The 2023 Labour Party vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has insisted that former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, must be thoroughly questioned regarding his controversial statement that the Federal Government has been paying bandits. Baba-Ahmed expressed his concerns on Tuesday during an interview on Politics Today, a political programme aired on Channels Television. He strongly criticized the dismissal of El-Rufai’s claims by the office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), led by Nuhu Ribadu, describing the rebuttal as weak and unconvincing. According to him, if the NSA’s office could treat such a serious statement with levity, then it raises doubt about Ribadu’s credibility. “If the so-called office of the National Security Adviser would take this allegation lightly, then Nuhu Ribadu was never a policeman; he is not a qualified lawyer; and he should not even be occupying that office,” Baba-Ahmed stated firmly. He further stressed that El-Rufai ought to be questioned by law enforcement agencies, saying that the former governor should already be submitting written statements to both the police and the courts. LMSINT MEDIA recalls that El-Rufai had previously alleged that the Federal Government in collaboration with Kaduna State authorities was paying monthly allowances to bandits. He further claimed that food supplies were also being delivered to these criminal groups under the guise of non-kinetic approaches to insecurity. El-Rufai described this move as nothing but a “kiss-the-bandits” policy, sparking outrage among Nigerians who have continued to demand accountability and transparency on the issue. The controversy has reignited debates on the Nigerian government’s counter-terrorism strategies, with many questioning whether non-kinetic measures are being mismanaged or misrepresented.
Daniel Bwala, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Policy and Communications, has assured that the people of Borno South Senatorial District are fully committed to supporting President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Bwala made this statement during a civic reception held in his honor in Biu, Borno State, over the weekend. The event also celebrated several prominent individuals, including former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), for their invaluable contributions to the nation. In his address, Bwala expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the recognition, describing it as a clear reflection of his unwavering dedication to the advancement of the country. He reiterated his strong commitment to President Tinubu’s vision, particularly in areas such as economic reforms, national security, and infrastructure development. He emphasized that these key priorities are in complete alignment with the values of the people of Borno South. Represented by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, President Tinubu commended Bwala for his significant contributions to the administration’s progress. Kyari also highlighted the crucial role played by the people of Borno South in supporting the federal government’s initiatives. Senator Kyari acknowledged that Bwala’s appointment underscores President Tinubu’s trust in his abilities. The gathering also provided a platform for community leaders and members to reaffirm their support for the federal government’s policies and collaborate towards fostering national growth and prosperity. Learn about the Renewed Hope Agenda and its impact on Nigeria’s development Read more on the Renewed Hope Agenda from Nigeria’s official government portal READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Channel
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has issued a strong warning to officials collaborating with state governors to divert allocations meant for the country’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs). According to the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, criminal proceedings will be initiated against culprits, emphasizing the need to uphold financial autonomy for LGAs as mandated by a Supreme Court judgment. Enforcing Financial Autonomy for Local GovernmentsSpeaking at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Abuja Chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), the AGF highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring that local governments operate independently. He labeled the mismanagement of LGA funds by governors as both a criminal and impeachable offense. Fagbemi criticized the practice of state governors installing loyalists in LG positions through flawed elections, which undermine the principle of accountability. While the Federal Government cannot directly intervene in LGA elections, it plans to prosecute elected officials who misuse funds allocated from the federation account. Tackling Governance MismanagementFagbemi condemned the deplorable state of many LGA secretariats across the nation. He recounted instances where local governments had to seek state governors’ permission to perform basic administrative tasks, such as purchasing office supplies. He stated: “Governors have immunity, but local government officials do not. If you engage in fund mismanagement, you risk facing imprisonment.” The AGF lauded President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering stance on protecting local government autonomy despite significant pressure. Judiciary’s Role in Justice DeliveryThe conference also explored the judiciary’s responsibility in upholding justice and enforcing judgments. In a keynote address, Professor Mike Ozekhome, SAN, stressed the need for courts to prioritize fairness over technicalities. He urged judges to provide lawyers with adequate opportunities to present their cases effectively. Representing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mr. Abdullaziz Olumo advised journalists against sensational reporting and cautioned against “trial by media,” which could prejudice ongoing cases. Media’s Responsibility and Advocacy for ReformThe Chairman of the Abuja NAJUC Chapter, Mr. Kayode Lawal, reiterated the media’s dedication to unbiased reporting. He advocated for reforms to ensure that legal professionals compromising judicial integrity face strict consequences. READ ALSO: Follow the LMSINT MEDIA channel on WhatsApp: Join Our WhatsApp Group Hear: Chat on WhatsApp Join our Telegram Chanel.
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The Federal Government of Nigeria has pledged to uphold justice for victims of terrorism, emphasizing its dedication to addressing their rights and needs. The assurance came during the launch of the Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism at the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in Abuja on Wednesday. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Lateef Fagbemi, represented by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Abubakar Babadoko, highlighted the importance of this initiative in mitigating the lasting impacts of terrorism. Addressing the Aftermath of Terrorism Mr. Fagbemi stressed that terrorism has inflicted severe consequences, not only claiming lives but also leaving emotional and physical scars on individuals, families, and communities. He reiterated that while combatting terrorism remains a priority, providing support to victims is equally essential. He stated: “The scourge of terrorism has cast a long shadow over our nation, leaving a trail of suffering, loss, and trauma. It is imperative that we not only fight terrorism but also offer comprehensive support to its victims. As Attorney General, I am committed to ensuring justice for these individuals and upholding their rights.” Legislative Measures for Victim Support The Federal Government has made significant progress in counterterrorism efforts, particularly through the enactment of the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act 2022. This legislation includes provisions to establish the Victim Support Trust Fund under Section 91, aimed at offering financial assistance and rehabilitation services to victims. Section 92 of the Act further details the creation of a Trust Fund Committee to manage these resources effectively. Fagbemi assured attendees that his office would oversee the proper implementation of these provisions to ensure victims receive the support needed to rebuild their lives. Launch of the Model Legal Provisions (MLP) The event also marked the launch of a technical assistance project to implement Model Legal Provisions for Victims of Terrorism. This initiative is designed to enhance the capacity of Nigeria’s legal and judicial systems to provide justice, support, and rehabilitation for victims. “This project will play a pivotal role in ensuring victims receive the necessary support, compensation, and rehabilitation to overcome the challenges they face,” Fagbemi added. Acknowledging the Human Impact of Terrorism National Counter-Terrorism Centre (NCTC) Coordinator, Maj.-Gen. Adamu Laka, highlighted the devastating effects of terrorism on women, children, and youths since 2009. He noted that children had been forcibly recruited, young girls exploited in suicide missions, and families torn apart. Laka said: “The ripple effects of these tragic events include population displacement, disrupted education, and fractured social cohesion. Today’s launch of the MLP Project represents a major step forward in supporting victims and rebuilding affected communities.” Building Nigeria’s Counterterrorism Capacity The MLP Project aims to enhance Nigeria’s ability to prevent, investigate, and prosecute terrorism-related crimes while ensuring comprehensive support for survivors. By prioritizing the rights of victims, the government is taking a significant step toward restoring stability and justice. READ ALSO:
