Military bombards Lagos, Ogun creeks, scores feared killed

Military bombards Lagos, Ogun creeks, scores feared killed

There was pandemonium on Thursday in the Arepo area of Ogun State and some part of Lagos State after the military bombarded the base of suspected militants in the states.

The PUNCH learnt that scores of militants were reportedly killed in the joint military operation which lasted for more than one hour.

A source said the military attacked Fatola, the base of the militants, adding that houses around the area were shaken by the impact of bomb explosions on the Ijaw militants.

He said, “There has been a lot of commotion. The Nigerian Air Force bombarded Fatola, in Arepo, which is the base of the militants. They are shelling the place with fighter jets. Some soldiers also surrounded the area to make sure that if any of the militants should run out, they would be gunned down.”

A resident said people in the area had started fleeing their homes due to the bombardment.

Another resident in the Imushin area of Ogun State told our correspondent that two aircrafts were involved in the operation, adding that only one base of the militants was attacked.

He said, “An aircraft had actually been surveying the creek for the past three days. But a second one joined this evening around 6pm. All we heard was a sudden bomb blast released from the
second aircraft. But it appeared that some of the militants had fled into the bush.

There are four major bases of the militants in the creek and they are led by two men- OC and Agbala. If the military can get these two people, then they would have succeeded in clipping the wings of the militants.”

A community leader, who claimed to have spoken with one of the officers, said, “The military officer said residents should not
panic because it was a military exercise. I also gathered that the casualty figure was high and that a lot of the militants had been killed.”

The Director, Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, confirmed the operation, saying it involved the army and the navy.

He said, “The military only conducts its routine operation for the purpose of denying the vandals and other criminal elements from causing terror in the area.

The operation, codenamed, Operation
Awatse, was initiated by the defence headquarters to dominate the area with a view to flushing out all manners of criminals including militants and saboteurs. The operation involved the joint forces of the navy and army and it has been successful.”

The Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the police were part of the operation.

She said, “The Nigerian military and policemen from the Lagos and Ogun commands are part of the operation. We are sweeping through the waterways where we share boundaries to end the
activities of the militants. It is a continuous exercise and we cannot tell the number of casualties.”

The acting Police spokesperson, ASP Abimbola Oyeyemi, promised to call back our correspondent, but he had yet to do so as of press time.

Bayelsa: Tribunal Upholds Gov. Dickson’s Election

Bayelsa: Tribunal Upholds Gov. Dickson’s Election

The Governorship Election Tribunal for Bayelsa sitting in Abuja on Tuesday upheld the election of Gov. Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Mr Timipre Sylva and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Jan. 30 challenged his return as governor by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s at the tribunal.

INEC had declared Dickson as winner of the Dec.5, 2015 and Jan. 9, 2016 re-run governorship election.

In his judgment, the tribunal Chairman, Justice Kazeem Alogba, held that there were no evidence to prove wide spread illegality during the election.

Alogba, who led two other Justices, further held that Sylva and his party failed to prove their case with credible evidence.

He also held that the allegations of various criminal and electoral offences which the petitioners stated affected the outcome of the election were not proved beyond reasonable doubt.

“The petition was not backed by proof of required standard and therefore lacks merit,’’ he said.

Aloga also held that INEC was right and had the power to have cancelled the supplementary election conducted on Dec 6, 2015 with proved evidence of malpractices.

He further held that contrary to the petitioners’ contention, the decision to cancel the Dec. 6, 2015 poll was not unilaterally taken by the Resident Electoral Commissioner.

The tribunal chairman said evidence showed that the decision was taken by INEC National Headquarters.

“There was sufficient evidence that the earlier supplementary election scheduled to hold on Dec. 6, 2015, was marred by widespread violence, malpractices and irregularities,’’ Aloga held.

“In the light of this, the petition filed against the victory of Mr Dickson Seriake in the Bayelsa State Governorship election fails.

“Seriake is therefore duly returned as governor having scored the highest votes in that election,’’ he said.

Mr Sebastine Hon (SAN), counsel to Sylva had alleged widespread malpractices against the PDP in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, during the Dec. 5 and Dec.6, 2015 governorship election, and the re-run held on Jan. 9, 2016.

He claimed that the Resident Electoral Commissioner erred by failing to complete the election process, which was declared inconclusive.

The petitioner had alleged that the election was marred by malpractices, intimidation of voters, hijacking of electoral materials, no-voting and non-collation of results in parts of the state.

Sylva argued that the impact of the illegality were substantial in parts of Sagbama, Yenogoa, Nembe, Ogbia,and Ekeremor Local Government Areas.

However, Mr Taye Oyetibo (SAN), counsel to Seriake had opposed the petition, and urged the tribunal to dismiss it.

Oyetibo said that the allegations were not backed by substantial evidence.

No cut in ex-Presidents’ pay as Obama uses veto power to preserve office allowances

No cut in ex-Presidents’ pay as Obama uses veto power to preserve office allowances

President Barack Obama took steps to
preserve the office allowances given to former American presidents on Friday, by vetoing a measure that would have capped those expenses at $200,000 a year.

The veto comes less than six months before Obama will become a former president himself.

But Obama suggested in a message to
Congress that his veto was more about the “unintended consequences” the bill would have on his predecessors.

At issue: The expense allowances that former presidents get to travel and maintain an office.

Obama said that by capping those allowances at $200,000, some current former presidents would have to lay off staff, cancel leases or even return office furniture.

Under current law, the General Services
Administration must provide “suitable office space, appropriately furnished and equipped.”

The total cost of maintaining and staffing
those offices currently ranges from $430,000 for former President Jimmy Carter to $1.1 million for former President George W. Bush, according to a report by the Congressional Research Service.

The Presidential Allowance Modernization Act of 2016 would have removed the GSA’s role in providing office space, instead giving a flat $200,000 allowance.

“Unfortunately, this bill as written would
immediately terminate salaries and all benefits to staffers carrying out the official duties of former Presidents – leaving no time or mechanism for them to transition to another payroll,” White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said in a statement. And he said the cuts could even impact Secret Service protection for former presidents.

Earnest said Obama agrees on the need to reform presidential pensions, and would sign a bill if Congress makes “technical fixes to resolve these issues.”

Obama’s veto was something of a surprise.

The White House had not issued a veto threat on the bill, and he waited a full 10 days before sending it back late on a Friday when Congress wasn’t in session.

House leaders couldn’t immediately be reached for comment on whether they would seek to override the veto. The bill had passed both the House and the Senate by voice votes.

The veto was Obama’s 11th of his presidency.

None of his vetoes have been overridden.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, would also have capped presidential pensions at $200,000 a year, with a cost-of-living increase, and phased out pensions for presidents making $400,000 a year in outside income.

The White House said it consulted with every living former president about the bill before Obama vetoed it.

*Culled from USA Today.

Imo Rerun Election: Nkenna Nzeruo Emerges Winner In Oru East

Imo Rerun Election: Nkenna Nzeruo Emerges Winner In Oru East

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has declared the candidate of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Nkenna Nzeruo, winner of the Oru East state constituency rerun election in Imo State.

The APC candidate polled 5,000 votes on Sunday to win the seat in the Imo State House of Assembly in southeast Nigeria.

Meanwhile, final collation is still on going at Okigwe Local Government Area as residents await the final result from the senatorial rerun election.

Channels Television crew who monitored the elections gathered that the collation centers at the six local government areas under the Imo North senatorial district were heavily manned by armed security operatives who were on ground to forestall any occurrence of breakdown of law and order in the state.

Major gladiators in the election, the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have continued to trade blames, accusing one another of electoral malpractices and manipulations.

Court Send Couple To Prison For Allegedly Impersonating Tinubu, N85m Fraud,

Court Send Couple To Prison For Allegedly Impersonating Tinubu, N85m Fraud,

A Lagos State Magistrate Court sitting in Igbosere yesterday remanded a couple, Abioye Junaid and Fausat Junaid in prison custody for allegedly impersonating the All Progressive Congress (APC) national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his daughter, Folashade Tinubu-Ojo.

The couple, who were arraigned before Magistrat‎e Mrs A. O Sholadoye by the police, were also accused of defrauding ‎two persons,  Ambali Abiodun and Otuniyi Adeniyi of the sum of N85million.

They were alleged to have obtain the money under the false pretence of making their victims commissioner in Lagos state and the Vice President of Nigeria while impersonating Tinubu and his daughter, the Iyaloja general of Lagos.

The two defendants are facing an eight count charge of conspiracy, obtaining money through false pretence, stealing and impersonation.

The prosecuting police officer, DSP Charles Odii, told the Court that the couple and others still at large conspired to commit the ‎alleged offences sometime in October 2014.

Odii also told the court that the incident took place at the  residence of the couple at 7 Ayeola Street Oke Balogun in Epe area of  Lagos state.

He also claimed that the couple who are a security guard with Eco Electricity company at Songotedo Epe and a Civil servant with the Epe Local Government respectively, obtained the sum of N15million from one Ambali Abiodun, under the false pretence that they were going to make him a commissioner in the state.

He also alleged that the duo between September 1, 2015 and December 31, 2015 at the above address, did obtained the sum of N70million, from one Otuniyi Adeniyi with the pretence that they were going to make him the Vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a representation they knew was false.

The Prosecutor further stated that the defendants stole the money from their victims after falsely representing themselves as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and as Chief Mrs Folashade Tinubu-Ojo the Iyaloja general of Nigeria, a representation they knew was false.

According to the prosecutor the offences is punishable under sections 409, 312 (2), 285 (5) (a) and 378 of the criminal law of Lagos state 2011.

They both pleaded not guilty to the charge.

A develooment that made their lawyer, Emmanuel Bayen to urged the court to grant them bail in the most liberal term.

However Magistrate Sholadoye granted them bail in the sum of N2 million each with two responsible sureties each in like sum.

According to the Magistrate, one of the sureties must be on grade level 16 or above in the Lagos state civil service and the other a landed property owner whose certificate of title must be verified at the Lagos state land registry.

The court also ordered that the defendants should be remanded in Prison pending when they are able to perfect their bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to August 26, for mention.

Appeal Court Declares Ban On Hijab in Lagos Illegal, Unconstitutional

Appeal Court Declares Ban On Hijab in Lagos Illegal, Unconstitutional

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal on Thursday declared the ban on the wearing of Hijab (Muslim head scarf) in public primary and secondary schools in the Lagos state illegal.

The appellate court in an Unaninomous judgment delivered by by a five-man panel presided over by Justice, A.B. Gumel held that the ban violates the fundamental human rights of muslim students is therefore wrongful and unconstitutional.

The special panel the Court of Appeal set up by the President of the Court, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa also held that the state government failed to tender before the lower court any existing  policy or law that supported the ban on hijab.

The upper court further held that since the use of Hijab by muslim students does not violate any known law and does not infringe on the rights of other members of the society the government can not ban or restrict the use of the Muslim head scarf.

The court therefore set outside the judgment of Justice Grace Onyeabo of the Lagos State High Court, which had on October 17, 2014 held that the the restriction placed on the use of the Hijab in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

Other Justices in the five-man panel are: Justice M. Fasanmi, Justice A. Jauro, Justice J.S. Ikejegh and Justice I. Jombo Ofor.

Justice Grace Onyeabo had also held in the judgment  that the the restriction is not discriminatory and did not breach Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as claimed by the students.  

The Registered Trustees of the Muslim Society of Nigeria (MSSN) had dragged the Lagos state government to court over the restriction of the use of the Hijab on or outside the premises of any educational institution in the state, on the ground that it violates their fundamental human rights, is wrongful and unconstitutional . 

The MSSN had filed the case against the State Government along with two pupils, who were then 12 year old, Miss Asiyat Abdulkareem and Miss Maryam Oyeniyi, students of Atunrashe Junior High School, Surulere, Lagos State.

They were joined in the suit as claimants through their fathers – Alhaji Owolabi Abdulkareem and Suleiman Oyeniyi.

The defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture.

It will be recalled that the government had banned the use of Hijab on the argument that it was not part of the approved school uniform for pupils.

Not happy with the ban, the students filed the suit on May 27, 2013, seeking redress and asked the court to declare the ban as a violation of their rights to freedom of thought, religion and education.

While arguing the case of his clients on Friday, Adetola-Kaseem maintained that the essence of wearing Hijab by Muslim female is to prevent them from tempting people of the opposite sex or being tempted by them and also to protect their chastity.

The lawyer also submitted that from Islamic point of view, womanhood is determined not by biological age or marriage but by the time a person has attained the age of puberty.

He further stated that scientifically and from experience, the attainment of puberty varies between individual. Some females attain puberty as early as the age of nine years while others attain puberty at age 13 or more.

Adetola-Kaseem insisted that it is mandatory for all Muslim who have attained puberty to participate fully in the practice of Islam, including Islamic dressing mode, worship and fasting. 

He, therefore urged the court to grant the application because the position of the Lagos State Government violate the religious rights of the applicants and it is the duty of the court to protect them.

But in his response, the former Solicitor-General of Lagos State, Lawal Pedro (SAN) argued that the wearing of uniforms in public primary and secondary schools is for identification of students from different schools in Lagos and that the standardised set of dress for students is meant to encourage a sense of unity, discipline organisations and orderliness the schools.

He also submitted that the clamour and demand for compulsory use of Hijab on top of school uniform by Muslim girl students in Lagos is a recent development.

He also told the court that the state has decided not to allow the use of Hijab in its schools on the ground that any deviation from the prescribed uniform for any religious, cultural or personal reason will bring about and encourage group affiliations,promote prejudice and weaken the sense of unity amongst students.

Pedro further stated "We believe that the new state policy on Hijab is reasonable justifiable in a multi religion state like Lagos and Nigeria which constitutional prohibits state religion.

"The application lacks merit and should be dismissed because the Quarantine injunction or Islamic law which prescribes the use of Hijab in public for Muslim is made mandatory for woman not children", he concluded.

In her judgment, Onyeabor held that the prohibition of the wearing of Hijab over school uniforms within and outside the premises of public schools was not discriminatory.

According to her, the ban does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as claimed by the plaintiffs.

The judge said Section 10 of the Constitution made Nigeria a secular state and that government must maintain neutrality at all times.

Onyeabor said the government therefore had a duty to preserve the secular nature of the institutions concerned as argued by the Lagos State Solicitor-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

She noted that since the public schools were being funded by the government, it was therefore competent to issue dress codes and other guidelines to the students.

According to her, the use of uniforms engenders uniformity and encourages students to pursue their mutual academic aspirations without recourse to religious or any other affiliations.

The judge observed that the uniformity sought by the government in the issuance of the dress code would be destroyed, should the prayers of the plaintiffs.

BREAKING: Aisha Buhari sues Gov. Fayose

President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha, has sued Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti State for claiming that she was involved in the Halliburton corruption scandal.

Mr. Fayose had in June said Mrs. Buhari was the “Aisha Buhari” named in a U.S. court document, alleged to have been involved in a bribery case involving a convicted former U.S. lawmaker, Williams Jefferson.

The governor, in what appeared to be an error, referred to the scandal as the Halliburton corruption case. The Halliburton case is different from the Williams Jefferson scandal.

But Mr. Fayose insisted he was right despite Mrs. Buhari’s denial and threat of legal action.

The court summons, dated July 20, 2016, was exclusively made available to PREMIUM TIMES.

As governor, Mr. Fayose has constitutional immunity against criminal prosecution.

More details coming.

Ban On Hijab: Appeal Court Delivers Judgment On MSSN Appeal Against Lagos On Thursday

Ban On Hijab: Appeal Court Delivers Judgment On MSSN Appeal Against Lagos On Thursday 

The Lagos Division of the Court of Appeal will on Thursday (tomorrow) deliver judgement on an appeal filed by some muslim students against the judgment of the state high court, which upheld the ban on the wearing of Hijab (Muslim head scarf) in public primary and secondary schools in the state.

The date was communicated to parties in the case by the appellate court through a hearing notice served on them yesterday.

Justice Grace Onyeabo had in a judgment delivered on October 17, 2014 held that the the restriction placed on the use of the Hijab in primary and secondary public schools in the state is not discriminatory and did not breach Sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as claimed by the students.  

The Registered Trustees of the Muslim Society of Nigeria (MSSN) had dragged the Lagos state government to court over the restriction of the use of the Hijab on or outside the premises of any educational institution in the state, on the ground that it violates their fundamental human rights, is wrongful and unconstitutional . 

The MSSN had filed the case against the State Government along with two pupils, who were then 12 year old, Miss Asiyat Abdulkareem and Miss Maryam Oyeniyi, students of Atunrashe Junior High School, Surulere, Lagos State.

They were joined in the suit as claimants through their fathers – Alhaji Owolabi Abdulkareem and Suleiman Oyeniyi.

The defendants in the suit are the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, and Commissioner for Education and Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture.

The special panel of the Court of Appeal set up by the President of the Court, Justice Zainab Bulkachuwa to hear the case had on May 27 reserved its judgement on the matter.

During the panel hearing, the presiding Justice, A.B. Gumel, had asked parties involved in the case to update their defence documents.

Other Justices in the five-man panel are: Justice M. Fasanmi, Justice A. Jauro, Justice J.S. Ikejegh and Justice I. Jombo Ofor.

Justice Amina Augie had on May 3 ruled that granting Muslim students the right to wear Hijab in Lagos State schools needed constitutional interpretation.

Justice Augie therefore asked the appellants to write the President of the Appeal Court to set up a full court (of five justices) to hear the case.

It will be recalled that the government had banned the use of Hijab on the argument that it was not part of the approved school uniform for pupils.

Not happy with the ban, the students filed the suit on May 27, 2013, seeking redress and asked the court to declare the ban as a violation of their rights to freedom of thought, religion and education.

In her judgment, Onyeabor held that the prohibition of the wearing of Hijab over school uniforms within and outside the premises of public schools was not discriminatory.

According to her, the ban does not violate sections 38 and 42 of the 1999 Constitution as claimed by the plaintiffs.

The judge said Section 10 of the Constitution made Nigeria a secular state and that government must maintain neutrality at all times.

Onyeabor said the government therefore had a duty to preserve the secular nature of the institutions concerned as argued by the Lagos State Solicitor-General, Mr Lawal Pedro (SAN).

She noted that since the public schools were being funded by the government, it was therefore competent to issue dress codes and other guidelines to the students.

According to her, the use of uniforms engenders uniformity and encourages students to pursue their mutual academic aspirations without recourse to religious or any other affiliations.

The judge observed that the uniformity sought by the government in the issuance of the dress code would be destroyed, should the prayers of the plaintiffs

JAMB clarifies 2016 admission strategy

JAMB clarifies 2016 admission strategy

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) says the recent lists forwarded to various tertiary institutions was for candidates that qualified for screening based on institutions’ capacity.

The board’s Registrar, Prof. Dibu Ojerinde,
made the clarification on Sunday in Lagos in a statement.

According to the statement, they are in no way the admission lists.

It added that if, however, the number of
candidates on such lists was not sufficient for existing vacancies, the institutions could source from the omnibus printout earlier sent to them by the board.

“The public and all tertiary institutions should note that admission will only be approved by the board after appropriate screening of the candidates by the institutions.

“The list which is made up of candidates who met the national cut-off point within the set criteria is then forwarded to the institutions,’’ it said.

The statement noted that the intention of the board was to ensure that available spaces were adequately utilised.

NJC's Press Release On The Compulsory Retirement Of Justices Yunusa, Oloyede

NJC's Press Release On The Compulsory Retirement Of Justices Yunusa, Oloyede

The National Judicial Council, under the Chairmanship of the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mahmud Mohammed, GCON, at its 77th Meeting which was held on 15th July, 2016 recommended the compulsory retirement from Office of Hon. Justice Mohammed Nasiru Yunusa of the Federal High Court, of Lagos Division and Hon. Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede of the High Court of Justice, Osun State.

2. Hon. Justice Mohammed Nasiru Yunusa was recommended for compulsory retirement from Office to President Muhammadu  Buhari, GCFR, Pursuant to the ‘Findings’ by the Council following the allegations contained in the Petitions written against him by the Civil Society Network Against Corruption that His Lordship granted Interim Orders and Perpetual Injunctions, restraining the Attorney-General of the Federation, the Inspector General of Police, Independent Corruption practices and Related Offence Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from arresting, investigating and prosecuting some persons accused of corruption in the following 7 cases:-

1.FHC\L\CS\1471\2015:- between Simon John Adonimere & 3 Ors Vs. EFCC;       

2.FHC\L\CS\477\14:- FRN V Michael Adenuga;

3.FHC\L\CS\1342\15:- Senator Stella Odua Vs. AG Federation, EFCC, ICPC & IGP;

4.FHC\L\CS\1285\15:- Jyde Adelakun & Anor Vs. Chairman EFCC & Anor;

5.FHC\L\CS\1455\:- Dr Martins Oluwafemi Thomas Vs. EFCC;

6.FHC\L\CS\1269\15:- Hon Shamsudeen Abogu Vs. EFCC & Ors; and

7.FHC\L\CS\1012\15:- Hon. Etete Dauzia Loya Vs. EFCC

3. During deliberations Council found as follows:

•That Hon. Justice Yunusa assumed jurisdiction in Federal High Court Lagos in Suit FHC\L\CS\1342\15 wherein the infringement of the applicant’s right occurred in Abuja contrary to Section 46 (1) of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended)

•That His Lordship contravened Rule 3. 1 of the Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers in Suit FHC\L\CS\1445\15 by claiming ignorance of the provisions of the Money Laundering Act when he made an Order stopping EFCC from Investigation into a money laundering case involving $2.2m (Two Million, Two Hundred Thousand Dollars) against the applicant.

•That Hon. Justice Yunusa’s decision restraining the anti-graft agencies from carrying out their statutory functions in the first six cases mentioned earlier is contrary to the Judgement of the Court of Appeal in A.G Anambra State Vs. UBA which His Lordship quoted but did not apply in his Rulings.

4.On the allegations levelled against Hon. Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede of High Court of Justice, Osun State , by Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Council also recommended her for compulsory retirement from Office to the Osun State Governor sequel to the ‘Findings’ of its Facts Finding Committee that:

•the Hon. Judge failed to conduct herself in such a manner as to preserve the dignity of her Office and impartiality and independence of the Judiciary when she wrote  a Petition against the Osun State Governor and his Deputy to the Members of the State House of Assembly and circulated same to 36 persons/organizations.

•the Petition was said to contain political statements, unsubstantiated allegations and accusations aimed at deriding, demeaning and undermining the Government of Osun State, the person and character of the Governor (as one who is cruel, a liar and a traitor), his Deputy and aides.

•the Petition contained statements calculated to incite the residents of Osun State against the State Government and its elected Officers.

•Hon. Justice Oloyede crossed the fundamental right of freedom of speech and created a negative perception of the Nigerian Judiciary to the Public.

•The allegations against the Hon. Judge constitute a misconduct contrary to Section 292 (1) (b) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended and Rules 1 (1) and 5 of the 2016 Revised Code of Conduct for Judicial Officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

5. In the meantime, the National Judicial Council, in the exercise of its disciplinary powers under the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, has suspended Hon. Justice M. N. Yunusa and Hon Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede from Office pending the approval of the recommendation of the Council for their compulsory retirement by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, and Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of Osun State respectively.

Soji Oye, Esq.

Ag. Director, Information

Candidate drags NBA to court over e-voting, disqualification

Candidate drags NBA to court over e-voting, disqualification

The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, may be heading for another crisis, reminiscence of the 90 crisis, as a candidate for the 2016 general elections,  Mr. John Unachukwu, has dragged the body to court, seeking to have the poll shifted to July 30 and 31, further shifted
pending the hearing and determination of his suit before an Abuja High Court.

Mr Unachukwu in the suit, is also challenging his disqualification from
the elections, praying the court to determine, “Whether the plaintiff’s
employment as a Judicial Editor of a private Newspaper, means he is not engaged in private legal practice, as contemplated by Section 8(3)
(b) of the NBA Constitution, 2015?”

He is also challenging the internet voting introduced by the association, praying the court to determine “Whether the NBA’s
constitution 2015, requires or even recognises Internet Voting or Voting over Internet (I-voting) in the 2016 NBA general elections as currently proposed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants."

At the hearing in the matter on Thursday, the court adjourned till July 19, to hear the suit.

Trial judge in the matter is Justice M. E. Anenih.

Defendants in the suit are Registered Trustees of the NBA, NBA
President Augustine Alegeh, SAN, Chairman Electoral Committee of
the NBA Ken Mozia, SAN, Chief J-K Gadzama, SAN and A.B Mahmoud,
SAN. Alegeh.

The plaintiff in the suit is asking the court to restrain the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants, their agents employees, proxies and anybody acting on their behalf, from conducting the NBA National Officers’ Election by Internet Voting (I-voting) on July 30 and 31, 2016 or any other date pending the hearing and determination of the substantive suit.

The plaintiff is praying the court to determine “Whether the NBA’s
constitution 2015, requires or even recognises Internet Voting or Voting over Internet (I-voting) in the 2016 NBA General Elections as currently proposed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants.

“Whether the Electoral Committee of the NBA (“ECNBA”) can rightly judge and correctly conclude, that the state of available technology and the information technology infrastructure of all branches of the NBA can adequately support Voting over Internet (I-voting) at the 2016 NBA
general elections?”

He is contending that “If question 2 is answered in the negative, whether it is just and proper to conduct the 2016 NBA general elections by Voting over Internet (I-voting), in view especially of the
principle of universal suffrage enshrined in Section 9(4) of the NBA
constitution?

“If the question is answered in the affirmative, whether the risks
associated with a wrong exercise of judgment or an incorrect conclusion by the ECNBA, does not negate and therefore, constitute a violation of, the spirit and purpose of NBA constitutional provisions regarding universal suffrage?

“Whether the effective guarantee and observance of every eligible lawyer’s right to vote behind the principle of universal suffrage does not outweigh any time saving or cost cutting concerns behind the adoption of Voting over Internet (I-voting)?

“Whether in view of the complete absence of voting over internet (I-voting), in the recently concluded branch elections and in light of the state of available information technology infrastructure in branches across the country, it is just and proper for the ECNBA to insist on
voting over Internet (I-voting) as the only legally acceptable form of voting in all branches of the NBA in the 2016 NBA general elections?

“Whether the plaintiff’s employment as a judicial editor of a private Newspaper, means he is not engaged in private legal practice, as contemplated by Section 8(3)(b) of the NBA Constitution, 2015?”

He is consequently asking the court to declare that the system of voting over Internet or Internet Voting (I-voting) proposed by the 1st, 2nd and 3rd defendants for the 2016 NBA general elections is contrary to, and ultra vires their powers under; relevant provisions of the NBA constitution.

“An order of the court upholding the principle of universal suffrage enshrined in the NBA constitution by suspending the use of Voting over Internet (I-voting) and ordering the adoption of electronic voting
(with paper ballot backup) for all branches across the country in the 2016 NBA general elections.

“An order of the court guaranteeing the meaningful exercise of universal suffrage, by directing the ECNBA, to issue guidelines stipulating that the e-voting for the 2016 NBA general elections be
conducted in all branches of the NBA and that results be collated at branch level before transmitting same to the Secretariat.

“An order of the court nullifying the decision of the ECNBA which
disqualified the plaintiff and declare the plaintiff the sole candidate for
the office of National Publicity Secretary of the NBA in the 2016 general elections.

“An order of the court, upholding the principle of universal suffrage enshrined in the NBA Constitution, by directing the ECNBA to issue guidelines allowing the use of manual voting alone, in branches of the NBA where available information technology infrastructure is clearly
inadequate.”

The court, meanwhile granted plaintiff’s motion that the defendants be served by substituted service to appear before the court on Tuesday for continuation of hearing.

Conduct Bureau: Buratai declared $1.5m mansions in wife’s name

Conduct Bureau: Buratai declared $1.5m mansions in wife’s name

The Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) has opened up on the acquisition of $1.5 million mansions by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

The bureau said its records showed that the assets of Buratai in Dubai were declared in his wife’s name.

The CCB made the clarification in a July 11 letter by Mrs. Ijeanuli Arinze Ofor, to Ugochukwu Osuagwu of St. Francis Xavier Solicitors and Advocates in Abuja.

Osuagwu had requested information on Buratai “pursuant to Section 1 and 4 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011.

The CCB said: “We refer to your mail dated Jun 29, 2016. We wish to state here that Gen. Tukar Yusuf Buratai, after his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff, declared his assets as required by the
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He was served the Form CCB-I on July 21, 2015, and returned same on August 21, 2015.

“We also wish to confirm that his property at Dubai was declared in the wife’s name. Please, accept the warmest regards of the chairman.”

In a June 29, 2016, letter of the chairman of the Code of Conduct Bureau, Osuagwu sought clarification on whether or not Buratai declared the controversial mansions.

The letter said: “We request that the CCB, pursuant to the FOI Act 2011, avail us the following concerning the declarations of Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai.

“On July 13, 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Gen. Buratai as Chief of Army Staff.

The newspapers are awash that Gen. Buratai and his two wives in 2013 paid 1,498,534.00 AED (N120 million/ $419,000) for a Dubai property, Project TFG Marina Hotel, Unit 2711.

“Sale documents indicated that the property was handed over to the
Buratais on January 13, 2013, prior to his appointment as the Chief of Army Staff.

“For the purpose of clarity sir, we request you as follows: (1) Confirm if Gen.Tukur Yusuf Buratai declared his asset with you
upon his appointment on July 13, 2015, as Chief of Army Staff; (2) Whether the above property he bought with his wife was also declared with the CCB.

“Kindly avail us a reply within the time allowed under the Freedom of Information Act 2011 as much as you can sir.”

The Executive Chairman of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), Mr. Debo Adeniran, said assets declarations to the CCB, by public officials, should be made public for the purpose of
transparency and public scrutiny.

Adeniran, who made his position known in a statement in Lagos, said public officers should not hide their assets.

He, however, asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to probe Gen. Buratai.

Updated: Court Declares Electricity Tariff Hike Illegal, Orders Govt To Revert To Old Rate

Court Declares Electricity Tariff Hike Illegal, Orders Govt To Revert To Old Rate

Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court in Lagos yesterday declared as illegal, null and void the recent hike of electricity tariff by the federal government through the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC).

According to Justice Idris the increment is procedurally ultra vires, irrational, irregular and illegal.

While the judge ordered the government to revert to the old tariff with immediate effect, he also restrained it from further increasing electricity tariff except it comply strictly with the relevant provisions of the Electricity Power Sector Reform Act (EPSRA) 2005.

A Lagos lawyer, Toluwani Adebiyi had filed the suit in April 2015 seeking order restraining NERC from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff without a meaningful and significant improvement in power supply at least for 18 hours in a day in most communities in Nigeria.

Justice Idris based on the application on May 28, 2015, directed NERC to suspend all actions relating to any increment in electricity tariff pending the hearing and final determination of a suit filed by the lawyer.

However, despite the subsisting court's order, NERC in conjunction with the Electricity Distribution Companies commence the implementation of the new electricity tariff on February 1, 2016.

The judge while delivering judgment on the suit on Wednesday, Justice Idris, whi cited Sections 31, 32 and 76 of the EPSRA 2005, held that, "NERC acted outside the powers conferred on it by the  Act and failed to follow the prescribed procedure.

The Judge further held that "NERC has not shown that it acted in due obedience to the prescribed procedures and that there is no evidence that NERC complied with Section 76(6)(7)and (9) of the EPSRA Act.

"Of all the legal requirements, it appeared the only one complied with by NERC was that it announced the new tariff in the newspapers.

"It is clear from the affidavit evidence that the increase in tarriff was done by NERC in defiance of the order of this court made on May 28, 2015 which directed parties in the case to maintain the status quo.

"The law is that every person upon whom an order is made by a court of competent jurisdiction must obey it, unless and until the order is discharged and set aside at the Appeal.

"The tarriff increase from July 1, 2015 was done in breach of the 'status quo' order. NERC's action, was therefore, clearly hasty, reckless and irresponsible.

"This country is in a democracy where the rule of law shall prevail over impunity or whimsical desires. Anything to the contrary will be an invitation to anarchy. It is the law that what is done officially must be done in accordance to the law. Investors are free to do business in Nigeria but they shall abide by the law of this country. Nigeria is not a kangaroo State. Nigeria is not a banana Republic. It is intolerance and extremely dangerous for any branch of the Executive to create a posture it may not obey certain orders of the court. That is tantamount to Executive recklessness which will lead to lawlessness.

"The increment in electricity tariff which took effect after the institution of this action and while a restraining order is subsisting is hereby declared illegal and same is hereby set aside.

"NERC is hereby directed to reverse to the status quo and the commission is hereby restrained from further increasing electricity tariff except it comply strictly with the relevant provisions of the EPSRA.

The sum of N50,000 was awarded in favour of the plaintiff," Justice Idris held.

Earlier the court had dismissed an application filed by NERC challenging its jurisdiction to hear the suit.  

The court formulated four issues for determination: these are: whether or not the suit was properly commenced; whether or not the plaintiff has 'locus standi' to file the action; whether or not the suit was statute barred and whether or not the suit disclosed a reasonable cause of action.

On the first issue, the court held that the suit was properly commenced by originating summons.

"Having looked at the affidavit evidence, it is my view that there are no substantial disputes of facts on the materials needed for the determination of this suit. I therefore hold that this suit is properly commenced by an originating summons. The originating summons filed by the plaintiff contains the questions for determination and the reliefs sought from the court in compliance with the rules of the court".

On the issue of locus standi, the court held that, "the plaintiff is a Nigerian and a registered electricity consumer. There is no doubt that he pays electricity charges and is thus affected by the action of the defendants. The plaintiff, in my view, is entitled to approach the court to enforce the law in compliance with Sections 32 and 76 of the EPSRA Act. It is therefore my view that the plaintiff possess the relevant locus standi to institute this action.

On the third issue, the court  held that the action is not statute barred as it was timeously commenced.

On whether or not, a reasonable cause of action was disclosed by the plaintiff in the suit, the court held that, "having perused the affidavits filed by the plaintiff therein, the plaintiff has sets out the alleged wrongdoing of the defendants and the consequent damage. I therefore hold that the suit discloses a reasonable cause of action against the defendants.

Sequel to the above, the court held that it can validly exercise its jurisdiction over the matter.

Adebiyi, in the substantive suit, is seeking an order restraining NERC from implementing any upward review of electricity tariff without a meaningful and significant improvement in power supply at least for 18 hours in a day in most communities in Nigeria.

He also wants an order restraining NERC from foisting compulsory service charge on pre-paid meters not until "the meters are designed to read charges per second of consumption and not a flat rate of service not rendered or power not used."

He also wants the service charge on pre-paid meters not to be enforced until there is visible efficient and reliable power supply like those of foreign countries where the idea of service charge was borrowed.

Adebiyi, in the substantive suit, is seeking an order restraining NERC from foisting compulsory service charge on pre-paid meters not until "the meters are designed to read charges per second of consumption and not a flat rate of service not rendered or power not used."

The lawyer also wants the service charge on pre-paid meters not to be enforced until there is visible efficient and reliable power supply like those of foreign countries where the idea of service charge was borrowed.

He is further asking for an order of court mandating the NERC to do the needful and generate more power to meet the electricity use of Nigerians, adding that the needful should include and not limited to a multiple long-term financing approach, sourced from the banks, capital market, insurance and other sectors of finance to power the sector.

Adebiyi is asking the court to mandate the NERC to make available to all Nigerians within a reasonable time of maximum of two years, prepaid meters as way to stop the throat-cutting indiscriminate estimated bill and which must be devoid of the arbitrary service charge, but only chargeable on power consumed.

In an affidavit in support of the suit personally deposed to by the applicant, the lawyer lamented that despite the motto and mission of NERC which were expressly stated as "keeping the light on and to meet the needs of Nigeria for safe, adequate, reliable and affordable electricity," most communities in Nigeria do not get more than 30 minutes if electricity supply, while the remaining 23 hours and 30 minutes were always without light and in total darkness.

"Nigeria poor masses are paying an estimated and indiscriminate residential bills ranging from N5, 000 to N18, 000, spending an average of N15, 000 to N20, 000 for fuel to maintain generating set.

"Businesses have collapsed, industries have closed down, and residents cannot sleep comfortably at night due to inefficiency of our power industry".

"Companies and commercial Houses are groaning under throat-cutting power bill which they are paying for, yet not getting the benefit for such payment," Adebiyi stated.

He stressed that the proposed increase in electricity tariff was coming amidst the tangled web of poor power supply with no reasonable proof of improvement.

"The situation is self evident, it readily speaks for itself because everyone is suffering from poor power outrage.

"Bringing further increase amidst this tangled web of hardship and without any improvement in power supply, will be highly unjustifiable and will be an economic burden on Nigeria populace. It is totally absurd and not for the good of the people, and therefore must be stopped," Adebiyi submitted.

PENGASSAN, NUPENG Suspend Strike

PENGASSAN, NUPENG Suspend Strike

NUPENG, Rivers StateThe Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have suspended their strike after a meeting with the Federal Government on Wednesday.

The meeting which ended at 1am was attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, the oil unions and international companies.

They discussed issues on job security, causalisation of workers and improved welfare.

Dr Ngige appealed to the companies not to lay off workers as government is trying to make the environment more conducive for their businesses.

There had been disputes over the implementation of the 2015 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the federal government and the unions, the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Bill and the state under which the oil workers operate, especially the lack of power and bad roads.

The PENGASSAN had last week declared an industrial action over the dispute, while NUPENG postponed its action pending the outcome of this meeting.

Forgery: Court vacation stalls Saraki, Ekweremadu’s trial

Forgery: Court vacation stalls Saraki, Ekweremadu’s trial

The trial of Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, and his deputy, Ike Ekweremadu, alongside two others on charges of forgery of Senate Standing Orders, was stalled before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Jabi, Abuja, due to the court’s vacation that commenced today (Monday).

Saraki, Ekweremadu, and two co-accused – a former Clerk to the National Assembly, Salisu Maikasu, and his then deputy, Benedict Efeturi – were in court briefly and left as soon as they
were informed that the court was not going to sit.

Meanwhile, as exclusively reported by The PUNCH, a four-man team led by a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of
Justice of Kano State, Aliyu Umar (SAN), took over the prosecution of the case from the Director Public Prosecutions of the Federation, Mr. Mohammed Diri, today.

Diri was not present in court today but the Umar-led team was around to take the new date for commencement of trial.

The trial was adjourned till September 28.

Other members of the new prosecuting team are a Lagos-based public interest litigation lawyer, Jiti Ogunye; Raphael Origo, and a state counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Yetunde Adeola-Cole.

The Federal Government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation had on June 10 preferred the charges against Saraki and the other accused persons.

The accused persons were subsequently on June 27 arraigned on two counts of criminal conspiracy and forgery before Justice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja.

The Federal Government stated that the offence of conspiracy is punishable under Section 97 (1) of the Penal Code Act; and
offence of forgery with “fraudulent intent” punishable under Section 364 of the same law.

The court had after the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the charges on June 27, fixed today for commencement of trial.

Rotten Under-bellies Of North-east IDPs Camps

Rotten Under-bellies Of North-east IDPs Camps

The major problem confronting government recognized IDPs camps in Borno State is welfare: Displaced persons are finding it difficult to regain their pre- conflict way of life and living because of the poor living condition and poor sanitation which they are subjected to, and which expose them to infectious diseases.

The poor hygiene of the facilities and the environment they live in enhance growths and transmission of infectious bacteria, fungi and virus on the internally displaced persons, IDPS. The poor feeding which they are equally subjected to, leaves mostly the children malnourished, dying and dead. There is also poor provision of social infrastructure such as power, water, and healthcare.

The IDPs in Borno State camps were hosted without any structured rehabilitation plan.  They are left to live a life of survival of the fittest, which has made the camps fertile for the all manners of crimes  that thrive inside the camps. For instance, there have been series of reported cases of drug peddling and abuse as well as high rate of girl child prostitution in most of the camps. This has resulted to unrestrained pregnancies and child births in the camps and the reason for all these is fight for survival amidst abject lack.

Rehabilitation process of the IDPs in the  camps has been lacking. There seem to be a deliberate attempt from the government to ignore the displaced persons; this is evident in several failed, unfulfilled promises made by government and worse is the politicising of IDPs situation.

Recently there have been series of allegations of diversion of food and medicine meant for the IDPs, allegedly by some agents of government of Borno State

The Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières, or MSF) medical team that arrived the camp, located in Bama, in Borno State, for the first time discovered 16 severely malnourished children at the threshold of death and referred them to a therapeutic feeding center.

MSF said a rapid nutritional screening found 19 per cent of more than 800 children in the camp suffering from the deadliest form of malnutrition. During its assessment, the MSF team counted 1,233 graves, 480 for children, that have been used for burial in the past year near the camp.

“At least 188 people have died in the camp, mainly from diarrhea and malnutrition, since May 23. The camp shelters 25,000 people, including 15,000 children, among them 4,500 under the  age of five”, MSF said.

Head of federal government delegation that visited Bama IDPs camp after the report of malnourishment, Hajiya Maryam Uwais attested to the enormity of the challenges in the camp as over 50 malnourished children and adults had to be evacuated from the camp same day of their visit.

The Brigade Commander 21 Armoured Brigade Bama, Col Adama Garba Laka while conducting the federal government delegation, led by the special adviser to the president on Social Investment, Mrs Mariam Uwais round the Bama IDPs camp said the Bama IDPs camp came into being since March 2015.

He however told the delegation that most of the internally displaced persons in the camp were rescued recently from various Boko Haram enclaves and suffered the malnutrition in the camp of the terrorists. He said that there are cases of malnourished children between 0-5 years most of whom came out of bush already malnourished.

Col Laka highlighted some of the health challenges in the camp to include poor sanitary situation, lack of adequate shelter for the IDPs who live under makeshift  zink structure under the scorching sun of Borno State, potable drinking water and lack of toilet systems as most of the IDPs defecate in the open with the camp.

“ As they come out from the bush, no medical official was around to cater to the health need of the victims and only food is what the camp have for them. The facilities here cannot cater for these IDPs and if the situation continues, we will evacuate them to Maiduguri”, Col Laka said.

He disclosed that there are quite an alarming number of pregnant teenagers and malnourished adults in the camp of 25,000 displace persons. With these alarming report in the Bama IDPs camp as example, it is hoped that government will sincerely swing to action by ensuring that basic needs of the IDPs like drugs, medical personnel, better shelter and adequate feeding formula are made priority in all the camps across the state and beyond.

Government  should also empower the IDPs economically before their final resettlement to their various communities and as peace gradually returns.

Yobe has the highest number of IDPs, within the North-east, but there was no camp in the state, as at December 2014. Subsequently, the helpless IDPs set up three camps by self help. They are: “Camps Kukareta, Pompamari and Radio- house IDPs and much later Ali Gombe Farm and Bukar Ali Primary School, Damaturu.

Bukar Ali camp was closed down in October, 2015, while Pampamari and Kukareta IDPs camps, the two government camps were established. These two camps receive, assistance from international donor agencies and some NGOs, the camps also witness a good of presence of NEMA and SEMA activities.

The pathetic situation in Yobe IDP camps can be illustrated by what obtains in Kukareta IDP Camp. Kukareta Camp which has about 4,000 IDPs is located on KM 25 on Damaturu-Maiduguri Express Way.

The camp which was not recognised officially by SEMA, receive minimal support of food and water.  Few IDPs that are lucky, feed twice a day. The village primary school house some of the IDPs, with over 98 per cent of the displaced population living in makeshift structures made of polythene sheets and shrubs and grasses.  Many sleep in the open.

The sanitation situation was very poor with 44 toilets out of which only 14 are functional.  Twelve water system toilets were constructed by world Bank but cannot be used due to water shortage, the IDPs often defecates in an open space, because there was no bathrooms in kukareta camp and often take their bathes into open, mostly from the stagnant water pond.

As our correspondent visited the camp, the displaced persons were seen happy, leaving what is hell on earth back their homes, others are reluctant because they are still not sure of the safety of the homes. Most have lost everything as a result they have nothing to go back home to, while others are reluctant because moving back home reminds them of the bitter experience of the past as such would prefer to resettle in another community,

One of the IDPs, Maryam Buba Yadi at the Kukareta camp complained of congestion and sometimes, lack of beddings with many of them sleeping on the floor,yet government and individuals continue to donate relief materials including mattress and food items.

Some of the displace persons accused the state government, officials of the camp and federal government delegates of diverting the items meant for the camps.

Another IDP Umar Aji told our reporter of poor health facilities, poor camp environment, inadequate food stuff, lack of mattress/beddings and inadequate security personnel in the camps, adding that government needs to give attention to the situations.

They expressed dissatisfaction with the experience they have had on the camp so far and appealed to government to utilise the huge amount being donated to the rehabilitating them so that they can live normal lives like others.

Mohammed Saleh said they had appealed to government severally to fumigate the camp premises with herbicides to kill the overgrown grasses so as to reduce the breeding of mosquitoes, rodents and snakes but nothing was done to that effect.

Many of the IDPs are said to be suffering from malaria fever due to lack of  mosquito nets for them at the camp. Although there is a camp clinic, it is not functional due to lack of drugs.

LEADERSHIP Sunday can reveal that the IDPS have now resorted to herbal medications to treat their ailments since they could not access drugs at the clinic.

Meanwhile, there have not enough toilet facilities and bathrooms for IDPs in the camp. Only very few toilet are said to be available in the camp. While others they are take their bathes in an open place as there are no bathrooms.

Feeding has equally been a serious challenge for the IDPs in the camp as they lamented that government has not been forthcoming in bringing food stuff to the camp

A woman leader of the camp who does not want her name to print said that life has been difficult for children and women. According to her, “ We women and children have been facing a lot of challenges. The food we eat at times, we just manage it. Even as I speak to you now, there is no food for us to eat this morning. There is congestion in the camp and some of us sleep on the ground, we had that federal government and other non-governmental organisation as we well as individual donating food stuff to out camp. Where are the items and we are suffering here. Let them take us back to our homes to live with our people since they cannot take care of our lives here.

Alleged $1.5m Properties Scam: Falana Asks Butarai To Resign Pending Probe

Alleged $1.5m Properties Scam: Falana Asks Butarai To Resign Pending Probe

Popular Lagos lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has urged the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Butarai to immediately step aside and allow a full scale investigation by the Arms Procurement Panel and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission into the allegation of fraud leveled against him.

Falana, who made the call while reacting to allegations that Gen. Butarai purchased properties worth $1.5 million in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, also said if he does not deem it fit to resign forthwith President Muhammadu Buhari should sack him.

The human rights activist also said in a statement he issued in Lagos on Sunday that since the federal government has repeatedly assured the Nigerian people that there are no sacred cows in the war against corruption and impunity General Butarai should step aside and allow a full scale investigation.

He stated, "The federal government is currently probing the criminal diversion of the sum of $15 billion earmarked for procurement of armament from 2007-2015. On account of the corrupt practices of a coterie of military officers the Boko Haram sect killed about 25,000 and displaced 2 million Nigerians including children.

"While the insurgents exposed our country to unwarranted ridicule by annexing some local governments some army generals were smiling to the bank.

"To the delight of the Nigerian people the Buhari administration has put the indicted military officers on trial.

"However, the name of the Nigerian Army has been illegally used to defend the Chief of Army Staff, General Tukur Butarai who is alleged to have purchased properties worth $1.5 million in Dubai  in the United Arab Emirates.

"While admitting the allegation the army authorities claimed that the properties were paid for "by installments through his savings three years ago.

"How an army General managed to save $1.5 million has not been disclosed to Nigerians. Since the General was in charge of procurement for the Nigerian Army at the material time the cock and bull story of the military high command have been called names.

No doubt, General Butarai has led the Nigerian Army to defeat the satanic Boko Haram sect. The Nigerian people are indebted to him for runimg a successful military campaign.

"But like the war on terror  the war against corruption  must be successfully prosecuted and won by the Buhari administration. Since the federal government has repeatedly assured the Nigerian people that there are no sacred cows in the war against corruption and impunity General Butarai should step aside and allow a full scale investigation by the Arms Procurement Panel and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. 

"In view of the ban on the opening and operation of foreign accounts by public officers the Code of Conduct Bureau should be involved in the investigation.

"If the Chief of Army Staff does not deem it fit to resign forthwith  President Buhari should not hesitate to remove him  in the interest of national morality," Falana said.