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ECOWAS Court Dismissed SERAP’s Case Prosecuted by Falana against FG

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Malami

 

The Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has dismissed six year application (ECW/CCJ/JUD/08/21) filed by the registered trustees of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) against the Federal Government.

In a judgment which was delivered on 26th April, 2021 the Court which was presided over by Hon. Justice Edward Amoaka ASANTE comprising two other members including Hon. Justice Gberi-Be OUTATTARA and Hon. Justice Januaria T. Silva Moreira COSTA declared the application inadmissible.

SERAP through its solicitors; Olufunmilola Falana (Mrs) Esq, Olusola Egbeyinka, Esq of Falana and Falana Chambers had on 4th April, 2016 filed an application at the ECOWAS against “violation of human rights of Nigerians and other individuals”.

Such rights according to the applicants included the rights to life, to security of the human persons, to the respect of the dignity inherent in a human being and right of property, guaranteed by Articles 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 14 of the African Charter, Articles 1, 2, 3, 7, 8 and 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Articles 2 and 6(1) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

The Federal Government solicitors; T.A Gazali,SAN and Adedayo Ogundele, Esq all of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation, Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja advanced responses ranging from:

(a) Denying committing any violation against some groups,

(b) Settlement of compensation, and

(C) Contention that most of the issues were either settled, or at the appeal courts for further interpretation and final resolution.

The Rise And Fall Of Anini ,The Taxi Driver Turn Armed Robber 

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The Court further maintained that even where jurisdiction of Court is established, according to Article 10(d) of the Supplementary Protocol of the Court as amended, an application whose subject matter concerns human rights violation shall only be admissible when three criteria are met: the Applicant’s status as “victims” must be established, the non-anonymity of the application and the absence of litis pendence before another international Court or Tribunal.

According to the judgment:
“The Applicant having purportedly initiated the instant action on behalf of a community or group which lacks proper identification, Applicant’s locus standing in the matter cannot be sustained to admit the case for determination.

“Consequently, the action cannot be admitted under such a fatal capacity of the Applicant and same is dismissed in its entirety”.

“It must be further observed that the Applicant NGO has not been directly affected by the alleged violations, therefore it does not fulfill the requirement of being a victim on its own right”.

The Court judgment further stated that “the only ground to admit the case is on proof of the action being action popularis. However, the principles of public interest litigation and action popularis appear non-applicable to this case since the rights complained of, such as the right to life, to property, etc which primarily belongs to the victims and may only be claimed by them or their next-of-kins where necessary, have not been succinctly linked to the general public interest contemplated in the context of an action popularis.

“In the instant case, all the communities or groups on whose behalf the action is purportedly initiated to vindicate any alleged violations of their rights have themselves already taken various legal steps to remedy any wrongs if any.

The applicant case fails to clearly establish any community or groups whose public interest is allegedly breached and needs vindication as claimed,” the Court declared.

Responding to the development, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami described the judgment as a clear vindication of the Federal Government’s efforts towards respecting human rights and international conventions.

In a statement by Dr. Umar Jibrilu Gwandu, Special Assistant on Media and Public Relations, Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Malami said the judgment has saved Nigeria from payment of billons of Nigeria’s naira for bogus claims.

Malami renewed the commitment of the Office of the Attorney General of the Federation and that of the Federal Government to protecting the rights of citizens in ramifications as well as protecting the public interest in the discharge of constitutionally recognized mandate.

 

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Yusuf did not leave NNPP for self interest but kano state development and prosperity -NNPP

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The Dr Boniface Aniebonam led New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) says Gov. Abba Yusuf of Kano State left the Kwankwasiya Movement and the party because of Sen. Rabiu Kwankwaso’s slavery intentions and not for selfish reasons.

The party also stated that the main betrayer in the saga is Kwankwaso, who betrayed the trust of the NNPP founder, Aniebonam and not Yusuf. All efforts made by Yusuf as the leader of NNPP for reconciliation were resisted out of arrogance and greed
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The party was reacting to comments by Elder Buba Galadima on Yusuf’s defection.

In a statement by its National Vice Chairman Northwest, Alhaji Sani Danmasani, the party stated: “Let the relations and families of Kwankwaso and Galadima intervene before depression will catch up with them.

“This is because a critical analysis of the condition of Galadima on Arise television suggested that something may become clinically wrong.

“The cross over of Yusuf to APC is affecting Galadima’ and Kwankwaso so much that the bitterness and pain are evident in their speeches.

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“Their pain is so much that it may result to depression if something urgently is not done . It is most likely that these great men are having sleepless nights.”

According to the party, what is striking in the details of Galadima’s expression during the session on Arise TV were his experiences, travelling by road from Enugu airport to Umuawulu town in Anambra, hometown of NNPP Founder, Aniebonam.

“Galadima’ said he got to Anambra by 2.a.m to meet Aniebonam for the purposes of getting a political platform for Kwankwaso and others against the 2023 general elections.

“Incidentally Yusuf who is a prime beneficiary of the risky trip to Umuawulu is the one found to have betrayed NNPP family to join their enemy, a former governor Kano state and APC stalwart, Ganduje.

“Galadima and Kwankwaso crying fowl of betrayal of trust were the same people who were favoured at no cost to use the NNPP platform to contest elections in 2023.

“They were the same people who betrayed Aniebonam, and fighting to hijack the party he founded 2001. They are still fighting to hijack the structure of the NNPP without conscience, yet calling Yusuf a betrayer.

“One begin to wonder why Kwankwaso and Buba Galadima are crying fowl and disturbing the peace of the society as if they do not know that God acts differently.”

It noted that Yusuf’s decision was a self defence , protection from modern slavery and undue interference from Kwankwaso in governance of Kano state.

The party said that rather than continue to lament over Yusuf, Kwankwaso and his group should seek the face of God and ask for forgiveness from those they betrayed.

The party noted that Kwankwaso’s influence in Kano politics has fizzled out, and will not affect Yusuf’s re-election in 2027.

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Hon. Bichi commissions Hagagawa Mega Primary School, employs additional 180 temporary Teachers

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Hon. Abubakar Kabir Abubakar Bichi, the member of the House of Representatives for Bichi Federal Constituency from Kano State and the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, has officially commissioned the reconstructed Hagagawa Mega Primary School in Bichi Local Government Area yesterday, Tuesday.

Hagagawa Primary School was established in 1930 and before the reconstruction the structure was on the verge of collapse.

In addition, the lawmaker has employed 180 more classroom teachers, who will be deployed across primary schools in Bichi Local Government.

This brings the total number of teachers employed by Hon. Bichi to 500, each earning a monthly salary of N60,000. In total, the legislator spends N₦30,000,00 monthly on teachers’ salaries, amounting to ₦360,000,000 annually.

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Speaking at the Commissioning, Hon Bichi reaffirmed his commitment to building similar model schools in Danzabuwa in Bichi north, Saye in Bichi East and Ciranci communities.

Teachers and students associations across the local government commended the lawmaker during the commissioning of the school.

As part of the reconstruction, Hon. Bichi also constructed a modern mini-stadium, upgraded classrooms, a computer lab, a modern library and recreational facilities for students to enhance extracurricular activities.

The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Reps. Kabir Alhassan Rurum, Reps Sagir Ibrahim Koki, Repa Abdullahi Rogo, Reps. Hussaini Kero, MD Hadejia Jamare River Basin Development, Dr. Rabiu Suleiman Bichi, DG National Productivity commi, Hon. Baffa Babba, Chairman of Bichi Local Government, Hon. Hamza Maifata, and the member representing Bichi in the Kano state assembly Hon. Lawan Shehu Bichi, SUBEB Chairman Kano, Old Students, well wishers and other community leaders.

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Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship Unveils 2026 Lagos Convention Logo

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The Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International (FGBMFI), Nigeria, on Thursday, January 29, 2026, unveiled the official logo for its 2026 Lagos National Convention at a press briefing held at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Maitama, Abuja, with former Senate President, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, calling for conviction-driven Christian leadership across business and public life.

The unveiling marked a key milestone in preparations for the national convention, which is expected to attract members and stakeholders from across Nigeria and beyond. Leaders of the fellowship used the occasion to outline the vision, theme, and activities planned for the 2026 gathering.

Among dignitaries present were the National President of FGBMFI Nigeria, Barrister Isaac Okpanachi; Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Southwest 3 District Coordinator and Planning Committee Chairman, Mr. Sunny Beyioku; Board of Trustees member, Arc. Daniel Wadzani; National Vice President (Convention), Mr. Victor Tony Emmanuel; National Vice President (Outreaches), Mr. Wake Ademo; Chairman, Special Outreaches, Dr. Kelechi Idimogu; Chairman, National Convention Committee, Mr. Kelechi Agu; and District Coordinator, North Central 1, Sir Roland.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Beyioku assured members of the public that preparations for the convention were progressing steadily. He said all districts of the fellowship were actively involved in the planning process, with deliberate efforts to highlight the origins and growth of FGBMFI in Nigeria, adding that the fellowship remained committed to fulfilling its mandate.
Addressing the gathering, Barrister Okpanachi announced that the 2026 National Convention would hold at the National Theatre, Lagos, described as the historic venue where the fellowship first began in Nigeria. He also unveiled the theme of the convention as “Pressing Towards the Mark” (Philippians 3:14), noting that it reflects focus, resilience, and unwavering commitment to God’s calling.

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The national president explained that the newly unveiled logo symbolises the fellowship’s vision of reaching professionals, public servants, and individuals engaged in legitimate vocations. He also acknowledged Senator Anyim for his longstanding support of the fellowship, expressing optimism that Nigeria would continue to serve as a model for integrity in business and governance.

According to him, the 2026 convention is designed to connect, inspire, and reposition members spiritually and professionally. Planned activities include rallies, Bible teachings, prison outreaches, and exclusive dinners and luncheons for professionals, politicians, civil servants, artisans, and other stakeholders.

Responding to questions from journalists, the leadership highlighted the impact of previous conventions, noting that sustained outreach programmes and publications have increased the fellowship’s visibility nationwide. They cited several prominent Nigerians who have been associated with the fellowship as examples of ethical leadership in public service.

On digital engagement, FGBMFI leaders said the fellowship is strengthening its online presence, expanding virtual meetings, and developing youth-focused content. Barrister Okpanachi also referenced his YouTube platform, LifeLight Help TV, as part of efforts to reach a wider audience.

Speaking at the event, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim stressed that Christian engagement in public and professional life must be rooted in conviction, noting that the fellowship plays a critical role in reinforcing moral values across sectors.

The event concluded with a joint unveiling of the convention logo and closing remarks by NEC member, Dr. Jerry Abutu, followed by prayers.

Founded in December 1951 in Los Angeles, California, by dairy farmer Demos Shakarian, the Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International has grown into a global movement. Nigeria is currently described as having the largest concentration of FGBMFI chapters worldwide.

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