General News
Tinubu’s Government can’t fight corruption, criminality, says Timi Frank
…Condemns ‘bow, go’ ministerial screening exercise by Senate
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Tuesday, said the President Bola Tinubu’s administration lacks capacity to fight corruption and criminality in the country.
Frank who made this assertion in a statement in Abuja, also condemned in the strong terms the ongoing “charade” termed ministerial screening by the Godswill Akpabio-led 10th Senate.
He described the appointment of Mr Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities as another waste of time as it only signals the impending serial witch-hunt of opposition party members.
Frank said: “The recent appointment of Jim Obazee as a Special Investigator to probe the activities is another waste of time as it only beckons serial witch-hunting of opposition members.
“It is clear that there is no credibility, zeal or reputation from the ruling party to fight corruption but rather an opportunity for looters and criminals to have a field day again.
“Mr President must be aware that since he is only holding the Commonwealth of the nation albeit temporarily, every decision concerning the Nigerian state must be done with utmost decorum and sincerity to the Nigerian People. The world is watching diligently and history will hold us accountable for our actions and inaction.
“We would like to urge the Judiciary to expedite their verdict on the PEPT and save the country the embarrassment of foisting an illegitimacy as this will only bring about nothing but misery and pain to the nation at large. Their decision must be sacrosanct and decisive in this regard.”
Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and Middle East, also called for urgent halt to the ongoing ministerial screening exercise by the Senate.
Frank said: “The ongoing ministerial screening in the National Assembly has been nothing short of a national shame and disgrace orchestrated and supervised by a Senate President bent on reinforcing the old order of this sham of an exercise to the bewilderment of Nigerians.
“It is clear from the foregoing in the Red chamber as to the direction of the country under the APC led government.
“The ongoing screening of ministerial nominees is a joke taken too far and an insult to the sensibilities of reasonable Nigerians who are aghast as to the shambolic routine of ‘take a bow and go’ without any cross examination as to the pedigree and competence of these individuals nominated to serve the country.
“What is more amusing is the fact that this charade of an exercise is being supervised by a Senate President who is currently being investigated for various corrupt practices, and therefore is of no obligation in ensuring that the right processes of due diligence is carried out on these individuals to the benefit of the country at large.
“Perhaps it will be safe to opine that even if a known kidnapper or criminal is sent to the NASS for clearance, he will most likely be cleared as the Senate President seems to be highly complacent and compromised in this regard.
“It is highly regrettable that nominees who have pending criminal cases and those who have appeared with questionable certificates and discrepancies in their resume are being told to bow and go without any probing questions as to their sincerity of purpose, notwithstanding the magnitude of the exercise.
“Therefore, I urge the Senate President to discontinue the screening on live television and stop the wastage of tax payers monies to continue with this show of shame on national television.
“Unfortunately this may only be possible because perhaps most of the legislators are aware they didn’t come to the Senate legitimately and hence the constant acts of undermining the Nigerian people consistently whilst making a mockery and caricature of the citizens.
“This singular act by the Senate is a pointer to one of the very reasons why several West African countries have recently suffered military take over to the admiration and cheer of the populace having taken the people for a fool for a long time.
“Therefore Mr President, must invoke his veto power by appointing persons of merit, rather than sending them to the Senate which is of no use in the long run.”
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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