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RE: ENDING THE AFFRONT TO THE RULE OF LAW : A RESPONSE To COLLINS NWEKE

Published

2 years ago

February 14, 2024

Ochuwa Ibrahim

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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VP Shettima: Borno Attack Will Not Break Nigeria’s Resolve

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

VP Shettima: Borno Attack Will Not Break Nigeria’s Resolve

By: Our Reporter

Vice President Kashim Shettima has condemned in strong terms the bomb explosion that claimed about five lives and left several others injured at a Mosque in Gamboru Market, Maiduguri, Borno State, describing the attack as a despicable assault on innocent citizens and the peace of the nation.

The Vice President said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate intensification of security operations in Borno State following the incident.

In a statement on Thursday, the Vice President condemned the attack, assuring that the Federal Government is deploying additional tactical teams to the area to track down and apprehend those responsible for the terror attack.

“The Federal Government will not tolerate any attempt to undermine the peace and security of our nation. Our security agencies are working round the clock to ensure that the perpetrators of this heinous crime are brought to justice immediately,” he said.

Senator Shettima expressed confidence that the security architecture currently in place would not only apprehend the perpetrators but also unravel the full circumstances surrounding the incident.

“We sympathize with the Government of Borno State, residents, and families who have lost their loved ones in this attack. The Federal Government is confident that those responsible for this despicable act of terrorism will face the full weight of the law,” VP Shettima said.

He assured Nigerians that the Tinubu administration’s commitment to national security, anchored in constitutional duty, remains unwavering.

“Since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office in 2023, this administration has consistently reaffirmed its unyielding commitment to safeguarding the security, unity, and stability of our nation.

“This commitment remains steadfast under God and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We will continue to provide our security agencies with all necessary resources and support to decisively defeat terrorism in all its forms,” he affirmed.

The Vice President added that the Federal Government is working closely with state authorities and local security agencies to ensure protection of vulnerable communities and critical infrastructure across the North East and other regions.

VP Shettima: Borno Attack Will Not Break Nigeria’s Resolve

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Zulum-“Protect Our Sacred Bond,” Celebrates Peaceful Year in Christmas Message

Published

13 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Zulum-“Protect Our Sacred Bond,” Celebrates Peaceful Year in Christmas Message

By: Our Reporter

With profound gratitude to God for sparing our lives one full year to another Christmas celebration, Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum felicitate with the Christian community across the state on the occasion of Christmas.

The Governor is currently engaged in a four-day security and resilience building tour across Northern Borno. The tour includes visits to military formations to boost their morale, and to communities affected by the insurgency, where he is working to build their confidence and provide tangible democratic benefits.

In a message by his Spokesperson Dauda Iliya, Governor Zulum expressed gratitude to God Almighty for the return of relative peace in the state.

“For us in Borno State, the period between the 2024 to the 2025 Christmas celebrations has been one full year of celebrating enviable all-encompassing reconstruction and recovery,” Zulum stated.

“The progress is not only in terms of physical infrastructure, but also in terms of the peace and forbearance, mutual goodwill and harmonious coexistence among the Muslim and Christian communities, which our beleaguered state very critically desires to launch itself back to prosperity and glorious past,” he added.

“I feel obliged to express my most heartfelt gratitude to God for enabling me to preside over the state one full year, witnessing a gladdening restoration and maintenance of these required peace, mutual goodwill and harmony between the the Muslim and Christian communities which bonded us tightly together as a solid people, but which the over a decade Boko Haram insurgency threatened to completely destroy.

“A noteworthy part of the Muslim-Christian harmonious coexistence and goodwill reconstruction and maintenance was my recent high-level consultation meeting with the leadership of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) and Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), focused on strengthening collaborative efforts between the state government and religious bodies to combat the lingering threat of insecurity and foster lasting peace in Borno State.

“At that meeting, I underscored the critical role of religious leaders in promoting tolerance, unity and peace across the state because Borno, like many states, has unique and beautiful family composition dynamics.

“It is common to find under one roof, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, who profess different faiths. We share meals, we celebrate festivities and milestones, we grieve losses together, as one family, bound by blood and love that transcends religious labels. This is our reality.

“I stressed that our enviable strength emanates from this reality. I will still, therefore, stress that we must protect this sacred bond within our homes and allow it to define our individual, as well as intra- and cross-community engagements.

“In sustenance of my tradition of just, fair and equitable treatment of both communities in festive seasons, I have, also, this year, I announced support to the Christian community and non indigenes, which includes free transportation to non-indigenes to different parts of the country, humanitarian support to over 6,000 vulnerable Christians, cash gifts to widows and orphans, sponsorship of Christian pilgrimage and other interventions.

I am always disposed to rendering such support, and even more, whenever the need arises.

Governor Babagana Zulum urge every citizen of the state, irrespective of faith, to come together in the collective search for lasting security, peaceful and harmonious coexistence as the most-critical foundation for true reconstruction, recovery and prosperity.

Zulum-“Protect Our Sacred Bond,” Celebrates Peaceful Year in Christmas Message

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Gov. Zulum condemns Christmas Eve explosion in Borno

Published

14 hours ago

December 25, 2025

Ochuwa Ibrahim

Gov. Zulum condemns Christmas Eve explosion in Borno

By: Bodunrin Kayode

About five people are feared dead yesterday evening as a suicide bomber detonates improvised explosive devices (IEDs) strapped to his body in a Maiduguri mosque in the popular Gamboru market, which is visited by traders from all over the country, including bordering countries.

The deaths, which were as a result of a suicide explosion, occurred at a mosque inside Gomboru Market, where the suspect had sneaked into a mosque, disguised as a faithful during “Magrib prayer.”

Sources within the market community said he was not a regular at the mosque, and they could also not explain how he lined up with the others or how he came to the community unnoticed to cause such a damnation.

As of the time of writing this report, the explosion had left several residents within the market community injured, while the most fatal ones have been rushed to nearby general hospitals for immediate treatment to stop the bleeding, which usually escalates the bleeding.

As of the time of writing this report, the military and police authorities had confirmed that about five people had died from the attack, which caused a lot of people to scamper for safety, causing massive gridlock around the customs area.

Reaction of the military

Reacting to the incident, the military said that about 32 civilians sustained all manner of injuries from the incident.

In a release signed by Lt. Col. Sanni Uba, it went on to state that the incident occurred at about 6pm yesterday at a mosque located within Gamboru Market in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council (MMC), while Muslim faithfuls were observing evening prayers.

“Preliminary findings indicated that the incident was caused by a suspected Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) suicide bomber, who detonated an improvised explosive device, killing himself and 2 civilians on the scene.

“Troops, in conjunction with the Nigeria Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, other sister security agencies, the Borno State Government, and NEMA, responded promptly, secured, and cordoned off the affected area to prevent further harm and ensure public safety.

“Casualties were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital and the Teaching Hospital in Maiduguri for prompt medical attention.

“A total of 32 civilians sustained varying degrees of injuries. Regrettably, 2 of the injured civilians were later confirmed dead at the hospital, while 2 others are currently in critical condition. The remaining injured persons are stable and receiving appropriate medical care.

“Troops and other security agencies have since intensified surveillance and security measures within Maiduguri and surrounding areas.

“Members of the public are advised to remain calm and security conscious, especially during the yuletide season. The public is also urged to be on the lookout for teenagers with suspicious looks.

“It is advised to avoid crowded places and maintain extra vigilance at religious places, especially churches during the yelutide period. Citizens are urged to promptly report any suspicious persons or activities to the nearest security post.

“OPHK commiserates with the families of the deceased and assures the public of its continued commitment to safeguarding lives and property.”

Zulum Condemns Maiduguri Mosque Suicide Attack, Calls for Vigilance in Worship, Public Places

Meanwhile, Governor Babagana Zulum has condemned, in strong terms, the suicide explosion at the Gomboru market mosque in Maiduguri metropolis Wednesday evening.

Governor Zulum, conveying his profound condolences from the frontline in northern Borno through his Special Adviser on Media, Dauda Iliya, called for increased vigilance and heightened security measures, particularly in places of worship during the festive period.

“I am deeply saddened by the Gamboru mosque suicide attack, which occurred on Wednesday evening when worshippers were performing Maghrib prayer, killing 5 people and injuring 35 others. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric, and inhumane.

“Attacking a place of worship is a desecration of the sanctity of the mosque at a time when Muslim faithful are performing acts of worship.

“I wish to express my condolences to the families of all those that lost their lives in the attack and pray for the repose of their souls and for the speedy recovery of those injured,” he stated.

The governor further assured that adequate measures have been taken to forestall any security breach during the festive period and beyond.

IEDs have been a major challenge in the 16-year-old insurgency war, which has been fought by Nigeria in the Northeast theater of operation, Hadin Kai.

Meanwhile, residents went about their activities in peace hours after the gridlock was eased between customs and the international route leading to Gamboru Ngala and out of the country.

Gov. Zulum condemns Christmas Eve explosion in Borno