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SARS: FG Forcing Dictatorship On Rivers -AG …Obio/Akpor Evicts Anti-Robery Squad
Terror unleashed by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Rivers State has been described by the state Government as a subtle and gradual descent to dictatorship on Rivers people.
The state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Emma Aguma, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) made the assertion when he spoke on a live radio programme organised by Silverbird Communications in Port Harcourt, last Saturday.
Aguma decried the fact that on several occasions, the state government had petitioned the Federal Government on the activities of SARS without any positive response, saying that SARS’ activities amounted to a deliberate ploy to destabilize the state.
Rather than provide security for Rivers people, Aguma observed that SARS has become an instrument of crime and all sorts of anti-social activities, as they indiscriminately arrest innocent citizens and force charges on them.
He said, “All complaints made by the people have fallen on deaf ears. Recall that majority of the complaints and petitions raised by the people during the visit of the Presidential Panel was on SARS, not the Navy, not the Army”.
The attorney-general further accused the federal security outfit of extorting money from unsuspecting members of the public who were indiscriminately apprehended by SARS and falsely accused of committing crimes.
Aguma submitted that the activities of SARS have become a source of worry and concern to Rivers people because the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and other relevant police authorities have failed to respond to the outcry of the government and people of the state, thereby making SARS more emboldened to commit atrocities in the state.
“The silence displayed by the Federal Government is deafening”, Aguma remarked, “Is it not about time that those involved act. The silence for us is acquiescence”.
The commissioner denied the claim that the state government was raising false alarm due to SARS’ refusal to be used as tool to hunt its critics.
Meanwhile, the authorities of Obio/Akpor Local Government Council in Rivers State, have given the embattled Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Rivers State Police Command up till November 30, 2017, to vacate its headquarters located inside the Obio/Akpor International Market, Rukpokwu, near Port Harcourt or face eviction.
The council, in a quit notice dated October 18, 2017, and addressed to the Commander of SARS in the state, CSP Akin Fakorede, emphasised that it will take all available legal means to take possession of the property should the special security outfit fail or refuse to abide by the notice.
Copied in the letter, which was signed by the Legal Adviser to the council, Barrister Victor Owhonda, were the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris; and the Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Zaki Ahmed; amongst others.
It reads in part, “I am directed by the Local Government Council to give you one month Notice to Vacate and deliver up possession of the premises/property of the Obio/Akpor International Market, Rukpokwu, which you presently occupy as a licensee thereof on or before 30th day of November, 2017.
“The directive is borne out of the council’s need to carry out major renovation works at the International Market, and put the said property, which you occupy into full use and purpose for which it was originally acquired and built.
“Take further notice that in the event you fail or refuse to abide by this notice, the council shall have no option but to use all available legal means to eject you therefrom and demand consequential damages,” the quit notice added.
Reacting to the eviction notice, which was also received same day by the SARS Commander, Akin Fakorede, and the state commissioner of police, the Rivers State Police Command insisted that the property occupied by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad within the premises of Obio/Akpor International Market at Rukpokwu was a police station.
Spokesman of the command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, who confirmed the receipt of a copy of the letter, also said the property was serving its purpose as a police station, explaining that the police was not a tenant of the local government council in Rivers State.
He further disclosed that the legal arm of the police was studying the letter, and would advise the police high command appropriately.
According to him, “For what it is worth, we are not a tenant to Obio Akpor Local Government. They are not our landlords.
“That property was built to the specification of a police station and that is what it is being used for. That place is a police station.
“I have never seen where a police station is built and occupied and then some persons will say the police should vacate the place.
“Anyway, our lawyers are looking at that notice, and since it came from their legal adviser, we will respond appropriately,” Omoni added.
The Tide recalls that the frosty relationship between the Fakorede-led SARS and the Rivers State Government has been accentuated by the obvious refusal of the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Idris to redeploy the SARS commander, following various evidences of alleged crime and conspiracy to commit acts of criminality in the state.
The Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had at several fora accused Fakorede of professional conduct dating back to the 2015 general elections when he was first accused of helping the All Progressives Congress (APC) rig the elections as well as the subsequent rerun elections in 2016 in the state.
However, the Police High Command has continued to defend Fakorede, insisting that he was professional in his conduct.
The Tide reports that the property was built and donated to the Rivers State Police Command as a police station to provide security cover to the market in 2012 during the tenure of the former Obio/Akpor Local Government Council Chairman, Timothy Nsirim.
Susan Serekara-Nwikhana & Markson Tamunobubeleye
A bill to amend the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 has passed its second reading in the House of Representatives.
The bill, which mandates compulsory counselling and training for individuals convicted of corruption-related offences, was sponsored by Kayode Akiolu (APC-Lagos) during plenary on Wednesday.
Leading the debate, Mr Akiolu explained that the bill sought to amend Section 67 of the principal act, introducing new provisions that were not part of the original section.
“These additional provisions, found in subsections 2, 3, and 4 of the amendment bill, require judges and magistrates to not only impose imprisonment and/or fines on those convicted of corruption but also mandate a minimum four-week anti-corruption counselling and training.
“The counselling and training will be designed and delivered by the Anti-Corruption Academy of Nigeria (ACAN) and aims to address the psychological factors related to corrupt behaviour,” Mr Akiolu said.
Mr Akiolu emphasised that the training would help reform convicts by addressing their corrupt tendencies and could even transform them into advocates for anti-corruption efforts.
He added that this approach aligned with the reformative aspect of the criminal justice system, which focused on punishment and rehabilitation.
“As per subsection 4, the bill allows magistrates and judges to order convicts to cover the cost of their counselling and training, preventing additional financial burdens on the government,” the lawmaker noted.
Mr Akiolu further argued that if the bill is passed into law, it would strengthen the country’s fight against corruption.
Given the widespread negative impact of corruption, he urged the House to support the bill for the country’s benefit.
Following the debate, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas referred the bill to the relevant committee for further legislative consideration.
The Judiciary and the Media are key pillars of democracy, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has said.
Kekere-Ekun made this statement in her address at the 2024 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC).
The CJN was represented by Mr Abdulaziz Olumo, the Secretary of the National Judicial Institute (NJI).
“ The judiciary and the media occupy unique and complementary roles in any democratic society.
“ The judiciary serves as the guardian of justice, equity, and the rule of law, the media acts as the conscience of society, disseminating information, shaping public opinion, and ensuring accountability.
“ Together, these institutions provide checks and balances that strengthen the fabric of democracy,” she said.
Quoting Felix Frankfurter, a former U.S. Supreme Court Justice, she said: free press is not to be preferred to an independent judiciary, nor an independent judiciary to a free press. Neither has primacy over the other; both are indispensable to a free society.”
The CJN said this dynamic interdependence between the judiciary and the media presents opportunities and challenges alike.
“ The media is entrusted with the responsibility of informing the public about judicial activities, the judiciary relies on accurate and ethical reportage to enhance public confidence in its work.
“ However, the inherent power of the media to influence public opinion requires careful management, especially when its focus turns to judicial proceedings.
“ The question posed by Robert J.Cordy, a former Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, is pertinent here: “What happens when the free press turns its sights on the courts-scrutinizing, sensationalizing, and exposing the frailties of the judiciary while questioning its ethical standards and performance?”
“The media’s capacity to shape narratives and perceptions is undeniable” she said.
Quoting Jim Morrison , she said “Whoever controls the media controls the mind.”
According to her, this underscores the immense responsibility placed on journalists to report truthfully, fairly, and objectively.
“ Unfortunately, the commercialisation of news and external influences have led to the rise of sensationalism-a practice that distorts facts, erodes trust, and undermines the very essence of journalism.
“ Sensationalised headlines, such as the infamous 2016 headline “We raided the houses of ‘corrupt, unholy’ judges, says DSS,” can paint a skewed picture of the judiciary and its officers. Such reporting, often devoid of context, compromises the integrity of the justice system and misleads the public.
“ Closely tied to this is the issue of “trial by media,” where premature and often biased media narratives prejudge cases and infringe on the constitutional rights of individuals” she said.
She added that as Mahatma Gandhi rightly observed, “The sole aim of journalism should be service.” It is imperative for media practitioners to remain steadfast in their commitment to truth and objectivity.
To this end, she advised, the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents to take proactive steps to regulate the activities of its members.
“ This is not merely about enforcing rules but about fostering professionalism and safeguarding the credibility of the media.
“ The judiciary and the media must work as partners in progress.
“ To bridge the gap between these institutions, there is a pressing need for constructive engagement and mutual understanding.
“ Courts can provide the media with guidelines on judicial processes, courtroom decorum, and the nuances of court proceedings.
She noted that globally, courts have adopted initiatives to support the media’s role in reporting judicial matters.
For instance, she said the Supreme Court of Dakota’s media guide outlines protocols for courtroom reporting, while the UK ‘s Media Guidance document provides clarity on access and etiquette for journalists.
“ These examples demonstrate how structured collaboration can enhance the quality of judicial reportage.
“ In Nigeria, we can take a cue from these models by developing a comprehensive media guide tailored to our judicial landscape.
“ This initiative, which would involve inputs from NAJUC and judicial stakeholders, would not only enhance media access to courtrooms but also ensure that judicial activities are accurately and responsibly reported” she said.
She advocated that judiciary correspondents must make deliberate efforts to familiarise themselves with the rules and procedures of the courts.
She added that understanding these frameworks will enable journalists to navigate the complexities of judicial proceedings effectively and responsibly.
“ Training programs such as this conference play a crucial role in equipping judiciary correspondents with the knowledge and skills needed to report judicial matters accurately.
“ The theme of this year’s conference, “The Role of Courts in Enforcement of Judgments,” is both timely and significant, as it addresses an aspect of judicial work that is critical to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
“ I commend NAJUC for its commitment to promoting accountability and transparency through its engagements with the judiciary.
“ As I conclude, I must emphasize the importance of credible journalism in strengthening public trust in the judiciary” she said.
She urged judiciary correspondents to prioritise the pursuit of truth and objectivity, resist undue influences, and remain steadfast in their commitment to ethical standards.
She commended the leadership of NAJUC, under the chairmanship of Mr Kayode Lawal, for its efforts in promoting professionalism among judiciary correspondents.
The Senate has issued an arrest warrant for the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Dr Peer Lubasch, to appear before its Committee on Works.
The Tide’s source reports that the warrant was for Lubasch to explain the utilisation of funds appropriated for the reconstruction work on Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway.
The warrant followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP- Enugu) and co-sponsored by Sen. Asuquo Ekpenyong (APC-Cross River) and Sen. Mpigi Barinada (PDP- Rivers) at plenary in Abuja, yesterday.
Ngwu, in the motion said, that the senate had mandated the committee on works to conduct investigation into the state of road infrastructure across the country.
He said that in furtherance to the investigative hearings, Julius Berger refused to honour invitations to provide details of its role in the Calabar-Odukpani-Itu highway project, in spite of receiving substantial public funds.
He said that this was worrisome, given the alarming discrepancies in performance among contractors on the project, with specific reference to Julius Berger for failing to meet delivery timelines.
Ngwu said it was the constitutional powers of the National Assembly under Sections 8 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, to conduct investigations on any person or organisation responsible for administering public funds.
He said that the powers set out in section 6 of the legislative powers and privileges act empowered the Senate to issue warrants of arrest on persons in contempt of its proceedings.
The Tide source reports that the senate further ruled that President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, should sign the warrant, mandating the Julius Berger managing director to appear on a date to be communicated.
Akpabio said that the senate’s decision was in line with its constitutional powers under Section 89 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
“This senate will not tolerate the continued disregard of its authority.
“The managing director of Julius Berger must appear before the relevant committee, failing which further actions will be taken as prescribed by the constitution.
“The point of order, which was supported by the majority of the senators, highlighted the importance of upholding the integrity of the legislature.
“The senate committee will submit its findings to the National Assembly after the MD’s appearance.
“If there is any further failure to comply, we shall take the necessary steps to ensure respect for the constitution and the rule of law,” Akpabio said.