 3 year at Methodist High School in ErukuCity, I distinctly recall a particular evening when my parents summoned me, saying, ‘Oluwaseun, we recognize your exceptional abilities, calm demeanor, and promising future. As individuals who were deprived of educational opportunities, with only a few graduates in our family and lacking vocational skills, we urge you to acquire a trade or skill while pursuing your education, as it will be invaluable to you and future generations.’ Despite my parents’ efforts to dissuade me, I remained resolute, stressing that I would not compromise my academic goals initially, and subsequently, I might establish a reliable alternative source of financial support or a secondary contingency plan.

Ultimately, with our parents’ passing, we, the next generation, remain; significantly, some of us have come to appreciate and integrate the counsel offered in the 80s, following our academic accomplishments.

Considering the current economic landscape in Nigeria and Africa, it is clear that sole reliance on one income stream precludes wealth accumulation, thus necessitating the cultivation of an alternative income source, or ‘plan B.’ My upbringing and heritage have been instrumental in my professional journey, and I remain grateful for the foundational values they have imparted.

I am deeply grateful to my late parents and the entire Eruku community for their invaluable support, which has profoundly influenced my personal and professional progress.

The forthcoming Part 2 will examine the outstanding heritage and notable accomplishments of the late Balogun Dodondawa in fostering the expansion and transformation of Eruku City.

Hello, I’m Oluwaseun Fabiyi, a journalist writes from Lagos.

Continue Reading

society

Lawyers, CSOs kick as 2,412 protesters rot in detention

Published

on

Lawyers, CSOs kick as 2,412 protesters rot in detention

 

Lawyers and civil society organisations, CSOs, yesterday, decried the continued detention and incarceration of #EndBadGovernance protesters two months after the August 1-10 protests across the country.

 

As of last night, most of the detained protesters are yet to be prosecuted, with minors among those held in captivity in Police, Department of State Service, DSS, facilities or prisons.

 

Although some minors, who were arrested during the protest, have been released on bail, others are in the process of being granted bail, Vanguard’s checks showed.

40 charged to court in Nasarawa

In Nasarawa State for instance, of the 50 protesters arrested, 10 minors have been freed, while 40 adults have been charged to court, according to Police PRO, DSP Ranhan Nansel.

109 arrested in Sokoto

In Sokoto where 109 protesters were arrested, Attorney-General of the state, Nasiru Binji, said a significant number had been released on bail, while the rest were in prison custody.

6 freed in Kaduna

Similarly, in Kaduna State, six of those arrested have been freed on the order of the Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, while three others have been charged to court.

Details on 600 in Kano uncertain

 

The situation in Kano State is alarming, as no fewer than 600 protesters (including 76, who displayed Russian flags) were arrested and later transferred to Police Force headquarters in Abuja. While it was gathered that many of them have been charged to court and bailed, the number of those still in detention could not be ascertained at press time.

 

The Director of Public Prosecution, DPP in Kano State Ministry of Justice, Salisu Tahir, said they were still compiling the details.

390 await freedom in Jigawa

However, in Jigawa State, of the 419 protesters arrested, 390 have been arraigned in court, as 29 have been released, according to Police PRO DSP, Lawan Adam.

Unclear situation over 9 in Zamfara, 97 in Borno

In Zamfara, the Police PRO, Yazid Abubakar, said nine protesters had been charged to court, but said he does not know if they were detained or granted bail by the court.

In Borno, 97 protesters were arrested during the protest but their condition remains unclear at the time of this report.

In Yobe, of the 51 arrests made during the protest, 35 have been sent to Potiskum Prison, while the rest are being detained by the police. The minors among them, are to be freed on bail.

No freedom for 23 detainees in Niger

In Niger State, 23 persons were arrested, out of which six have been arraigned and sentenced to jail terms, while 17 are in police custody.

1,090 yet to be prosecuted in Abuja

In the Federal capital territory, FCT, Abuja, no fewer than 1,100 were arrested, but only 10 have been arraigned.

 

Additionally, the hundreds of Northern youths who brandished Russian flags during the protests have not been arraigned, neither has the tailor who mass-produced and distributed the flags.

Those on trial for participating in the protest are Michael Tobiloba Adaramoye, Adeyemi Abiodun Abayomi, Suleiman Yakubu, Comrade Opaluwa Eleojo Simon, Angel Love Innocent, Buhari Lawal, Mosiu Sadiq, Bashir Bello, Nurudeen Khamis and Abduldalam Zubair.

Trial Justice Emeka Nwite remanded the defendants in prison custody, pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

51 freed in Plateau

The 51 protesters who were arrested in Plateau State for breaching the law on curfew but not on hunger strike, have all been freed.

There were, however, no arrests in Benue, Taraba, Kebbi, Adamawa, Kwara and Kogi states, as many of the states adopted some strategies to prevent their citizens from joining the protests.

 

@VANGUARD

Continue Reading

Health/Beauty

Doctor Warns On The Danger Of Excessive Masturbation

Published

on

Doctor Warns On The Danger Of Excessive Masturbation

 

 

A British doctor has warned that excessive masturbation is behind the rise of male health problems.

In moderation, self-pleasure helps to reduce stress, and improve sleep quality and mood, but it can become ‘an unhealthy habit’ and trigger a form of erectile dysfunction, says Dr Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy.

Doctor Warns On The Danger Of Excessive Masturbation

‘Overall, there’s no strict rule or guideline on how much people should masturbate.’

‘But when masturbation gets out of hand, there’s a variety of ways it can impact sexual and physical health.’

A key concern is the rise of porn use: half of adults in the UK now access graphic material online, according to a recent survey by media watchdog Ofcom, and Dr Grant links this to the rise in porn-induced erectile dysfunction, or PIED.

 

Up to 50 percent of adult men suffer from some degree of erectile dysfunction, according to the British Association of Urological Surgeons. It is often associated with obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes but can also have no obvious cause. One lesser-known culprit could be PIED, claims Dr Grant.

‘PIED is a type of erectile dysfunction that stems from an unhealthy consumption of pornography.

‘This unhealthy porn usage can lead to desensitisation, making it more difficult for men to achieve and maintain an erection — as they’re used to more intense sexual activity seen on screen.

‘It can lead to reduced interest in sex with actual partners as men prioritise porn and masturbation instead.’

More worryingly, Dr Grant warns that compulsive masturbation could trigger physical changes that affect intimacy.

‘Compulsive masturbation can lead to reduced sensitivity in the genital area, making it more difficult to achieve sexual pleasure or stimulation.

‘It can occur when nerve endings become damaged from too much activity, creating a loss of sensitivity.

‘This can also impact individuals who masturbate too roughly, causing potential friction damage.

 

‘Thankfully, this is a short-term issue and factors such as taking breaks or utilising lubricants can help restore sensitivity.

‘And thankfully, there are a range of treatments available to men who are struggling with ED, helping them manage a healthy sex life and achieve erections with ease.’

Dr Grant added that ‘over-masturbating’ can be damaging in other ways.

It can cause men and women to become ‘hyper-focused on their own pleasure, meaning when the time comes for sexual intercourse with a partner, individuals could experience performance anxiety, which directly impacts sex drive.’

The question of how much is too much is subjective, he admitted.
‘Masturbation habits can differ largely from person to person with some people doing it daily, weekly or not at all.

‘It’s important to monitor the sexual activity to ensure it doesn’t interfere with social lives, work or relationships.

‘Additionally, discomfort or injury is usually a telltale sign that the masturbation sessions are becoming too much and harming health.

‘It’s important to maintain a healthy but sensible sex life through masturbation, ensuring it’s not at the expense of daily activities.

‘Some people can even experience mental distress due to guilt or shame relating to their masturbation — this can stem from porn usage or other factors, but can have a big effect on people’s mental well-being.

‘Overall, common sense is required to ensure it remains a recreational activity without interfering with other aspects of daily life.’

 

 

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending