News
Petition trails delay in prosecution of Doguwa who murdered electorate in Kano
Groups operating under the aegis of
Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF), Tuesday expressed concern over delay in prosecuting the House of Representatives Majority leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa.
Doguwa was accused of murder during the presidential and National Assembly elections in his constituency, Doguwa /Rudin Wada Federal Constituency in Kano State, but which the State government is suddenly developing cold feet to prosecute him.
Earlier, the lawmaker was arrested by the Police and was grantedbail by a Kano High Court, after few days and since then, the lawmaker has.gone back to work at the National Assembly in Abuja.
The Convener of the group Ambassador Ibrahim A. Waiya, disclosed that apart from the lawmaker who is walking around freely, others involved in the dastardly act have not been prosecuted.
In a petition by the Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) against the Attorney-General of Kano, which was signed by
over 117 people titled, “Petition Against Attorney General Of Kano State over delay to prosecute Ado Alhasan Doguwa,” demanded for prosecution of Doguwa, adding that more signatories are being expected.
According to him, “our target is 200 signatories. The petition is more likely to be featured in recommendations
“Under a sane clime, the House Leader ought to have been arraigned before a competent court of law by now to face the music. We are deliberately giving prominence to these two LGAs because they happened to be the alleged theatre of killings and burning of innocent people, as reported.
“Every right-thinking Nigerian, local and international organizations to join us in the crusade to fight for Justice for the family of the victims.
”Steps would ensure rule of law, social justice, public safety as well as respect for humanity and the sanctity of human lives.”
He further stated that: “The Kano Civil Society Forum (KCSF) is the key umbrella body of over 140 different civil society and community-based organizations operating in Kano State, associating under a common platform with the aim of achieving human rights promotion and protection, promotion of democracy, good governance, policy change, health, peace, justice, security and sustainable development in the State and Nigeria at large.
“It has come to our notice that there were reported political violence at Doguwa and Tudun Wada Local Governments Areas as well as other areas in the state during the Presidential/National Assembly elections in the state. We are deliberately giving prominence to these two LGAs because they happened to be the alleged theatre of killings and burning of innocent people, as reported.
“Hon. Ado Alhassan Doguwa, serving member of the National Assembly, representing Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Constituency was accused and arrested on the allegation of leading thugs and unleashing attacks on some innocent people which led to the death of scores and left many seriously injured.
“As concerned citizens groups and those that believe in the sanctity of human lives, we are worried by the slow and unprecedented delay to frame charges and arraign the suspects particularly Hon. Ado Alhassan Doguwa who was accused of playing the leading role in the destruction of lives and properties, ought to have been arraigned before a competent court of law by now to face the music.
“We therefore call on every right-thinking Nigerian, local and international organizations to join us in the crusade to fight for Justice for the family of the victims, to ensure rule of law, social justice, public safety as well as respect for humanity and sanctity for human lives.”
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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