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Judges’ Raid, DSS, Amaechi …What To Do, If I Were Buhari

Published

10 years ago

October 24, 2016

One of the pillars on which the Buhari Presidency rests is the War Against Corruption, a subject which many Nigerians believe was well-thought out. Their position is strengthened by the high credentials and pedigree of the driver of the crusade.
President Muhammadu Buhari, before the 2015 general elections, was acclaimed as a simple, modest and disciplined leader, not given to the known habits of ostentatious living, corruption and abuse of office. It was indeed these qualities that made his averment to fight corruption believable.
It was also on the crest of those values that Muhammadu Buhari became President. He matched public expectations with his public declaration of assets with as little as N3 million cash in earnings, a few cows and a plot of land in Port Harcourt, which location he was yet to be told.
That meant one of few things. That it was a mere promise by the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi. That Buhari, at the time of declaring his assets, did not have valid documents, including C of O, to lay claim to such asset. Or that it was a post-declaration, pending when he would get such land.
Whatever interpretations Nigerians may draw from that land claim, it showed transparency on the part of the President, even if, were such a gift given to former President Goodluck Jonathan by say, the Kaduna State Government, it would be revoked. That is a talk for another day.
But truth is, Buhari carries with him the reputation of one capable of fighting corruption of any kind to its logical conclusion. A key hindrance, however, might well be the measure of goodwill he enjoyed, by way of campaign and election sponsorship by defecting Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors, alleged to have diverted huge funds belonging to their states into his Presidential Project.
How would Buhari fight persons who contributed to his campaign project, since it was clear that he did not have the required resources to finance his presidential project? Or is it that such funds diversion did not rise to the level of corruption since they were channeled to a ‘noble cause’, the cause of helping to elect a pious man?
But by far the major criticism of the war against corruption, even among foreign commentators is that it is selective. That it targets mainly opposition politicians whose actions threatened his electoral fortunes, in the three instances, he took shots at the presidency
This is why many believe that the recent raid and subsequent arrest of judges by men of the Directorate of State Services, DSS, in a Gestapo style sting operation, followed same selective pattern. Most Nigerians agree that there is corruption in the Judiciary but believe that no judge, friendly to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC- led) Federal Government would have suffered such embarrassment in the hands of the executive arm.
That is why it did not come as a surprise to many when two of the affected judges cried out that they were being hounded for not doing the bidding of agents of the government concerning election cases involving the ruling APC.
Last Friday, many Nigerian national daily newspapers were awash with damning headlines on the cries of one of the judges, a second within days.
The Punch of Friday October 21, 2016 has as its banner lead headline: ‘Another Judge Says Amaechi Asked Him To Influence Judgments’.
The Guardian led with, ‘Another Judge Blames Chibuike For Arrest By DSS’, while, The Sun screamed, ‘Amaechi Offered Me Bribe To Sack Fayose; – Allegation Mere Fiction, Says Transport Minister.
Even the pro – APC Nation Newspaper had the headline, Judge: Amaechi Asked Me to Help Nullify Fayose’s Election; – Justice Ngwuta’s Allegatioin Is Fiction – Minister.
The publications stemmed from a petition by one of the affected judicial officers, a Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Nwali Sylvester Ngwuta to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mahmud Mohammed, and the National Judicial Council (NJC).
Dated October 18, 2016, the petition chronicled events that led to the raid of his home and eventual arrest. In brief, Justice Ngwuta alleged that he was a victim of executive attack for refusing to compromise his ‘sacred oath’ to uphold truth and justice.
Justice Ngwuta pointedly accused former Rivers State Governor and Transportation Minister, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi and his Science and Technology counterpart, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu of asking him to help influence the Supreme Court’s decision in some election cases.
According to the Justice, his ordeal was connected to his refusal to accede to the requests made by the minister.
Justice Ngwuta’s letter which came 48 hours after that by Justice John Okoro, who was also arrested by the DSS operatives, had accused Amaechi of asking him (Okoro) to influence the apex court’s decision on poll judgments in Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Abia States.
Following in Justice Okoro’s footsteps, Ngwuta in his petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC), traced his ordeal to between 2013 and 2014, when, he alleged that Amaechi approached him at a function at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja, to help set aside judgment on Ekiti State Governor, Ayo Fayose’s election in order to make way for Fayose’s predecessor, and now Minister of Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi.
His words: “My present plight started sometime between 2013 and 2014. I represented the then CJN in an event organised at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Abuja.
‘Honourable Rotimi Amaechi came in late and sat next to me at the high table. He introduced himself to me and we exchanged contacts. A few weeks later, Fayose’s case was determined in the Court of Appeal.
‘Amaechi called me by 6.45 am and said he had come to see me, but was told I had left for the office, when he said he could return in the evening. I demanded to know what he wanted, but he would not tell me.
‘He didn’t come that evening, but came the following morning when I was already prepared to go to work.
‘He begged me to ensure Fayose’s election was set aside and another election ordered for his friend Fayemi, to contest. I told him I would not help him and that even if I was on the panel, I would have only my one vote.
‘After the Rivers Governorship election was determined by the Court of Appeal, he called to tell me his ‘ears were full’ and he would like to tell me what he heard. I told him I was out of Abuja at the time. On my return, he came in the evening and even before he sat down, he barked, ‘you have seen Wike’.
After the Supreme Court affirmed the election of Nyesom Wike, Amaechi also called him on phone and said ‘Oga is not happy’.
Transportation Minister Amaechi denied these allegations, describing them as fiction and part of a larger plan to pull him down at all cost.
Pulling someone innocent down is a grave moral, even criminal offence that should not be swept under the carpet, just as the allegations raised by Justices Okoro and Ngwuta.
To inject the needed credibility into the anti-corruption campaign, if I were Buhari, I would instruct that the claims of the Judges and Amaechi be spot-checked.
For instance, which event did both Amaechi and Ngwuta attend and when? That is very easy to find out. Next, after ascertaining that day, were there telephone calls? Affected communication service providers can easily ascertain and even produce transcripts. Did Amaechi and the Judge meet again in the Judge’s home after decision on the Rivers’ governorship elections? That too can be verified.
If I were Buhari, to prove that I am high above such vendetta as alleged by the Judges, I would institute a probe or a judicial inquest with a view to ascertaining truth of the matter.
My Agony is that there are earlier allegations, even valid judicial reports, yet to be attended to and so there may not be any urgency on the current one. Case closed.

Soye Wilson Jamabo

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WASSCE: RSG Distributes Science Materials To Secondary Schools

Published

4 days ago

May 13, 2026

The Tide

The Rivers State Government has distributed science equipment and materials to all senior secondary schools across the state to support students during the ongoing West African Examinations Council exams and to strengthen practical learning.

Flagging off the distribution at the Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board premises in Port Harcourt, on Monday, the State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Peters Nwagor, said the move demonstrates Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s commitment to improving education standards in the State.

Nwagor said the materials were approved and provided by the state government specifically to boost the teaching and learning of science subjects, describing science education as the foundation for technological advancement, innovation, and national development.

“No society can compete globally without deliberate investment in science and technology,” the Commissioner stated.

He commended the governor for consistently prioritising the education sector by providing tools needed for effective teaching and hands-on learning.

The Commissioner directed principals to ensure that the equipment are used strictly for practical lessons in their schools, warning that any principal or administrator found diverting, hoarding, or selling the materials wil face disciplinary action under public service regulations.

Nwagor also warned against examination malpractice, saying any principal found aiding or encouraging malpractices will be decisively sanctioned.

“We must collectively restore the dignity and credibility of our educational system,” he said.

Also speaking, Chairman, Rivers State Senior Secondary Schools Board, Tony Egwurugwu, urged school heads to make judicious use of the materials for students’ benefit.

He thanked the State Government for providing the resources, and assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure the materials serve their intended purpose.

In his own remarks, a Board Member for Technical Education, Nwisabari Bani Samuel, expressed appreciation to the governor for prioritising education and acknowledged the Commissioner’s role in advancing education development in the State.

He said the distribution covers all senior secondary schools in the State and is intended to improve students’ performance in both internal and external science examinations.

Akujobi Amadi

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Fubara Hails Workers’ Resilience, Dedication In Rivers …Hails Tinubu’s Economic Reform

Published

2 weeks ago

May 6, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has commended workers in the State for their resilience, dedication, and invaluable contributions to development in the State.

Fubara gave the commendation during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, last Friday.

Represented by his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, the governor noted that Workers’ Day, which originated from the struggle for an eight-hour workday in the United States, has evolved into a global event recognising the contributions of workers to national growth and development.

He described workers as the backbone of sustainable development, saying no society can thrive without their efforts.

Fubara commended Rivers workers for their loyalty and commitment to service, noting that workers play vital roles across key sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure and industry.

He noted that their contributions have enhanced access to quality education and healthcare, supported job creation, and stimulated economic activities across the State.

While acknowledging the economic challenges faced by many workers, including the rising cost of living, Fubara assured that the the State Government remains committed to implementing policies that will enhance workers’ welfare and overall well-being.

The governor also hailed the bold and daring economic reforms of President Bola Tinubu which, he said, have stabilized the economy, enhanced foreign exchange liquidity, lowered inflation, and achieved significant growth in the nation’s gross domestic product.

He noted that, in addition to raising the minimum wage, the President recently approved new welfare incentives for federal civil servants.

“Our economy is on an unstoppable positive path under our President, and it can only improve further for the nation and everyone. Let us continue supporting the policies and programmes of Mr President,” he said.

Fubara highlighted the importance of workers in revenue generation and governance, noting that taxes paid by workers enable government to provide security and essential social services.

He reaffirmed the State Government’s recognition of labour as a critical partner in achieving its development blueprint, appreciating workers’ daily contributions to building a peaceful, secure, and prosperous Rivers State.

The governor urged the organised labour to use the occasion to reaffirm its commitment to the progress of the State, while continuing to advocate for democracy, social justice, and improved welfare for workers.

He also expressed gratitude to workers for their service to the State and the nation, encouraging them to remain steadfast in their contributions to development.

In his address, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, commended Fubara for his steadfastness, genuine commitment, and passion for workers in the State.

He highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the implementation of the National Minimum Wage Act, the renovation of the State Secretariat, the reopening of the Rivers State Transport Company (RTC), and the consistent payment of end-of-year bonuses to public workers.

Comrade Agwanwor noted that workers, as drivers of productivity, understand the challenges involved in building a prosperous Rivers State, stressing that they are well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to the growth and development of the State.

“We have resolved not to continue complaining and lamenting while challenges persist. Instead, we must take the initiative, step out of relative obscurity, and rediscover the mission and destiny of our dear state,” he said.

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Fubara Pledges Support For Corporate Organisations In Rivers …Says PPP Business Model Responsible For NLNG’s Success

Published

1 month ago

April 10, 2026

The Tide

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged the continued support of his administration for the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited.

Fubara gave the assurance while receiving the new Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NLNG, Mr Adeleye Falade, who paid him a courtesy visit at Government House, Port Harcourt.

He assured that his administration would continue to contribute its own quota in support of the NLNG.

According to him, the success of the organisation is equally the success of the government of Rivers State and the success of the Federal Government.

“Our duty is to make sure that we support whoever is operating in our state. We are the ones here. If we don’t support you and you don’t succeed, we also will not succeed and Mr President will also not succeed.

“So, the success of your establishment is the success of our state, and overall success of Nigeria. So you can count on our support. Wherever you think we need to come in to support you, please do not hesitate to call upon us.

“You just mentioned here that your predecessor left a handover note showcasing the level of support that he got from the state. It is not going to be different in your own case. I can assure you that. I will also ensure that other units of the government will liaise with you when necessary. So even if you can’t get to me, you can always get to them and if there is anything we can do to help your establishment succeed, we will do it for you,” he said.

The governor attributed the success of the NLNG to the Public Private Partnership ( PPP) business model adopted by the Federal Government and the multinational oil companies.

The NLNG is jointly owned by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) with 49%, Shell Gas B.V. with 25.6%, Total LNG Nigeria Ltd with 15%, and Eni International with 10.4%.

The partnership model allows for shared risks, costs, and expertise in the LNG sector.

The governor noted that the NLNG has not only survived the difficult business environment but has made sustained progress in the nearly three decades of its existence.

According to him, the decision of the Federal Government to allow the multinational oil companies who have the needed expertise to run the establishment while government plays a supervisory role over it has largely been responsible for its success.

“I’m very proud to say that if there is one establishment that has shown resilience, that has survived in the face of all the political issues prevalent in this country, it is the NLNG. And what is the reason? The reason is very simple. Government has no business in business. That is the truth. Leave the business for those people who can operate it. Let the government play its supervisory role to ensure that there is compliance with the laws; ensure that standards are maintained and also ensure that the right people with the needed expertise are at the helm of affairs. That’s all. I think that is the reason why we still record a lot of successes in NLNG,” he said.

In his opening remark, the new NLNG boss, Mr Adeleye Falade, who led other top officials of the company on the visit, expressed appreciation to the governor for granting them audience, and appealed to the State Government to continue to support the organisation.

“We appreciate the opportunity to meet with you and deepen this important relationship.We deeply value the support the Rivers State Government continues to extend in fostering an enabling operating environment for businesses. NLNG remains deliberate in its contribution to Nigeria’s development, and Rivers State, our primary host, continues to be central to that commitment,” he said.

Falade said the company has continued to work with its host communities to strengthen their capacity to identify, prioritise, and deliver sustainable development initiatives that create lasting impact.

According to him, communities including Amadi-ama, Abua, Ekpeye, Okrika, Kalabari, and Emohua have continued to benefit from this model.

He said that beyond community infrastructure, the NLNG has sustained investments in economic empowerment through initiatives such as Vocational Innovation and Business Empowerment Scheme (VIBES) and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) schemes.

These, he said, were designed to support small businesses, build capacity, and stimulate local enterprise across the state.

Among officials of the company who accompanied the Managing Director were General Manager, External Relations and Sustainable Development, Dr Sophia Horsfall; Manager, Government Relations, Mr Abdul Umar; Manager, Community Relations, Dr. Yemi Adeyemi; Head of Government Relations, Mr Mike Igoni; Head of Community Liaison and Engagement, Chief Ifeanyi Umeh.

Others are Technical Assistant to Executive Leadership, Mr Hassan Saleh; Senior Media and Publicity Advisor, Mr Emma Nwatu; Government Relations Advisor, Miss Homa Nmegbu; Senior Government Relations Advisor, Mrs Kate Allison, and Audio -Visual Advisor, Mr Dawood Ahmed.