Allafrica Post

Benin - There was full compliance by lawyers in Edo stat e, following the directive of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to embark on a Two-day warning boycott of courts across the country. NBA President, Paul Usoro on Monday in Abuja said the boycott was to express their displeasure over the suspension of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen "without due process" by the executive. Allafricapost visited the Federal High Court, Court of Appeal, State High Court, Magistrate court and others in the state capital, and observed litigants were loitering around the courtrooms, as lawyers were seen in clusters discussing the rift between the two arms. Speaking with journalists, Publicity Secretary of NBA in Benin, Douglas Ogbankwa Esq explained that, as early as 7am on Tuesday the compliance team were already in the courts premises to enforce the directive. Ogbankwa Esq who doubles as the chairman of the compliance committe...

Greetings beloved Nigeria Youths, the Youths for Presidency Movement write you most desired and needed tools for Nigeria unity and development. It is of sad note that there is instability in the most populous Black Nation of the World. Have we as a people thought of why this instability is immense and what rationale is behind it? Beloved it is with explicit facts right from the inception of Nigeria as an independent and sovereign state that she has be plagued with different policies and programs that are crisis-inclined; the much desired attention given to religion, tribe or ethnic group, political or social groupings has driven the Nigeria land into a state of disunity. Disunity and instability has be the sole initiative through weapons of religion, tribal sentiments, political strives of the white supremacists against us Africa people. Have you thought of why China with large population has not agitated for division, this is because they believe unity is strength and unity is all ...

Abuja - The Youth For Presidency Movement yesterday said it will not support any presidential candidate in the forthcoming general elections in Nigeria. According to the group, the reason for the decision was for its leadership to put structures in place nationwide for proper dissemination and implementation of the movement's goal. In a press statement signed by it Convener, Umudjere Africaman, the group called for a revolution to "dismantle" the current federal government hence their 'No Support' for time to strategize. The group which described Nigerian youths as "greedy, fame-wanting and power drunk, expressed displeasure over disunity amongst youths, adding it was part of the reason for the decision. Umudjere however enjoined them to be united if they must take power. "The national leadership of the Youth for Presidency Movement will not support, mobilize and strategize for any presidential candidate and as such all members of the movement ...

Benin City - The Edo Civil Society Organizations (EDOCSO), an umbrella body of civil society groups in Edo state has called on the Director General of the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE), Mr Alex Okoh to "disqualify" himself as a member of the management board of Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC). Edo CSOs also called on Mr Okoh to be ready for "the battle and struggle for the emancipation of the people" soon if he fails to resign his position from the board. The activists in statement issued over the weekend in Benin asserted the Director General of BPE acting as a member of the management board alleged was why the Managing Director of BEDC, Funke Osibodu is insensitive to the plight of electricity consumers in their franchise area. BPE is the agency of federal government charged with the overall responsibility of implementing the Nigerian policy on privatisation and commercialisation. According to the group, "for over four years running,...

Benin City - Following the introduction of 'No Parking Zone' in some designated areas in Benin city by the state government, Edo Civil Society Organizations and the Benin branch of Nigerian Bar Association has called for the application of a people friendly approach in the enforcement of the order. Edo CSOs which is a network of civil society groups in the state called on the state government to erect conspicuous signposts in such areas for proper informatio,n to motorists. The group recently in a press release signed by its Spokesman, Leftist Osazee Edigin said it is the network's desire to see an organised system where rule of law and social contract becomes the basis of interface between government and the governed. According to the activists, "It becomes counter-productive when government fails to do its part of the social contract thereby leading to discomfort, complaints, shortchanging, human rights abuse and extortion of citizens by law enforcement agen...

Lagos - Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent a Freedom of Information request toBabatunde Fashola, SAN, Minister of Power, Works and Housing urging him to use hisgood offices and leadership position to “urgently provide information on specific names and details of contractors and companies that allegedly collected money for electricity projects but failed to execute any projects, starting from the return of democracy in 1999 to 2018.” According to SERAP, former Nigeria’s Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar reportedly blew the whistle onChannels TV when he said, “Contractors were given some contracts for power projects and were paid hundred percent upfront. The money went down the drain. Up till now, we are not holding the contractors responsible. People have collected money upfront one hundred percent and have disappeared; and have not even done any work.” SERAP said: “The revelation by ...

In the world of activism, it is important activists are abreast with the deployment of the effective tactfulness that guarantees personal safety and integrity. Against the backdrop of the foregoing, I will briefly talk on the need for activists to develop the habit of using appropriate words in engagement towards  engendering the desired societal change. The use of words by activists over the years has been a potent tool in effecting changes in the society. An activist is always talking to one issue or the other just to make that change that will be for the benefit of all, howbeit, the language deployed in doing so must be with all sense of circumspection for it not be misconstrued, misinterpreted or even create a different problem in its entirety. I will make attempt to break it down; an activist can build consciousness of citizens vis-a-vis their human rights but totally out of place for an activist to instigate citizens against any constituted authority. The reason is sim...

Abuja - President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his commitment to the conduct of a free, fair and credible elections in February. Buhari today in his New Year message also assured Nigerians of his administration's commitment to a peaceful election. Buhari who is seeking a re-election in next month polls kicked against 'do-or-die' approach as the nation's hinged close to a major election. "Elections need not be a do-or-die affair, and we should not approach that eventuality in a democracy with trepidation and mortal fear" Read Buhari’s New Year message below. Dear compatriots, It is my utmost pleasure to rejoice with all Nigerians as we enter the year 2019, which will be a very significant one for our country. 2. At the turn of every year, we often use the opportunity to look back at the past and forward to the future. To review the outgoing year, its high and low points, successes and failures, and be fully thankful to God. 3. W...