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Party Politics And The Position Of Poisonous Policies

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By Bala Ibrahim.

Nigeria is operating as a Republic, with both a national government at the top and the governments of 36 states, in which the people hold power, but elect representatives to exercise and utilize that power, with the executive powers placed in the hands of the president and the governors. In line with this arrangement, called the Presidential system, the Federal Republic of Nigeria has a multi-party system, where today, the National Assembly is dominated by the members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, while the rest are in the minority. The APC got the mandate to lead based on the public conviction on it’s policies.

In highlighting the meaning of it’s policies or manifesto, the upper article of the APC constitution says and I quote:

1. To initiate action to amend our Constitution with a view to devolving powers, duties and responsibilities to states and local governments in order to entrench true Federalism and the Federal spirit.

2. Strengthen INEC to reduce/eliminate electoral malpractices.

3. Attract the best and brightest into our politics and public service by aggressive recruitment of private sector people, academics and professionals within Nigeria and in the Diaspora through internships, fellowships, executive appointments and special nomination to contest elective offices.

4. Prevent abuse of executive, legislative and public offices through greater accountability, transparency and strict enforcement of anti-corruption laws whilst strengthening the EFCC and ICPC.

Of the four ambitions above, none seems designed with a desire to inflict hardship on the people. In fact, to the contrary, the aspiration of item 4 is to prevent executive and legislative abuses, through transparency and accountability. An advanced interpretation of the APC manifesto could say, it is on a mission to rescue the people from poisonous policies, that are capable of inflicting any form of hardship on the people, including, if the need arises, through the action of amending the constitution.

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The position of the Nigerian Political party politics is clearly crafted to constitute the foundation for a good democratic government. The functions of political parties are therefore for political recruitment of credible candidates into the party membership, as well as political socialisation. The parties are also duty bound to engage in political education and the training of their political leaders, including those of them that are elected into executive positions. Where the party deems it fit, it can over rule the executive, on matters that may tantamount to perceived poisonous policies.

Pursuant to the execution of the new Naira policy, as a country, Nigeria is under terrible tension today, and the apprehension is on the rise, over the scarcity of the newly redesigned currency notes. The policy is perceived as poisonous. In many states, commercial banks, motorists and sales outlets are refusing to collect the old notes, while the public is threatening fire and brimstone. Many Nigerians are still holding on to the old naira notes due to the poor circulation of the new ones.

When I came out of the house this morning, I thought the government had made a new announcement while I was sleeping last night, saying the general election has been brought to today, as against the 25th of the month. As I drove along the road, intermittently I was seeing groups of people in front of buildings, rowdy, looking frightened, unsettled and perturbed. My initial instinct told me voting was going on in those buildings. Then suddenly I saw a bank logo on one of the buildings. It then dawned on me that the stampede is for people trying to carry out some transactions in the banks.

As I write this article, reports reaching me are saying at least three banks were torched today, Monday, 20th February 2023, in the Sagamu area of Ogun State. Just four days to the election. Last week, the story was terribly displeasing from all over the country. And the reason is simple – poisonous policy on money.

I’ve heard arguments by people saying the policy is aimed at checkmating governors who have stashed naira in houses ready for use to buy votes. I only laugh at the dopiness of such people. Incidentally, one of them once told me that his bank had made an offer to him, to bring to him at home, a bullion van, to evacuate whatever quantity of naira he has, in exchange for the new notes, or for deposit into his account. The question now is, if my friend, who is just a successful business man, can have such offer from his bank, what more of a governor, from whom the banks are falling over each other, in order to have state funds deposited with them? Cant he have better offers?

Whatever may be the reason for the policy, the fact that it did not anticipate the likelihood of the targets converting their money to foreign currencies, and using same for use in the election, or the penurious state of our financial infrastructure, with regards online real-time banking, means it was not done by people with foresight, because they would have been able to predict what is happening today.

It is however pleasing to hear that, the APC, as the ruling party, has responded to the public anguish with a human face. After a marathon meeting with all its governors yesterday, the National Chairman of the party, Senator Abdullahi Adamu, has called on the President, the Attorney General of the Federation and the Central Bank Governor, to respect the Supreme Court order, which instructed the maintenance of the status quo, in order to alleviate the sufferings of Nigerians.

Indeed as a party, this is a commendable action that is in compliance with the purpose of party politics and the position of poisonous policies in the polity.

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76 Detained Children: Northwest Youth-Students Forum hails Senator Barau, AGF’s prompt intervention

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The Northwest Youth and Students Forum (NWYSF) has expressed its heartfelt appreciation to the Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Barau I. Jibrin and the Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, for their prompt intervention in the detention of minors by the Nigeria Police Force, following the End Bad Governance Protest.

The forum in a statement signed by its National Chairman, Abubakar Isyaku Balan said the swift action by the leaders will brings hope to the affected families and demonstrates a commitment to protecting the rights of vulnerable citizens nationwide.

He said “The giant move of the Deputy President of the Senate and the Attorney General of the Federal is no doubt a commendable one. We are proud of this and look forward to the release of the children courtesy of this movement.”

According to the statement, the NWYSF, as a forum comprising of talented youth and students, deemed it necessary to protectively initiate awareness programs that will enlighten the teeming youth on human rights and activism.

“We acknowledge that the minors actions were driven by ignorance and a lack of proper orientation, underscoring the need for civic education and sensitization in the Northwest region. Addressing the underlying issues that led to this situation is crucial, rather than simply punishing the minors. This approach will foster a more informed and empowered youth.

“Considering the economic situation in the North, we urge the Federal Government to show compassion and release the detained minors, taking into account their age and circumstances. We also call on the government to provide support for their rehabilitation and education.

“In partnership with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and community leaders, NWYSF will develop sensitization initiatives focusing on empowering youths with knowledge of their rights and responsibilities, promoting understanding and respect for human rights and teaching alternative dispute resolution methods.

“In view of the above, by working together, we can prevent similar incidents and foster a more informed, peaceful, and inclusive society,” the statement added.

 

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ICPC Arraigns Provost, Lecturer for Certificate Forgery in Sokoto

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Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu ,ICPC Chairman

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Hauwau Gimbiya Mukhtar Abdulkarim, the serving Provost of the Federal College of Education (Technical) (FCET), Gusau, alongside Abdullahi Boyi, a lecturer with the Sokoto State College of Education (SSCE), on alleged certificate forgery.

The duo were arraigned on a six-count charge, registered as charge No. SS/213c/2024, before Hon. Justice Muhammad Aliyu Sambo at the Sokoto State High Court. ICPC accused the two defendants of forging an appointment letter and using it to apply for the position of Provost at the Federal College of Education (Technical) Gusau, Zamfara State.

The defendants were also accused of making false statements to ICPC officers during the investigation, which is an offence under Section 25(1)(a) and punishable under Section 25(ii)(b) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000. “Both defendants, however, pleaded ‘not guilty’ to all six charges when read to them by the Court’s Registrar,” the ICPC revealed in a statement.

Counsel for the defendants, Dr. Muhammad Mansur Aliyu and Mr. M.S. Diri SAN, moved for bail applications on behalf of their clients. They requested the court to consider reasonable bail terms, citing the defendants’ “established positions and cooperation during the investigation.”

Counsel to the ICPC, Mr. Suleiman Ahmad, did not oppose the bail applications. Following the consideration of the applications, Hon. Justice Sambo granted bail under specific conditions designed to ensure the defendants’ continued presence throughout the trial proceedings.

The bail conditions require each defendant to provide two sureties who are permanent residents of Sokoto State, with each surety signing a bond of one million naira (₦1,000,000). After granting bail, the ICPC prosecutor requested a date for the trial to commence, emphasizing the Commission’s preparedness to present witnesses and evidence in support of the charges.

Hon. Justice Sambo adjourned the matter to November 21, 2024, when the hearing is set to begin. The prosecution is expected to call witnesses and introduce material evidence to substantiate the allegations.

The ICPC press release was signed by Demola Bakare, Acting Director of Public Enlightenment and Education, and Spokesperson for the Commission.

 

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HRC-RFT Decries Violation of Minors’ Rights in Protest Detentions

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The International Human Rights Commission – RFT Nigeria Chapter (IHRC-RFT), accredited by the United Nations ECOSOC, has issued an urgent plea to the Nigerian judiciary to protect the rights of minors unjustly detained following the #EndBadGovernance protests.

The press release was signed by Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director, IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter.

The call comes after distressing images of malnourished children were seen in court today, raising concerns that many detainees may not even meet the age threshold required by law for formal arraignment.

Bakoji said the IHRC-RFT highlighted that it appears ages have been exaggerated to bring these youths within judicial scope, thereby undermining their fundamental rights and violating national and international child protection standards. “The faces of these young detainees bear the weight of a systemic failure that has left Nigeria’s children vulnerable at home, in school, and in society,” the commission stated.

Deprived of proper guidance and support, children are exposed to exploitation and abuse. Instead of addressing the root causes of their plight, the government is seen as punishing them for attempting to survive in a challenging environment. “Article 25 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and Section 14(2)(b) of the Nigerian Constitution both affirm the government’s duty to safeguard the welfare and security of all citizens, especially vulnerable children,” IHRC-RFT emphasized.

The commission called on the judiciary to reflect deeply on these standards, recognizing the ethical implications of allowing such harmful practices to persist. IHRC-RFT urged the judiciary to thoroughly verify the ages of detainees, protect minors from inhumane treatment, and reject executive overreach. “Ensure no child below the legal age is subjected to undue criminalization due to manipulated documentation or other forms of coercion,” the commission urged.

IHRC-RFT appealed to global partners and Nigeria’s human rights community to speak out against these injustices. “The exploitation of children, especially under the guise of legal proceedings, demands a collective response,” the commission said.

The IHRC-RFT Nigeria Chapter stands resolute in its commitment to protect and defend the rights of all individuals, especially children. “We implore the Nigerian judiciary to rise to its duty by rejecting harmful executive actions that put minors at risk,” the statement concluded.

 

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