News
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
By: Dayo Thomas
(A journalist)
The case of Dele Farotimi and Aare Afe Babalola is indeed a disturbing example of how state power can be misused to persecute individuals who dare to challenge powerful people in Nigeria.
This case involves a dispute between Dele Farotimi and Afe Babalola, with Farotimi accusing Babalola of exerting corrupt influence over the Nigerian judiciary. The situation escalated with Farotimi facing persecution and intimidation, highlighting the risks faced by those who speak truth to power in Nigeria.
As a journalist, I have a perfect understanding that it is a demonstration of the dangers of unchecked power and corruption in Nigeria, where individuals with influence can manipulate the system to silence critics and opponents.
As a journalist in Nigeria, I have had my fair share of encounters with those in power. I had many encounters, but one particular experience stands out when I was with the National Interest Newspaper and investigating a financial fraud story involving a bank managing director and a PDP chieftain in Anambra State. It was terrible!
While carrying out my legitimate assignment, I faced intimidation, harassment and bullying from the Department of State Services (DSS) for daring to challenge the ‘owners of Nigeria’.
After our initial discussions with the managing director on phone, we were “invited” by the MD to balance our story and hear his own side. The interview lasted for just few minutes, but what followed was as dramatic as it was intriguing. In a twinkling of an eye, heavily armed men appeared and ordered us to raise our hands and surrender our phones. “Hands up, you bastards,” echoed the leader of a team who ordinarily was supposed to mediate in a civil matter.
We were matched down the stairs like criminals and forced to raise our hands amidst unfriendly sun and enthusiastic bank customers and then in a James Bond version driven in a 504 station wagon to DSS headquarters in Shagisha, Lagos where the second leg of the intimidation commenced.
This encounter is a testament to the challenges journalists and others face in Nigeria when trying to hold those in power accountable.
My story highlights the bravery and resilience of journalists and others who risk their lives and safety to expose corruption and wrongdoings in our system
It also underscores the importance of a liberal criminal justice system and a free press in holding those in power accountable.
As I said, “Don’t pity Dele, it’s the lot of people’s defenders to face the wrath of Nigeria’s powerful elite for daring to ask them to account for their stewardship.
Don’t Pity Dele Farotimi!
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
By: Our Reporter
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the appointment of Engr Peter Samuel, MNSE, MNIAE, as the General Manager of Borno State Agricultural Mechanization Authority (BOSAMA).
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dauda Iliya, the appointment was based on Engr Samuel’s outstanding professional competence, proven track record, and experience in agricultural engineering and mechanization.
The statement noted that Engr Samuel possesses the requisite qualifications, technical expertise and leadership capacity required to reposition BOSAMA in line with Governor Zulum’s agricultural transformation agenda.
The newly appointed General Manager is an Agricultural Engineer with academic, professional, administrative, and practical experience in agricultural mechanization, farm power and machinery, irrigation engineering, and agricultural infrastructure development.
He holds a Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) in Farm Power and Machinery from Joseph Sarwuan Tarka University, Makurdi (formerly the Federal University of Agriculture, Makurdi), a Postgraduate Diploma in Farm Management and Production Economics from Nasarawa State University, and a Bachelor of Engineering (B.Eng.) in Agricultural and Environmental Resources Engineering from the University of Maiduguri.
Engr Samuel has distinguished himself through years of meritorious service in teaching, research, agricultural engineering practice, and project implementation. He currently serves as a Lecturer in Farm Power and Machinery at Ramat Polytechnic, Maiduguri.
Over the years, he has held several strategic leadership positions, including General Manager of a commercial agricultural enterprise, Project Coordinator, Programme Coordinator, and Consultant on numerous agricultural development interventions implemented by reputable national and international organisations.
He is a member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE).
Governor Babagana Zulum congratulated the new General Manager on his appointment and urged him to deploy his wealth of knowledge, technical expertise, and experience in agricultural mechanization to strengthen the operations of BOSAMA
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
By Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have arrested a suspected military impostor during a fighting patrol in Malumfashi Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the suspect was apprehended at about 1:30 p.m. on July 4 by troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi while conducting routine patrols within Malumfashi town.
According to the sources, the suspect was intercepted while wearing a woodland camouflage three-quarter short, raising suspicion among the troops.
A search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of a fake Nigerian Army identity card, four Automated Teller Machine (ATM) cards, one woodland camouflage three-quarter short, a wristwatch and the sum of ₦17,000.
The suspect and the recovered exhibits are currently in military custody pending further investigation.
Military sources said the arrest forms part of ongoing efforts to curb impersonation of security personnel and other criminal activities within the area.
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
By Zagazola Makama
Troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kankomi have recovered 50 rustled cattle after repelling suspected cattle rustlers during an ambush operation in Chikun Local Government Area.
Security sources told Zagazola Makama that the troops responded to a distress call at about 9:55 a.m. on July 4 over the activities of suspected rustlers at Ungwan Gontu community.
According to the sources, the troops swiftly laid an ambush and made contact with the fleeing suspects, forcing them to abandon the stolen livestock and escape into the surrounding area.
During the operation, the troops recovered 50 rustled cattle, which were subsequently identified and handed over to their rightful owner.
Military sources said efforts are ongoing to track down the fleeing suspects as security operations continue to combat cattle rustling and other criminal activities across Kaduna State.
Troops Recover 50 Rustled Cattle, Repel Suspected Rustlers in Kaduna
Zulum Appoints Engr Peter Samuel as General Manager BOSAMA
DSS Frees Cardiac Surgeon Martin Aghaji on Bail Over Alleged Economic Crime
Troops Arrest Suspected Military Impostor in Katsina
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
FAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
News1 year agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
Opinions5 years agoPOLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Politics1 year ago2027: Why Hon. Midala Balami Must Go, as Youths in Hawul and Asikira/Uba Federal Constituency Reject ₦500,000 as Sallah Gift
