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Ex-Zamfara Gov, Yari Blames ‘Very Powerful Forces’ for His Travails
The man who until a few months ago was the leader of Nigeria’s 36 state governors now says ‘powerful forces’ are out to destroy him.
Abdulaziz Yari is not only a member of Nigeria’s ruling party, APC, but was until May, the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF).
As NGF chairman, part of Mr Yari’s role was to liaise directly with President Muhammadu Buhari on issues of controversy between states and the federal government. He was thus, arguably, Nigeria’s most powerful governor.
As Zamfara governor, Mr Yari challenged other powerful forces within his party to handpick his successor and other candidates of the party in the general elections in the state.
He thought he had succeeded when INEC declared his favoured candidates the winners of the governorship and legislative elections in Zamfara.
However, the Supreme Court thwarted his efforts and ruled that opposition candidates, separate from those of APC, be declared winners of the elections in Zamfara.
Three months after the Supreme Court judgment, Mr Yari now accuses ‘powerful forces’ of victimising him.
Mr Yari made the claim in a motion ‘ex-parte’ filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja demanding an end to the invasion of his residence by the EFCC.
As governor, Mr Yari enjoyed constitutional immunity from prosecution. Although governors can be investigated while in office, some anti-corruption activists have argued that there is a limit to which such investigations can go based on the immunity from arrest and prosecution granted by Section 308 of the Nigerian constitution.
Nigeria’s main anti-graft agency, EFCC, therefore, waited till Mr Yari left office, before carrying out a raid on his residence as part of a corruption investigation.
Mr Yari, whose residence was raided on August 5 by the EFCC, has now told the court that the raid was conducted without valid court orders. He wants the court to stop the EFCC’s ongoing investigation into allegations of fraud against him.
According to the motion filed by Mr Yari’s lawyer, Mahmud Magaji, and published by the News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Yari is accusing the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and the EFCC of being tools for “vendetta and revenge” against him.
A 17-paragraph affidavit, deposed to by one Affis Matanmi, was attached to Mr Yari’s motion filed in court.
In the affidavit, the ex-governor alleged that “some aggrieved individuals who are very powerful” were using the AGF and the EFCC against him.
“These individuals thus decided to carry out a vendetta and revenge against the applicant including instigating the respondents against the applicant upon their spurious conclusion without evidence that he was guilty of corrupt practices as former governor of Zamfara and was in breach of the Code of Conduct Act.
He linked his travails to the Zamfara APC crisis and the Supreme Court ruling.
Premium Times
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.
