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Amaechi Urges Nigerians To Cast Ballots More Consciously

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A frontline politician, Rotimi Amaechi has urged the Nigerian electorate to learn from history and be casting their votes more discreetly, because the results would always impact on the populace.

Amaechi, who served as Minister of Transportation under the President Muhammadu Buhari administration shared his view on Saturday during an interview at Arise TV, monitored by Biztellers in Lagos.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, who aspired unsuccessfully for Aso Rock in the 2023 elections, in reaction to the prevalent hardship in Nigeria opined that the people deserved what they were getting, because it was the result of the ballots they cast.

The former governor of Rivers State, who crossed over to the APC from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), to work for Buhari’s victory over former President Goodluck Jonathan in the 2014 elections, maintained that those who were tempted to migrate, should consider the numerous opportunities in Nigeria before they japa.

In his words, “I have always discouraged those who want to leave the country. I say 9-5? Yes, you can always get 9-5 job when you leave the country, but you can never get the opportunity you get in Nigeria.

He was unequivocal that while white collar jobs abound in foreign lands, great opportunities, particularly in politics and public services abound in Nigeria.

“If you are looking for opportunity, please stay back in Nigeria but if you are looking for 9-5, safety and others, you can leave the country,” he pointed out.

On his personal political brand, he described himself as a God-fearing person, which has made the difference in his political career.

In his words, “The difference between me and most Nigerian elites is that I say things the way it is and I say it unknowingly. It is the way God has brought me up and I will tell you the truth even if you put a gun on my head. I’ve always believed that the reason I acquired that character is because of my fear of God. I’ve always believed that I should go to heaven and one way to do that is to be honest with mankind and with yourself.

In a veiled explanation of his political apathy since, he lost the presidential ticket of the APC to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, he highlighted that he would rather be honest that feast on lies through diplomacy or political correctness.

“When you are wrong, you say you are sorry. I choose to be honest all my life. I don’t want to be politically correct and if diplomacy means lying, then I won’t lie. The best or worst you can get of me at that particular time is to walk away from that place instead of lying,” he stressed.

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BREAKING: Sen Kingibe Weeps Over Arraignment Of Minors In Adult Court

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The Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Ireti Kingibe, has wept openly that Nigeria has ‘become a nation that turns against its own children’.

The senator was reacting to the “arraignment of over 100 young boys, aged between 10 and 16, who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest,” in an adult court, against established legal standards.

She took to her verified handle on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday, to shed tears and register her strong disappointment with all the parties involved in the shameful and illegal act.

ALSO READ: #EndBadGovernance2024: Atiku Decries Dehumanisation Of Minors

According to Sen Kingibe “How can a government tasked with protecting its citizens justify holding minors in correctional centers, treating their peaceful protest as a criminal offense?”

On the law enforcement agencies breaching the law, Sen Kingibe pointed out that, “According to Nigeria’s Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), minors between the ages of 1 and 17 should never be arraigned in adult criminal courts but instead in juvenile courts, which have exclusive jurisdiction over such cases. Yet, these minors were held in maximum correctional centers for over 85 days before being charged with treason.”

She expressed her firm position that all relevant stakeholders must “urgently unite to secure the immediate and unconditional release of these minors.”

Sen Kingibe wrote, “As the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, I condemn in the strongest terms the recent arraignment of over 100 young boys, aged between 10 and 16, who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest. These minors, who bravely voiced their grievances against the unbearable hardship and hunger ravaging our land, are now being charged with treason — an offense that, if found guilty, carries the death penalty.

“When did we become a nation that turns against its own children — our very hope for tomorrow? When did we lose our compassion and humanity to the extent that we humiliate, arrest, and drag young children into court for the “crime” of speaking out? This shameful prosecution of our youth is not only unjust — it is a betrayal of our humanity and an assault on our future. How can we stand idly by as the dreams of our children are crushed under the weight of oppression? This must end.

“This is utterly disgraceful, and everyone involved should feel ashamed. We owe our citizens, particularly our children, not just protection from external threats but also from unjust treatment within. Children deserve quality education, better healthcare, and protection from domestic violence and abuse, not brutal treatment for exercising their constitutional rights. According to Nigeria’s Criminal Procedure Act (CPA), minors between the ages of 1 and 17 should never be arraigned in adult criminal courts but instead in juvenile courts, which have exclusive jurisdiction over such cases. Yet, these minors were held in maximum correctional centers for over 85 days before being charged with treason.

“How have we, as leaders, stooped so low? Instead of addressing the root causes of their protest, we prosecute those who cry out against them. How can a government tasked with protecting its citizens justify holding minors in correctional centers, treating their peaceful protest as a criminal offense? When did peaceful protest — a fundamental right of citizens — become a crime in Nigeria?

“Numerous videos circulating on social media and news platforms show malnourished children with visible collarbones, countable ribs, fainting, crying, hungry, sick, and, most horrifically, being manhandled. This has turned us into an international embarrassment. If we cannot protect our own citizens, how can we expect to safeguard foreign investors whom we are actively trying to attract to our country?

“This is not only condemnable but an absolute disgrace, and it cannot stand. I demand that every relevant authority — the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, the Ministry of Justice, and the Chief Justice of the Federation — as well as the Human Rights Commission and all human rights lawyers, urgently unite to secure the immediate and unconditional release of these minors. I also call upon all mothers and women across the nation to rise in protest against this deplorable treatment of our children. This is not the Nigeria we dreamed of; we cannot allow our future to be sacrificed in silence.”

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Strike Relief: FG Releases Funds To NASU, Retirees

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In a significant development aimed at resolving the ongoing strike by non-academic university staff, the Federal Government has released funds to settle the long-overdue salaries owed to members of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Federal Universities (NASU).

The funds will also cover outstanding pension payments for retirees under the Nigerian Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme.

READ ALSO: Banky W, Adesua Etomi Welcome Second Child [VIDEO]

Bawa Mokwa, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, confirmed the release in a statement on Saturday.

Mokwa stated that payments to NASU members have commenced, with numerous staff already confirming receipt of the funds.

The move comes after members of NASU and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU), operating under a Joint Action Committee, began an indefinite strike last Monday in protest over the withheld salaries.

The strike brought federal universities across the country to a standstill, with various academic and administrative services halted.

Several other unions and universities expressed support for the protest, amplifying calls for the funds’ immediate release.

Tensions between the union leadership and the federal government had escalated in recent days, despite a directive from President Bola Tinubu for payments to be made.

On Wednesday, SSANU leaders expressed frustration, stating that many top university officials, including vice-chancellors, bursars, and registrars, had yet to receive the outstanding salaries, further straining relations.

SSANU leadership vowed to keep university facilities shut until all owed salaries are fully disbursed.

“We will not resume activities in our universities until every last outstanding payment has been made,” SSANU leaders warned in a statement.

In his official statement, Mokwa reassured all concerned parties that the government has fulfilled its commitment to fund these payments, which he called “a priority move to alleviate the financial strain on university staff and retirees.”

 

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#EndBadGovernance Protests: IGP Claims Suspects’ Collapse Staged To Sway Public Opinion

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The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun has alleged that the collapse of six suspects in court was a deliberate act intended to attract negative attention to law enforcement efforts.

The six individuals, part of a group of 76 mostly minor suspects facing charges related to the #EndBadGovernance protest, collapsed in the courtroom on Friday.

Related News: EndBadGovernance Protests: Court Sets N10m Bail Each For 67 Minors

Egbetokun, however, underscored that medical aid was promptly provided, highlighting the police’s commitment to the welfare of individuals in custody.

In a statement dated November 1 and signed by Force Spokesperson Muyiwa Adejobi, the IGP affirmed that under Nigerian law, individuals who reach the age of criminal responsibility are held accountable for their actions, irrespective of age.

“Today, an unexpected incident in court saw six of the suspects suddenly rush out and faint, drawing media attention in a deliberate and scripted manner to attract negative attention,” Egbetokun said.

“Medical aid was promptly provided to these individuals, demonstrating the Police Force’s commitment to the welfare of those in its custody, irrespective of the allegations they face.”

Recall that the court granted bail for each minor at N10 million, sparking criticism both domestically and internationally.

The arraigned individuals, many of whom appeared malnourished, are facing a series of grave charges including terrorism, arson, treasonable felony, and other allegations related to the destruction of public property and threats to national security.

The IGP emphasized that the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) remains committed to balancing justice with compassion, noting that the Force has adhered to legal procedures to ensure fairness.

“The NPF has rigorously adhered to legal provisions to ensure fairness and accountability under the rule of law,” he said.

“Throughout this process, the Police have worked to balance justice with compassion, ensuring that each suspect’s basic rights and privileges are respected, including access to medical care and other necessary provisions.”

In his statement, Egbetokun urged the public to avoid bias and pledged transparency throughout the legal proceedings.

“The NPF acknowledges public interest in this case and assures the public that our officers will maintain professionalism throughout the legal process.

“The public is encouraged to view this case without undue bias, as the Force remains focused on a transparent pursuit of justice.”

The police chief added that the Force is committed to aligning with international standards in justice, drawing comparisons to legal practices in countries like the United Kingdom, where young individuals facing serious charges are held accountable, though with empathy and respect for human rights.

 

 

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