Card reader consultant drags DSS to court, demands N100m damages

Card reader consultant drags DSS to court, demands N100m damages

A consultant to Act Technologies Limited, one of the firms engaged by
the Independent National Electoral Commission to supply the Card
Reader Machines, Muhammad Musa, has sued the Department of State Services.

Musa, in his fundamental rights enforcement suit which he filed before
the Federal High Court in Abuja, alleged that he was illegally detained
by the DSS since March 24, 2015.

According to an affidavit filed in support of his suit, Musa is being held
in DSS detention alongside the Chief Executive Officer of the
consultant to Act Technologies Limited, one of the suppliers of the
machines to INEC.

Musa wants the court to award N100m damages against the security
organisation for illegally detaining him.

He also wants the court to order his release and declare his arrest,
detention and continued intimidation by the respondent (the DSS) in
relation to the card reader issue as illegal, unconstitutional and a
violation of his fundamental rights.

The suit, FHC/ABJ/CS/292, was filed on his behalf on March 27 by his
lawyer, Mahmud Magaji (SAN).

The plaintiff was said to have on March 24 received a phone call from
the Director General of the DSS inviting him to the organisation’s
headquarters in Abuja and had since been held in detention upon
honouring the invitation.

He was said to have since 1pm on March 24 been held without any
charge.

Wife of the applicant, Mrs. Sa’adatu Musa, deposed to a supporting
affidavit because he was still being held in the DSS detention.
The wife said the respondent’s officials had refused her access to her
husband since he honoured the DSS boss’ invitation.

Musa, who is praying the court to award N100m as general and
exemplary damages against the DSS for its unlawful acts, also seeks
an order of perpetual injunction restraining the respondent and its
agents from engaging in further harassing, intimidating, arresting and
detaining him in relation to the card reader used by INEC.

He hinged his prayers on three grounds, one of which was that SSS
agents’ unlawful interference with his liberty in connection with the
procurement of the card readers constituted an infringement of his
fundamental rights guaranteed by the constitution.

The plaintiff’s wife said her husband was not an employee of Act
Technologies, but a consultant, who was being held with the
company’s Chief Executive Officer.

The wife, who prayed the court to order the immediate release of her
husband, including granting all the prayers in the application, said if
not restrained by the court, the DSS would continue to detain her
husband without arraigning him before any court if the respondent has anything against him.

The case was said to have been assigned to Justice Adeniyi Ademola,
but had yet to be fixed for hearing.

I didn’t declare Abia North Senatorial zone result – Returning Officer

I didn’t declare Abia North Senatorial zone result – Returning Officer

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The Returning Officer for the Abia North in last Saturday’s Senatorial
election, Dr. Chukwugozie Ihekwuaba has said that he did not declare
any result for the election which INEC has published.
According to Ihekwuaba, who alleged that he has been receiving threat
calls since after the election said he could not in his good conscience
append his signature on the documents said to have been presented
to him as the result.
Addressing journalists in Umuahia Thursday evening, Ihekwuaba said
that there was widespread manipulation of the National Assembly
elections in the zone which prompted him to recommend a re-run of
the senatorial election in the zone.
He said apart from results from Arochukwu and Ohafia Local
Government councils, which were recounted at the INEC state
headquarters, results from other councils of Bende, Isukwuato and
Umunneochi were manipulated and he disassociated himself from
them.
He claimed that fake INEC documents such as result sheets were
filled and later substituted with original ones.
In Ohafia council, according to him, there were massive irregularities
which prompted youths and hoodlums to take over the place with
sporadic shooting renting the air.
The protest against the Ohafia and Arochukwu result led the INEC REC
to set up a committee that recounted the results of the two councils
but results of the other councils where more irregularities were alleged
were not reviewed.
“After looking at Arochukwu and Ohafia results, there was a massive
irregularity. Security operatives were also aware because they were
also taking their notes. So I found it very difficult to append my
signature on the manipulated results.
“My report to INEC REC was that we do a re-run and get security
operatives to guide the results so that whoever wins will take it. In
some cases, ballot boxes were removed. I am not aware of any result
declared. I did not declare any result.
“Apart from Arochukwu and Ohafia council results which were
recounted at INEC headquarters, I did not accept any other result”, the
associate professor of Computer Engineering said.
When contacted, the Resident Electoral Commissioner in the State,
Prof. Selina Oko said she has no constitutional power to cancel any
election result or organize a re-run.
According to her, she was under pressure from the INEC headquarters
to send the results to meet the seven days deadline and she had no
choice to send the results submitted to her.
She advised aggrieved candidates to take their case to the law court
which is the appropriate place to seek redress.

Presidential poll: Panic in NNPC, other oil agencies

Presidential poll: Panic in NNPC, other oil agencies

The victory of General Muhammadu Buhari in the March 28 presidential election is already causing panic in the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other Federal Government-owned companies in the oil/energy sector.

Officials of the companies, many of whom did not anticipate President
Goodluck Jonathan’s defeat, are now under pressure to bring their
accounts and oil receipts up to date for presentation to the in-coming
government.
Some of the information is even expected to be made available during
the transitional period in the coming days.
President Jonathan yesterday kick-started the transition by meeting
with General Buhari at the State House, Abuja, even as associates of
the President-elect recalled how the late President Nelson Madela of
South Africa predicted,12 years ago, that Buhari would one day return
to lead Nigeria as a civilian president.
It was gathered that the outgoing administration of President Goodluck
Jonathan has commenced the reconciliation of crude oil production
records including royalties and other funds remitted into government
accounts and taxes paid to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
Government expects oil records to dominate discussion at the
transition committee briefings since oil is Nigeria’s financial back
bone. It is a familiar terrain for Buhari who was Commissioner (as the
position was designated under the military) for Petroleum Resources in
the 1970s.
Lately, public interest in the finances of the NNPC has soared, sparked
by an allegation by the immediate past governor of the Central Bank
(CBN), Mallam Lamido Sanusi that $20 billion of its funds was
missing.
For instance, he told a Senate Committee hearing on the allegation
that NNPC officials were withholding large amounts of money from
crude oil exports from the Federation account.
He said that during the period 2012-2013, the NNPC sliced off 76% of
crude oil proceeds – a total of N8 trillion ($48.9 billion).
Sanusi was later suspended and is now the Emir of Kano.
His predecessor at the CBN, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, said in a
different allegation that about N30tr was either missing or
unaccounted for by the Federal Government.
An audit report prepared by Price Water House Coopers on NNPC
finances showed that less than $2 billion was missing.
Government asked the corporation to pay the money forthwith into its
account.
An oil/gas sector source said yesterday that a major issue being
addressed by the outgoing administration is how to put oil records in
proper perspective because the new government will be interested.
“There is panic in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, the Nigerian
National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and other subsidiaries on oil
receipts,”the source said.
“Already, officials of some of these agencies have been working round
the clock to reconcile oil records in order to be able to face the Buhari
transition team.
“Some of these agencies might also meet with FIRS to make sure that
the records tally. No one expected a Buhari presidency but it has now
come. This requires working round the clock to give full account of oil
production and revenue.”
Another source said: “Feelers indicate that Nigerians would want
cogent explanation on the controversial $20 billion.
“So, the development in the oil sector is key to the work of the
transition committee.”
Sources also said that some of the international oil companies (IOCs)
are prepared to make their records available to Buhari.
“You can see that if any attempt is made to pad the records by any
agency, the IOCs will not be part of it. This is why it is necessary for
every official to be straightforward.
“Some of the IOCs are willing to release the records in their care to
assist the government to put things in order in NNPC and other
agencies.”

Breaking News : Kano INEC Commissioner, family die in fire incident

Breaking News : Kano INEC Commissioner, family die in fire incident

The Kano State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Abdullahi Minkaila was on Thursday burnt to death with his family.

The deceased was burnt along with his wife and two children, in an inferno when his residence was engulfed by fire.

The late Minkaila and his family were rushed to the Murtala Mohammed specialist hospital where they gave up the ghost Friday morning.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained at press time.
Spokesman of the Independent Electoral Commission , Mallam Garba
confirmed the incident.

It was learned that when residents discovered the fire and called security agents, they were rescued but it was too late as they died before reaching the hospital.

The state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Magaji Musa Majia, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), described the incident as pathetic.

Majia said: “The victims were immediately rushed to the hospital but they were confirmed dead by the doctors. It is really very tragic and the cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained. They were suffocated to death—Mr. Abdullahi, his wife and two daughters. No one can tell for now what really happened but we have launched full investigation into the matter.

“As I am speaking with you, I am right here in the hospital with the Commissioner of Police and we will keep you informed as we begin to unravel the mystery behind this tragic incident”.

Al-jazeera journalists sue Nigerian Army, army chief over illegal detention

Al-jazeera journalists sue Nigerian Army, army chief over illegal detention

Nigerian army and its chief, Kenneth Minimah, for
trampling on their fundamental rights.
Messrs. Idris and Mustapha – reporter and cameraman
respectively of the news television – were arrested on
March 24 in their hotel room in Maiduguri, Borno State
for “loitering” in areas were combat operations were still
on-going.
A statement by the Defence Headquarters said the
journalists were moving around “restricted areas” in Yobe
and Borno States without protection, accreditation or
clearance.
The journalists, represented by lawyer and human rights
activists, Femi Falana, sought a declaration that the arrest
and their continued detention by the military were illegal
and unconstitutional, thereby violating their right to
personal liberty guaranteed by Section 34, 35 and 41 of
the constitution and Article 5, 6 and 12 of the African
Charter on Human and peoples’ Right Act.
They also sought an order directing the Nigerian military
and Mr. Minimah to release the journalists from illegal
military custody immediately.
The reliefs were sought on the ground that the applicants
were not soldiers and that the military had no right to
arrest them.
The reliefs also argued that “loitering or wandering” were
not offences known to law; and the applicants were
entitled to their liberty, freedom of movement and
integrity to human person as guaranteed by Section 34, 35
and 41 of the constitution.
Peter Nkanga of the Committee to Protect Journalists told
PREMIUM TIMES the journalists went incommunicado
since 10:10 p.m. on Wednesday. He said their phones
were seized from them by the military.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Army, Sani
Usman, directed all enquiries on the matter to the
Director of Defence Information, Chris Olukolade, a Major

PDP vows to challenge Buhari’s victory at tribunal

PDP vows to challenge Buhari’s victory at tribunal

The Peoples Democratic Party has said it will challenge the outcome of the
March 28 presidential election.
The Independent National Electoral Commission, through its Chairman and Chief
Returning Officer, Prof. Attahiru Jega, on Wednesday morning, declared Maj. Gen.
Muhammadu Buhari(retd.) of the All Progressives Congress as the winner of the
election.
The PDP through its agent at the National Collation Centre in Abuja on
Wednesday, when the final result was declared, had refused to sign the result
sheet despite its candidate, President Goodluck Jonathan, having earlier conceded
defeat.
The agent of the PDP, Bello Fadile, who was in attendance when parties were
being called upon to sign the result sheet, told journalists shortly after the result
was declared that the party was not satisfied with the outcome of the election
and had decided to challenge it at the election tribunal.
“Whether I sign it (the result sheet) or I don’t sign it, does not make any
difference. It doesn’t invalidate the result. When we go to court, then we can
challenge the result,” Fadile said.
When asked to confirm if the PDP will challenge the result at the presidential
election petitions tribunal, Fadile added, “Sure! The party petitioned. Don’t forget.
So the party will follow through the petition. There are rules for this. The law is
there.
“The result was declared on the 1st of April, I think. We will follow the due
process. Like the president (Jonathan) said, ‘If you have any grievances, follow
due process and the due process in this instance is to go to the tribunal.”

Buhari’s victory: Obasanjo, Atiku, others rejoice as jubilant crowd take over APC secretariat

Buhari’s victory: Obasanjo, Atiku, others rejoice as jubilant crowd take over APC secretariat

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has

congratulated president-elect, Major-General
Muhammadu Buhari.
He urged him to fight corruption and carry out
reforms in various sectors.
The congratulatory message was issued in Abeokuta
on Tuesday.
Obasanjo said: “With so much harm already done to
many national institutions, including the military,
which proudly nurtured you and me, you will have a
lot to do on institution reform – education,
healthcare, economy, security, infrastructure,
power, youth employment, agri-business, oil and gas,
external affairs, cohesiveness of our nation and
ridding our land of corruption.
“Your varied and wide experience will undoubtedly
stand you in good stead. The country is blessed with
men and women of goodwill, character and virtue
across the board that you can mobilise to join hands
with you in the reform, repairs and re-direction that
will be imperative to put Nigeria back on the fast
lane of good governance, unity, cohesiveness,
development and progress.
“For me, the totality of 2015 elections hold many
lessons for our democracy and democratisation
process, which are both maturing. On this occasion,
the system has been unnecessarily overheated
before and particularly during the campaigns when
emphasis was more on trivialities and hate, divisive,
undignifying and disrespectful statements and
comments rather than on pressing issues requiring
attention.
“I know that in victory, you will be magnanimous to
start binding the wounds and bitterness occasioned
by the campaign and the evil disciples.”
Also, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
congratulated Buhari.
He said: “My hearty congratulations to His
Excellency, General Muhammadu Buhari, for being
elected the next president of our beloved county,
Nigeria. You have led our party, the All Progressives
Congress to an unprecedented victory within two
years of its official formation, and in so doing,
written the most important chapter of our
democracy.
“The great Nnamdi Azikiwe once wrote that “history
will continue to vindicate the just.” Your victory in
the polls, with votes from across the length and
breadth of our country, bears witness to the
acceptance of not just our party, the APC, but also
your ideology of justice, fair play and zero tolerance
for corruption as the bedrock for national rebirth.
“At this historic moment, it is most important to say
a hearty thank you to every Nigerian who voted for
the APC. Your votes have not just elected the first
opposition party into federal power, but has also set
a precedent which will have positive implications for
democracy across Africa.
“Dear GMB, the journey has just begun. Millions of
Nigerians have put their trust in you, because they
were not satisfied with the status quo. You represent
the hope of a new generation of Nigerians, and you
cannot afford to fail them. Our party has made a
promise of change to our young people, to secure
and rebuild our country, create jobs and
opportunity, and improve citizens’ welfare. We will
stand behind you to ensure we keep those promises,
just like we did during these elections.
“Our country needs a new direction. We have voted
for you, and our party won the election, but when
you assume our highest office, you must become the
president of not just the APC, but all of Nigeria,
including the people who did not vote for you. We
look up to you to heal the fractures of our country,
and truly unite this country like never before.
“To President Jonathan, I want to specially thank you
for conducting a historic election. Your party may
have lost the elections, but you have won the
admiration of the world by not interfering with the
wishes of Nigerians. History will be kind to you. It is
my sincere hope that we will all come together as
one country, to build the Nigeria of our dreams”.
Kwara State governor, Alhaji AbdulFattah Ahmed,
congratulated Buhari on his success at the polls.
Ahmed said: “I congratulate and wish you success in
the job of building a truly united and prosperous
Nigeria.
“I also congratulate Nigerians for standing up for
change and using their votes to bring about the
leadership with the capacity to uplift the country
and it’s people.”
Meanwhile, jubilant crowd, on Tuesday night, took
over major streets in the country to jubilate.
At the APC headquarters in Abuja, the celebrants
numbering over 2,000 danced round the office
chanting victory songs.
Various dance groups, traditional drummers, well
wishers and party chieftains exchanged pleasantries
for the party’s victory at the polls.
Some of the groups chanted with Buhari’s name
describing him as the needed change.
No fewer than 100 journalists comprising local and
international media were also at the party’s
secretariat waiting to receive Buhari.
Security agents, including men of the Department of
State Security Service (DSS) and the Police were seen
at strategic positions within and outside the
secretariat to ensure security.
Senator Kabiru Gaya said that the victory called for
celebration since it was happening in the country’s
democracy for the first time.
“We thank God almighty for the opportunity given to
us to have a good transition in this democratic era; I
now believe that democracy is here to stay.
“We have been shifting from one party to the other
but now I think there will stability; I hope Nigerians
will accept this change in good fate for good things
to come.
“The people have decided who they want and it is
Buhari; we hope that he can make changes in this
new dispensation,’’ Gaya said.
Another set of jubilant crowd blocked the T-junction
close to the AP Plaza on the Adetokumbo Ademola
way, Wuse II, Abuja, chanting APC slogans.
It was the same situation in Dutse, the Jigawa State
capital Tuesday night.
Youths, in their hundreds, took over major streets,
singing, dancing and playing Buhari songs.
In major streets of Ibadan, Oyo State, youths were
seen celebrating in carnival-like manner.
They shouted “Buhari’s victory is not for Buhari
alone but for all Nigerians”.