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Bwala under attack over comment on Defence Ministers

Published

6 months ago

September 3, 2024

Admin

A former aide to ex-Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Daniel Bwala, has come under attack following his recent comment concerning the security apparatus under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

Bwala in his comment suggested that the Ministers of Defence, Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle, should be sacked by the President for allegedly allowing avoidable errors that, he said led to the seizure of the military armoured vehicle by bandits in Zamfara State.

On his verified X handle, Bwala said: “If this perceived lack of cooperation between the air force and army continues, where we see schoolboy errors resulting in ragtag bandits taking our armoured vehicles and munitions, then both ministers of Defence may need to be shown the door out. No sentiments.”

Meanwhile, leaders of Arewa Youths Consultative Forum (AYCF) and Yoruba Youth Council (YYC), Yerima Shettima and Comrade Eric Oluwole described Bwala’s position as unfounded and diversion from the real challenges that plague the Northern region and Nigeria.

The AYCF and YYC leaders in their separate statements reminded the Vice President’s aide of his positions during the recent electoral cycle, saying that, his open opposition to the Tinubu candidacy and his support for Atiku Abubakar positioned him on the other side of the political divide.

They queried that, where exactly was Mr. Bwala when the electorate strongly endorsed President Tinubu’s vision for a secure and prosperous Nigeria?

“His sudden shift to become a self-styled supporter of this administration raises eyebrows about his motivations and credibility, Shettima and Oluwole stated.

They further stressed: “It is imperative for stakeholders in our political landscape to engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to unfounded attacks on individuals who are collectively working towards the primary goal of securing the North. Ministers Badaru and Matawalle have made significant strides in addressing the unique security challenges that our region faces.

“We commend their efforts and encourage their continued service in cracking down on insecurity, which remains a pressing concern for all northerners. Furthermore, we take exception to Mr. Bwala’s thinly veiled ambition as he appears to be attempting to usurp the narrative for his own gain.

“We remember his earlier declaration about aspiring to hold the position of Mr Ngilari, which could have influenced his harsh rhetoric against established leaders who are dedicated to the safety and advancement of our communities”.

The AYCF said, Bwala’s motives come into question when juxtaposed with the realities faced by the North, which requires unity and cooperation rather than divisive political machinations.

“As representatives of the northern youth, we express concern over any attempts to undermine President Tinubu’s administration through baseless criticisms. The ongoing initiatives aimed at restoring peace and security in the region deserve the support of all stakeholders, including critiquing voices.

“It is precisely this spirit of collaboration towards a common goal that we hope Mr. Bwala can embrace rather than spiral into personal grievances. We caution President Tinubu to be wary of allowing such individuals to undermine his reputation and initiatives within the North.

“The youth of Arewa stand firmly behind those in positions of leadership who are genuinely focused on the security and welfare of our people. Our collective will is directed towards recovery and proactive measures that can only be realized through steadfast leadership and dialogue, eschewing the toxicity of political opportunism.

“We urge Mr. Bwala to redirect his energies to addressing his self-created challenges and refrain from disparaging ministers who are striving to create a safer, more secure north. The Arewa Youths Consultative Forum remains committed to holding accountable not only public officials for their responsibilities but also those who would seek to mislead the public or distract from crucial efforts underway,” the statement stressed.

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How Senate Ethics Cttee chairman who suspended Natasha was barred for life in New York over alleged scam

Published

15 minutes ago

March 10, 2025

Admin

Neda Imasuen, chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics that recommended the suspension of Natasha Akpoti, has been stripped of his bar licence in New York, U.S., over allegations of multimillion-dollar fraud and gross misconduct.

A document obtained by Peoples Gazette showed that Mr Imasuen had been disbarred for life in New York after he swindled his client, absconding with representation fees without making an appearance for her in court.

The Gazette spoke with a court officer who said Mr Imasuen was permanently disbarred after collecting money from a client and failing to represent her. He also refused to comply with the disciplinary panel’s attempt to investigate his misconduct.

Daphne Shyfield hired Mr Imasuen to represent her on a matter in 2009 and paid him tens of millions of dollars for legal fees.

Instead of appearing for Ms Shyfield, Mr Imasuen absconded with the money, a move that triggered a morass of petitions, given that his actions contravened existing New York bar code and rules.

Despite being served with petitions on multiple occasions in the U.S., Mr Imasuen failed to respond to any of the petitions and did not ask for an extension of time to file a response.

The Edo South senator, instead, fled to Nigeria with Ms Shyfield’s funds to lay low and escape disciplinary actions from the Grievance Committee, the body responsible for issuing rulings for the infractions of jurists.

Following several failed attempts to obtain a response to petition files, the Grievance Committee for the Second, Eleventh, and Thirteenth Judicial Districts terminated Mr Imasuen’s licence to practice law in New York.

“Neda B. Imasuen, admitted as Neda Bernards Imasuen, is disbarred, and his name is stricken from the roll of attorneys and counselors-at-law,” reads a decision of the Grievance Committee on May 10, 2010.

“Neda Bernards Imasuen is commanded to desist and refrain from (1) practicing law in any form, either as principal or agent, clerk, or employee of another, (2) appearing as an attorney or counsellor-at-law before any court, judge, justice, board, commission, or other public authority,” reads a notice of his disbarment.

Meanwhile, in Nigeria, Mr Imasuen, 66, rode on the waves of the Labour Party to win the Edo South senatorial poll in 2023 and wormed his way to becoming the chair of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Code of Conduct and Public Petitions.

That the same man with a 15-year-old history of disregarding petitions was now heading the Senate Committee on Ethics and Public Petitions called into question the integrity —if any, of the people in the nation’s leadership positions.

Last Wednesday, Mr Imasuen was quick to dismiss Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan’s sexual harassment petition against Senate President Godswill Akpabio on the ground that it did not follow due process.

The Edo senator dismissed the petition as “dead on arrival” because Mrs Akpoti-Uduaghan signed the document, which he said violated the Senate rule book. He later accepted it on Friday after the female lawmaker resubmitted it with the signature of her constituent’s member.

Mr Imasuen did not immediately return comments on his New York disbarment.

His disbarment is typical of many Nigerian politicians who commit crimes on foreign soil and flee to Nigeria with fraud proceeds, with which they contest elections.

Former speaker and the president’s chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, got his law licence terminated by the State Bar of Georgia in the U.S. over his corruption and ethical lapses. He admitted to stealing $25,000 from his client.

Mr Imasuen’s disbarment by the New York Supreme Court adds yet a new name to the growing list of individuals with tainted pasts occupying high-ranking government positions in Nigeria.

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VIDEO: WATCH moment RIPCO leaders urge INC to shun violence over Rivers crisis

Published

28 minutes ago

March 10, 2025

Admin

Rivers Ijaw Peoples Congress, RIPCO leaders have called on Ijaw National Congress INC leaders to shun violence over the state’s political logjam.

In a video, leader of the group, Senator George Thompson Sekibo alongside other leaders addressed the press over misguided statements being made by INC leaders.

WATCH!

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/15tzYS9sVr/

News

Kalu Urges SEDC Management To Put Partnership, Development Above Politics

Published

4 hours ago

March 10, 2025

Gloria Ikibah

…call for transparency in utilisation of funds

By Gloria Ikibah

Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rep. Benjamin Kalu has called for the need of partnership and collaboration over politics for the success of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

Kalu also urged the management team of the commission to prioritise collective effort, driven by the values of hard work, integrity, and communal progress.

Speaking at a reception for the board of the SEDC and stakeholders engagement hosted by Prince Arthur Eze, the Chairman of Oranto Petroleum in Enugu to round off the visit of the management team in the region over the weekend, the Deputy Speaker noted that the commission’s ultimate goal is to drive growth and development in the region.

Kalu who was represented by the Deputy Minority Whip of the House, Hon. George Ozodinobi stressed that the commission’s success relies on partnership, not politics, and encouraged collaboration across various sectors, including the private sector, diaspora, villages, cities, traditional institutions, and government.

He said: “The South East Development Commission is not just another institution; it is the engine room of renewal, the architect of a modern South East that matches our spirit of enterprise with the necessary infrastructure and support. It will rebuild what was broken, ignite industries, empower our youth, and give new life to the creative and technological prowess that has always defined us.

“We must remember that a river that forgets its source will soon run dry. As we embrace development, let us remain anchored in our values—hard work, integrity, and communal progress. The greatness of a people is not measured by the wealth of individuals but by the prosperity of the many. That is why this commission is not just for the elite, the politically connected, or the privileged. It is for the trader in Ariaria, the farmer in Abakaliki, the artisan in Nnewi, the startup innovator in Enugu, and the student in Owerri who dreams of a future where talent—not location—determines success.

“An Igbo proverb says there is strength in numbers. If the fingers of one hand come together, they form a mighty fist. Our strength has always been in our collective resolve. The Commission will not thrive on politics; it will thrive on partnership. From the private sector to the diaspora, from the villages to the cities, from the traditional institutions to the halls of government, we must stand together. This is not the time for division—it is the time for alignment”.

Kalu also charged the SEDC Board and the management team to utilize allocated funds wisely, ensuring transparency and projects that positively impact ordinary people’s lives.

“We must remain steadfast, ensuring that this commission delivers on its promise, that funds are used transparently, and that projects touch the lives of ordinary people”, he said.

Noting the tortuous legislative journey of the billl at the national assemby, Kalu however expressed gratitude to his colleagues as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for signing the bill that established the commission, ultimately fulfilling the promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation made to Ndi Igbo by the Gowon led federal government over 50 years ago.

“The journey to this moment was not without its trials, but history is always shaped by those who dare to persist. Along with my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representatives, I championed the South East Development Commission Bill—not as a mere legislative exercise, but as a moral imperative to address long-standing infrastructural deficits, economic stagnation, and the wounds of history that have yet to fully heal. It was a journey of debate, negotiation, and unwavering advocacy.

“I extend my deepest gratitude to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, whose assent to this bill demonstrates his deep understanding of governance as a tool for national unity and progress. In signing this bill into law, he has not only affirmed his commitment to equity but has also fulfilled, in tangible terms, the long-standing promise of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Reconciliation (the 3Rs) made by General Yakubu Gowon over five decades ago. This is the mark of true leadership—one that listens, understands, and acts decisively in the interest of all Nigerians. Today, the South East is not just seen, but heard. Not just acknowledged, but empowered. And for that, Mr. President, we say thank you”, Kalu said.