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RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE

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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

  1. 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

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VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

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January 13, 2026

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VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

Extols Hadiza Usman’s contributions to public service, nation building at 50th birthday colloquium

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has charged public servants in Nigeria to imbibe the virtues of selflessness and excellence, marked by a commitment to daily discipline, consistency of effort and strength of character.

According to him, enduring legacies in public service are the ones sustained by a consistent dedication to excellence, resilience and hard work regardless of the challenges of building enduring institutions.

Senator Shettima spoke in Abuja on Tuesday during a colloquium organised to commemorate the 50th birthday of Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination and Head, Central Delivery Coordination Unit.

“If we are to raise more generations of Nigerians ready to lead with purpose, to deliver with excellence, and to serve with courage, we must remember this truth: intention without the willingness to pay the price of service remains wishful thinking,” he stated.

Eulogizing the celebrant’s distinguished and unique public service career, the Vice President described Hadiza Bala Usman as a mirror not only for the northern Nigerian girl, but for the nation itself.

He said, “There is no doubt that Usman’s place in our public service history is secure. This is so because it was not built on spectacle, nor did it rely on applause. What she has become was a product of decisions taken quietly, responsibilities carried fully, and institutions strengthened with care.”

VP Shettima said Hadiza Bala Usman earned her influence in Nigeria’s public service, continually shaping the country’s national direction through “a rare combination of gifts: grace, strengthened by grit; clarity, guided by courage, vision and excellence.”

He continued: “What has not been noted enough about our celebrant is that she is emerging from a part of our country where many young women still search for proof that ambition such as hers is permitted.

“Indeed, her journey required courage, and that is why she has become that proof. Its trials were visible. Its demands were exacting. Its rewards were earned. Nigeria watched her grow into responsibility early, stepping into critical policy spaces when many are still finding their voice.”

Maintaining that Usman’s achievements were never accidental, Senator Shettima noted that the celebrant’s rise in public service was deliberate, earned and sustained by a faithful commitment to the difficult work of building a functional nation.

“May your example continue to guide those who still believe that service, when done well, can ennoble a nation,” the VP added.

Earlier, Secretary to Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, said Usman’s life remains a shining example of discipline.

He urged the celebrant to remain steadfast in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, expressing optimism that her years ahead will be marked by continuous, impactful service to Nigeria.

For his part, Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, explained that the gathering was aimed at honouring a life defined by purpose, courage, and an unwavering commitment to service and value addition to the Tinubu administration.

Gbajabiamila noted that when Usman transitioned fully into government at the state and national levels, she introduced structure to governance and clarity in priorities.

He recalled how the presidential aide eventually enforced reforms in one of Nigeria’s most strategic and complex agencies, the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), thereby raising the standard of leadership and service within the agency.

Also, the Minister for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, recognised Usman’s service and commitment to public institutions in Nigeria, particularly the Ministry of Youth Development.

He noted that her relevance in public service has resulted in her supportive roles in many initiatives aimed at benefiting youths across the country.

The Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar Abubakar, described Usman as a friend of over three decades.

According to her, the celebrant exemplifies an overwhelming commitment to principles, matched with quiet clarity and conviction, both in private and public life.

Speaking on “Leadership Delivery and the Courage to Serve,” the keynote speaker at the colloquium, a former Director General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, Dr Joe Abah, said serving Nigeria at a senior level is a privilege only a few would attain, entailing that those who occupy such roles must positively impact the lives of the citizenry.

Highlighting a number of leadership lessons practically expressed through Usman’s life, he said, “Your work no longer speaks for you,” adding that one must now speak for their work due to the emergence of fake news and critics.

He noted that leading people remains difficult, and that leaders may not see the impact of their actions in government until they leave office.

On her part, the celebrant, Hadiza, said she was humbled by the personalities who graced the colloquium, just as she thanked President Tinubu, Vice President Shettima, and others for contributing to her political career and personal life.

She recalled her roles in election planning since 2015 and at the NPA, and used the opportunity to recommit herself to the Renewed Hope Agenda for the betterment of Nigeria.

VP Shettima To Public Servants: Remain Selfless To Sustain Enduring Legacies In Service

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Global Peace Development Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan, Targets Peacebuilding, Governance, and Social Justice

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7 hours ago

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January 13, 2026

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Global Peace Development Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan, Targets Peacebuilding, Governance, and Social Justice

By: Michael Mike

Global Peace Development (GPD) has unveiled its Five-Year Strategic Plan (2026–2030), outlining an expanded vision to strengthen peacebuilding, inclusive governance, and sustainable development across Nigeria and beyond.

The plan was officially launched in Abuja on Tuesday at a well-attended event that brought together civil society leaders, development partners, and government representatives, including the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR).

Delivering a goodwill message on behalf of the Director-General of IPCR, Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, the institute commended GPD for its long-standing contributions to peacebuilding, gender equality, child protection, and inclusive governance.

Ochogwu, who was represented by Dr. Mang Chaimang, a director in the Institute, described the strategic plan as a timely and well-articulated roadmap that reflects over two decades of practical experience in addressing peace and development challenges in Nigeria.

Ochogwu noted that civil society organisations such as GPD play a critical role in complementing government efforts, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected regions. He added that the new strategic plan provides a strong framework for collaboration among government institutions, development partners, and civil society actors working towards sustainable peace.

Speaking in an interview after the launch, the Board Chairman of GPD, Chief Ejiro Oghenebrume, said the five-year plan represents more than a policy document, describing it as a renewed commitment to justice, good governance, and sustainable peace.

According to him, the organisation is repositioning itself to expand its scope from local interventions to a broader global outlook. He emphasized that peacebuilding is a continuous process and urged stakeholders not to relent in their efforts, warning that unresolved ethnic, religious, and political tensions could undermine national stability if not properly addressed.

Oghenebrume also advised that ethnicity and religion should not be allowed to define access to opportunities, calling for policy reforms that promote inclusion based on residency rather than origin. He stressed that peace cannot be sustained without constant engagement, education, and vigilance.

On the organisation’s priorities, the GPD chairman disclosed that women and young people remain central to the strategic plan, noting that peace at the community level begins with stable families and empowered children. He revealed that the organisation anticipates a budget of about ₦1.8 billion for 2026 to support phased implementation of the plan.

Also speaking, the Executive Director of GPD, Mr. Ebruke Esike, explained that the new strategic plan expands the organisation’s focus from five to eight thematic pillars. These include peace and conflict resolution, gender justice, democracy and governance, environment and climate change, water, sanitation and hygiene, livelihood development, education, and the protection of women and children from gender-based violence.

Esike said the plan is designed to improve security and social cohesion through non-kinetic approaches such as community dialogue, education, economic empowerment, and legal advocacy. He disclosed that the organisation projects a ₦1.2 billion operational budget for 2026, which will be sourced largely through competitive grants and partnerships.

According to him, GPD currently operates across several states in the South-South, South-East, North-Central, and North-West regions, with plans to expand to the North-East and South-West. He noted that the organisation has been involved in conflict mediation between farmers and herders, women-led peace platforms, environmental sustainability initiatives, and civic education programmes.

Esike acknowledged challenges such as insecurity, poverty, and low literacy levels but said GPD continues to work closely with government authorities, security agencies, and local peace institutions to ensure effective and safe programme delivery.

The launch ended with renewed commitments from stakeholders to strengthen partnerships aimed at promoting peace, social justice, and sustainable development in Nigeria.

Global Peace Development Launches Five-Year Strategic Plan, Targets Peacebuilding, Governance, and Social Justice

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AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

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7 hours ago

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January 13, 2026

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AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

By: Michael Mike

A high-level delegation from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has assured the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) of stronger cooperation and continued technical support as efforts intensify to curb illicit drug trafficking in Nigeria and the wider region.

The delegation met on Tuesday with the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brigadier General Buba Marwa (Rtd), where both sides discussed the progress of existing partnerships and future areas of collaboration.

Leading the delegation, Philip Esch, who serves as the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) liaison to AFRICOM, described the working relationship with NDLEA as critical to international security.

He commended the agency’s leadership and professionalism, noting that NDLEA’s operations in Nigeria have far-reaching implications beyond the country’s borders.

Members of the delegation also praised NDLEA for the effective use and maintenance of equipment previously supplied by the United States government, a development they said demonstrates accountability and commitment to the shared anti-drug agenda. They disclosed that additional projects and training programmes are being planned to further strengthen the agency’s capacity.

In his remarks, Marwa expressed gratitude for the visit and acknowledged AFRICOM’s sustained support, which he said has contributed significantly to recent successes recorded by the agency.

He stressed that drug trafficking remains closely linked to other security challenges, including terrorism and organized crime.

The NDLEA boss called for expanded assistance in key operational areas such as airport screening technology, forensic laboratories, digital investigation tools, portable drug detection devices and the deployment of trained sniffer dogs.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to deepen cooperation aimed at disrupting drug networks, enhancing law enforcement capacity and promoting regional and global security.

AFRICOM Delegation Reaffirms Support for NDLEA in Fight Against Drug Trafficking

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