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Gbandi Again!!!Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora
Gbandi Again!!!
Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora
By: Emmy Ekong, Warri.
Barely 24 hours after the redeployment of Sen. Victor Umeh from the Senate Committee Chairman on Diaspora and Non-Govermental Organizations (NGOs), Hon. Kenneth Gbandi, a man renowned for not seeing anything good in Nigeria and Nigerians, has taken to town again in his usual stock in trade of running down achievers and compatriots as if he has no other job, which, in fairness, he does not. So, may be he has created an oversight function for himself to keep him busy, albeit a very mischievous one.
This time around, he took on Sen. Umeh, who has achieved greatness during his short tenure on
his last committee assignment as well as a Senator representing his people well.
It is obvious from his write up that he did not get the attention of Senator Umeh who refused to be dragged into petty, tribal politics.
It is worthy of note that most of the allegations labelled against him on the issue of diaspora voting is not correct. His view is that a lot needs to be put in place before subjecting the Diaspora to vote to avoid breach in any form whatsoever. To me, this is not a bad opinion, an opinion echoed by many.
As a Senator, he has his fundamental human rights to air his own opinion on any matter.
Similarly, regarding the condusive Investment Climate Policies, it is not the responsibility of the Senator to create that for the Diasporas beyond his legislative duties which he has performed creditable well. It is the duty of the Executive arm through its Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Such responsibilities are being handled by Ministry of Trade, Industry and Investment, as well as Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM). The Commission every November holds the annual Nigerian Diaspora Investment Summit, (NDIS), a platform where business owners and prospective investors meet and interacts for possible investment opportunities.
Sen. Umeh attended the past two events since inauguration of his Committee and had the opportunity to interact with the Diasporas in attendance. The Diaspora in the last five years have been investing massively in healthcare, good business, education, ICT, agriculture. And a lot more is on the way, with the Minister of Trade promising soon to be rolled out targeted incentives.
Am equally aware that , NiDCOM in collaboration with the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN) has the Diaspora Mortgage Housing Scheme Project, a project designed for the Diaspora to own their own properties in any part of the country without loosing funds
Senator Umeh’s legislative backing has been crucial
In a nutshell, it will be unfair for Gbandi and his cohorts to rubbish the achievements of the Distinguished Senator on the alter of opposition.
Umeh has in many occasions identified with the Dispora Communities and has been so acknowledged.
Encomiums still continue to pour in on his most recent robust engagements in Canada and South Africa, and his demand for intervention in cases of Nigerians in foreign Prisons.
On the issue of board for the Diaspora Commission, this is at the behest of Mr President and has nothing to do with the Senator, even though, the whole world knows that Gbandi is desperately lobbying for it since the establishment of NIDCOM, so as to turn it to be another sit-tight NIDO Europe where Gbandi refused to vacate the seat even after the expiration of his tenure. Thanks to Gbandhi and his handful of cohorts, NIDOe is now torn apart . And with the Oronsaye report which recommends NiDCOM to be an agency rather than a Commission ,the status of the board is unclear.
Let me use this opportunity to advise the newly appointed Chairman, Senate Committee on Diaspora and NGOs, Natasha Akpoti to be wary of slippery critics like Kenneth Gbandi and concentrate on her legislative duties geared towards achieving excellence for her Kogi constituencies as well as Nigerians in the Diaspora. Gbandi ’s criticism, in less than 24 hours of Senator Natasha’s appointment is just an attempt to lick her boots. She should consult widely and intelligently so that she will not fall prey to the likes of Gbandhi.
We wish Senator Umeh well in his new Chairmanship position but one thing is certain. The Diaspora community would miss his wealth of knowledge, words of encouragement and wisdom.
Gbandi Again!!!
Re: Redeployment of Senator Victor Umeh, a necessary change for diaspora
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 17 Brigade have recovered rustled livestock during a response operation to a reported terrorist movement in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the incident occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on March 30, when troops deployed at Combat Team 1 Danali acted on intelligence indicating the movement of suspected terrorists towards Amawa Forest.
According to the sources, the troops arrived the area but found that the suspects had fled into nearby bushes with a large number of rustled livestock.
The combined troops reportedly pursued the attackers for about three kilometres along their escape route but lost contact due to difficult terrain.
The sources added that the troops later withdrew and intensified domination of the main routes with fighting patrols aimed at restoring confidence among commuters in the area.
They said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing suspects and recover the remaining livestock.
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
By: Michael Mike
Speak Out for Justice Advocacy Ltd/Gte (SOJA) has condemned the tragic death of Barrister Abdulsalami Ginsau, who reportedly suffocated after being trapped in an elevator at a hotel in Abuja on March 31, 2026. The advocacy group is calling for urgent investigations, stronger safety regulations, and accountability for any negligence that may have contributed to the incident.
In a statement released on Friday, SOJA described the death as preventable and raised serious concerns about building safety standards, emergency response systems, and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s hospitality and construction sectors. The organization said the incident highlights systemic gaps that put lives at risk.
“Elevators are not luxuries—they are life-dependent systems,” SOJA said. “Any failure in their design, maintenance, or emergency protocols can have fatal consequences. No individual should lose their life in such a preventable and distressing manner.”
The group cited both domestic and international legal frameworks protecting the right to life, including Section 33 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. SOJA stressed that the Nigerian government has a duty to prevent third-party negligence and to enforce safety standards that safeguard citizens.
SOJA outlined several recommendations, including conducting a thorough, independent investigation into the circumstances of Ginsau’s death, identifying any negligence or regulatory breaches, and holding all responsible parties accountable. The organization also called for the development and enforcement of national regulations on elevator safety, mandatory inspection and certification programs, installation of functional emergency systems in elevators, and criminalization of gross negligence in life-dependent infrastructure.
Hameed Ajibola Jimoh, Executive Director of SOJA, emphasized that the incident should serve as a wake-up call for systemic reform. “A society that fails to safeguard basic infrastructure places every citizen at risk. Justice must not only be demanded—it must be delivered,” he said.
The tragic death of Ginsau has reignited public debate on the enforcement of building codes and the adequacy of safety measures in public and private facilities across Nigeria.
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint troops have conducted an offensive patrol in Ezeagu Local Government Area of Enugu State aimed at disrupting suspected activities of members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
Security sources said the operation was carried out at about 9:30 a.m. on March 31 by troops of Sector 1 in collaboration with 82 Division Garrison and 103 Battalion (Rear).
According to the sources, the patrol was conducted around Ajali Forest following intelligence reports of suspected militant movement in the area.
The sources said the suspected armed elements fled upon sighting the advancing troops, avoiding direct engagement.
They added that troops have continued to dominate the general area through sustained patrols to deny the suspected group freedom of action.
Troops conduct offensive patrol in Enugu, disrupt suspected IPOB/ESN activity
Troops recover rustled livestock after terrorist sighting in katsina
Human Rights Group SOJA Calls for Accountability After Lawyer Dies in Abuja Hotel Elevator
Troops arrest two suspected IPOB/ESN members in anambra
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