Headlines
Certificate Forgery: Buhari’s CoS, Abba Kyari in Hot Soup
By Eric Elezuo
The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, and one his closest confidants, Mr. Abba Kyari, may be in for the greatest test of his career as a lawyer, Mr. Kalu Kalu Agu of Kalu and Kalu Associates has petitioned the Metropolitan Police, London, alleging that the President’s right hand presented a forged document and lied on oath while testifying on behalf of the President and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the just concluded Presidential Election Tribunal.
The man, who is regarded as the brain box of the Buhari administration, found himself on the other side of the law, when on July 30, 2019, while standing as a prime witness for Buhari and the APC, declared that he personally took delivery of a Cambridge Assessment International Education document issued in the name of Mohammed Buhari.
In the petition titled PETITION AGAINST MR. ABBA KYARI FOR FORGING CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION DOCUMENT, and addressed to the Metropolitan Police Commissioner, Mr. Agu requested the outfit to conduct an official investigation to determine the circumstance behind the procurement of the said document in the terms of source of procurement and other sundry matters.
In its opening paragraph, the petition noted thus;
“On the 30th of July, 2019, one Mr. Abba Kyari claimed to have procured from CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION in London and within the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom a certifying statement , a ddocument of controversy, if not dubious origin for the sole purpose of deceiving the general public in the United Kingdom and Nigeria”
Faulting the process under which the document was procured, which the petitioner claimed nullified its authenticity, he further highlighted seven basic tips that supported his motion under which a third party can be issued the document. These, he said were revealed from the website of the Cambridge Assessment International Education. Among them is “that the CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION only delivers the said ‘CERTIFYING STATEMENT’ either by email or by post and not by personal collection”.
Consequently, Mr. Agu called for the investigation of the said misrepresentation taking into consideration the following:
- Where did Mr. Kyari get the certificate which he enclosed alongside his application form for the issuance of the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT” which he claimed he procured from CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION among five other demands.
- Whether Mr Abba Kyari as an individual can apply for the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT” not being an ACADEMIC INSTITUTION or an EMPLOYER of the candidate?
- Whether the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT” can be delivered to Mr. Abba Kyari by hand as he claimed he signed and personally collected same by hand in UK?
- Evidence of the said application by Mr. Abba Kyari to the CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION
- Evidence of the mandatory payment of the fee for the issuance of the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT”
- Evidence of the candidate’s AUTHORISATION to the CAMBRIDGE ASSESSMENT INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION for the release of the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT” to Mr. Abba Kyari
The petitioner concluded by praying thus:
“With the greatest respect, sir, in the circumstance the said “CERTIFYING STATEMENT” claimed to have been procured by Mr. Abba Kyari is found to be forged, it will be of great service to United Kingdom, Nigeria and the International Community that Mr. Abba Kyari is arrested and arraigned in a court of competent jurisdiction in the UNITED KINGDOM for FORGERY.
Mr. Kyari, a prominent member of the President Buhari cabinet, has been in the news mostly for the wrong reasons ever since he joined the administration took root on August 27, 2015. He has been accused in many quarters as being the ‘head of the cabal’ Nigerians have speculated as leading the government. He is also a close relative of President Buhari.
A product of three prominent England based institutions of higher learning, Abba Kyari worked for the law firm Fani-Kayode and Sowemimo for some time after his return to Nigeria. He also served as Editor with the New Africa Holdings Limited Kaduna. In 1990 he served as Commissioner for Forestry and Animal Resources in Borno State. From 1990 to 1995, Kyari was Secretary to the Board of African International Bank Limited. Abba Kyari was Executive Director, Management Services, United Bank for Africa Plc. (UBA) and was later appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive of the Bank. He was appointed a Director of Unilever Nigeria Plc in 2002 and is a Director of Exxon Mobil Nigeria. He is a recipient of the Nigerian Honor Award of Officer of the Order of the Niger (O.O.N).
Mr. Agu, on his part, has remained an albatross on the neck of President Buhari and his administration, moving from one court to another and seeking one injunction after another against the incumbent.
In January 2019, Agu joined the duo of Labaran Ismail and Hassy El-Kuris, to stop President Buhari from contesting the 2019 Presidential Election, alleging that the President lied in his form CF 001 submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission regarding his educational qualifications and certificates. However, the case was struck out in July by a three-member panel of justices, which unanimously held that the matter lacks merit, having been filed outside the time provided by Section 285 of the Nigerian Constitution.
If the Metropolitan Police heeds the petition, and conducts an investigation, it may just boost the chances of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the tussle to snatch Buhari’s presidency gets tougher.
Former Senate President, Bukola Saraki, has said that the senate is an institution that needs to be protected, not an individual.
This was revealed on his X handle on Saturday in the aftermath of the ongoing backlash of the allegation of sexual harassment made by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan on Arise TV in an interview against Senate President, Godswill Apkabio.
Akpabio’s wife filed a lawsuit against Senator Natasha at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja over alleged defamation and violation of her husband’s fundamental human rights.
Saraki expressed sadness over the development as he stated that the incident is already hurting the integrity, sanctity, image and public perception of the Senate as an institution.
“I believe that every person who has had anything to do with the National Assembly, particularly as a leader, member and worker should always jealously protect these values which make the institution, the numero uno among the three arms of government,” he said.
Saraki urged the two parties to sheath their swords and warned that supporters of both parties should be mindful of the impacts of their actions.
He advised that the instruments of law and parliamentary conventions should be adhered to in resolving the issue on the ground. He also called for an investigation of the matter by the Senate Committee on Ethics.
“At this point, with the public claims made by the Senator, the right measure to take is to institute an open, transparent and honest investigation by the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Petitions,” he said.
“Both parties must submit to the investigation, fully cooperate with the committee, and stake their claims before it. This is not the first time a Senate President would appear before the Committee to aid it in the conduct of a transparent and open investigation.
“For me, the institution of the Senate is so important, sacred, and pre-eminent. All lovers of democracy should always work to strengthen it. No leader or member should be allowed to openly or surreptitiously work to subvert its sanctity.”
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the explosive allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment levelled against Senate President Godswill Akpabio, by Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
In a statement shared on his official Twitter handle on Friday, Atiku stressed that the gravity of these claims demands immediate and transparent action.
“Like millions of Nigerians, I watched with deep concern this morning as Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan raised serious allegations of sexual harassment, intimidation, and mistreatment against the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio,” Atiku said.
He talked about the need for a credible investigation to protect the integrity of the Nigerian Senate and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
“These allegations are grave and deserve a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation,” he stated.
Atiku reminded Nigerians that the Senate, as the legislative arm of government, represents the people’s voice.
“For that reason, its leaders must embody integrity and respect for the offices they hold.
“As the third most powerful figure in the country, the Senate President should embody unimpeachable character,” he added.
Beyond the political implications, Atiku highlighted the far-reaching impact of sexual harassment on women’s participation in governance and national development.
“Sexual harassment in the workplace is a significant barrier to women’s advancement and, by extension, the nation’s progress. Allegations of such misconduct should never be simply dismissed, particularly when they involve a public officer with immense power, influence, and responsibility,” he said.
Atiku warned that how this case is handled will send a strong message about Nigeria’s commitment to justice, fairness, and gender equality.
The former VP also pointed out the urgent need to create a safe and supportive environment for female legislators, especially given their underrepresentation in the Senate.
“With only four women currently serving in the Senate, it is imperative that we foster an environment where female legislators can serve without fear of harassment or intimidation,” he said.
The allegations by Akpoti-Uduaghan have sparked widespread reactions across the country, with civil society organizations and gender rights advocates demanding swift and decisive action.
Headlines
Abiola Cannot Be Recognised As Former President; He Was Never Sworn-in – Gen Ishola Williams
By Eric Elezuo
One of the prime actors of the June 12, 1993 incidents, General Ishola Williams, has said that much as Chief MKO Abiola wrong was created having won the election, and denied victory, he cannot be recognized as a former President of Nigeria.
Gen Williams made his revelation while speaking as a guest on Channels television socio-political programme, Inside Source.
He maintained that only those who were sworn in that recognised as former presidents, and Abiola was never sworn in.
“Abiola cannot be recognised as former president because he was never sworn in.
The General, who said that he resigned from the army as a result of the wholesome reception given to General Sani Abacha, when he overthrew Chief Ernest Shonekan-led Interim National Government, contrary to expectation, also picked flaws in the narratives given by former Military President Ibrahim Babangida, in his recently launched book, A Journey In Service.
Williams rose in the army to become the Commandant of Army Signals, Commander of Training and Doctrine (TRADOC) and Chief of Defence Training and Planning, from where he resigned.
