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Why The Witch-Hunt? By Fatima Oiza Muhammed

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Why The Witch-hunt? By Fatima Oiza Muhammed
As a Kogite from the Central Senatorial District of Kogi State (The Same Senatorial district Yahaya Bello is from), I can’t sit and watch misinformation been spread everywhere as it relates to the current faceoff between the EFCC and Yahaya Bello.
I have read lots of articles and watched many interviews where people were alleging that the EFCC is witch-hunting Yahaya Bello and that the EFCC Chairman is been used by some persons in the presidency to fight Yahaya Bello..
As a kogite and a sister to Yahaya Bello who knows almost everything about this case, I have to let the world know the truth..
First of all, I would love to state that I love my brother Yahaya Bello.. I also love my people from the Central Senatorial district more than anyone else from any other senatorial district or state..
I am unapologetic about this.. However, no matter how much we love each other where I come from, there are certain acts that we all condemn and forbid.. Real Ebira Men or Women are not thieves.. We detest stealing so much that even if the thief is my twin brother, I will not hesitate to call him out and report him to the society.
We are courageous and truthful people. If an Ebira man or woman is falsely accused of stealing, they will courageously come out to clear their names because if they do not, the stealing tag will be attached to their loved ones and their generations yet unborn..
What Yahaya Adoza Bello is doing right now offends the core values of the true Ebira culture.. Guilty or not, Yahaya Bello is expected to courageously answer the allegations against him.. No matter who wants to “persecute” him, as a former Governor and a member of the Ruling party, if he is innocent, he will walk free except of course he is not.
Yahaya Bello has become a national issue; people all over the country are now tagging we the Ebira’s as cowards who only know how to talk without actions.. I used to believe so much in the capacity of Yahaya Bello.
I never knew that a time will come where Yahaya Bello will be afraid of *Natasha Akpoti*!
I listened to the EFCC Chairman’s speech with so much tears in my eyes.. The EFCC Chairman went against the code by personally calling Yahaya Bello to offer him a safe cover to answer the allegations against him.
This case began long before the current EFCC Chairman came on board.. *How will any reasonable person tag this a witch-hunt??*
The EFCC Chairman’s video brought me to tears..
I want to at this point pray for the EFCC Chairman; for honoring us the Ebira’s and Kogites generally by offering Yahaya a safe cover to answer the allegations, You will live long.. Your enemies will never succeed… You will grow from strength to strength.. You are uplifted.. No harm will come near you or Your loved ones..
In addition to this, I also want to thank the EFCC chairman for exercising the greatest restraints at Yahaya’s house.
Mr Chairman, your actions so far have shown that you are a well bred lawyer and a true man of God.. I saw the pain in your eyes when you were talking about the money stolen from a poor state like Kogi State.. You almost cried that day.. Trust me, the pain we feel as Ebiras is much more than what you feel Mr Chairman.. By running away, it means that Yahaya is guilty of all the charges against him and more.. I know what N80billion naira can do for kogi state at this point in time.. To think that just one person diverted this huge amount of money for his personal use is sickening.
It pains me seeing my brothers and sisters going online to defend Yahaya Bello..
They are further confirming to the whole country that we the Ebiras are thieves and we celebrate the biggest thieves among us.. Those not from kogi who are taking money from Yahaya to defend this humongous theft, may God forgive you… I pray you all experience the same in your various states since you are fully in support.
The money Yahaya Bello is alleged to have stolen is not the money for just the Igalas. It is not money for just the Okuns. What he stole belongs to all kogites.. The ebiras inclusive.
We are now celebrating someone stealing from us just because he is not coming to our various houses with guns and other dangerous weapons to forcefully take these monies from us.. Those who steal with guns and weapons will never be able to steal 80 billion naira in their lifetime..
Besides been an Ebira lady, another thing that triggered me into writing this post is when I had a discussion with one of my brothers from Ebira land who is a local government worker.. because of the percentage salaries currently being paid since the past 8yrs to Local government staff in Kogi State, he had to withdraw his children from school.. Today, his children are hawking all over Okene.. The little female ones have become vulnerable to pedophiles roaming around.. Hearing this same man supporting Yahaya Bello just because he is Ebira totally broke me.. I had to tell him how Yahaya was alleged to have taken $700,000 + from the state and used it to pay the school fees of his children in advance until they graduate from the school.. That school is one of the most expensive schools in Nigeria.. I told him how Yahaya even paid in advance for one of his children who is yet to start going to school.. I asked him the personal or collective benefit himself or his community have gotten from Yahaya Bello since he became governor, he was unable to mention anything. I asked him if Okene water is working? For 8yrs that his hero Yahaya was Governor?
What about water for Eika, Ihima, Ogaminana, Ogori, Okengwe, Obangede, Eganyi etc?
I asked him if St Andrew primary school in Okene and many of its types in Okehi, Adavi, Ogori-Magongo and Ajaokuta got any attention during his 8yrs?
I asked if Yahaya increased his salary when he came in simply because he is an Ebira man?.. At this point, he was already in tears.. He wept uncontrollably.. Like I told you earlier, he was being paid percentage salary.. I asked him if in addition to all these things, he can in good conscience support a known thief who has stolen directly from him, he said NO. As I was about asking more questions, he stopped me and started raining curses on Yahaya Bello and cohorts.. Wow, how was it that he had to wait for me to remind him of his reality?? I asked what he wanted in life and for his kids.. He told me he just wanted to give them a good life and ensure that they are properly educated so that they can stand shoulder to shoulder with their peers in the future.
I asked if he would be able to do that with the percentage salary he is currently receiving?
At this point, he went mute.. I do not want this write up to become too long and boring but a *honest* Ebira man or woman knows exactly how painful this matter is to us..
On this note, I, on behalf of the majority of *genuine/honest* *Ebira’s and genuine Kogites pledge our unwavering and total support to the EFCC Chairman Barrister, Ola Olukayode and Mr President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu for their fight against corruption..*
Some people are mentioning names of persons who should also be invited by the EFCC as the excuse for supporting Bello’s cowardice.. It’s such a pity.. Hadi Sirika was recently just arrested on an allegation of stealing 8 billion Naira.. He was arrested and he is now in the process of clearing himself. Nobody from his state organized any protest against the EFCC.. They didn’t start doing interviews claiming that Sirika is being Witch-hunted. The governor of his state did not come to disrupt his lawful arrest by the EFCC.
Hadi Sirika is also a leader in the Ruling party; APC.. This is because his people will not be seen to celebrate thieves.. Yahaya on the other who is wanted over a whooping sum of 80 billion naira + is alleging witch-hunt; therefore, he will not surrender himself to be properly investigated and possibly prosecuted as if he is above the law?
My dearest EFCC Chairman, Kogites are solidly behind you!!!!! You will succeed.. You are uplifted.. Thank you for putting the good people of Kogi First.. We will not sit to applaud one man who is alleged to have stolen a huge chunk of our commonwealth just because we speak the same tribe… All those stolen monies are for himself, his immediate family, and his presidential ambition come 2027.. Kogites are supposed to suffer while one man wastes our commonwealth on a fruitless endeavor??? *GODFORBID* I am an example of what an Ebira lady with good character should be. I am courageous, I fear no one as long as I am on the side of the truth.. No hired thug or assassin can threaten me for speaking out..
In conclusion, I will never stop reminding the EFCC Chairman that all exceptionally good manner kogites are solidly behind him. We beg him to do all within his legal power and to also ask Mr President for the support of other relevant agencies so that Yahaya Adoza Bello our runaway ex-governor can be brought to justice so that this current embarrassment hovering all over Ebiraland and its good people can cleared off.
A statute of the EFCC chairman will be erected in Lokoja and we will never forget him if he helps us get justice and helps return the stolen funds to kogi state so that Kogites can benefit from their commonwealth instead of one man sitting on it.
At this point, I appeal to those alleging witch-hunt and and those taking money to speak in favor of Yahaya to desist from doing that.. If they don’t heed to this timely and humble appeal, my prayer for them is that their offsprings and loved ones will also suffer from theft whenever anything good comes to their way.. Their generations unborn will work and behave like Yahaya Bello and they will never live a happy life..
*STOP WITCH-HUNTING THE EFCC CHAIRMAN*
Hon Fatima Oiza Muhammed
National Secretary,
Kogi Youth frontier for good governance

TalkJudith
Source: GateKeeperNews

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Nigeria Customs Set to Introduce Automated Transire Process, Sensitises Officers, Stakeholders

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4 hours ago

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March 15, 2025

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The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) is set to introduce an Automated Transire Process (ATP), a system designed to enhance trade efficiency, minimise delays, and curb cargo diversion.

Speaking at a sensitisation session at Apapa Area Command on Thursday, 10 March 2025, the Comptroller-General of Customs (CGC), Adewale Adeniyi, represented by the Zonal Coordinator, Zone A, Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs (ACG) Charles Orbih, described the initiative as a transformative development for the NCS.

He stated, “This is not merely a technological upgrade; it represents a strategic shift aimed at positioning the Nigeria Customs Service and the nation at the forefront of global trade efficiency, security, and transparency.”

He further explained that the Automated Transire Process, developed in-house by NCS ICT officers, is expected to significantly reduce customs clearance times, enhance tracking capabilities, and improve accountability.

ACG Orbih emphasised that real-time tracking and data transparency would mitigate the risks associated with cargo diversion while boosting stakeholders’ confidence in the system.

He added that faster access to goods at ports and terminals would benefit importers, exporters, and all players in the logistics chain.

Reflecting on the initiative’s origins, the Zonal Coordinator recalled that the automation project stemmed from a directive issued during last year’s CGC conference, where the ICT/Modernisation Department was tasked with automating the transfer process by the first quarter of 2025. This milestone has now been achieved.

The Deputy Comptroller-General in charge of ICT/Modernisation, DCG Kikelomo Adeola, represented by ACG Zanna Gaji, further outlined the project’s benefits.

He remarked, “This system will enhance efficiency and transparency, improve revenue collection, and minimise opportunities for corruption by ensuring a fair and predictable process.”

He noted that the automation would strengthen Nigeria’s position in global trade and promote international best practices.

ACG Gaji stressed that the rollout would be gradual, beginning with a user acceptance test and a pilot phase at one of the bonded terminals.

“We cannot introduce the system immediately. It is essential to engage stakeholders, conduct hands-on testing, and refine the system based on feedback,” he stated.

During the feedback session, Area Controllers within the Apapa environs underscored the importance of incorporating all relevant units and addressing the absence of a watchlist feature.

Stakeholders also sought clarification on the official launch date and requested adjustments to align the system more effectively with operational requirements.

In response, Assistant Comptroller of Customs Usman Abba, the team leader of the ATP development project, assured attendees that the system would be fully integrated with all relevant units, departments, and commands before full implementation.

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Senator Natasha’s action blocking chances of women in leadership – Igbo group warns

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2 days ago

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March 13, 2025

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Igbo United Professionals (IUP) has warned that the actions of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is capable of blocking the chances of women to be supported, recommended or elected into positions of authority.

The group made the statement in a press release signed by its President, Chief Emmanuel Ikechukwu-Jonathan and issued to newsmen in Enugu.

The IUP said that Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is trying to institute a precedent of weaponizing the female gender against their men counterparts.

According to the statement, “Natasha’s action of going about lying, that she was suspended because she alleged that the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, sexually harassed her, is capable of undermining the full actualization of the 35 percent affirmative action that has started gaining attention.

“Her petition for sexual harassment was rightfully discountenanced because it failed to meet the clear and established procedural requirements for submitting petitions to the Senate.

“The rules of the Senate apply to all members without exception and no petition-regardless of its subject-can be considered if it does not follow due process.

“Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan is not only chasing shadows, but destroying the commendable efforts of female leaders working tirelessly to build public trust on the side of women, to place them as dependable partners.”

The IUP reminded Nigerians and the international community that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six months suspension was because of her flagrant violation of the rules of the Senate due to the reallocation of her seat by the leadership of the Senate.

The group said, “We have facts of the reasons for her suspension. Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan was suspended solely for her persistent acts of misconduct, blatant disregard for the provisions of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended) and gross indiscipline- nothing more, nothing less.

“The suspension was decision of the Committee of the whole Senate, following the submission of a report by the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges. The report found her guilty of violating Sections 6.1 and 6.2 of the Senate Rules and recommended her immediate suspension.

“The disciplinary action was a response to Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s repeated violations of legislative decorum, including:

“Refusing to sit in her assigned seat during plenary on 25th February 2025, despite multiple pleas from the Minority Leader and other ranking Senators-an act of open defiance and disorderly conduct.

“Speaking without being recognized by the presiding officer, in clear violation of parliamentary practices and procedures on 25th February 2025.

“Engaging in unruly and disruptive behavior, obstructing the orderly conduct of Senate proceedings.

“Making abusive and disrespectful remarks against the leadership of the Senate.

“Defying and refusing to comply with the summons of the Senate Committee on Ethics and Privileges mandated to investigate cases of misconduct,”

The IUP said that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s actions no doubt, represented a direct challenge to the Authority of the Senate, and a violation of the Senate Standing Orders 2023 (As Amended), that govern the business of the Senate and the conduct of its members.

IUP added that the disciplinary measure was, therefore, necessary and justified to restore order and uphold the integrity of the Senate as the country’s foremost democratic institution.

The IUP maintained that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan should do well to provide evidences of her sexual harassment by the Senate President, if there’s any, and prove before the court of Law, instead of going about blackmailing the sanctity of Nigeria’s Senate.

The group urged women leaders and bodies to rise up and condemn actions capable of placing women in contrast position with their male counterparts, adding that such would build distrust and fear of supporting women to occupy sensitive positions.

While noting that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan seemed not to be acquainted with the Senate rules and regulations, the IUP urged her to do well to study the Senate rules during her six-month suspension and equally subject herself to trainings on better ways of handling and managing leadership positions.

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Some of you that are complaining that Governor Soludo is doing too much might not have been born in 1984 when President Buhari Introduced WAR AGAINST INDISCIPLINE (WAI) In Nigeria

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6 days ago

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March 10, 2025

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Some are arguing that Governor Soludo shouldn’t have any business with how people decide to observe their religion… That nobody is a kid.

Let me Take you back to History, A Young President Buhari woke up one morning in 1984 and felt like Nigerians are too undisciplined and decided to discipline everybody, if you think I’m lying, ask your parents.

That year, Almost everything you want to do in public places, you must stand in a queue. If People want to enter a bus ,oya attention!.. your hands on your neighbours’ shoulders, if plenty of people want to buy something from a particular Shop,Oya !.. In a straight line!..
Markets,bus stops and public places were not Rowdy, Everybody’s senses returned from their holidays.

Don’t you think we may be needing such exercises in Today’s main markets.?

If you feel like you are too stubborn to obey, Trust the military government na. Your body go tell you .

So Fear Government. Government is the God we see, some even argue that GOD simply means Government of the day.
The government is so powerful that they can wake up one morning and make a declaration that every man should be having gtiufjiidegjkgf once every week,…imana church Agbasago!!

Have you forgotten how Tinubu woke up one day and asked everyone to go and learn our old national anthem.. some people thought it was a joke.

That is why the Christian Holy book Prescribes you pray for those in authority so that they will not wake up one morning and declare that your family compound is now a motor park, you will think it’s a joke until you go there the next day and conductors are there shouting “Agulu!!.. Nanka!! .. Ekwulobia!!

Written by Admin Nkwelle.

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