BREAKING!!! EU Lawmakers Berate Buhari Over Human Rights Abuses; Move to Free Nnamdi Kanu

More than a dozen Members of the European Union Parliament has written a joint letter to the Office of the European Union Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, condemning the continuous illegal detention of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), and two other Biafran activists, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawusi, by the Nigerian government led by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Family Writers had earlier reported a diplomatic meeting between IPOB leadership caucus and Ms Julie Ward, a member of the European Union Parliament representing North West of England, in November, about Nnamdi Kanu’s incarceration and the inhuman treatment being meted out on Biafrans in Nigeria. The Parliamentarian, however, promised that she “will not stop fighting” to ensure that justice prevails for Nnamdi Kanu and Biafrans in general.

Meanwhile, Julie Ward MEP is the brain behind the protest letter to the European Union High Commission, and which has placed the Nigeria seat of power in a state of unbelievable shock.
The letter was addressed to Ms. Federica Mogherini, the  European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Vice President of the European Union Commission, also decried the excessive use of force on “peaceful” Biafra activists by Nigeria’s security agencies, which has resulted in the extrajudicial killings of hundreds of activists, thousands have been subjected to various degrees of incarceration and inhuman treatments.
The EU parliamentarians stated in the letter that, “it is clear that the fundamental human rights of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawusi are grossly violated.”

The letter pointed out that, “on several occasions, The Nigerian security forces have used excessive force against pro-Biafran activists who have planned or attended peaceful protest marches.”
Going further, it noted that, “it is clear that the Nigerian authorities are not operating with respect to the Nigerian constitution or the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.”
Conclusively, the letter in a five key demands, called for an urgent action from the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, urging it to, “advocate for the immediate and safe release of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi,” and also  condemn in full terms, the tyrannical tendencies of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Department of State Services, DSS, as regards to the continuous incarceration of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants, despite court orders that had granted them unconditional release.
It also urged the EU High Commission to call for an uninfluenced investigations on the killings of hundreds of Biafra activists, and mount pressure on the Nigerian government to stop with immediate effect, the continuous clamp down on Biafrans, in accordance with international treaties on human rights, to which the government of Nigeria is signatory to.
A FULL VERSION OF THE LETTER READS BELOW:
JOINT LETTER FROM MEPS TO HR/VP MOGHERINI
Ms Federica Mogherini
High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy
European External Action Service
1046 Brussels
Belgium
19th December 2016
Dear Ms Mogherini,
We write in regards to the unlawful detention of Nwannekaenyi “Nnamdi” Kenny Okwu Kanu, a dual British-Nigerian citizen and Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and the continued violence towards IPOB supporters as perpetrated by the Nigerian Government.
Since 14th October 2015, Kanu has been illegally imprisoned by the Federal Republic of Nigeria, despite being acquitted of all charges brought against him.
The authorities accused Kanu and his two co-defendants, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, of trying to overthrow the Nigerian head of state by broadcasting secessionist propaganda on the underground media outlet Radio Biafra, which campaigns for the independence of Biafra from Nigeria.  Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi deny all charges brought against them.
On 19th October in Abuja, the Chief Magistrate, Honourable Shuaibu, discharged Kanu of all criminal charges including the allegation of managing and belonging to an unlawful society, criminal intimidation and of criminal conspiracy. Shuaibu granted Kanu bail, of which all the conditions were met, but the Department of State Services refused to release him.
The charges of criminal conspiracy, engaging in unlawful society and criminal intimidation were then withdrawn on 16th December 2015, but still Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi have not been released.

On 17th December 2015, Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered the unconditional release of Kanu from the custody of the Department of State Security Services, but this was not enacted.
Kanu’s counsel have since appealed to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to help ensure his safe release, but to no avail.  A court case on 5th October 2016 was later adjourned to 8th November, which has now been amended to 9th February 2017, due to the Nigeria Department of State Services failure to bring Kanu to court. The Federal Government of Nigeria had previously warned the ECOWAS community court sitting in Abuja not to intervene in Kanu’s continued detention and trial.
It is clear that the fundamental human rights of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi are being grossly violated. Human Rights Watch have reported of the violation of the defendants’ rights, including their right to a fair trial[1].

What is more, the Nigerian Government is also reportedly violating the human rights of Biafran activists. Scores of Biafrans are in detention for attempting to hold or participate in peaceful assemblies. On several occasions, security forces have used excessive force against pro-Biafran activists who have planned or attended peaceful protest marches[2]. Amnesty International has documented cases of arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and often killing of supporters and members of various pro-Biafran groups in the region[3]. Since August 2015, they estimate at least 150 Biafrans have been killed by Nigerian security forces. However, as no official investigations have been carried out, this figure is believed to be much higher[4].
The right to peaceful assembly and association, as well as the right of freedom of expression, is protected by the Nigerian constitution. International human rights standards also require that law enforcement officials must, as far as possible, apply nonviolent means. It is clear that the Nigerian authorities are not operating with respect to the Nigerian constitution or the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
On behalf of the European Union, especially in respect to the EU-Nigeria partnership, the Nigeria EU Joint Way Forward, the developments of the 6th Nigeria-EU ministerial dialogue and the fact that Nigeria is a recipient of EU aid, we call upon you to:
Advocate for the immediate and safe release of Nnamdi Kanu and co-defendants Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.
Challenge the actions of the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, and the Nigerian Department of State Services in regards to the detention of Kanu, Madubugwu and Nwawuisi.
Call for an impartial investigation into the arrest, enforced disappearance, torture and killing of supporters and members of various pro-Biafran groups.
Denounce the unacceptable violence against Biafran supporters by Nigerian security forces.
Do more to push the Nigerian government to safeguard human rights in Nigeria by calling for guarantees on the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens, including their right to protest without harm, and the termination of violence towards Biafrans.
We look forward to your positive response.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Ward MEP
Ana Gomes MEP
Bart Staes MEP
Beatriz Becerra MEP
Brando Benifei MEP
Catherine Stihler MEP
Ernest Urtasun MEP
Eva Joly MEP
Hilde Vautmans MEP
Jude Kirton-Darling MEP
Kati Piri MEP
Miapetra Kumpula-Natri MEP
Michèle Rivasi MEP
Nessa Childers MEP
Pascal Durand MEP
Philippe Lamberts MEP

[1] Human Rights Watch, ‘Nigeria Should Respect Protesters’ Rights’, 12 October 2016, https://www.hrw.org/news/2016/10/12/nigeria-should-respect-protesters-rights
[2] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: Killing of unarmed pro-Biafra supporters by military must be urgently investigated’, 10 June 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/06/nigeria-killing-of-unarmed-pro-biafra-supporters-by-military-must-be-urgently-investigated/
[3] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: Crackdown on journalists and assault on protests shrinking civic space’, 28 September 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/09/nigeria-crackdown-and-shrinking-civic-space/
[4] Amnesty International, ‘Nigeria: At least 150 peaceful pro-Biafra activists killed in chilling crackdown’, 24 November 2016, https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2016/11/peaceful-pro-biafra-activists-killed-in-chilling-crackdown/

Trump formally elected U.S. President by Electoral College

he 538-membet Electoral College sealed Republican Donald Trump’s victory on Monday, formalising his Nov. 8 election and making him officially the 45th elected U.S. President.

The Correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in the U.S. reports that Trump took to his twitter handle to break the news of his victory to his supporters.

Donald-trump

“We did it! Thank you to all of my great supporters, we just officially won the election (despite all of the distorted and inaccurate media),” Trump said.
“Today marks a historic electoral landslide victory in our nation’s democracy.
“I thank the American people for their overwhelming vote to elect me as their next President of the United States.

“This election represents a movement that millions of hard working men and women all across the country stood behind and made possible.
“With this historic step we can look forward to the bright future ahead.
“I will work hard to unite our country and be the President of all Americans,” Trump also said in a statement.
Vice President-elect Mike Pence also hailed Trump on Twitter as the results came in.
“Congratulations to @realDonaldTrump; officially elected President of the U.S. today by the Electoral College!”

Unofficial reports said Trump received 304 electoral votes to Hillary Clinton’s 224, with six electors said to have voted for other candidates, costing Trump two votes and Clinton four.

However, Hawaii’s electors are reportedly still set to meet later on Monday, with the state’s four votes expected to go to Hillary Clinton, who won the popular votes by almost three million.
NAN reports that the result will be officially announced on Jan. 6, 2017 in a special joint session of Congress.
Vice President Joe Biden, will open the electoral votes before a joint session of the new Congress, where they will be counted and certified.
NAN reports that in the U.S., the Vice President is the President of the Senate.
The Electoral College met in all the 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C. on Monday.
NAN reports that afterwards, the president-elect will be communicated to officially to arrive at the Capitol Hill on Jan. 20 for his inauguration.
Under U.S. law, electors must formally vote for the president and vice-president before they can lead the country.
NAN recalls that Trump’s victory in various states in the  Nov. 8 election put him in line to get 306 of the 538 electoral college votes as against Clinton’s 232, according to projections.
NAN also reports that Clinton won the popular vote by almost three million votes.(NAN)

OMG!!! Raw Video of Russian Ambassador’s Assassination by Man Shouting “Allahu Akbar” (Graphic: Viewer Discretion)

The Russian Ambassador to Turkey Andrei Karlov was shot while attending the opening of an art gallery exhibition in the capitol. Watch the chilling video from the scene above. Karlov is in critical condition at a Turkish hospital.

The man, reported to be a police officer (or posing as one), fired at the ambassador and shouted “Allahu Akbar,” repeatedly.

Relations between Moscow and Ankara worsened in November 2015 after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter plane near the Syrian border, but have recently become warmer.

ANKARA, Turkey (AP) — A gunman opened fire on Russia’s ambassador to Turkey at a photo exhibition on Monday. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed he was shot, but did not immediately say anything about his condition.

The ambassador, Andrei Karlov, was several minutes into a speech at the embassy-sponsored exhibition in the capital, Ankara, when a man wearing a suit and tie shouted “Allahu Akbar” and fired at least eight shots, according to an AP photographer in the audience. The attacker also said some words in Russian and smashed several of the photos hung for the exhibition. There was panic as people ran for cover. NTV said three other people were wounded in the attack.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said U.S. officials were aware of reports about the shooting.
“We condemn this act of violence, whatever its source,” Kirby said. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.”

BREAKING! EFCC In Confusion As Sambo Dasuki Is Declared ‘Missing’.

Retired Col Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser (NSA) has in the last two days been declared “missing’’, following the inability
of the Federal Government to produce him before an Abuja High Court for trial, in the charges of money laundering, and breach of trust, brought against him since last year.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) who arrested the retired army officer, has lost track of his whereabouts as several security agencies of the Nigerian government that have interest in the case and the person, Dasuki now keeps him in unknown location.

In the last few weeks, there have been any prove to know if Dasuki is alive or what his current health status is after reports of his failing health.

The former NSA boss was charged along with five others before Justice Peter Affen, was granted bail when he was first arraigned, but immediately re- arrested, and had been kept in custody of the Department of the State Service, DSS, since December 2015.

Others who are being prosecuted along with the former NSA with respect to charges of diversion of funds include, a former Director of Finance in the Office of the NSA, Shuaibu Salisu; a former Finance Minister of State, Bashir Yuguda; a former Sokoto Governor, Attahiru Bafarawa; the ex-Governor’s son, Sagir Attahiru; and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

At the resumed trial, Counsel to the Federal Government, Rotimi Jacob, informed the judge that he was surprised that Dasuki, who was the second defendant in the charge, was not brought to court by his client.

he Counsel, explained that on his part, he notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on the trial, and the need to produce Dasuki in court.

President Muhammadu Buhari have special interest in the detention of Dasuki, as the Presidency see this as a pay back to Dasuki who arrested Buhari when his military government was overthrown in 1985.

The President has ensured that all the court decision granting administrative bail to Dasuki was blocked by his government while the former Nigerian security chief languish in prison to the delight of President Buhari.

Massive Anti-Buhari Protest storms Abuja

Nigerians drawn from various civil society groups on Wednesday protested against Buhari’s government  illegal recruitment and nepotism in some government agencies, questioning the anti-corruption effort of the President.
The protesters – including popular activists, Aisha Yesufu; author, Chido Onumah; and members of Citizens of Impact, Enough is Enough, Youthup Africa – marched to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, where they submitted their protest letter for onward transfer to Mr. Buhari.
“All Nigerians must be given equal opportunity in employment,” one of their placards read.
In his address, Daniel Olatunde, convener of Citizens of Impact, said the Central Bank of Nigeria, Federal Inland Revenue Service and Nigeria Prisons Service, embarked on illegal recruitment exercises and that some of the recruits paid huge amounts to get the jobs.
He recalled that one of the 909 persons recruited by the CBN “through backdoor” was a nephew of Mr. Buhari.

He added that FIRS Chairman, Babatunde Fowler, “lied barefaced and was deceiving Nigerians” that the body was going to recruit 1,250 people during a session with the Senate Finance Committee at a time he had already concluded “the recruitment of children of his cronies including that of John Enoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance.”
To cover its illegal recruitment exercise, Mr. Olatunde alleged that NPS backdated letters of appointment to 530 people.
“No transparency as these exercises were done under the table,” Mr. Olatunde said.
“It is shocking the government has been loud in its silence. Nobody has investigated or reversed it….President Buhari came to power on thr crest of anti-corruption campaign.”
In her address, Mrs. Yesufu said Mr. Buhari should be reminded that looting constitutes corruption, as well as “nepotism and illegal recruitment of children of who is who”.
The protesters demanded investigation of the exercises and their reversal, while heads of the concerned public bureaucracies be sanctioned.
“If citizens come out to protest peacefully, they should be listened to. It is not only those who carry arms that should be listened to,” Mrs. Yesufu said.

Special Assistant to Mr. Buhari on Policy, Development and Analysis, Ibrahim Bapitel, represented the SGF, Babachir Lawal.
Mr. Bapitel, after listening to the protesters and receving their letter, he said, “I believe in the content of this letter”.
“I assure action could be taken.”
He could not give a definite date for the protesters to get response, saying only the SGF could do so.
But PREMIUM TIMES gathered the protesters resolved to resume demonstration a week from now in case there is no response from government.

HEAVY GUNSHOTS CONTINUE AS RESIDENTS FLEE LAGOS COMMUNITY

Heavy gunshots continue as residents flee Lagos community

By Eugene Agha & Dotun Omisakin, Lagos | Publish Date: Jul 28 2016 5:00AM•Save us from ‘Badoo’, Ikorodu community begs Ambode

Heavy gunshots continued yesterday between displaced pipeline vandals and some security operatives at the Igando Community.

The displaced vandals had stormed the Obadore, Ewedogbon, Akesan Fatoki, and Egan communities of Igando, and left six persons injured.

 

Although they were later repelled, the gang had successfully carted away money and other valuables, and despite the heavy police presence and the deployment of drones, helicopters and armoured personnel carriers, the gunmen returned yesterday.

The gunmen were said to have bided their time until the Commissioner of Police, Fatai Owoseni and his team who visited the area for an on-the-spot assessment, had left.

The CP had not gone far when they struck back, so the police immediately deployed their personnel and repelled the gunmen again.

The community has been deserted by the inhabitants of the area for fear of being caught in the crossfire between the police and the hoodlums. Few of the inhabitants still lives in their apartment as they said they have no place to go to.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Dolapo Badmos, said the police had regained control of the area.

Meanwhile, the Ibeshe community in Ikorodu, Lagos State, has called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to rescue the community from a man widely known as Badoo.

The Chairman, Ibesheland Joint Community Development Association, Pastor Fred Olanipekun, who yesterday led a protest to the Lagos House, cried that the community had been bereft of peace for the past two years because of Badoo’s activities.

Olanipekun alleged that Badoo had caused extensive havoc in the community kidnapping, killing and robbing ruthlessly, and raping both young and old women.

A leader in the Ibeshe community, Mrs Oluwaseun Osundairo, said panic was now the word among women. Even many men, she stated, had fled the area.

Allaying the protesters’ fears, Mr Segun Senuoye from the

SHIITE Leader El-Zakzaky Going Blind In Detention, Group Alleges

The academic forum of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) also known as the Shi’ite group has alleged that the leader of the group Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky who has been in detention since December 2015 is going blind man and slowly crippled contrary to claims by those holding him.
Recalled that Sheikh Zakzaky was arrested and has been in detention with the Department of State Security (DSS) following a clash between members of his group and the Nigerian Army since December 2015.
Addressing a press conference in Kaduna yesterday, leader of the academic forum, Shuaibu Isa Ahmad said they are deeply concerned and worried about the present health condition of their leader who he said needs urgent medical attention.
According to the forum, “constitutionally, it is mandatory for the Nigerian state and those holding him to release him urgently and unconditionally to enable him seek for proper medical care in any place of his choice, since he has not committed any crime. He should be freed from this illegal detention, holding him hostage is unconstitutional, it is a clear violation of his basic rights and therefore unacceptable.
“We are calling on Nigerians and the international community to join us and stand for the truth, justice and fairness. Sheikh Zakzaky, his wife and the rest of the one hundred and ninety one (191) innocent citizens should be released immediately and unconditionally.




“It could be recalled that on July 25th, 2014, officers of the Nigerian Army led by Col. S.O Okuh tortured and murdered in cold blood, 34 of our brothers and sisters including three sons of Sheikh Zakzaky (H)Ahmad, Hamid and Mahmud. Additional three sons of the reverred Sheikh, Hammad, Ali Hydar and Humaid were massacred in his presence. This is indeed gross violation of fundamental human rights of fellow Nigerian citizens.”
The forum also stressed that, it is a fact that murder, massacre, unjust imprisonment or detention, rape and torture are all crimes against humanity.
“Following the massacre, over 472 women are now widows, over 1000 born to widows, 191 are still in prison custody, 2 died in prison and 68 of them are students, and over 300 were hospitalised with various degrees of injuries while many were burnt to death.”