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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
NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations
By: Michael Mike
The National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) has ordered the closure of the Sunseed Oil processing plant in Zaria, Kaduna State, following findings of severe air pollution linked to the facility’s operations.
NESREA said the action was taken after investigations confirmed that the plant was emitting harmful pollutants into the atmosphere in breach of the National Environmental (Air Quality Control) Regulations.
The regulations require industries to install effective pollution control systems and adopt cleaner production methods to minimize environmental and health risks.
A statement by the agency’s spokesperson, Nwamaka Ejiofor on Tuesday, said the level of emissions from the Sunseed Oil facility posed a direct threat to the surrounding environment and residents in nearby communities, prompting immediate intervention to halt further damage.
She noted that the enforcement exercise reflects the agency’s resolve to ensure that industrial operators comply with environmental standards and to protect the public from the dangers associated with uncontrolled industrial emissions and effluents.
Commenting on the development, the Director-General of NESREA, Prof. Innocent Barikor, warned companies operating across the country to adhere strictly to national environmental laws.
He stressed that the agency would continue to take decisive action against facilities whose operations endanger public health or degrade the environment.
NESREA reiterated its commitment to regular monitoring and enforcement, noting that environmental protection remains a critical component of sustainable development in Nigeria.
NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
By: Yahaya Wakili
Millions of naira were realized at the Unveiling Potentials of Kukar-Gadu, Launching of History of Kukar-Gadu Book, Presentation of Kukar-Gadu Physical Development Plan, and Commissioning of Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative at Kukar-Gadu town of Yobe state.
In his keynote address, the Chairman of the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative (KEDI), TPI, Barnabas Atiyaye, said the Kukar-Gadu Empowerment Development Initiative was triggered by Victim Support Funds’ (VSF) proactive intervention activities chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma from inception to its closure in 2024.
He said through KEDI, we aim to create opportunities where there was once struggle to restore hope, where there was once despair, and to build bridges where there was once division. We are resolved to work for a Kukar-Gadu that is empowered, self-reliant, forward-looking, and united. We desire to be a springboard for the development of not only the Kukar-Gadu or Fika local government area, but the entire Yobe state and, by extension, the nation.
Mr. Barnabas revealed that the master plan of Kukar-Gadu is more than a technical document; it is a covenant with the future, a clear roadmap that defines how we as a community shall shape the physical, social, and economic destiny of our community, and it will also provide guidance for infrastructure, housing, agriculture, education, commerce, and environmental sustainability.
“The history of Kukar-Gadu” is more than a collection of dates and events. It is the story of our fathers, their struggles, their courage, their triumphs, and their faith. It tells of the foundations upon which we now stand, and in commissioning this book, we are not only honoring our past, we are preserving it for generations yet unborn.
Atiyaye appeals to individuals, schools, libraries, and government institutions to obtain copies of this book; it serves as a source of knowledge and inspiration for our youth so that they may know their roots and carry our values forward with pride. We pray that this book will keep alive the spirit of unity, courage, and progress that defines Kukar-Gadu. Ameen.
Speaking, the Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Ali Adamu Tikau (Talban Tikau), ably represented by Professor Dauda Abubakar, said that to have the Emir of Fika, along with the Emir of Pataskum, along with representatives of His Excellency, Governor Mai Mala Buni, CON, COMN, the representative of the Senator of the National Assembly, and many other personalities to come to this village in the Fika local government area, I will say that we are so excited and very proud of what is happening today.
He said the launching of the history of Kukar-Gadu is also a milestone at the program, and it is one of the highlights. It was a book written by Malam Ibrahim Sara Bangalu, who is also a son of Kukar-Gadu, and I had the opportunity of editing the book and making the necessary corrections before it was taken to press. It is a history that will help us reflect on who we are as a people. When a people do not know their history, when a people do not know where they come from, they will easily get lost. That is the purpose of launching.
“I would say that Kukar-Gadu, Goya district, Fika local government, and Gudi are places that are very special because of the type of educated people they have produced. I am a product of this community, and I am a living testament to the opportunities this community gave me, and I believe many are benefiting from it.
Also speaking, the district head of Goya, Alhaji Musa Garba Daya, said what the people of Kukar-Gadu did has become a big challenge to all the people of Goya district; they broke the record and urged the people to wake up to create something for the betterment of the people.
“If you observe, they print a master plan of Kukar-Gadu and focus on many years ahead. So this initiative—I am so impressed with it because it will help for the fiscal planning of the area for over ten years, as Alhaji Musa Garba Daya said.
According to him, the people of Kukar-Gadu are also commissioning the Empowerment Development Initiative, which was triggered by Victim Support Funds (VSF), chaired by Gen. T. Y. Danjuma, and I appreciate it so much because these will greatly assist both our youth and women of the area.
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
By: Michael Mike
ActionAid Nigeria has raised serious concerns over the Federal Government’s proposed 2026 Appropriation Bill, warning that the budget could worsen Nigeria’s debt burden and further sideline key social sectors critical to poverty reduction and inclusive growth.
In its review of the ₦58.18 trillion budget proposal, the organisation said the 5.8 per cent increase over the 2025 approved budget does not sufficiently address long-standing fiscal and structural challenges. Instead, it noted that the financing plan, size of the deficit, and sectoral priorities pose risks to fiscal sustainability and accountability.
ActionAid Nigeria expressed particular concern over the continued extension of budget implementation timelines, which has resulted in the 2026 budget running alongside extended 2024 and 2025 budgets. According to the organisation, operating multiple budgets simultaneously weakens transparency, limits effective legislative oversight, and increases the risk of mismanagement of public funds, especially for capital and social sector projects.
The group, in a statement on Tuesday by its Country Director, Dr. Andrew Mamedu, also pointed to repeated post-submission changes by the National Assembly, including upward adjustments to allocations without secured funding sources, as a key factor contributing to funding gaps, delayed releases, and the rollover of projects across fiscal years.
On the fiscal outlook, ActionAid Nigeria highlighted that the proposed 2026 budget projects revenue of ₦34.33 trillion against total spending of ₦58.18 trillion, leaving a deficit of ₦23.85 trillion. It described the figure as the largest deficit in Nigeria’s history, representing sharp increases over the 2024 and 2025 deficits.
It warned that heavy reliance on borrowing, without strong investment in productive and social sectors, could deepen inequality and constrain long-term development.
ActionAid Nigeria said that despite government claims that education, health, agriculture, infrastructure, and security are priority areas, lamented that allocations to social sectors remain inadequate.
Mamedu, in the statement, noted that education allocated ₦3.52 trillion, about six per cent of the total budget, and health receiving ₦2.48 trillion, just over four per cent—are both far below international benchmarks, and in contrast with defence allotted spending standing at ₦5.41 trillion.
The organisation also faulted the budget for failing to address underemployment and poor-quality jobs, particularly among women and rural populations, noting insufficient investment in agriculture, rural infrastructure, and women-led enterprises. It further warned that weak funding for social protection programmes could worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians facing rising living costs.
ActionAid Nigeria also criticised the late submission of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, Fiscal Strategy Paper, and the 2026 Appropriation Bill, describing it as a breach of the Fiscal Responsibility Act.
The organisation urged the Federal Government and the National Assembly to end the practice of running multiple budgets, strengthen fiscal discipline, reduce dependence on borrowing, and significantly increase funding for education, health, agriculture, and social protection.
It stressed that Nigeria cannot overcome poverty through debt-driven spending, but through a people-centred and accountable budget that prioritises human development.
ActionAid Nigeria Warns of Rising Debt, Weak Social Spending in 2026 Budget Proposal
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NESREA Shuts Sunseed Oil Facility in Zaria Over Air Pollution Violations
Atiyaye unveils a book on the history of Kukar-Gadu
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