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Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
By: Inuwa Bwala
For give years now Ambassador Muhamned Dauda, former Director General of the National Intelligence Agency. NIA and Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Chad, has been 9n the virtual run for his life.
His family members had to equally go under for their lives, as agents of a cabal that conspired to remove Dauda from office, also went for his jugular.
For the past five years, Dauda cried out for justice and petitioned the world that his removal was a witch hunt, and that some powerful people in the immediate past administration were behind it.
He petitioned the Presidency several times trying to narrate his ordeals, but each time, his cries were either suppressed or the President was deliberately prevented from taking action.
Dauda went to the courts to seek redress, for which he has been consistently threatened and intimidated.
He fled our borders and continued to pursue his cause untill Thursday when the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division ordered his reinstatement as Director General DG of the National Intelligence agency NIA.
One could describe Dauda’s pursuit for justice as one long tortoise journey.
Even to a layman like me one could see the clear destination of the matter, and no one was blind to the intrigues that played out; trying to cover up the monumental fraud that was Dauda’s sack.
That he was vilified for daring to seek justice, is a story for another day, but the eventual judgement last Thursday must have come as a big relief.
Legal pundits and even ordinary minds have described it as a sound judgement by Justice Peter Ige, which will fit a long time remain a watershed in Nigeria’s legal history.
Justice Ige said in the judgement that, the evidence leading to the dismissal of Dauda was frivolous and lacking in merit, and thereby lame and ineffective.
That Judgement had resolved all the contentious issues against the NIA and in favour of the former DG, who was the respondent in the appeal suit.
In ordering for Dauda’s reinstatement and the payment of his salaries and entitlements since the day of his purported dismissal from office, the diplomat DG could begin to pick the pieces of his life and redesign a new life.
While he may not be able to physically return to his seat: having attained the mandatory age of retirement while outside, the judgement not only vindicated him, but exposes the rot in the underbelly of the NIA.
And by ordering the payment of damages to him the appellate court also has succeeded in making an examplery statement, to the effect that, injustice carries with it a burden, that may not be punitively heavy enough but symbolically embarrassing.
Justice Ige in holding that: “Dauda should be allowed to retire in service in accordance with the stipulated laws guarding the NIA, has equally provided a solution to the seeming quagmire, as Dauda himself may not even be interested in sitting on that seat again, but has at least made the point.
Justice Ige was assertive when he said. “There is no evidence before the court that shows that the respondent has constituted any risk or breached any law”, which 8n effect corroborates Ambassador Dauda’s arguments all along, that, he has been a victim of a conspiracy, for resisting to be corrupted.
While it is being argued that, Ambassador Muhammed Dauda may have achieved justice, the cost may remain inestimable untill those behind the act are fully exposed and brought to book.
For those who might not have been familiar with this matter: Muhammed Dauda acted as the head of National Intelligence Agency, NIA from November 2017 to January 2018,when he was replaced by an aide to president Muhammadu Buhari, under very curious circumstances.
Dauda had spent just few months on the job before he was forced out, following which he challenged his removal in court, arguing that his dismissal from service did not follow the due process.
He argued that in contravention of the law, no special management staff of the disciplinary committee (SMSDC) was set up to investigate the charges against him,and he was not given any fair hearing afterwards.
The National Industrial court had in an earlier judgement delivered by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, ordered the reinstatement of Mohammed Dauda as the head of National Intelligence Agency and payment of salaries and entitlements from March 2018 till date after it found that his dismissal fell short of the NIA Act.
In the judgment delivered by Justice Olufunke Anuwe, it was held that, under the agency’s rule, the appropriate committee to investigate disciplinary cases against management staff is the management staff disciplinary committee, “not the special management staff disciplinary committee”.
The NIA appealed Justice Olufunke’s judgement which was thrown out last Thursday.
Musings On The NIA Muhammed Dauda And Justice
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
By: Michael Mike
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the world is at a critical turning point, urging global leaders to redirect priorities from war to peace as military spending reaches unprecedented levels.
In his New Year video message, Guterres said the international community is grappling with deepening chaos and uncertainty marked by growing divisions, violence, climate breakdown and persistent violations of international law.
“The world stands at a crossroads,” the UN chief said, noting that many people are increasingly questioning whether political leaders are listening or prepared to act in the face of escalating global challenges.
Guterres revealed that global military expenditure has surged to about 2.7 trillion dollars, representing an increase of nearly 10 per cent. According to him, the figure is 13 times higher than total global development aid and roughly equal to the entire Gross Domestic Product of Africa.
He described the trend as alarming, especially as conflicts are raging at levels not seen since the Second World War, while millions of people continue to suffer from poverty, inequality and the effects of climate change.
Calling for a shift in global priorities, the Secretary-General stressed that lasting peace can only be achieved by investing more in human development rather than вооружed conflict. “A safer world begins by investing more in fighting poverty and less in fighting wars,” he said.
Guterres maintained that the world has sufficient resources to improve living standards, protect the planet and build a future anchored on peace and justice, if political will is applied.
Looking ahead to 2026, he challenged leaders across the globe to make decisive choices that place people and the environment above conflict and suffering. He also appealed to citizens worldwide to take responsibility and contribute to positive change.
“Our future depends on our collective courage to act,” Guterres said, calling for renewed global unity in the pursuit of justice, humanity and peace in the new year.
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed two deaths even as the world renowned boxer, Anthony Joshua, survived a fatal car crash in Ogun state.
The three were moving in the same vehicle today when their vehicle was involved in a road traffic accident after a head on collision with an on coming vehicle at about 11:00 am, in Makun area of Ogun State.
The incident occurred along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway, just before Danco Filling Station, near the Sagamu Interchange on the Ibadan-bound axis.
Ogun state police spokesman Oluseyi Babaseyi in a statement said that the vehicle conveying Anthony Joshua, a Lexus SUV, was involved in the accident under circumstances that are currently being investigated.
” He was seated in the rear of the vehicle, sustained minor injuries and receiving medical attention.
“Tragically, two other passengers in the vehicle lost their lives at the scene. The deceased have been conveyed to Livewell Hospital Morgue, Sagamu.
“The Ogun State Police Command extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and assures the public that a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident has commenced..
“Further updates on the incident will be communicated as investigation progresses.” Said the release.
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
By: Yahaya Wakili
His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Dr. Muhammad Ibn Abali Muhammad Idrisa CON, CFR, has called on community leaders, elders, youth, and all stakeholders to join hands to unite in our commitment to fostering development, preserving our heritage, and empowering one another.
The royal father made the call at the unveiling of the potentials of Kukar-Gadu, the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu, the presentation of the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan, and the commission of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town in Yobe state.
He said, “Let us first reflect on the profound heritage that Kukar-Gadu stlands for. Our history is steeped in resilience, courage, and a spirit of unity that transcends generations.” Adding that, the history of the Kukar-Gadu book is a testament to our past, a chronicle that honors our ancestors, celebrates our tradition, and preserves the narratives that define our identity.
Dr. Abali maintains that the Kukar-Gadu physical development plan is a visionary blueprint designed to guide our growth, improve our infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for our commitment to sustainable development that is inclusive, strategic, and responsive to the needs of our community.
“It is essential that we work collaboratively to implement this plan, fostering partnerships among government entities, private stakeholders, and community members. Noted that, in doing so, we can transform our vision into reality. May this development plan serve as a catalyst for positive change, sparking economic growth and social progress.” The Royal Father said.
The Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Traditional Rulers further revealed that the commissioning of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative aims to equip our youth and women with the skills and resources they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
“As leaders, it is our duty to invest in our greatest asset—our people—and through this initiative, we will create a framework for economic sustainability, providing the tools necessary for individuals to succeed and strengthening our community as a whole. Together we seek to build a future that is prosperous and full of possibilities.
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
UN Secretary-General Urges Global Reset as Military Spending Hits Record High
Two others loose life as Anthony Joshua survives car crash in Ogun state
Emir of FIKA calls for unity to foster development in Yobe
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