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Govt May Consider Political Solution On Kanu, Igboho, Others – Malami

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Why Extradition Of Igboho, Kyari Won't Be Automatic - Justice Fagbenle

The Federal Government may consider a political solution to the problems of the separatist agitations in the South-East and the South-West.

The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN on Wednesday in Abuja gave the hint in an interview with some journalists.

The AGF who noted that criminal conducts would never go unpunished, however, remarked that the government has been using the amnesty policy to tackle some security challenges in the country and as such, the possibility of a political solution cannot be ruled out.

Malami spoke on other issues including the current controversy between the federal government and the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF), the international arbitration involving Nigeria and Process and Industrial Development (P& ID) company on one hand and Sunflower firm over the Mambila power projects on the other.

READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu’s Lawyers Protest As Security Operatives Bar Foreign Counsel From Court

When asked whether the federal government is not disposed to a political solution to the cases of Kanu and Igboho, as being canvassed by some leaders and other stakeholders in the country, Malami noted that although such consideration is not yet on the table, but would not mind taking a shot at it once there is an approach on how to go about it.

“As far as security situation is concerned and as far as governance and this administration is concerned, you cannot rule out all possibilities”, he said, adding that, “But then there has to be an approach for government to consider.”

He, however, explained that he could not be preemptive at this stage by stating clearly that reconciliation is being considered without an approach being made.

According to him, it is the approach if at all any is made that the government “will look into for the purpose of looking at its weight, the authenticity of it, the good faith associated with it and then bring about the considerable factors relating to the negotiations or otherwise.

“So it is not a conclusion that one can outright make without juxtaposing associated facts relating to the reconciliation. There has to be an approach and then a counter consideration.”

“So no approach in that respect is on table for consideration yet. So we’ll cross the bridge when eventually we get to that; when perhaps a type of request is made, we’ll consider,” he said.

While the federal government has been involved in legal battle with Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria, it is battling to extradite Igboho from Benin Republic to face criminal charges.

Both Kanu and Igboho have been at the forefront of agitations for breakaway from Nigeria.

The government in fresh charges filed against Kanu last month at the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court had linked him with the wanton destruction of lives and property as well as attacks on security operatives and government infrastructure in the south east of Nigeria.

READ ALSO: My Brother, Secretary Not Behind My Ordeal – Nnamdi Kanu

However, some leaders from the two geopolitical zones have been urging for a political solution to the crisis.

On the issue of the payment of fees to contractors who allegedly helped the 36 states government to recover excess deductions from the account during the payment of the Paris Club loans, Malami berated the governors for “aprobating and reprobating at the same time”.

He explained that the governors cannot come to deny a liability in 2021 having consented to it and made several payments.

While arguing that the federal government is obligated to obey orders of courts and carry out executions of court judgment, he claimed that the governors’ current litigation over the payment of consultancy services fees is belated.

“I have told you earlier that the judgment in contention was a 2013 judgment and it was a consent judgment in which ALGON and governors forum consented to a judgment.

“So what judgment are you talking about in 2021 against the background of the fact that they consented to the judgment in 2013, against the background of the fact they have been effecting payment as far back as 2013, against the background of the fact that they have written in their right, under their respective hands, committing to the payment of this consultancy fee we are talking about?

“So I think it is logical for all to see that they were indeed, submissive and they were indeed in agreement, and they have indeed conceded and consented to a judgment that created the liability they are now complaining about.

“They have probated at a point in 2013 by way of submitting to judgment and then effecting payment over time. And in fact, among the claims relating to Paris Club that has been presented before the federal government over time is a component relating to consultancy fees.

“So what they are doing is as good as aprobating are reprobating at the same time conceding in 2013, and objecting in 2021”.

He denied any relationship with the contractors or having any personal interest except his duty to protect the federal government from unnecessary liabilities.

READ ALSO: What We Know Of Igboho’s, Kanu’s Major Financiers, Links To Terrorism – Govt

According to him since the federal government was made a party to the suit, there is the possibility that the assets of the federal government can be seized to pay the debt.

“So as far as the payment is concerned, the office of the Attorney General is not in any way involved.
But the fact remains judgments are meant to be enforced and then you are not expected to be speculative as far as the enforcements are concerned.

“When in the case of P&ID an award was made against Nigeria, what we did was to approach the court of law for the purpose of setting aside the enforcement proceedings.
It was only when the proceedings were set aside that we now have respite in terms of ensuring that no asset of the federal government is attached.

“So the fact that they are in court, belatedly, again against the background that they have three months within which to appeal against the 2013 judgment which they kept sleeping from 2013 until 2021 makes it illogical that they expect the federal government or perhaps any institution of government faced with a judgment and order of the court to await their belated approach to court, which is indeed a forum shopping”.

He also clarified that following complaints from the governors at a time the administration had involved the EFCC and DSS to authenticate the project; as well as what was done and how much.

READ ALSO: We Have Identified Financiers Of Kanu, Igboho, Other Agitators – Buhari

According to Malami, the total judgment debt was put at about $3.2 billion, out of which the governors did not only agree to pay but actually have been making payments until recently.

 

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Falola To Deliver Memorial Lecture In Honour Of Olukotun

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Dele Jegede In Conversation With Prince Yemisi Shyllon
Prof. Toyin Falola

Lead City University, Ibadan, is set to host an inaugural memorial lecture in honour of the late renowned scholar and public intellectual, Prof. Ayo Olukotun.

Olukotun, an activist, public intellectual, erudite scholar, accomplished journalist, professor of Political Science, and a dedicated columnist for The PUNCH died on January 4, 2023 at age 69.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, will hold at Adeline Hall within the university’s premises, starting at 10:30 a.m. The lecture, themed “Ayo Olukotun and the Nigerian Nation,” will be delivered by globally acclaimed historian and professor at the University of Texas at Austin, Prof. Toyin Falola.

According to Prof. Falola, “Ayo Olukotun was the voice of our nation. He has repeatedly screamed warnings into the ears of Nigerian leaders and citizens through his pen to rouse the nation from its slumber. The symposium aims to reflect on Olukotun’s intellectual prowess and its impact on nation-building.”

Speaking about the upcoming event, the Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Prof. Kabiru Adeyemo, said the lecture was a way to immortalise the legacy of Prof. Olukotun, whose works shaped the discourse around governance, media, and national development in Nigeria.

“Prof. Ayo Olukotun was a towering intellectual whose writings and contributions consistently challenged leadership and society to do better. This memorial lecture is not only to honour his memory but also to inspire a new generation of scholars to follow in his footsteps,” Adeyemo stated.

The Chairman of the occasion, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora, a former senator and seasoned public servant, commended Lead City University for hosting the event, describing Olukotun as “a scholar who combined academic brilliance with practical engagement in national discourse.”

The Registrar of Lead City University, Dr. Ayebola Ayeni, emphasised the university’s commitment to intellectual excellence, noting that “the choice of Prof. Toyin Falola as guest lecturer reflects the high intellectual standards the university upholds.”

The Chairperson of the Organising Committee, Dr. Igho Fayomi, encouraged both students and the general public to attend physically or join via Zoom, saying, “This lecture is a valuable opportunity to reflect on the life of a man who left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s intellectual and political space.”

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BREAKING: Ex-presidential Spokesperson Okupe Dies

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Doyin Okupe

A former presidential spokesperson Dr Doyin Okupe is dead . He was 71 years old.

Okupe’s death was confirmed by family sources.

He served as a senior adviser to former President Goodluck Jonathan and later as the Director-General of Peter Obi’s 2023 Presidential Campaign.

In December 2022, he stepped down from Obi’s campaign after a money laundering conviction.

He later resigned from the Labour Party after the 2023 general elections.

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BREAKING: Senate Suspends Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan Over Sexual Harassment Claim

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Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan

The Senate  on Thursday suspended Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghen for six months for violation of the Red Chambers rules following her allegation of sexual harassment.

Her suspension followed her dispute with Senate President Godswill Akpabio who she accused of sexual harassment.

“That the Senate do suspend Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for six months for her total violation of the Senate Standing Rules (2023 as amended for bringing the presiding officer and the entire Nigerian Senate to public opprobrium,” Senate President Godswill Akpabio said on Thursday while reading out the recommendations of the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Code of Conduct probing her claims.

Despite efforts by some senators to reduce the suspension period to three months, the Senate, in a majority vote, sustained the initial decision

However, the lawmakers ruled that the suspension could be lifted or reduced if she tenders a written apology.

“For the Senate to consider lifting this suspension or reducing the tenure of the suspension, Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan shall submit a written apology to the Senate before her reconsideration by the Nigerian Senate,” Akpabio said at the Red Chambers on Thursday.

It, however, agreed that her aides’ salaries be paid.

“The aides of Natasha are not Natasha,” Senator Orji Kalu said while calling for an amendment to the sanctions. “It would be wrong for this Senate to deprive these aides of their allowances.”

Following her suspension, the Kogi Central lawmaker was escorted out of the chambers by the Sergeant-At-Arms, but before she left she declared that “this injustice would not be sustained”.

Her suspension was recommended by the committee which found her guilty of a violation of the Senate’s rules after its investigation.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) lawmaker’s suspension is the culmination of weeks of claims and counter-claims between her, Akpabio, and the Senate.

This controversy began on February 20, 2025, after a seating arrangement dispute with Senator Akpabio. Thereafter, Senator Natasha accused the Senate president of sexual harassment and alleged abuse of office.

She submitted a petition on the floor of the upper lawmaking body on Wednesday. But the Senate Committee on Public Conduct, Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions headed by Neda Imaseun (Edo South) dismissed her claims. It declared her petition “dead on arrival,” owing to what it described as a breach of due process and legal limitations.

According to the committee, the senator personally signed the petition, instead of getting someone else’s endorsement, thus rendering it “invalid”.

Senator Natasha, hours after that, re-submitted her petition. However, on the same day, the Imasuen-led committee recommended her suspension for the violation of the Senate rule, a move ratified by the Red Chambers.

It recommended, in addition to her six-month suspension, the locking of the Kogi Central lawmaker’s office; barring her from the National Assembly during the suspension, and stopping her salary and that of her legislative aides.

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