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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
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Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
By: Zagazola Makama
A Fulani herder has been brutally killed in another round of unprovoked attack by Berom militia in Makera area of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.
The incident, which occurred at about 11:55 a.m. on April 26, also left six cattle dead and about 20 others with gunshot wounds.
The attacks occurred two days after two local hunters were killed and another injured in an attack by suspected armed Fulani bandits in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State, which was carried out in retaliation to an earlier attack by the Berom militia on Fulani herders and the rustling of 84 cattle in the same area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE responded swiftly to the distress call and deployed to the scene.
“On arrival, troops discovered that one herder had been killed, six cattle were shot dead, while several others sustained gunshot injuries.
“Troops advanced and sighted five suspects fleeing towards Golhoss community. They pursued the suspects and successfully arrested two, while others escaped,” the sources said.
According to the sources, the corpse of the herder was recovered and handed over to the Secretary of the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).
They added that tension rose shortly after the arrest when women and youths from the community mobilised in large numbers and blocked the road in an attempt to attack soldiers and prevent the troops from taking away the suspects.
“The women and youths tried to obstruct the troops and stop the movement of the arrested suspects. However, the situation was later brought under control following the intervention of the youth leader and other peace-loving members of the community, who ensured the road was cleared,” the sources said.
The sources noted that the arrested suspects are currently in military custody for further investigation, while normalcy has been restored in the area under close military monitoring.
In a related development, another attack was recorded at about 4:00 p.m. the same day at Gero community in Jos South LGA, where suspected Berom militia attacked cattle, killing one cow and injuring three others with gunshot wounds.
Security sources warned that the prevailing situation in Riyom and Jos South LGAs retains the potential to trigger reprisals, given past incidents in the area, adding that troops have since dominated the affected communities and are engaging stakeholders to prevent escalation.
Further checks by Zagazola indicate that the latest incident is part of a growing pattern of attacks on Fulani pastoralists and their livestock in parts of Plateau State.
The attacks, however, followed a series of initial pledges by Barrister Solomon Dalyop Mwantiri, the National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYM), who vowed to attack any Fulani grazing in any part of the Berom community.
Mr Mwantiri, in a widely circulated video, said that they (Berom youth) cannot guarantee peace and safety on the Plateau if Fulani continue grazing on their land. The warning followed the initial killing of seven persons in Dorowa Babuje village on Feb. 22, after gunmen suspected to be Fulani bandits opened fire on residents at a local relaxation spot.
Since then, every Fulani who comes to cross over into the community has been attacked. In most cases, cattle are rustled and the attackers, with support from community members and traditional rulers, sell off the stolen livestock through their networks in other states.
The back-to-back incidents reflect an entrenched pattern of attacks and reprisals involving Fulani and Berom local militia groups across parts of Plateau State.
At about 5:00 p.m. on April 23, troops of Sector 6 responded to a report of provocative grazing around Tahoos community in Riyom LGA. On arrival, the troops intercepted 34 cattle grazing without a herder within the community. The livestock were moved to the troops’ location for necessary action. Sources noted that the absence of a herder raised suspicions, with concerns that the owner may have either fled or been attacked.
In a related development, troops deployed at Ganawuri also responded at about 11:30 a.m. the same day to a report of destruction of cabbage farms belonging to two residents, Mr Haruna Badung and Mr Elisha Musa, in Bindi community of Riyom LGA.
Similarly, in Mangu Local Government Area, troops of Sector 8 responded at about 12:30 p.m. to a report of injuries to a local resident, Mrs Gift Zaphania, in a confrontation with a Fulani herder while fetching water at a stream in Maijankai village. The victim was found with injuries and was evacuated to a nearby clinic for medical attention. The herder reportedly fled on sighting troops, abandoning 29 cattle, which were taken into custody pending further action.
On April 22, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE arrested three Berom militia members and recovered 84 rustled cattle following an attack on a pastoralist in Riyom LGA. The troops, deployed at Dokku, responded to a report of cattle rustling behind Makera market and tracked the animals to a riverine area, where they were recovered and returned to the owner.
On April 21, 2026, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE neutralised two suspected armed Fulani bandits and recovered weapons around the Marit general area of Doruwa Babuje in parts of Plateau State, preventing potential attacks.
On April 20, 2026, troops under Sector 6 responded to an isolated attack on two civilians in Sabon Gida village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State by Berom militia. On arrival, the troops discovered the corpse of one of the victims bearing machete injuries, while the second victim was reported to have escaped during the attack.
On April 19, a revenge attack was carried out as a 32-year-old man, identified as Mr Gideon Luka from Mangu but resident in Sabon Gida, was killed by Fulani attackers in an isolated attack along Sabon Gida axis in Gyel District of Plateau State.
On April 19, security operatives in Nasarawa State intercepted 11 cattle allegedly rustled from Bokkos in Plateau State, leading to the arrest of a suspect at Lafia cattle market. Investigations linked the livestock to a larger herd of 57 cattle rustled in May 2025. Acting on the tip-off, detectives swiftly mobilised to the market and arrested one Alhaji Ziya-U Inusa, a resident of Dengi in Plateau State, who was found in possession of eleven cows suspected to have been stolen. During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed that he purchased twelve cows from a paramount ruler in Plateau State (name withheld) but transported only eleven due to limited vehicle capacity.
Earlier, on April 16, troops responded to a rustling incident in Mangu LGA, although the suspects fled before the arrival of security forces.
On April 15, troops recovered 48 rustled cattle in Yelwa village, Heipang District of Barkin Ladi LGA, while on April 13, troops foiled an attempted rustling in Bassa LGA, recovering 92 cattle abandoned by fleeing suspects.
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued three kidnapped victims during a fighting patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Security sources told Zagazola that the operation was conducted on April 25 at about 9:00 p.m. by troops of 1 Brigade in collaboration with hybrid forces deployed at Kulchin Kalgo.
The sources said the troops advanced to Bilbis area following intelligence on the presence of terrorists and made contact with the armed group.
According to the sources, the troops engaged the criminals in a firefight, forcing them to flee and abandon three kidnapped victims in the process.
The rescued victims were subsequently handed over to the district head of Bilbis for safe custody and further reunification with their families.
The sources added that the troops have continued exploitation of the area to track fleeing suspects, while the general security situation remains under close monitoring.
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim in Gwer East Local Government Area of Benue State.
Security sources said that the incident occurred on April 25 at about 10:30 a.m., when troops deployed at Agidi responded to reports of a kidnap incident in Abenga and Mabur communities.
The sources said the troops swiftly mobilised to the area and made contact with the suspected kidnappers, engaging them during the operation.
According to the sources, the troops overpowered the criminals, leading to the arrest of two suspects and the rescue of one kidnapped victim.
The sources added that the apprehended suspects and the rescued victim have been handed over to the Nigeria Police for further investigation and necessary action.
They assured that security forces will continue to intensify operations to curb kidnapping and other criminal activities in the state.
Troops arrest suspects, rescue kidnap victim in Benue
Berom militia kill another Fulani herder in Riyom, as community vow to attack soldiers for arresting 2 suspects
Troops rescue three kidnapped victims in Zamfara
Troops foil kidnap attempt, rescue victim in Kaduna
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