Sahara Reporters Latest News Today Friday 24th September 2021
Sahara Reporters Latest News Today and headlines on some of the happenings and news trend in the Country, today 24/09/21
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All Progressives Congress Chieftain, Shinkafi Solicits Prayer From Detention Of Anti-graft Agency, EFCC
There was mild drama at the Sokoto State office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission after a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Sani Shinkafi, otherwise known as Wamban Shinkafi, cried out for prayers from the people of Zamfara State, saying there are politicians planning to bring him down.
The sixth prosecution witness (PW6), who is the victim in the alleged fraud involving Shinkafi, Alhaji Sani Bello, had on Thursday, September 23, 2020, continued his testimony before the investigative team at the Sokoto office of the EFCC, revealing how Shinkafi defrauded him and two others.
Another source confirmed to SaharaReporters that, Sani Shinkafi knelt and begged Alhaji Bello to alter his statement with the EFCC on how he defrauded him.
Shinkafi is facing investigation by the commission on how he defrauded over 60 people to the tune of N1billion.
A source in the EFCC confirmed the arrest of Sani Shinkafi after receiving a petition against him. “We are under investigation and any moment from now, we do the needful,” the source said.
Other sources, who were at the EFCC office said, Sani Shinkafi cried out and asked them to pray for him, alleging that some politicians were behind his down fall.
“Shinkafi was an APC chieftain in Zamfara State who recently returned to the party because of his so many fraud cases. He was a governorship candidate of the All Progressives Grand Alliance in Zamfara,” a top source told SaharaReporters.
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TakeItBack Movement Condemns Delay Tactics In Trial Of #EndSARS Protesters Detained For 10 Months
The Oyo State chapter of the TakeItBack Movement says about 11 #EndSARS protesters are currently languishing at a correctional centre in the state.
The group in a statement by its Coordinator said the 11 persons had been in detention since last November, 10 months ago.
It frowned at what it described as long and delay tactics allegedly being played out in the trial of suspects.
The statement read, “The entire members of TakeItBack movement in Oyo State frown at the long and delay tactics playing out in the trial of #FreeOyo11. These persons have been in detention since November 2020 in which they were tortured for 13 days at Dugbe former SARS office before they were dumped at Abolongo medium prison, Oyo.
“They were first charged before a Magistrate Court and later, they were transferred to the state High Court.
“#FreeOyo11 was charged on 3rd of February 2021, with file number I/36C/21 before Justice Moshood Abass of Court 2. They have spent over 10 months at the prison with no good adequate provision by the state government. #FreeOyo11 was languishing in prison for crimes unknown to them, while those people that ought to be prosecuted are walking freely in the society.
“Protest is every citizen’s right, and no one can infringe on #FreeOyo11 right to free and fair hearing as citizens of Nigeria. We hereby call the attention of people to the delay tactics being played out in the trial of #FreeOyo11.
“We appeal to the Justice Moshood Abass to serve justice and grant these innocent youths free and fair hearing and use all power within his reach to serve #FreeOyo11 justice before he will resume at his new promoted office in which he is expected to resume by October 5, 2021.
“Our demands; #FreeOyo11 trial should not exceed this month September to avoid reassign of the trial to another justice in which is the reason why the prosecuting team are using delay tactics so that the innocent will continue to suffer in prison for a crime not committed.
“That the prosecuting team should let the law take its full course for free and fair trial to take place. The court should prosecute the last “police” witness for unprofessional and threat of lives of the suspects which take place on September 23, 2021, in the court vicinity during which he said, “If I had known that this is how it will be, we would have wasted you people” as reported by witnesses.”
A source had in June told SaharaReporters that the Oyo State Government was aware about the trial, but the government insisted that the prosecution was being undertaken by the Federal government.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore has also been drawing public attention to the case.
“There’re 11 #EndSARS protesters imprisoned at the Federal prison in Oyo, these youngsters have languished in prison for about 9 months without reprieve, they were not even produced in court today,” one of Sowore’s tweets read.
“We’ve alerted you to this but your people claim it feds (federal government) prosecuting. Your AGF should take over and discontinue the trial. We can’t wait for these injustices to go on. Let our people go FreeOyo11 Now.”
SaharaReporters had reported how a lady, Adesina Adekemi, urged Nigerians to help her get back her brother, Adesina Ayobami Ademuyiwa, who was taken away by the Nigeria police ten months ago for participating in the #EndSARS protest.
The lady took to her Facebook page to seek a loan of N300,000 for her brother’s bail, noting that a lawyer said his bail had been set at N300,000.
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E2%80%99s-son-death-%E2%80%93 How Fani-Kayode Said Unforgivable Things Against Buhari, Wished President’s Son Death – Femi Adesina
Femi Adesina
The presidency has said that a former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, said unforgivable and unpardonable things against President Buhammadu Buhari prior to his (Fani-Kayode) recent defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
In a statement by President Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, the presidency said Fani-Kayode had, however, received mercy and forgiveness from the Nigerian leader.
Femi Adesina
Fani-Kayode, who was widely criticised over his defection to APC, was however received last week into the party by President Buhari.
However, in the statement, Femi Adesina claimed that his principal demonstrated the attribute of God by forgiving Fani-Kayode all his previous attacks.
The statement reads in part, “Between last week and now, vitriol poured by FFK on anybody with the slightest affinity to APC has been dug up serially.
“He has said things straight from the gutters, things that the natural man would call unforgivable and unpardonable.
“Against President Buhari, the first family, Yusuf Buhari whom he wished had died when the latter had an almost fatal bike accident, APC as a party, the government, leaders of the party, groups and individuals. Even this writer has suffered horrid descriptions from FFK in many write-ups.
“Buhari showed him mercy, dropping like gentle rain from heaven, when he could have otherwise spat into the sky, collecting the spittle with his own face. Was that not what me (sic) and you would have done? Confess.
“We would have told FFK to go to hell, and stay there. But Buhari didn’t. He displayed an attribute of God: forgiveness.”
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Legendary Singer, King Sunny Ade Announces Burial Plans For Late Wife
Nigeria’s legendary musician, Sunday Adegeye, more commonly called King Sunny Ade, has announced burial plans for his late wife, Risikat Adejoke.
Risikat, a former member of Lagos State House of Assembly, Amuwo Odofin constituency 1 and former commissioner, died on Thursday, September 21.
Speaking at a media briefing in Lagos on Thursday, King Sunny Ade told journalists that the deceased would be laid to rest next Wednesday, September 29, 2021, after lying her in state.
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BREAKING: Wife Of Nigeria’s Legendary Singer, King Sunny Ade Dies
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Describing the deceased as his ‘angel’ KSA said, “I thank God for everything because he knows more than everyone of us. Risi’s death was a big loss for me and my family. It is indeed a trying time. She was more than a wife to me. She was an angel and I always called her my baby. She was a wife and mother that every good man and child must have.
”With a heavy heart, we announce that she would be buried on Wednesday, September 29 after lying in state. She will be buried at Ebony funeral homes in Lagos.
“I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support from everyone since I lost my wife. I appreciate everyone.”
A son to the deceased, George Folarin Adegeye, told reporters that he was still in shock following his mother’s death.
According to him, the burial was planned early based on the instruction Risikat gave before her demise.
He said, “It is a painful experience. I’m yet to believe my mother is no more. We will bury her on September 29 while the celebration of life would take place on December 19.
“We cannot embalm her till December because she gave an instruction that whenever she goes home she should not be embalmed, and that is why we have to bury her as soon as we would.”
He added that the planned commissioning of his mega lounge and clubhouse, the Royal Majesty Place, at Magodo, Lagos, which was earlier billed to hold on October 1, had been postponed indefinitely.
“This magnificent edifice you are seeing here would have been commissioned amid fanfare on October 1 but this unfortunate incident has led to its indefinite postponement. Business is no longer my priority at the moment. My sole concern right now is to give my mummy a befitting burial,” he added.
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E2%80%99s-fourth-wife-chikwendu-sues-discredited-minister-police-inspector-general Fani-Kayode’s Fourth Wife, Chikwendu Sues Discredited Minister, Police Inspector General, Demands N800million
Precious Chikwendu, the estranged wife of the infamous former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has approached the Federal High Court in Abuja to secure a restraining order against him.
Chikwendu, in a suit filed through her team of lawyers led by Abdul-Aziz Jimoh, also cited the Inspector-General of Police, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Force CID, Commissioner of Police FCT, and the OC Legal (CID) FCT Command, CSP James Idachaba, as respondents in the matter.
In the suit, the woman prayed the court to restrain her former husband from using the other respondents to intimidate or harass her in any form whatsoever, pending the hearing and determination of an earlier suit marked No CV/372/2021, which she filed to take custody of four children she had for the former Minister.
Aside from seeking the enforcement of her fundamental rights, the applicant equally prayed the court to award her the sum of N800million, to be paid by the Respondents, jointly and severally.
“That I was in a most tempestuous and violent relationship with the 5th respondent (Fani-Kayode), a qualified legal practitioner, a politician and a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” the court document read.
“The 5th respondent and I have four (4) children together and I am forcefully separated from our children who are all minors.
“Consequent upon the unbridled violence perpetrated against me by the 5th respondent and the forceful separation from our children, I filled a suit in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja with suit no CV/372/2021.
“Rather than allow the contending matters placed before the FCT High Court to be determined by the Honorable Court, the 5th respondent has persisted in using the police officers under the control of the 1st respondent( IGP) and supervised by the 2nd respondent (Commissioner of Police FCT) incessantly to intimidate and harass me with a view to interfering in the adjudicatory powers of a competent court of justice.
“That the 5th respondent, in cahoots with his counsel, being legal practitioners and officers of the court contrived a purported petition against me alleging forgery and falsification of court records in relation to the matter pending before the FCT High Court.”
Precious stated that she is fearful of her life, alleging that the 5th Respondent had been bragging that he could do anything to her and nothing would happen, adding
She told the court that in spite of several petitions she wrote to the 1st Respondent (IGP) alleging threats to her life by the 5th Respondent, he refused to act on the petitions.
Fani-Kayode and Precious have continued to make the headlines since their marriage of seven years collapsed last year with the pair currently in a heated tussle for the custody of their four children.
The former beauty queen had accused the All Progressives Congress chieftain of having mental health challenges.
She claimed that Fani-Kayode was abusive to her during her pregnancy due to his mental health challenges.
Precious also alleged that the former minister called the triplets in her womb cockroaches while punching her stomach.
Fani-Kayode had, however, fired back in a statement. He had also dismissed the allegations and described his former wife as “a pathological liar and a slanderer.”
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ANALYSIS: Revelations On Forged Electronic Mail Allegations Against Civic Society, HEDA By Embattled Ex-Attorney General, Adoke
Mohammed Bello Adoke
The Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) is currently suing JP Morgan Chase in the English High Court for damages relating to the bank’s handling of funds arising from Shell and Eni’s allegedly corrupt acquisition of the OPL 245 oil field in Nigeria (case number: CL-2017-000730).
In Paragraph 54D of the FRN’s Re-Re-Amended Particulars of Claim, the FRN states that, on 21 July 2011, Mohammed Adoke, who was Attorney General of Federation at the time of the deal, corresponded with JP Morgan from the email address “agroupproperties@yahoo.com”. At paragraph 46D of JPMC’s Re-Re-Amended Defence, JPMC admits to the existence and content of the email. As the FRN points out at paragraph 54E of its Re-Re-Amended claim, A Group is a group of Nigerian companies controlled by Mr. Abubakar Aliyu.
Mohammed Bello Adoke
A company named, A Group Construction, and another called Novel Properties and Development Company Ltd subsequently became vehicles through which some of the OPL 245 funds transferred by JP Morgan to a company named Malabu Oil & Gas were disbursed.
The email forms part of a chain of correspondence between JPMC and officials of the administration of former President Jonathan. Ultimately, this correspondence led to JPMC transferring a whopping $801 million to Malabu Oil & Gas – money that should have gone to the Federation Account.
The FRN’s Re-Re-Amended Particulars of Claim sets out the trail of emails and correspondences with the bank that led to this loss. This chronology, together with the FRN’s commentary, was also presented.
The email from a “Mohammed Bello Adoke” is highlighted in red.
As will be seen, it formed part of a series of emails aimed at persuading JP Morgan to transfer funds arising from the OPL 245 transaction to Malabu Oil & Gas. In court proceedings in the UK, the FRN has described the OPL 245 transaction as “corrupt” and “a conspiracy to injure Nigeria by unlawful means by depriving the FRN of monies for the grant of OPL245 to which it was lawfully and exclusively entitled.”
The banks reported that on 21st June 2011 “Bayo Osolake (as a representative of the Defendant) received an email sent by Attorney General Adoke from the email address ‘agroupproperties@yahoo.com’, attaching copies of each of the Resolution Agreements”.
The presentation of the email to the Milan Tribunal received wide publicity, both internationally and in Nigeria.
In response, Mohammed Adoke’s lawyer, Kanu Agabi, SAN wrote a petition to the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, dated 5 February 2021 stating: “The individuals who initiated the petition, investigations and the criminal trial at the court of Milan have engaged in acts of forgery of the email document dated 21 June 2011…”
Agabi’s letter was officially received by the IGP on 10 February 2021. The letter was published in online newspapers in Nigeria. The petition also states “the persons or organisations behind these forgeries are the ones that authored the petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), demanding the investigation of the OPL 245 Resolution Agreement”.
Adoke’s lawyers did not name names. However, Global Witness, The Corner House and Re:Common were the signatories to the complaint that led to the investigation and subsequent prosecution in Milan.
The Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre had also submitted a petition to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that led to the current prosecution of Adoke, Etete and Aliyu in Nigeria.
Civil Society’s response to the Forgery Allegations
On 1 March 2021, Corner House, Re:Common and HEDA wrote to the IGP, categorically denying Mr Adoke’s assertions that they forged the email. The letter was copied to the Milan Public Prosecutor’s Office and the UK Home Office, either of which would have been able to demonstrate the veracity, according to the group, of the following facts:
1. The email first came to light in late 2020 as part of civil proceedings by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against JP Morgan Chase JPMC in the High Court in London, where it was disclosed by JPMC and cited by the FRN in support of its claim.
1. The Milan Prosecutor obtained the email through a Mutual Legal Assistance request to the UK Government.
2. The email, which was sent from an email account associated with A Group Properties, was received by an employee of JPMC, who had previous correspondence with Mr. Adoke, on 21 June 2011.
The groups claimed that at the time of the email, none of the groups knew of the existence of A Group Properties, nor of the OPL 245 Resolution Agreements that were attached to the email. At the time, these Agreements were secret and would only have been accessible to parties to the deal, their associates and government officials. The existence of the Resolution Agreements did not come into the public domain until late 2011, months after the email was sent. This alone suggests that the email was sent or initiated by someone with official access to the documents.
3. The original email as received by JPMC will have properties and electronic information that would enable the identification of the IP address from which it was sent.
In the same letter, it was stated:
“We recognise that the email would certainly appear damaging to Mr Adoke. It is therefore understandable that he should try to discredit it. However, the notion that a document furnished by the UK in response to an MLA is a forgery is both entirely fanciful and highly damaging to the reputation of trusted parties to the MLA process. It was obtained through a government-to-government request from Italy to the United Kingdom.
“The documentation is now part of the public record and it is clear from the correspondence that the email was obtained from JP Morgan by the UK Serious Fraud Office and transmitted directly to the Milan Prosecutor. None of our organisations or officials was involved at any stage in the chain of custody.
“The email would certainly appear damaging to Mr Adoke, who is charged in Nigeria with a number of offences arising from the OPL 245 deal. Specifically, the email points to an association between Mohammed Bello Adoke and the Abubakar’s company that subsequently arranged the purchase of a house for Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke, SAN.
“Mr. Adoke failed to challenge this alleged forged document when it was submitted by the Milan Prosecutor to the Milan Court during prosecution of Mr. Etete and other defendants or at the UK court where it was tendered by JP Morgan. We believe that Mr. Adoke’s complaint to you is a deliberate attempt to pervert the course of justice and would request that you investigate.
“We would draw your attention to the fact that Mr. Adoke, was repatriated from the United Arab Emirate by the Nigerian Government ( ; and that Messrs Adoke and Abubakar are facing trials in three different cases arising from the investigation of the OPL 245 case (FHC/ABJ/CR/39/2017, FHC/ABJ/CR/268/2016, CR/124/17).
“In addition, the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) has recovered $78million related to the OPL 245 deal from the UK – money that was recovered as stolen assets: the FRN is also a civil party to the Milan trial. Depending on the outcome of that trial, the Nigerian State stands to benefit potentially from substantial further compensation.”
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E2%80%99s-grand-protest-self-determination UN Assembly: Buhari Government Cannot Stop Friday’s Grand Protest, Self-Determination Groups Vow
Self-determination groups in Nigeria, Yoruba Nation and Biafra agitators, have insisted that the Nigerian Government cannot halt their protest at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on Friday (tomorrow).
The Chairman of Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-Determination, Prof Banji Akintoye, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, alleging the President Muhammadu Buhari’s government of sponsoring a counter-protest.
The indigenous people of the South and Middle-Belt of Nigeria under the aegis of Nigerian Indigenous Nationalities Alliance for Self-determination (NINAS) had staged what it tagged, “Million-Man Freedom March” on September 14 and 15 opposite the UN Headquarters in New York to protest “crimes against humanity, attacks on press freedom, free speech and other criminalities” being aided by the Buhari led government of Nigeria.
NINAS is also asking for the conduct of a regional referendum so that the indigenous people can decide on their nationhood.
The group also described the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria as a fraud against the people of South and Middle-Belt, saying “it was enacted without the consent of the people.”
“The Grand Finale of the NINAS Million-Man Freedom March holds on 24th September, 2021, the day President Muhammad Buhari will be addressing the 76th Session of the United Nations General Assembly,” the agitators insisted.
Akintoye, in a statement made available to journalists through the NINAS Director of Public Communications, Mr. Maxwell Adeleye, said no matter how the Nigerian Government tried to scuttle the NINAS Grand March, the will of the people shall prevail.
He said, “We refuse to be rattled. We shall not be intimidated. No Oppressor has ever triumphed against the collective will of the people. The people are the government and power belongs to the people. The people make the Constitution. The sovereignty belongs to the people. Our own strength lies in the hands of the people. Therefore, our March shall be people’s centered. It shall be peaceful as usual.
“All the people of the South and Middle-Belt in United States and Canada are urged to troop out in their large number to be present on Friday 24th September 2021 opposite the United Nations Headquarters in New York as we demonstrate and expose before the world, the rape of our ancestral land and hijack of our assets and sovereignty by the Fulani-Controlled Nigerian Government.
“I salute the Nigerian Mainstream media and International Media that have been covering the March to remain resolute and stand by the truth.”
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Nigerian Army Reacts To Video Of Female Soldier Dehumanising Corps Member In Cross River
The Nigerian Army has reacted to a trending video of a female commissioned officer, Lieutenant Chika Viola Anele, punishing a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, in Cross River State after an alleged argument between the duo.
A Nigerian journalist and human rights activist, Agba Jalingo, had shared a video on his Facebook page showing the officer pouring an unknown white substance on the kneeling corps member after which she hit her with a bowl.
“#JusticeForIfenyinwa. This is what a commissioned female Army officer, Lt. Chika Viola Anele, did to a youth corps member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, serving at the 13 Brigade headquarters in Calabar after having an argument,” Jalingo had posted.
“We understand that the leadership in 13 Brigade are working to kill the matter. Let us make the officer very popular for all the wrong reasons. Share the video until it gets to the Chief of Army Staff and that Chika girl is brought to book.”
#JusticeForIfenyinwa: Commissioned Female @HQNigerianArmy Officer, Lt. Chika Viola Anele Dehumanises Youth Corp Member, Ezeiruaku Ifeyinwa Fidelia, Serving At 13 Brigade Headquarters In Calabar After An ArgumentFULL VIDEO: pic.twitter.com/J7pFZMy4iK— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) September 23, 2021
Reacting in a statement, Brig Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations condemned the act describing it as “unprofessional.”
He urged members of the public to continue to report such infractions to the force while he apologised to the affected corps member, her family members, friends, National Youth Service Corps and to Nigerians in general for the unwholesome treatment while promising to ensure justice.
The statement reads, “The Nigerian Army has taken cognizance of a video clip currently making the rounds on the social media, where a female officer was seen dehumanizing a member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Calabar, Cross River State. This act is not only condemnable but unprofessional and against established precepts of discipline in the NA.
“The NA has remained undoubtedly the pride of the nation, a symbol of national unity that has consistently been in the vanguard of respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry.
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“It is against this premise that the NA condemns this unimaginable level of infraction by personnel in its ranks. The NA therefore condemns in strong terms, this act of gross misconduct. Undoubtedly, the officer’s actions have caused the NA monumental embarrassment and are highly regrettable.
“For the records, the ugly incident happened in 13 Brigade, Calabar. The Brigade Commander immediately instituted an investigation and the officer involved has been identified and sanctioned on the interim and would be made to undergo regimental orders (trial) in line with the extant provisions of the Armed Forces Act.
“The NA wishes to reiterate and assure the general public that such infractions would not be tolerated from its personnel.”
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police (NACMP) arrested the female commissioned army officer, Lieutenant Anele caught on camera punishing a corps member, Fidelia in Cross River State after an alleged argument between the duo.
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#EndSARS: One Year After, Protesters Languish Behind Cells, Says Civic Group, EiE
The Enough is Enough network has said there are numerous #EndSARS protesters who are currently languishing in various correctional centres across the country.
In a statement on Thursday, the network condemned police brutality on protesters who were calling for reform of the force.
It urged members of the public and relatives of victims with reliable information about incarcerated protesters to reach out to EiE Nigeria or Gavel for prompt legal intervention.
The statement reads: “The right to protest is fundamental and not a privilege. It is a right guaranteed by the ground norm of the land; the 1999 Constitution (as amended) which affirms that a citizen of Nigeria does not need the approval of any governmental agency or public official to express their grievance.
“Thus, to find protesters being brutalised, illegally shot at, and arrested for exercising their fundamental right is a complete breach of their human rights.
“These were some of the disturbing encounters of Nigerians who participated in the October 2020 #EndSARS protest, where citizens came out en masse to bemoan the societal ills of police brutality, indiscriminate arrests, and the excesses of rogue police officers and operatives of different police units, especially the now-renamed Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
“Peaceful protesters are not criminals; neither is peacefully protesting a criminal offence.
“Through our networks, we have observed, monitored, and amplified the search for incarcerated protesters and provided prompt legal support for victims as well as relatives of victims arrested during and after the October 2020 nationwide protests.
“Sadly, almost one year after the nationwide protests, we can authoritatively confirm that there are still #EndSARS protesters who are incarcerated and languishing in various correctional centres.
“We hereby call on members of the public, friends, or relatives of victims with reliable information about incarcerated protesters to reach out to EiE Nigeria or Gavel for prompt legal intervention via any of our social media platforms or contact details below.”
In October 2020, many Nigerians took to the streets to demonstrate against police brutality under the #EndSARS campaign.
The demands led to the disbandment of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force.
On October 19, 2020, the Lagos State Government set up the judicial panel of inquiry and restitution to investigate cases of human rights abuses by operatives of the now-disbanded SARS and other security agencies.
This was a sequel to the directive of the national economic council (NEC) that mandated states to set up panels to investigate police brutality in the wake of the #EndSARS protests.
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E2%80%99s-professorship BUSTED: How Terror-linked Minister, Pantami Accepted Federal University’s Professorship Five Months Before Appointment By Institution
Isa Ali Pantami
Nigeria’s terrorists-linked Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Isa Ali Pantami, accepted the role of Professor of Cybersecurity five months before the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, officially offered him the appointment.
According to some documents uploaded by Nigerian academic and media scholar, Farooq Kperogi, the minister accepted the offer as a Professor of Cybersecurity in the School of Information and Communication Technology on March 30, 2021.
Isa Ali Pantami
However, the appointment letter from the university offering him the professorship post has August 20, 2021 as its date.
“I wish to accept you the offer as a professor of cybersecurity in the School of Information and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Imo, Owerri State.
“This decision is sequel to my briefing to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Friday 26th March 2021 and his permission for me to go ahead and share my knowledge and experience in the academia, which is a form of community service to our citizens.
“Furthermore, i want to categorically states that i will serve as a Professor of Cybersecurity at the University (on CONUASS 11) 7 STEP1. However, i will serve voluntarily without receiving any payment, untill further notice. I will assume duty tomorrow, 31 March, 2021.
“Whilst thanking you for the offer, please, accept the assurance of my highest esteemed regards,” Pantami letter to the university dated March 30, 2021 read.
However, FUTO Registrar, John Nnabuihe in a letter dated August 20 to Pantami claimed his promotion was “based on his qualification which he merited through long years of research works.”
“I write on behalf of the Governing Council to offer you a Tenure Appointment as a Professor in the Department of Cybersecurity, School of Information and Communication Technology, Federal University of Technology, Owerri with effect from March 19,2021 on the following terms and conditions,” Nnabuihe said.
“Your duties will be teaching, research and such other duties as may be assigned to you by the Head, Department of Cybersecurity or his/her representatives from time to time
“(a) You will be placed on Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS II) 7 Step 2 that is N5,249,996.00 per annum. (b) Your next increment is due on October 1, 2021 provided you have served at least six (6) months by that date.
“You will be entitled to annual leave but no leave grant shall be payable. The commencement and termination of the appointment will be governed by the provisions of Chapter 2 of the Regulations Governing the Conditions of Appointment of Senior Staff.
“The appointment is subject to your passing a medical examination to be arranged by the University. The appointment is subject to the provisions of the Federal Universities of Technology Act, Cap. F. 23, Volume 7, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004 and also to the Regulations Governing the condition of Appointment of Senior Staff made by the University Governing Council from time to time.
“Your Personal Number is SP.6056 and must be quoted in every official correspondence with the University. Please let me know in the writing within four (4) weeks from the date of this letter whether or not you accept the offer on the terms and conditions herein stated.”
FUTO and Pantami have both been under fire by Nigerians over the circumstances which the minister was promoted to the highest academic rank in the institution.
The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has said it would investigate the controversial appointment.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also suspended Sunday Congo, its Gombe state caretaker chairman, for writing a congratulatory letter to Pantami.
The minister had been in the news earlier in the year over his past call to Jihad and unalloyed support for murderous groups like the Taliban and Al-Qaeda.
“This jihad is an obligation for every single believer, especially in Nigeria,’’ Pantami was quoted as saying in one of his vicious preaching in the 2000s.
“Oh God, give victory to the Taliban and Al-Qaeda,” he was quoted to have also said.
In other audio clips that surfaced online, Pantami was also heard as sympathetic to Boko Haram members when delivering sermons at several worship centres in the 2000s.
However, Pantami claimed he had renounced his radical comments and said his views had changed over time. He said he had in the past 15 years been traversing the country to preach against terrorism.
Despite the Minister’s claim, most Nigerians said the minister ought to have resigned due to public backlash and be investigated by the authorities. Should he fail to resign, some commentators said he ought to be sacked by the President.
But the Presidency, in glaring support for Pantami, dismissed the possibility of sacking the controversial Minister because he had allegedly apologised for his radical views.
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