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Timi Frank Commends EFCC for Pursuing Arrest of Bello, Calls for Expanded Anti-Corruption Efforts

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Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All-Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has praised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for its efforts to apprehend and prosecute former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Speaking in Abuja, Frank urged the Commission to broaden its investigation to include other allegedly corrupt individuals, particularly former governors, ministers, and public officials associated with both the past administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari and the current administration of President Bola Tinubu.

Frank stressed the importance of extending the probe to avoid giving the impression that the EFCC’s actions against Bello were merely a witch hunt.

While commending the EFCC’s steps to hold Bello accountable, Frank highlighted the need for equal scrutiny of other individuals accused of corruption.

“We commend the EFCC for its efforts in pursuing Yahaya Bello’s prosecution. However, we urge the agency to also investigate other former governors, including Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Nyesom Wike, whose alleged corrupt practices have been reported to the EFCC,” said Frank.

Otherwise, their efforts to apprehend Bello and bring him to trial would appear to be a deliberate and malicious witch hunt simply because he contested the Presidential primary election of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) against President Bola Tinubu.

Furthermore, we have yet to witness the arrest of several allegedly corrupt public officials who served under ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, despite petitions against them before the EFCC.

These individuals include former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami; former Governor of Benue State, Samuel Ortom; former Governor of Abia State, Okezie Ikpeazu; former Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, among others.

Additionally, there are those like former personal assistant to President Buhari, Tunde Sabiu; former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Bashir Jamoh; immediate past Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Muhammad Nami; the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mele Kyari; and Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who remain unprosecuted.

Similarly, former Minister of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Zainab Ahmed; former Director General of the Nigerian Ports Authority and current aide to President Tinubu, Hadiza Bala-Usman; former Governor of Ebonyi State and present Minister of Works, Dave Umahi; and former security chiefs who are the subject of petitions before the EFCC continue to evade prosecution.

Frank, representing the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) in East Africa and the Middle East, emphasized that by bringing these individuals to court to face trial, the EFCC would demonstrate to Nigerians that their actions against Bello are not politically motivated.

He said: “Someone like Wike has a petition against him before the EFCC, but they have never invited him to defend allegations against him. Is it because some of these people supported and campaigned for Tinubu to emerge President in 2023 that makes them untouchable?”

He acknowledged that the EFCC’s action against Bello is a positive step in the fight against corruption. However, he emphasized the need for the EFCC to show the same level of commitment in addressing allegations against other corrupt individuals.

He added: “For instance, we have seen the recent revelation of the Governor of Abia State, Alex Oti, against the former governor of the State, Okezie Ikpeazu, concerning humongous money paid for the construction of a non-existent airport and other bogus projects by the immediate past administration in Abia state.

The activist, who hails from Bayelsa, asserted that the failure to prosecute former governors and ministers accused of corruption would undermine the credibility of the anti-corruption efforts.

He criticized the EFCC for appearing selective in its prosecutions, targeting only those who may not be in favour with the President.

He pointed out that individuals who support the current administration seem to evade prosecution while those critical of it are pursued. He warned that if the EFCC continues to neglect its duty to investigate allegations against individuals like Nyesom Wike, they will make the petitions public to shed light on their actions while in office and compel the EFCC to take action.

Hence, we urge the EFCC to demonstrate its commitment to combating corruption in Nigeria by actively pursuing all individuals accused of corrupt practices, not just a select few. If the EFCC truly aims to gain the trust of both Nigerians and the international community in the fight against corruption, it must extend its investigations to all relevant parties mentioned. Additionally, we demand swift prosecution of those implicated in corruption allegations to ensure accountability and fairness.

Furthermore, we call upon the EFCC to cease the harassment and intimidation of individuals like Yahaya Bello. Doing so will signal to the public that the EFCC is dedicated to upholding justice and integrity in Nigeria, thereby restoring faith in the anti-corruption efforts of the current administration.

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Timi Frank urges Tinubu to sack Service Chiefs, commends Trump, others over concern for Nigeria’s security situation

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Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to immediately sack the nation’s security chiefs following the unabated killings of Nigerians across the country.

Frank, in a statement in Abuja, in reaction to the fresh killing of soldiers in Borno state by suspected Boko Haram insurgents, expressed deep concern over the rising wave of insecurity, banditry, and kidnappings, describing the situation as a national tragedy that requires urgent executive action.

According to Frank, Nigerians are being killed “like chickens” daily across the North, South, East, and West, a clear indication that the country’s security architecture has collapsed under the current leadership.

“Our soldiers and policemen are dying in large numbers due to poor funding and lack of proper equipment. Despite massive budgetary allocations to the security sector, the funds do not reach the men and women on the front lines, nor are they used to purchase the right equipment needed to combat insecurity,” the statement read.

Frank stated that the continuous killings have attracted international attention and commended U.S. President Donald Trump and Senator Ted Cruz, for their advocacy on behalf of Nigerians, especially their condemnation of the incessant killing of Nigerians in parts of the country.

“We commend President Donald Trump for his concern and moral courage in speaking against the killings of Nigerians. We equally commend Senator Ted Cruz for lending his voice to these injustices. Their actions have helped to break the silence of our political class, especially those in the ruling party,” the statement added.

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP) Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, also urged the United States government, under the leadership of President Trump and other international partners, to intensify pressure on the Nigerian government to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

“This administration cannot continue to negotiate with terrorists while detaining innocent and peaceful Nigerians. We therefore call on the international community, especially the U.S. government, to intervene and pressurise President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu immediately,” he said.

Thumps Up for Trump, Senator Ted Cruz

The statement further commended President Trump for his leadership in facilitating negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza, urging him to “show the same compassion and leadership” by lending his voice to the call for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

He also lauded activist Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), for boldly leading the call for Kanu’s unconditional release from detention.

Nigeria’s Bilateral Relations with U.S.

On Nigeria–U.S. relations, Frank emphasised the importance of preserving the historic friendship between both nations.

“Nigeria has always maintained a cordial relationship with the United States. We will not allow any government or individuals to destroy that friendship. As Nigerians, we remain committed to strengthening our ties with the U.S. in the interest of peace, democracy, and global security,” he said.

Scores Nigerian Senate  Low

He lambasted the Nigerian Senate for criticising Ted Cruz over his comments about killing of innocent Nigerians describing them a as a “disgrace and disappointment.”

“If the Senate and by extension the National Assembly had faithfully and diligently carried out their constitutional mandate of oversight and representation in checkmating executive recklessness like the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and getting the security chiefs to act in protecting the lives and property of Nigerians, Senator Ted Cruz would not have picked on Nigeria as a good example of unwarranted attacks,
killings and intimidation of innocent citizens by deadly gangs.

“Look at how they took their time to respond to Senator Ted Cruz’s comments, while they failed over the years to stand for justice by calling for the release of Nnamdi Kanu or to ensure through their oversight powers that the security chiefs live up to their mandate to protect defenceless Nigerians from horrific attacks and killings,” he said.

END

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Timi Frank condemns killing of Charlie Kirk, condoles with Trump, USA, family

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By Adeko Ukpa, Abuja

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, has strongly condemned the assassination of American conservative activist Charlie Kirk, describing it as a painful and irreparable loss to the global youth movement and the democratic community at large.

In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, Frank said: “Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a big loss to this generation – not just to the United States of America, but to young people all over the world. At only 31, he had already begun to shape political discourse beyond America’s borders.

“Kirk was a rising star, a passionate patriot, and a man whose love for God, country, and humanity was evident in everything he stood for.”

Frank, who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on Governor Spencer Cox of Utah and the United States Government to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.

“It is important that justice is served swiftly and decisively, not only to bring closure to his family and supporters but also to send a strong message that such cowardly acts of violence have no place in any democratic society.

“I commend both the U.S. Government and the Government of the State of Utah for the progress made so far in the investigations and for keeping the public duly informed,” he said.

Frank further described Kirk as a role model whose life embodied the ideals of democracy.

“Charlie Kirk represented the truth that young people are indeed the future of politics and governance. While many may not have agreed with all his political opinions, there is no doubt that he lived for what he believed in – freedom of speech, freedom of association, and the pursuit of democratic ideals. His life and work will remain a source of inspiration to generations of young leaders worldwide,” he added.

Expressing his deepest condolences, Frank said:
“I commiserate with the Kirk family, his followers, and supporters both in the United States and across the world. I also extend my heartfelt condolences to the Government and people of the United States and to President Donald Trump.

“May Charlie Kirk’s gentle soul rest in perfect peace with our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.”
He concluded with a call for unity and reflection: “Let Charlie Kirk’s life remind us all that no matter our political differences, violence and the taking of human life remain cowardly acts that run contrary to the ideals of democracy and humanity.

“May his teachings and his example continue to inspire a world where dialogue, freedom, and respect for differing opinions thrive.”

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Timi Frank to Tinubu: Call Oyetola, APC thugs in Osun to order

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From Adeko Ukpa

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Monday, appealed to President Bola Tinubu to call the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, ex-Governor Gboyega Oyetola and his APC thugs to order in Osun State.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, said the call has become necessary to restore peace in Osun state following clashes between APC and PDP faithful in the state over control of local government areas in which many lives have reportedly been lost.

Violence erupted on Monday  in Osun State as the battle for the control of the local government secretariats between the PDP and the APC turned bloody.

A Court of Appeal judgment was interpreted differently by the APC and the PDP.

Adeleke and Oyetola, who is the  Minister of Marine and Blue Economy have strongly disagreed over the alleged reinstatement verdict of the Court of Appeal.

Governor Adeleke had insisted that the sacked council chairmen cannot return to office, citing security reasons.

However, Oyetola said the Appeal Court judgment would be implemented through the instruments of law.

He added that the council executives should resume yesterday.

Frank said: “Intelligence at our disposal has revealed that the present strategy and plan by Oyetola is to make the state ungovernable for Governor Ademola Adeleke, so they can hide under the guise of crisis in the state to declare a state of emergency in Osun State.

He lamented that following the crises orchestrated by Oyetola and his APC thugs, the National Secretary of the APC, Dr Ajibola Basiru, who is from Osun State, had on live television on Monday evening urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency in the state to curtail further violence.

He quoted Basiru to have said that: “I will suggest that perhaps it will be necessary for the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency. It has gotten to that stage where hapless people coming from farms are attacked by uncontrollable PDP thugs.”

Frank said: “Their major target is to declare a state of emergency because they know that if the elections are allowed to hold today, Governor Adeleke will still win.

“So they want to abort his second term through crisis and violence to pave the way for the declaration of a state of emergency.

“The President is hereby called upon to break his silence in spite of the fact that Osun is his State of Origin and home town but the state is being ruled by the PDP and Governor Adedeké is the people’s choice.

“Therefore, we are using this medium to let him know that if the present crisis is allowed to degenerate beyond what has already happened, both Oyetola and himself, as the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria would be held responsible.

“Presently, Oyetola is using Federal Might to engineer evil and anarchy in Osun State and this nonsense must stop with all urgency.”

Frank who is the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, called on all well-meaning Nigerians to speak up to save the nation’s democracy “because what is happening in Osun state is sheer impunity, dictatorship and arrogance on the part of the APC that is trying to capture every part of the country at all cost – not through the ballot but through impunity and criminality.

“We call on the people of Osun to stand strongly with Governor Adeleke in the face of this aggression being fueled by Oyetola and the APC.

“They must not be intimidated but resist the rascality of federal might that the ex-Governor and his party are using the way they have always done.

“Come to think of it, Oyetola was governor for four years without any developmental projects to show for it but Adeleke has been there in the last two years and has done so much which has profoundly impacted the lives of the people.

“Despite the intimidation we encourage the people of Osun State to stand firm in support for Adeleke, to prevent any form of distraction in rendering good governance in the state as part of his electioneering promises.

“They must equally rise up against every plot to declare a state of emergency in the state courtesy of Oyetola and APC through which they intend to destabilize the Adeleke’s administration take over the state by all means because they know that Oyetola or any other APC candidate cannot win an election in the state to unseat Adeleke.

“So, that’s why Oyetola and APC are very desperate to take the state by force because they believe that that is the President’s home town.”

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