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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
Army trolls in Adamawa arrest major drug supplier to terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have arrested a suspected major drug supplier to Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists operating across parts of Borno and Adamawa.
The suspect, identified as Zubairu Muhammad, 45, was arrested at about 6:30 a.m. on Tuesday by troops of 232 Battalion (Tactical), Uba, Adamawa State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that Muhammad is believed to be one of the major suppliers of cannabis sativa and crystal meth (popularly known as ICE) to terrorists through the Askira-Uba, Chibok, Michika and Damboa corridors.
According to the source, the troops recovered 14 blocks of cannabis sativa valued at over N1 million, and 43 grams of ICE, valued at more than N3 million, from the suspect.
He was also found with two Army camouflage T-shirts, which he allegedly used while delivering illicit substances to terrorists.
The source said preliminary investigation had been concluded, and that the exhibits would be handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Yola Command, for further action.
Army trolls in Adamawa arrest major drug supplier to terrorists
Stop rascally behavior and reckless driving on maiduguri roads…Gubio warns keke napep riders
By: Bodunrin kayode
Chairman Borno State Civil Service Commission Dr Bulama Gubio has called on young people in the state to reduce their irresponsible actions with keke NAPEP during weddings and related ceremonies which makes them over excited and drive recklessly in the streets of maiduguri.
Dr Gubio is miffed about the excesses of the younger generation mostly keke napep drivers who use the tricycle as an excitement toy driving with reckless abandon sometimes killing themselves in the process without fear of reprimand.
Gubio who is a member of the Borno state traditional council and secretary of the elders forum in the state called on the federal Road Safety Corp (FRSC) to work on the annoying excesses of the Keke napep riders who have caused a lot of trouble for commuters in the state capital adding that they operate with a lot of impunity which is not found in the pattern of the government drivers whom he said were better behaved.
Dr Gubio asked the FRSC to increase the enlightenment of even the resident commuters on the use of the commercial keke riders even as they entrust their lives into the hands of the the reckless riders among them because some of them are definitely on induced substances before they come into the roads breaking traffic and driving very roughly even contesting the major roads with bigger cars and sometimes killer trailers.
Dr Gubio actually made these remarks during the 2025 special marshals sectoral workshop, RS12.2 of the Borno state command held this week at the Elkanemi Hall of the State owned Ramat Polytechnic in Maiduguri.
Also admonishing the gathering on the use of Borno roads, Sector Commander of the FRSC Usman Mohammed condemned the behavior of some of the keke napep riders in the state capital describing them as down right recalcitrant elements.
He regretted that in their obstinate posture towards any form of control, a lot of them have fallen under the hammer of stiff fines sometimes as high as N50,000 for offenses yet they continue to repeat the same charges even when driving passengers.
Mohammed told this reporter that with the increased security in the state capital, his team will continue to do their lawful best to reduce the unnecessary carnage on the major roads of the Maiduguri metropolis and even the adjoining highways to the zones.
He decried the lingering excesses of the Keke napep riders within the Maiduguri metropolis adding that most of them are just stubborn and would not take instant correction which is why he sometimes had to stop traffic himself, arrest erring ones and give them on the spot education and correction for their offenses.
The Sector Commander said that because of their high number in terms of population, his men are on high alert with other collaborating agencies to stem the tide of these numerous excesses of these riders with a view to reduce same to the barest minimum.
On the alleged sluggishness of the union leaders to control their erring members, he maintained that they have been doing their best because some of them even boy-cut registration to avoid being caught making it an endless litany of woes coupled with the burden of facing another new set of wrong doers mobilizing into the highways each new day which is really tedious.
He added that it was not true that the excesses of the riders was due to the unenlightened nature of the leaders as posited by road watchers adding that the leaders are enlightened, but its just that the riders are recalcitrant by the way they go about driving their tricycles recklessly in the town.
“Since we cant get all of them at the same time, what we do is to stop four or five of them at the same time. I have stopped many in that pattern to talk to them and they listen to my lectures on their wrong doings and some do repent.
“Without mincing words, just recently, we arrested over seven of them because of unnecessary over loading etc. We have brought out a time schedule to make them fall in line to see how we can correct some of these excesses. So we are doing a lot to sort out these challenges.
” As a matter of fact, some of their union officials have come to commend us that they are very happy with the way we are going about handling the recalcitrant ones among them.
On enlightenment of the officials,” you see they are home based, they have limits with which they can handle these keke napep members who are committing all these offenses on our roads, however, we have been having enlightenment campaigns on these riders and we do hope to get there one day.
Speaking during the opening ceremony of the workshop, the State Coordinator, special marshal RS12.2 Borno sector command, Mohammed Dahaya commended road users in the society for gracing the 2025 Special Marshals bi-annual Sectoral Workshop adding that their presence, despite the economic and security challenges coupled with their regular tight schedule is a testimony of their love for the FRSC as well as their commitment to safety of lives and properties on our roads.
He said that the Special Marshals were a group of Volunteers, established under section 10(1) of the FRSC statute, as defined in the FRSC establishment Act 2007 adding that the roles and constitutional responsibilities of Special Marshals include Advocacy and support, Patrol Operations, Enforcement and Education in all ramifications of human activities without any pecuniary interest, meaning they are not paid for the services rendered to the society.
Special Marshals he noted believe that the beauty of life doesn’t depend only on how happy you are but how happy you make others which is why, the most impactful thing to do in life is to help someone in need stressing that the worth of life is not in its duration but in its donations to humanity.
”we still need the support of all, morally and financially to be able to achieve our desired goals and objectives for efficient and effective services to humanity.
Your labour of love will not be in vain.” He concluded.
Present at the occasion were several dignitaries including the representatives of the Ministry of Transport And Energy, Aliyu Buba, The General manager, Borno Express Transport Corporation, Grema Kyari, The Vice Chancellor Kashim Ibrahim University, Prof. Babagana Gutti, Special Marshal Engr. Shettima Abdullahi and The Chairmen NARTO Borno State Council Jidda Bishara.
Stop rascally behavior and reckless driving on maiduguri roads…Gubio warns keke napep riders
FCT Designated for Implementation of NESREA / UNEP Innovative Waste Management Pilot Project
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) with the support of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) has began the process of reforming the waste management system in the country.
Also, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT has been designated as the pilot state for the implementation of the reforms.
In order to put the necessary frameworks in place to achieve this, the agency hosted two separate two-day consultative workshops with relevant stakeholders.
The first workshop aimed to consolidate report on recommendations for Legislative and Institutional Reforms in the Waste Management Sector in Nigeria, whilst the second workshop looked at the specific measures on the better inclusion of informal structures and workers in the reforms.
The workshops are part of the UNDA-funded Project on Environmentally Sound and Safe Waste Management Frameworks in Africa, being implemented by UNEP in collaboration with other UN agencies across three African countries Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Director General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor in his remarks described the project as timely, coming at a time when Nigeria is implementing the circular economy with a view to promoting resource efficiency and the creation of green jobs.
He disclosed that under the project, the Federal Capital Territory, FCT has been designated as the pilot state for the implementation of the reforms, noting the vital role of the waste management sector in safeguarding public health, ensuring environmental sustainability and enhancing the quality of life in communities.
He said: “Over the years, waste management has remained one of the key environmental and developmental challenges in Nigeria. Despite efforts to develop policies and plans, Nigeria continues to face significant challenges in managing waste, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient funding, and lack of public awareness. to address this, NESREA, in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Programme under the Montevideo Programme V for the Development and Periodic Review of Environmental Law, is implementing this pilot project in Abuja.”
Barikor disclosed that the objective of the project was to strengthen the waste management framework with the aim of promoting environmentally sound and safe management of waste in Nigeria, while ensuring better inclusion and protection of informal workers and structures; as well as the integration of waste segregation.
He expressed the belief that the National Waste Marketplace Programme recently unveiled by NESREA, and the implementation of the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programme would further boost effective waste management in line with global best practices.
He noted that: “The Marketplace intends to link waste pickers, collectors, recyclers in an innovative manner that provides benefits and allow stakeholders to interface. It will give room for financial support, insurance support and incentives. Cooperatives will also be on the space. The direction is to move towards entrenching global best practices.”
Representative of UNEP, Aphrodite Smagadi in a goodwill message said the success of the reforms depend to a large extent on meaningful engagement and integration of all stakeholders including governments institutions, the private sector, civil society, as well as the informal sector.
While thanking NESREA for convening the forum, the Director, Climate Change, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Iniobong Abiola-Awe said despite the challenge posed by waste management, it represents an opportunity to turn waste into wealth, pollution into innovation and environmental risk into green enterprise.
Represented by a Chief Scientific Officer, Uduak Ekpa, Dr. Abiola-Awe added, “Nigeria generates over 32 million tonnes of solid waste annually comprising a wide range of waste types, including, food waste, plastics, paper, textiles, metals, glass and hazardous materials such as electronic and medical waste. These waste streams pose distinct challenges and require tailored approach for collection, treatment and disposal.”
The workshops had participants drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government including Federal Ministry of Environment, Abuja Environmental Protection Board, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Ministry of Youth Development Waste Pickers Association of Nigeria, Women Environmental Programme, as well as recyclers.
Participants analyzed best practices from the different parts of the world and made recommendations.
FCT Designated for Implementation of NESREA / UNEP Innovative Waste Management Pilot Project
Army trolls in Adamawa arrest major drug supplier to terrorists
Stop rascally behavior and reckless driving on maiduguri roads…Gubio warns keke napep riders
FCT Designated for Implementation of NESREA / UNEP Innovative Waste Management Pilot Project
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