General News
Timi Frank to PEPC: Give justice to Nigerians
Justices presiding over the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) have been called upon to give justice to Nigerians now that it is clear that former vice President Atiku Abubakar won the February 25, 2023 presidential election as against Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was erroneously declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, who made the call in a statement in Abuja, also urged the Appeal Court Justices to use the opportunity afforded by the revelation by INEC that Atiku won 21 states in
the presidential election to redeem the lost image of the judiciary.
He insisted that now that INEC has voluntarily admitted on record that Atiku won 21 states instead of the 12 states it earlier credited to him, the Tribunal need not look further but to declare the former Vice President as the authentic winner of the February 25, 2023 presidential election.
INEC had, in its response to Atiku Abubakar’s and PDP’s joint petition revealed that the PDP presidential candidate won 21 States of the Federation in the February 25 presidential election.
The 21 states listed by INEC as having been won by Atiku and PDP are Adamawa, Akwa Ibom, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Borno, Delta, Ekiti, Gombe, Jigawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Osun, Sokoto, Taraba, Yobe and Zamfara.
“This definitely shows clearly that Atiku’s results were swapped with that of Tinubu to make him win, albeit fraudulently. The justices owe it to themselves, Nigerians and God to declare Atiku the rightful winner of the 2023 present election.
“We know the justices of the Appeal Court hearing the petition challenging the the declaration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu as winner of the presidential election are under tremendous pressure coupled with vile threats and intimidation to maintain an illegal status quo, but they must not succumb because the pressure of God that will be on them should they neglect this material fact would be more than the pressure from men.
“It must never be said that the man who won the least number of states and votes was became president as against the man who won majority of states and votes.
“We cannot afford to go back to the era of impunity in this country when the Nigeria Governors’ conducted an election and declared that man who won 15 votes winner rather than the man that won 19 votes.
Frank who is the Ambassador of the United Liberation Movement for West Papau (ULMWP), to the East Africa and Middle East, urged the justices to be courageous in doing substantial justice in the present case, despite high-wired pressures and intimidations against them notwithstanding.
He said: “Now that that the tribunal’s justices have heard arguments from all the parties in the suits, they should know that Nigerians are looking forward to them to do substantial justice and not ruling based on technicalities.
“We want to remind you that whatever judgment you give at the end of the day will remain as precedent in future. We implore you not to hand down a precedent where clear acts of criminality as witnessed during the Presidential Election will now be the law and order of the day in Nigeria.
“We strongly hold that this is not time to rule based on technicalities or to throw out well-reasoned, germane, valid and powerful submissions by the opposition parties.
“We want to remind you that this is one case where the world is waiting for the outcome and besides, the case presents the Nigerian judiciary an ample opportunity to write its name in gold in the heart of Nigerians and to prominently emplace Nigeria in the map of countries that believe and uphold the principles of fairness, equity and justice. Whatever you do with this judgment is what you will be remembered for.
“The Justices must be resolute and remain faithful to their oath of office and allegiance by carrying out their assignment without fear or favour.
“They must not succumb to any form of blackmail or intimidation. They must borrow a leaf from their counterparts in Kenya who recently saved their country from catastrophe through their courageous verdict.”
US Property Scandal: Timi Frank Urges Tinubu To Suspend, Probe Wike Now
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Thursday, called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently suspend Nyesom Wike as minister of FCT and cause investigation to be carried out
on his US property scandal.
Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, called on the President to break his silence on the scandal and demonstrate the same commitment to accountability like the way he acted swiftly and unequivocally in suspending former cabinet minister Betta Edu over corruption charges far less serious than those now confronting Minister Wike.
According to media reports, Wike allegedly acquired property in Florida, and to hide the assets, he allegedly registered them under his wife’s name, Justice Eberechi Wike, and children, Joaquin, Jazmyne, and Jordan.
According to the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle, President Tinubu’s silence in the face of overwhelming evidence of the houses in public domain is troubling.
“With detailed reports from credible sources such as People’s Gazette and Sahara Reporters, and with glaring evidence ignored by anti-corruption agencies like EFCC and ICPC, it sends a dangerous message that some officials are untouchable,” he lamented.
He urged the President to be aware that impunity and arrogance of government officials like Wike weakens citizens trust in governance and contribute to revolts like the Nepal uprising.
He commended Omoyele Sowore of Sahara Reporters and the Publishers of People’s Gazette for their courage in exposing corruption in the country, irrespective of serving government officials involved.
He warned Tinubu not to make any official in his cabinet feel as if they are untouchable or they are God.
He stated that the Presidency represents the integrity of Nigeria and must uphold the principle that no one is above the law, regardless of political alliances.
Frank added: “The reasons behind this continued inaction in the case are of Wike appear tied to the political calculations surrounding the 2027 presidential elections.
“However, allowing political ambition to shield corruption will irreparably harm Nigeria’s reputation internationally.
“The world is watching, and this selective justice undermines investor confidence and portrays Nigeria as a nation unable or unwilling to fight corruption—even within its highest offices.
“Furthermore, even when crises erupted in Rivers State, President Tinubu suspended only Governor Siminalayi Fubara and the House of Assembly members while leaving the Minister of FCT, Wike, untouched.
“This inconsistency fuels suspicions of favoritism and political shielding. Nigerians and the international community deserve to know why the President appears reluctant to confront alleged corruption linked to a close political ally.
“Selective enforcement of the law erodes national pride and makes Nigeria a laughing stock among peer nations, many of whom prosecute corruption allegations without hesitation.
“We urge President Tinubu to immediately suspend and commission an independent investigation into Minister Wike, just as was done with Betta Edu.
“The President should protect the dignity of Nigeria and the trust of its citizens by rejecting selective justice and political expediency. The integrity of Nigeria’s governance and its image on the global stage depend on it.”
From Adeko Ukpa, Abuja
The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama, Rtn. Rosemond Favour Uche has advised Interactors to be selfless.
She also asked the Interactors to put service to the society above any gain.
She implored them to work peace wherever they may be because development thrives in a violence-free environment.
Rosemond gave the charge at a quiz and debate competition between the Interact clubs of J.S.S Dutse Alhaji 1 and Parliament School, Apo in Abuja.
“You are the future of Rotary International, I want to advise you to be selfless in whatever you do.
“You should know that until everyone is accommodated that there can be a just society. We don’t need divisions along ethnic or religious lines”, she said.
PHOTO CAPTION: The President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama, Rtn. Rosemond Favour Uche presenting a gift to Miss Civir-Ter Bemgba after a quiz competition organised for members of the Interact Clubs of J.S.S Dutse Alhaji 1 and Parliament School Apo on “Peace building and conflict prevention ” in Abuja while Rtn. Cynthia Igbokwe watches.
Rosemond pleaded with the young students to put service above any other pursuit.
She said: “You must put service above self. You should learn to serve the society to leave legacies instead of seeking personal gains.
“This is the main focus of Rotary International. We want a society where there will be a sense of belonging for all; we want a world where we will only serve and not expecting anything in return.”
The District Governor-elect, Dame Princess Joy Nky Okoro urged the Interactors to learn to be “good citizens. “
General News
Timi Frank welcomes Tinubu’s order releasing detained minors, urges FG to compensate victims
By Adeko Ukpa
African Telescope reports that a former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, described President Tinubu’s directive on the release of minors arrested and detained during the #EndBadGovernance protests as a step in the right direction.
Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, however, urged the President to equally order the release of all detainees being held for exercising their constitutional right to protest against bad policies of government because the “President is known to have embarked and led series of protests during the pro-democracy struggle and in 2012 when the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan removed fuel subsidy.”
He urged the President to equally reverse some of his bad economic policies like the floating of the naira and outright removal of fuel subsidy which have brought untold hardship in the country and worsened the condition of living of majority of Nigerians.
He expressed commitment to commend the President when he takes a positive step in governance and criticize him when his action is against the wellbeing of the generality of Nigerians.
He called on the Federal Government to compensate the minors, after release, for violating their fundamental human rights and cruelty meted on them by the police who detained them for over three months under dehumanizing conditions without trial.
Frank said: “We warmly welcome President Bola Tinubu’s decision to order the immediate release of minors arrested during the #EndBadGovernance protests from detention.
“The President’s action acknowledges the concerns of Nigerians and the international community regarding the treatment of protesters, especially minors.
“However, we also call for accountability and reform within the intelligence community.
“The fact that minors were detained for over 90 days without prompt attention from the President’s office raises concerns about the effectiveness of our intelligence agencies.
“We urge the President to investigate this lapse and consider replacing intelligence chiefs who failed to bring this matter to his attention.”
He demanded that the probe ordered by the President should start from the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, the Commissioners of Police in-charge of Kano and Kaduna states who arrested the minors.
“This probe must not be swept under the rug, we shall monitor to ensure that the findings are made public and appropriate sanctions meted out to officers found to be complicit,” he said.
Besides, to ensure adequate justice for the victimised and oppressed minors, he urged the Federal Government to provide financial assistance to their families, offer the minors scholarships and enroll them in reputable boarding schools to help them overcome their traumatic experiences.
“The minors should also be availed the services of professional counsellors to address any emotional or psychological distress.
“By taking these steps, we can begin to heal the wounds of the past and build a more just and compassionate society for all Nigerians,” he said.
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