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RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE
RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE
By Magnus Agu magnusagu85@gmai.com
Reading through the public letter by Collins Nweke, purportedly addressed to the new Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora Affairs I thought it would be something new, something different, something more intelligent.
But it was all still same of the same I won’t bore you with a long treatise I think Collins Nweke already did that .So let me go straight to the points that I want to focus on in the write-up
- The issue of Nido ( Nigerians in diaspora organization )Collins Nweke has taken us through the history of the formation of Nido I don’t have any problem with his historical background
NIDO, an initiative of President Olusegun Obasanjo many years ago was set up to have all Diaspora groups under one umbrella. Unfortunately, the purpose was not achieved due to in-fighting, and quarrels, that subsequently saw even original, serious-minded members of the group exiting Nido , thanks to the sit tight and clandestine nature of its inaugural leaders like Collins Nweke and few of his cohorts.
Stories are replete of many Nigerians abroad who were recommended to join the organization but left disappointed and wondered how they would function in an organization that had different factions, had lots of hidden and selfish agendas by its so called leaders at that time . They were confused as they had to deal with these fears so they , like many others, saw no focus and so opted out . So Collins Nweke, a founding father of Nido should be ashamed of the general state of affairs of Nido , particularly the clandestine Nido Worldwide and Nido Continental , which he and just a handful of his like , treacherously hold on to as their cash cow. It’s either his way or no way
Now . Don’t get me wrong There are various branches of NIDO doing well in some countries Take for instance NIDO Sierra Leone. NIDO Sierra Leone has taken up a project to build a hospital in Sierra Leone for Nigerians in Sierra Leone. Nido Europe ( representing the whole of Europe led by Bashir Obasekola ) Nido Qatar, Nido South Korea , Nido Sweden, and some other Nido chapters in some countries are doing well in their various chapters and must be commended , along with other diaspora groups and associations and individuals making Nigeria proud
It must be noted that some countries don’t have any organization called NIDO. For instance, South Africa has NICASA, and Nusa , Australia has an Association of Nigerians in Australia, and Ethiopia has an organization called NISE. I could go on and on, In America there is NAPAC , an association that has supported Nigerians contesting various elections in America, and today about 14 Nigerians in America have won their elections In America with the support of NAPAC . In Canada alone there are about 51 diaspora organizations and none of which is called Nido. Canada is peculiar because one of Collins Nweke´s Colleagues registered Nido in his own name In other words he owns Nido. Story for another day . We all know that there are professional associations like ANPA, NAPPSA, MANSAG, NNCA, NCBN, NNC,and several other professional and socio cultural groups . Canuk in the UK represents almost over 100 associations while existing along Nido UK South Zumunta is also a very strong and purposeful diaspora group . So would it not be easier if all these associations are under one umbrella as former President Olusegun Obasanjo envisaged ?Noble intention But these genuine objectives failed over the years because people like Collins Nweke remained selfish and self-centered. They could not keep Nido as one I mean how can an association that is fragmented bring others on board, for instance, NidoAfrica shamelessly has at least 2 factions, fighting over what ? Nido America has more than a faction, There are some Nido groups in some countries in Asia and the Middle East , existing along side other very active and purposeful groups .
Nido does not exist anywhere in Australia and many other countries around the world
As noble as the objective of having all Nigerian diaspora groups under one umbrella is , it has not worked.
So what NIDO needs to do is put its own house in order and rebrand, talk to all these associations, and see if they can bring them together under one room, But my fears are it is too late now because of people like Colin’s Nweke and and his cohorts , who after 25 years , feel that they must hold on to Nido and hold 17million Nigerians in the diaspora to ransom through what Nweke calls Nido Worldwide and Nido Continental. These are bodies created by him and his gang made up of former Chairmen of Nido whom they constituted with the aim of remaining in charge of these associations for life. Mr Chairman put yourself in this situation Imagine former chairmen and members of the house committee of diaspora constituting themselves into associations of former committee members and taking decisions for you as a serving parliamentarian and chairman of committee ?What Collins Nweke is thus asking you to do is to take these guys , who have been former chairmen of Nido , as the alpha and omega of all 17 million Nigerians in Diaspora ? Chairman, does that make sense to you ?
Nweke is talking about rule of law . What moral right does a man who was an executive of Nido since the days of President Obasanjo , but refuses to let go , through what he calls Nido worldwide ?
I think Collins Nweke , beyond giving empty foreign policy analysis on tv sometimes, needs a job . Mr Chairman, you can help him get a job , please
Collins Nweke and his Nido worldwide and Nido Continental ( whatever it means ) has remained a nuisance and a distraction from genuine diaspora issues affecting Nigerians all over the world
Mr. Chairman sir I challenge you to ask Collins Nweke to give you just 500 genuine names of his members world wide !
Colllins Nweke`s piece titled “ Ending the Affront to the Rule of Law “ is ironic because , as expressly stated above ,if there is any affront to the rule of law that should be ended ,it should be that of Colllins Nweke and his inconsequential microscopic minority gang who want to be perpetual rulers, We in the Diaspora will continue to resist and reject them
Now , we have our own Commission , Nidcom , to relate with .And in this age of technology, getting data of registered groups and associations and bringing them together to work for the progress of our country is easier . And we can see that Nidcom is doing just that
As for the issue of the NiDCOM Board, it is an Administrative structure to be set up by Mr President, so it is an administrative matter. NiDCOM Board is not the only Board that has not been constituted and it will be constituted., hopefully soon However, we must commend the Diaspora Commission for bringing the Diaspora phenomenon to the front burner and you can see it’s been doing well despite all the challenges as well as little or no funding. They have taken the issue of diaspora seriously and put Nigerian issues on the front burner and we do appreciate this. Is the Commission perfect? No, but we have to help in building and strengthening this organization. Diaspora is a part of our foreign policy in Nigeria and if you look at the diaspora policy, it is well crafted if it is properly implemented we would even do better than other countries have done all over the world.
Nweke’s obsession, as in other issues with him , is self serving . He desperately had hoped to be chairman or worse case , member of the board , especially if another party had won elections , not the APC
Well, dreams do come true . I wish him well
And on the issue of Diaspora voting, Collins Nweke and his gang are not even sincere about this. A few years back they said, oh, they will mobilize 1,000,000 people on Diaspora voting and they could not even mobilize one person
So therefore he is not in a position to talk about diaspora voting, Diaspora voting has been an issue that has been championed by people at home and in the diaspora. There is already a bill in the Senate to amend the constitution to make diaspora voting a reality and what we want from you Mr Chairman is to join in our voices to make this a reality.
In his write-up, Collins Nweke asked you a pertinent question , which he termed “ the elephant in the room”He asked “ what do you want to be remembered for.” I pose the same question right back to you
What do you want to be remembered for ?
A selfless , patriotic parliamentarian or
a religious, tribal bigot that will give in to selfish manipulations? ( By the way Mr Chairman I know you are a member of the Labour Party to which people like Collins Nweke belong to ) So do you want to be remembered as a selfless parliamentarian who put the issues of diaspora selflessly Irrespective of tribe , political affiliations ?Or one who will join the clarion call for all Nigerians at home and abroad to join hands to build Nigeria together
The ball is in your court !.
RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
… Condemns Country’s Military Coup
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria’s Former President Goodluck Jonathan is very safe and out of Guinea-Bissau, the Federal Government has announced.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa made the announcement on Thursday. He said: “He (President Goodluck Jonathan) left with a special flight with members of his delegation including, former President, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission, Ibn Chambas.”
Jonathan, who is the head of ECOWAS Election Monitoring Mission to Guinea Bissau, was tramped along with members of his team in the country when military suspended democratic process and took over government.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria’s government has condemned the military coup d’etat in Guinea Bissau.
The Nigerian government in a statement on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa said: “The Federal Government of Nigeria has learned with profound dismay and deep concern the unfortunate military coup which has led to an unconstitutional change of government in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, in the strongest possible terms, condemns this act of military insurrection which undermines the democratic progress, constitutional order, and stability not only of Guinea-Bissau but of the entire West African sub-region. This coup d’état represents a blatant violation of the fundamental principles of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which explicitly rejects any ascension to power through unconstitutional means.
“We stand in solidarity with the people of Guinea-Bissau and call for the immediate and unconditional restoration of constitutional order, the safety and security of all those detained and the full respect for the sanctity of democratic institutions in Guinea-Bissau.”
The statement added that: “The Federal Government of Nigeria unequivocally calls on the authorities in Guinea-Bissau to ensure and guarantee the safety of all election observers still in the country on official assignment.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria urges all actors involved to exercise utmost restraint, prioritize peaceful dialogue, and respect the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau as expressed through their ballots and the peaceful conclusion of the election with the announcement of results by the electoral management body.
“We warn that those behind this act will be held accountable for their actions, which threaten to plunge the nation into chaos and reverse the hard-won gains of its democracy.”
It further added that: “Nigeria, as a key member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union, will work closely with our regional and international partners to take all necessary measures to ensure the swift return to normalcy and constitutional governance in Guinea-Bissau. We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the promotion of democracy, peace, and stability across the African continent.”
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government on Thursday inaugurated a new smart toilet in Nasarawa State, calling for stronger sanitation efforts across the state to ensure Nigeria exits her unenviable position as one of the top nations with open defecation.
Few days ago, the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal decried that just about 25 per cent of Nigerians have access to safely managed sanitation facilities leaving over 45 million Nigerians still practice open defecation.
The Federal Ministry of Environment on Thursday called for stronger sanitation efforts across the states at the commissioning of new smart public toilets at Orange Market, Mararaba, in Nasarawa state to mark the 2025 World Toilet Day
The Director General of the Nasarawa State Waste Management and Sanitation Authority (NASWAMSA), Hon. Muhammad Isah, warmly welcomed dignitaries and partners to the 2025 World Toilet Day commemoration, expressing deep appreciation for the strong support the state has continued to receive toward improving sanitation and environmental health.
Addressing the Governor of Nasarawa State, the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Permanent Secretary, the Director of Pollution Control and Environmental Health, the Commissioner of Environment, the Nasarawa State Ministry of Environment, and other distinguished officials and partners, the DG extended his gratitude for their presence and ongoing collaboration.
Isah said “on behalf of our Authority, I sincerely appreciate His Excellency, the Governor, for his strong support toward improving sanitation and environmental health in our state.” He applauded the Federal Ministry of Environment for its continued partnership, noting that the provisioning of smart toilets being commissioned at the event, as well as an earlier air pollution monitoring facility, have contributed meaningfully to improving community well-being.
According to him, “our deep gratitude also goes to the Honourable Minister of Environment and the entire staff of the Federal Ministry of Environment for their continued partnership. The provision of the Smart Toilets we commission today, as well as the air pollution monitoring facility earlier provided, are meaningful contributions that strengthen our work and improve the well-being of our communities.” The DG also highlighted new collaborative initiatives between NASWAMSA and the Ministry, particularly in waste-to-energy development and job creation. He noted that the Ministry requested ten locations for public toilets between Mararaba and Masaka, areas where sanitation facilities are urgently needed.
He explained that “NASWAMSA worked with Orange Market management to provide two suitable sites for modern public toilets. These are the facilities being commissioned today.” Hon. Isah further expressed sincere appreciation to Dr. Engr. Bahijjahtu Abubakar, describing her as “maman talakawar jahar Nasarawa,” for her consistent support of women’s engagement and youth initiatives in the state. He stated, “your dedication is having a significant impact, and both the government and the people of Nasarawa State are truly grateful for your contributions. Thank you for your commitment to improving our environment and community.” The DG reaffirmed NASWAMSA’s commitment to continued collaboration with partners in pursuit of a cleaner and healthier Nasarawa State,
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Chairman of Karu Local Government Council, Barr. Abubakar Aliyu Madaki, described the newly commissioned Public Toilet Project at Orange Market, Mararaba, as a significant milestone in efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu Local Government Area. During the Community Engagement/Sensitization Campaign and Commissioning of the Public Toilet Project organized by the Federal Ministry of Environment, he expressed appreciation to the Ministry for selecting Karu as one of the beneficiaries of the initiative.
He said “it is with great pleasure and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today on behalf of Government and the good people of Karu Local Government Area.” He noted that the commissioning marks “another significant milestone in our collective efforts to promote public health, environmental sanitation, and community wellbeing in Karu.”
Madaki emphasized that Orange Market, being one of the busiest commercial hubs in the Local Government, attracts thousands of traders, buyers, transporters, and visitors daily, which creates the urgent need for proper sanitation facilities to prevent pollution and disease outbreaks. Describing the facility, he said, “This Public Toilet Project is therefore not just a building but it is an investment in public health, dignity, and environmental protection. It provides a safe, hygienic, and accessible facility for all market users, and supports our ongoing efforts toward a cleaner and a healthier Karu for everyone in line with the vision of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule the Executive Governor of Nasarawa State.”
He outlined recent efforts of the Local Government Council toward improving sanitation, stating that “over the past months, we have intensified efforts to improve waste management in markets and across communities, strengthen environmental monitoring and compliance, support community-based sanitation initiatives, and promote health education and community awareness.” Madaki assured the Federal Ministry that Karu Local Government would ensure the facility is well managed, adding, “Karu Local Government Council will take full responsibility for the maintenance, security, and effective use of this facility.” He urged traders and residents to safeguard the facility, saying, “this facility is yours. I urge you to take ownership of it. Let us use it properly, keep it clean, and protect it from vandalism.”
In his remarks, he expressed special appreciation to the Honourable Minister of Environment, the Honorable Commissioner of Environment, the DG NASWAMSA and their staff “for the support and dedication to environmental sustainability nationwide,” and stated that Karu Local Government remains open to more partnerships aimed at uplifting the health, economic, and social wellbeing of the people.
As the ceremony concluded, the Chairman reminded attendees that “development is meaningful only when it touches the lives of the people directly,” urging renewed commitment toward a cleaner society. He added, “Together, let us continue to promote a cleaner, safer, and healthier Karu for us and the future generation to come,” and ended with, “Thank you and may God bless us all. God bless Karu Local Government Area, Nasarawa State and the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
…Quarry Shut after Flying Rocks Injured School Students
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in collaboration with Ogun State Ministry of Environment, on Thursday sealed off recycling facilities in Ogijo community in Ogun State.
The sealing followed the failure of the operators to comply with the provisions of the National Environmental (Battery Control) Regulations 2024 and the Protocol developed by NESREA to ensure environmentally sound management of used lead acid batteries and safeguard the health of residents and the environment.
Under the protocol, the facilities committed to manage ULAB slag and base metal residue in a safe, environmentally sound and socially responsible manner, and also prioritize staff health and safety including an annual blood lead testing and provision of Personal Protective Equipment.
The recyclers, as duty to the host community and environmental responsibility are to conduct annual environmental impact audits on surrounding communities, transition to cleaner recycling technologies and participate in pilot projects for slag reuse for bricks and cement raw materials.
NESREA in collaboration with Ogun State government and other partners under the Project for Responsible Battery and Metal Recycling (PROBAMET)had carried out extensive assessment and sensitization of the operators in the sector on international best practices in the recycling sector.
In the same vein, official of the agency have shut down Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry in Dutse area of Abuja on Wednesday, after flying rocks from a blasting operation injured staff and students of Graceland High School, and damaged the school properties as well.
According to a statement by the spokesperson of the agency, Nwamaka Ejiofor, Investigations by NESREA showed that the students were in their various classes writing exams when they heard a bang at about 12.30 pm, followed by flying rocks which destroyed the school buildings, with 11 students and 2 staff of the school sustaining various degrees of injury. Nearby shops were also affected by the flying rocks.
Deputy Director, Conservation Monitoring, Glory Uboh. said the agency took the step to shut down the facility as their operations were contrary to the provisions of the National Environmental (Quarrying and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013.
She said, “What happened is life threatening, that was why we had to move in immediately to seal the facility. Cornerstone, managed by Istanbul Quarry, which carried out the blasting operation will be sanctioned because our preliminary investigation shows contradiction to Quarry operating procedure and regulations. We will continue with our investigations and the facility will definitely be sanctioned in line with the National Environmental (Quarry and Blasting Operations) Regulations 2013”.
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
FG Says GEJ is Safe, Out of Guinea Bissau
Federal Government Commissions Public Toilets in Nasarawa
NESREA, Ogun State Seal Recycling Facilities
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