Issues

Shame Of A Nation …As Police Kill Citizen Over N20 Bribe

Published

13 years ago

August 22, 2011

For the umpteenth time in our life as a nation- state, another innocent Nigerian citizen was felled by lethal bullets from the service weapon of a trigger- happy Police Officer. And the man died.

Police sources confirmed that the deceased, 30 year-old Onyeka Agupudo, an indigene of Okpu-Ifite in Agulu, Anaocha Local government Area of Anambra State was one of, as many as, five innocent Nigerian citizens shot dead penultimate Saturday by a Policeman, at peace time, for allegedly refusing to pay N20 bribe, at a check-point.

Media reports say, Onyeka and his friend, Onyekwelu Mojekwu (27), were on commercial motorcycles popularly called Okada when they were stopped by Mobile Policemen at Nwagu Junction in Agulu for routine search. Unfortunately, when the commercial motorcyclist, carrying Onyeka presented all his particulars, the Policeman insisted that the paper he requested for was N20 and immediately seized the Okada keys.

In the argument that ensued, the deceased, Onyeka Agupudo intervened and enquired of the Policeman why the Okada driver must pay N20 when his particulars were without blemish.

According to the deceased’s friend, Mojekwu, that question allegedly infuriated the Policeman who ordered everyone within reach to disperse and immediately shot Onyeka Agupudo to death, before shooting sporadically, in an exit strategy and in the process, killing four others.

Amidst persistent calls for Justice by well-meaning Nigerians, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (CID) of the State’s Headquarters was last Tuesday quoted as saying that the trigger-happy Police Officer had been arrested and was already facing departmental trial, after which he would be dismissed and charged for murder. He also said that the body of the deceased, allegedly taken away by the Police had been deposited at the mortuary of Regina Caeli Hospital in Awka, ostensibly for a Post-Mortem to be done by a government doctor after which the body will be released to the family.

This would not be the first time an innocent citizen would be gunned – down by Policemen at a checkpoint, which infact, is today, a glorified toll gate for extortion of funds from innocent and law-abiding road users.

Only last year, the Rivers State Ministry of Justice secured conviction of another trigger-happy Police constable who hand willfully murdered a final year medical student, and later labeled him an armed robber.

Till date it is not known why such a man who showed no respect for human life should have his protected by a dysfunctional justice system. Today, again, even before the commencement of formal trial of the Anambra Police-man some self-righteous non-governmental organizations in the name of protecting human rights have started advocating life imprisonment for the murder accused if eventually convicted, as they have often done in previous cases.

The argument of this class of Nigerians is, as always been, that condemned criminals should be spared the death penalty, and instead be given another opportunity to start a new life, an opportunity they often denied their victims

Interestingly, it was the renowned humanist, Mary Wollstone Crafts, who in one of her most quoted, letters written In Sweden, Norway and Denmark that actually fired this line of argument when she wrote: “Executions, far from being useful examples to survivors, have, I am persuaded, a quite contrary effect, by hardening the heart they ought to terrify”.

Armed with this and in the guise of protecting human rights, some African-based rights ideologues last year succeeded in convincing the Commissioner, Human and Peoples Rights’ Working Group on death penalty to help persuade Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan not to authorise the execution of about 870 death row felons, as at July last year, already condemned but who have been feeding fat on tax payers’ sweat for between five and 25 years. Strangely, the commission’s Chairperson, Alpini-Guason, achieved that without any resistance from the Nigerian government.

That back-door victory followed a valid resolution by the Nigerian Senate that all prisoners on death row be made to face the consequences of the choices they made in life, theirs, being an acceptance of the moral law “he who kills by the sword must himself die by it”. In taking that decision, the Senate was convinced that all sentences were products of courts of competent jurisdiction, that indeed took a thorough look at each having in mind, Publilius Syrus’ legal caution in the Semiramis, “it is better to risk saving a guilty person, than to condemn an innocent one, the same reason judgments of the kind are often subjected, to various appeals, with none, thus far adjudged to be a mistrial.

In clear terms, what campaigners for forgiveness for murderers appear to be telling Nigerians, is not just that the lives of murderers are more valuable, so, so important, they must also be allowed to feed fat, free of charge, on public funds while, law-abiding University graduates and others still roaming the streets in search of decent sources of livelihood, are gunned-down by trigger-happy policemen employed by the state to protect lives and property of the same citizens.

Truly, this line of argument, “reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents, and when sentence was about to be pronounced, pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan” as ascribed to Abraham Lincoln in Gross’s Lincoln Own Stories. How, for instance, can a Police constable willfully kill a final-year student, reading Medicine at the University of Port Harcourt at a Police check-point and thereafter, label his victim an armed robber, knowing fully well that the consequence of his action would be death, according to the laws of the land, yet unamended? And when such is pronounced, rights activists insist that the killer-constable be spared his own life, the same he denied the medical student.

If that constable had felt the full weight of the law-death, his Nwagu junction counterpart who killed the 30 year-old Onyeka Ogupudo would have thought twice before carrying out his dastardly act, over non-payment of N20 or he would have at least shot himself, thereafter.

This indeed, is why, I agree totally with Marcus Tillius Cicero who in the Pro Milone insists; “The greatest incitement to crime is the hope of escaping punishment,” and why its direct opposite, exact justice, is preferred.

Infact, James Russel Lowell magnified the point when, in his work, Among My Books Dante he says, “Exact Justice is commonly more merciful in the long run than pity, for it tends to foster in men those stronger qualities which make them good citizens”. I agree, because if the punishment for corruption is 10 years imprisonment without option of fine, and is so implemented without fear or favour, it leaves citizens with three choices, not to steal, steal and don’t be caught or don’t steal, and the punishment being, go to jail or stay way, by not stealing.

In like manner, if the laws of the land prescribe life imprisonment, with hard labour for second degree murder convicts and capital punishment for first-degree premeditated murderers, no attempt should be made to amend the penalty, in the middle of a game of murder and man-slaughter which are of course, life imprisonment or capital punishment.

But wait! Do these rights’ advocates ever stop to ponder over what an aggrieved individual, denied justice is capable of? Do they ever imagine the pain, anguish and sense of frustration they endure living with the loss of loved ones not by HIV/AIDS but through willful murder by another? What of the constant sense of betrayal they feel seeing such murderers walk about freely, in the face of glaring injustice?

The youngman, killed by the Policeman in Anambra State still has a 74 year-old father and an aged mother who both depend on the deceased for their livelihood. What about them? What indeed is the essence of a law if it cannot be enforced? Isn’t that a loud call to anarchy? At what point should Nigeria stand up to say enough of these senseless killings? When a Senator or Governor loses his child via such killing?

I ask because in an earlier treatise on this Column, published Monday, July 26, 2010, with the title: Saving Death Row Felons (The Moral, Legal Implications), I had argued, “Those who insist that executions would not serve as deterrent to others have not said what would. Debatably however, execution of armed robbers in the 70’s and 80’s actually helped to check the increase in armed robbery cases especially when, it was decreed then, that such executions be carried out in the criminals’ homesteads.”

“Conversely, I am persuaded, it is the pampering of condemned criminals on death-row, who still feed fat at tax-payer’s expense that appears to be the real incentive to increased criminality. Or doesn’t the Holy Bible insist “suffer not a witch to live”? If, even a witch can suffer capital punishment, why shouldn’t a trigger-happy Policeman who allegedly kills a citizen for intervening in an argument over whether or not an Okada rider should pay N20 at Police checkpoint.

As I argued in that article, and still do now, I do blame the various state governors for failing to exercise their constitutional powers of ordering death row felons to face justice. When shall we stop to pick and chose which law to obey and which to disobey?

My Agony is that a very dangerous precedence is gradually playing out, one that would further embolden common criminals into full fledged killers, certain that their lives, being more valuable than their victims’, would be spared upon conviction, and who knows, even gain their freedom sooner or later, should a powerful Kith or Kin pull the right strings, along the line of justice.

To stem such drift into precipice, the Police high command should carry out a self-search and fish out the bad eggs who now see collection of between N20 – N200 as legal; let the judiciary on its part continue to dispensce justice, without fear or favour and let the state governors summon the right political will to sign execution orders based on law. And in a timely fashion.

The time to act is now because the lives they could be saving may be theirs, when, sometime in the future they’ll test life without sirens.

Issues

Investing In Nyesom Wike: A Story Of Dedication, Sacrifice And Ultimate Loss

Published

2 weeks ago

April 10, 2024

The Tide

In 2015, I made a conscious decision to invest my financial resources, my time, and energy into supporting Nyesom Wike’s gubernatorial campaign. I poured my heart and soul into ensuring Nyesom Wike emerged victorious even at the risk of my personal safety.
Again in 2019, I doubled down on my commitment. I invested a significant amount of money to procure campaign outfits for all twenty-three Local Governments Areas of Rivers State. I spared no expense in supplementing Wike’s election efforts in my own local government, and once again putting myself at great risk to safeguard the fairness and transparency of the electoral process.
However, despite my unwavering loyalty and sacrifices, I found myself abandoned and forgotten by Wike. Throughout his eight-year tenure, he failed to acknowledge my contributions or fulfill his promises and agreements. Even as a former Deputy Governor, Wike denied me my severance benefit.
My investment in Wike’s governorship was not just financial – it was a commitment of passion, dedication, and belief in a better future for Rivers State. Yet, his leadership style of dishonesty, greed, drunkenness and rash abuse of senior citizens brought me nothing but disappointment, misery and losses.
By the grace of God, today I speak not as a victim, but as a hero. I have accepted my losses, and I have moved on. And as I reflect on my experience, I cannot help but urge Wike to do the same and allow peace and development to reign in Rivers State.
Nyesom Wike, when you speak of investing in Governor Sim Fubara’s election, remember those like me who also invested in you. Remember the sacrifices I made, the risks I took, and the promises and agreements you left unfulfilled.
It is time for you, Wike, to let go of the past and allow Governor Sim Fubara the breathing space he needs to lead Rivers State forward. Allow him to focus on the challenges of good governance and the aspirations of the people. Spare him these unwarranted and ill-conceived political manoeuvrings founded on personal agenda and not for general good of Rivers State and her people.
I may have lost my investment on Wike, but I have not lost hope in the future of Rivers State. And together, we will continue to strive for a brighter tomorrow.
Long Live the Governor to Rivers State, Sir Siminialayi Fubara!
Long Live the Good People of Rivers State!!
Long Live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!!
Engr Ikuru is former Deputy Governor of Rivers State.

Tele Ikuru

Issues

Is Okocha A Happy Man Being Perpetual Hireling?

Published

1 month ago

March 15, 2024

The Tide

The man Tony Okocha, the devastated tattered ragtag remnant Rivers APC factional, but Caretaker, Chairman, is known for being notoriously a hireling willing to play in the mud just for the pay or settlement. To Rt Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, he did against Chief Nyesom Wike. To Senator Magnus Abe, he did against Rotimi Amaechi. To Chief Nyesom Wike, he did against Magnus Abe. Having maintained such unbefitting character trait, it is not surprising to see him at his demeaned best showing off his tainted skill of grandstanding and loquaciously struggling fruitlessly almost every day to castigate the popular Rivers people’s Governor with very glaring false, bogus and unsubstantiated claims such as:
1. That Governor Fubara is wasting state fund in the name of thanksgiving across 23 Local Government Areas.
2. That Governor Fubara has withheld Local Government funds.
3. That Governor Fubara runs the government without input from the State Executive Council.
4. That nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance.
To the above false claims of Tony Okocha, every reasonable, right thinking and well-meaning Rivers person would effortlessly puncture all as rascality and mendacity taken too far.
Apart from the fact that Governor Siminalayi Fubara had said he is not sponsoring the massive SIMplified Movement Thanksgiving events across the Local Government Areas of the State being organised by elated Rivers people who feel liberated from an era of overbearing and suppressive form of leadership in the State, Tony Okocha should be asked to prove his false claim with indisputable facts and figures. Until then, let Tony Okocha respect himself and learn to keep quiet as an elderly person who is saddled with such a responsible position as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) Board. A position that places a huge responsibility on him to ensure that the core objectives of the commission are actualised in the State, by not only ensuring that Rivers State gets its fair share of its dues in terms of projects, programmes and activities, but by synergising with the state government on development matters concerning the state vis-a-vis the responsibilities of NDDC to the State. In summary, the SIMplified Movement is all about a happy and joyful people of Rivers State who have decided to stand and stick together to defend and uphold their common heritage and patrimony. It is a voluntary venture, not sponsored by the government.
To his claim that the Governor has withheld Local Government funds, Mr Tony Okocha should also be asked to prove that with facts and figures and explain why the Governor would do such. More so, what is Tony Okocha’s business, assuming, but not conceding, that a PDP Governor withholds money against PDP-led 23 Local Government authorities? Did Local Government workers across the state complain to Okocha, the meddlesome hireling, an acclaimed APC Caretaker Committee Chairman in Rivers State?
On his ignorant and false claim that the Governor runs the government without input from the state exco, Okocha, the busybody wannabe should explain how he was employed or engaged as the spokesperson of members of the Rivers State Executive Council. He should also tell us his source of information to that effect, if it is not just a proof that he is making himself known as a perpetually irredeemable hireling notoriously good for playing the spoiler’s role.
On Mr Okocha’s assertion, probably, borne out of lack of more convincing lies, that nothing is happening in the State with respect to governance, is sure a proof that the man is only acting a bad and an unsellable script to justify the reward of expected gratifying filthy lucre, which is the compelling reason for condescending so low and evilly so. How else is governance measured, if not by executing meaningful and impactful projects, giving hope, inspiring and putting smiles on the faces of the people with joy of fulfilment in their hearts, both civil servants and everyone living and doing business in the State? Is Okocha blind to see and deaf to hear of the good works of the Governor Fubara led Rivers State Government? Civil servants are happy, teachers are highly elated. Several projects are ongoing. Investors are trooping in. The health sector, education, agriculture, sports have been highly boosted under Governor Fubara-led administration. To Okocha, there’s no governance in the State because patronage of free money is not getting to him from the Governor but from other sources that are likely against the Governor.
Let Tony Okocha weep more. Rivers State is breathing fresh air already and is liberated.
Let Tony Okocha tell us how he has, so far, as Rivers State Representative in the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), clearly effected development in the State through the NDDC, and why he lied that there was Cholera outbreak with deaths recorded in Soku in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area with the intent of raking in about ¦ N5billion for non-existent mitigation programmes?

Odike is Special Assistant to Rivers State Governor on Social/New Media .

Bernard C. Idike

Issues

Day Asari-Toru Declared Massive Support For Fubara

Published

2 months ago

March 11, 2024

The Tide

Franklin Delano Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was an American statesman and politician who served as the 32nd President of the United States from 1933 until his death in 1945. He was a member of the Democratic Party and is the only United States President to have served more than two terms.
In one of his popular quotes, he said, “The creed of our democracy is that liberty is acquired and kept by men and women who are strong and self-reliant, and possessed of such wisdom as God gives mankind – men and women who are just, and understanding, and generous to others — men and women who are capable of disciplining themselves. For they are the rulers and they must rule themselves.”
This explains the recent gathering of creme la creme of Asari-Toru political gladiators converged at the inauguration of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter to reiterate their unflinching support for the Rivers State Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara whose mantra revolves around liberation.
The event which took place at the Autograph in Port Harcourt on the 1st of March, 2024, to galvanise strong support for Governor Fubara attracted over 500 members of the Simplified Movement from the Asari-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.
The gathering of supporters of Governor Fubara’s government, under the umbrella of the Simplified Movement, the ASALGA chapter led by an astute politician, former member of the Federal House of Representatives and two- time member of the Rivers State Executive Council as Commissioner, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall comprised both the old and young generation political helmsmen drawn from all the 13 Wards of the local government area.
The nerve-““““““wracking gathering had the likes of the 1999 democratic system pioneer Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council and former two-time Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Hon. Opakirite Mackson Jackreece; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Adokiye Young-Harry; former member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Daisy West and former Special Adviser to ex-Governor Nyesom Wike, Chief Hon. Iboroma Norman Wokoma.
Others were the incumbent Vice Chairman of Asari-Toru Local Government Council, Hon. (Mrs.) Tekena Wokoma; former Commissioner of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission, Hon. Dr. Hope Barango; the South-West Vice Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Dr. Sule Amachree and the Secretary of the Local Government chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hon. Cladious Princewill; former Chief of Staff of Council, Hon. Ajumogobia West and former Chairman of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), ASALGA, Hon. Onari Awo Tariah.
Also present at the event were past caretaker committee chairmen of the Local Government Council including, Hon. Waite Harry, Hon. Dawari Hamilton Ibinabo, Hon. Wright Warmate and former Deputy Mayor of the Port Harcourt City Council, Hon. Adokiye Horsfall amongst others. My humble self belongs to the movement. The list is inexhaustible.
Speaking at the inauguration, the member representing Asari-Toru/Akuku-Toru Federal Constituency and leader of the Asari-Toru political family, Hon. Boma Goodhead assured the people of the commitment of the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara to extend visible dividends of democracy to the people of ASALGA.
The federal lawmaker who spoke through her representative, Dr. Sule Amachree, said Governor Fubara means well for Rivers people, particularly the people of ASALGA and urged them to remain calm, peaceful and resolute in their support to the administration of the State Governor.
“His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is the Governor ordained by God to liberate Rivers people from the snares of poverty and oppression. He is God-sent to bring visible and even development to Rivers State and Asari-Toru people are on the top of that agenda of development,” she said.
Hon. Goodhead reiterated her confidence in the capacity of the leader of the Simplified Movement, ASALGA chapter, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall to mobilise massive support and a huge source of encouragement for the Government of Sir Siminalayi Fubara to succeed.
“I urge you to continue to stand firm with our Governor. Be rest assured that His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara is a man of peace, focused and determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of Rivers State. He will not fail you,” she said.
In his speech, the leader of the ASALGA chapter of the Simplified Movement, Chief Hon. Paworiso Samuel Horsfall described the movement as a child of necessity born out of the hunger of Rivers people for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation.
“As witnessed across the length and breadth of Rivers State, the Simplified Movement is a child of necessity, born out of the hunger for a paradigm shift from oppression to liberation, with one core objective to promote and defend the interests of Rivers State and her people. It is on this account, we stand as dependable allies giving strong support to the Executive Governor, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara in his pursuit of peace and commitment to the genuine development of Rivers State.
“It is our position that with the elections come and gone, it is practically a time to face governance and to ensure deliverables of dividends to the people of Rivers State in the atmosphere of peace, security and stability,” he said.
Chief Samuel Horsfall explained that Rivers people saw the leadership qualities needed to achieve the sole objective to genuinely defend and promote the interest of the State in Governor Fubara, hence the spontaneous massive support expressed in the birth of the Simplified Movement.
He recounted avalanche of achievements made by Governor Fubara within six months in office. “We appreciate the Governor of Rivers State, His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara for his resilience and determination to make a difference. It is on record and attestable by all, the numerous projects being executed by his administration.
“Such as the ongoing construction of the gigantic Port Harcourt Ring Road project, the 20,000 housing units for low income earners, the Ogoni-Andoni-Opobo-Nkoro Unity road, the near completion of the 10km Old Port Harcourt-Bori road, the Emohua-Kalabari road, the 6.5km Woji-Alesa-Refinery link road and the inclusion of the remaining part of the Trans-Kalabari road project in the 2024 budget. “Moreover, the promotion of the State civil servants, first time in history payment of N100,000.00 Christmas bonus to civil servants across board, approval of promotions and implementation of N30,000.00 minimum wage for local government workers and the N4 billion single digit interest loans facility for Small and Medium Scale business operators in Rivers State. All these achievements within six months in office are eloquent testimonies of Governor Fubara to deliberately improve the welfare of Rivers people.
“We are convinced that such a proven great mind and well experienced, tested and trusted administrator/technocrat, Governor Fubara has demonstrated the capacity to deliver effectively the needed democratic dividends to Rivers people. It is on this convention we are gathered here for the umpteenth time to reaffirm our unalloyed support and commitment to his administration,” Chief Samuel Horsfall declared.
He disclosed that the gathering was to put in place citizens mobilisation strategy to forge a collaborative bond with the Governor to foster partnership for the development of ASALGA and the State. He, therefore, advised those he called detractors of Governor Fubara’s administration to desist forthwith and allow the Governor to remain focused in his quest to deliver on his mandate.
“All detractors should desist from further attacks on the Governor and the Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and allow the Governor to focus on the delivery of the good policies and programmes to Rivers people. We unequivocally condemn attempts by disgruntled Abuja politicians to employ intimidation antics against the former Speaker of the 10th State Assembly and current Chief of Staff, Government House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie and others who are standing on the path of justice and good conscience for the collective good of Rivers State.
“We equally urge the Nigerian Police and other security agencies to be discreet in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities in the State and not to allow themselves to be used by selfish individuals who do not mean well to fuel political crisis in Rivers State.
Chief Samuel Horsfall also commended the federal lawmaker, Hon. Boma Goodhead for her doggedness and resilience in supporting Governor Fubara since the wake of the political crisis in the State.
Several other personalities spoke to express their support to the State Governor and urged the people to ASALGA to maintain their peaceful disposition and remain steadfast in the Simplified Movement to give the state government maximum support to continue to render good governance to Rivers people.
Highlights of the event were the inauguration of the elders and stakeholders of the Simplified Movement for the 13 Wards as well as the executive committee of the movement in Asari-Toru Local Government Area.