Yoruba Youth Group Fumes Over Attempt To Blackmail Defence Min

Bala Sahib

….

The Yoruba Youth Council (YYC) has warned against alleged desperate attempts by some unscrupulous and corrupt politicians to undermine Nigeria’s present democratic dispensation for selfish ends.

The Council, which is an umbrella body of Yoruba youths nationwide, gave the warning on Thurs bc can in no tooday in a statement by it’Yp National President, Comrade Eric Oluwole.

Particularly, the Council condemned perceived desperate efforts by the group of allegedly corrupt and unscrupulous politicians to instigate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against the Minister of Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.

According to the statement: “We the Yoruba Youth Council, YYC, observe that some elements and corrupt politicians want to jeopardize Matawalle’s efforts as a minister in the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

“We note with concern the desperation with which these discredited politicians have been pushing their narrow, and selfish agenda to undermine Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy by attempting to instigate President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against his supportive and loyal Minister of Defence and celebrated former Governor of Zamfara State, Alhaji Bello Matawalle.

“We also note that these selfish politicians are unhappy with the cordial relationship of deep trust existing between Mr President and his Minister of Defence, a relationship that is further lubricated and cemented by the impressive performance of the Minister of Defence in managing his portfolio bordering on the nation’s security, which is the most sensitive ministry.

“Despite the antics and failed efforts of these selfish politicians to put a wedge between the President and the Minister, YYC shall continue to support the former Governor of Zamfara State and current Minister of Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle because of his genuine plans he has in supporting Mr President.

“We note that the efforts by these selfish and corrupt politicians are part of their game plan for the 2027 Presidential Election, which is to cause a division among his core loyalists and supporters in the North as to weaken the support base of President Tinubu in that region even before the 2027 Presidential Election.

“We assure these corrupt politicians that their unpopular and unpatriotic plan, and whatever other new plans will fail in view of the exemplary performance of the Tinubu Administration and the overwhelming popularity that the administration enjoys across the six Geo political regions of our dear Country the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We warned those might have bad plans against the Minister to desist.”

Disgruntled Politicians Want Cause Rift Between President Tinubu and Defence Min Over 2027- NEN

Abimaje Adole

The Northern Emancipation Network has advised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the Defence Minister Bello Matawalle as his most reliable political ally from Northern Nigeria today.

The group said the advise for President Tinubu to maintain his alliance with Matawalle is a matter of great significance in the unfolding political scenario that is pregnant with complications and unforeseen consequences in the build-up to 2027.

The statement, signed by the NEN chairman Suleiman Abbah, sheds light on the potential behind-the-scenes machinations aimed at destabilizing this crucial alliance and undermining the strong bond between the President and Matawalle, his trusted ally in the face of impending political challenges and upheavals.

The NEN chairman clearly outlines the clandestine plots to get Matawalle sidelined through a gang-up of corrupt and unscrupulous elements in the North.

“These elements seek to create disunity and friction between President Tinubu and Matawalle, in order to weaken the President’s chances of re-election in 2027,” NEN said.

The group points out that the ongoing agitations and disturbances in the North are a direct result of political opportunism and corruption, aimed at destabilizing the government and creating an environment ripe for change.

The NEN asserts that the targeting of Matawalle is a deliberate attempt to reverse the gains made by the current administration in advancing its populist tendencies and warns of the dangers of allowing forces of reaction to disrupt the strong relationship between Tinubu and Matawalle, which could ultimately derail the President’s re-election bid.

In light of these challenges, the NEN advises President Tinubu to rely on Matawalle as a trusted ally who can navigate the complex political landscape and thwart the plans of the sinister gang-up seeking to undermine the government.

“It is imperative that President Tinubu recognizes the importance of loyalty and steadfastness in his allies, particularly in the face of concerted efforts to destabilize the government and thwart his re-election aspirations.

“As we look towards the upcoming elections in 2027, it is crucial that President Tinubu heeds the advice to strengthen his bond with Matawalle. By standing united with Matawalle against the forces of reaction and political opportunism, Tinubu can secure a successful re-election bid and continue to advance the interests of the Nigerian people.

“This advice therefore underscores the critical need for President Tinubu to maintain his relationship with Matawalle as a key ally in navigating the complex political terrain of Northern Nigeria. By heeding this advice and remaining united against external threats, President Tinubu can secure a successful re-election bid in 2027 and continue to lead the country towards prosperity and progress,” the NEN statement said.

ENDS

Elections: Senator Shehu Sani to Clerics, Shun Mischievous Politicians Who use Sentiments to Divide People

… Urges them to preach message of peace, unity

Former lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani has called on all religious leaders across the country to shun selfish and Mischievous politicians, who hide under guise of religion and ethnicity to divide the people during elections .

According to him, there is a need for clerics to avoid such Politicians, especially, those who have lost power and are now weeping all sorts of sentiments against government of the day.

Speaking during a dinner ( breaking fast) held Saturday evening at Golden Grills , Alkali Road , Kaduna Senator Shehu Sani said ,”Poverty and hunger have been so ‘weaponised’, to control the masses for self aggrandizement.

While stating that clerics should use places of worship to preach messages of peace and unity as well as enlighten adherents on power of voting good leaders during elections, Senator Sani you says democracy can only survive if there is equity;justice, progress and development.

Sani,who said the country does not belong to one ethnic group, stressed, “Power has resided so long in the north that it has become so toxic.

“Power in the North has not helped Northerners, the region is still backward in all aspects of human and capital development.

He however, advised northerners who are ganging up against President Tinubu, to instead support the government in the interest of progress and development of the north as against quest for return of power to the region.

“Politicians, who fail to secure appointment under Tinubu led government can’t manipulate us for personal interest. They have lost their sense of entitlements and now trying to weep sentiments of kinds so as to be relevant.

On issues of security and economy , Senator Sani blamed former President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to improve on the economy and ensure adequate security of lives and property of the citizens.

According to him, the whole security apparatus was controlled by northerners and Muslims, yet banditry and terrorism thrived.

“Many parents are afraid to send their children to school, because of fear of being kidnapped . We have heard of mosques raided and imams kidnapped or killed by bandits .

“The clear message is that banditry and terrorism cause existential threats , with Kaduna as one State in the north facing serious problem of banditry and terrorism with the educational crippled in the rural areas .

He however said despite the current hardship and security situations , the Tinubu administration has done better than Buhari years of docile actions against the notorious bandits and bad economy.

He noted ,” The rescue of the Kuriga pupils, Tsangaya students and other kidnapped victims across the north in recent days by the National Security Adviser, Mal. Nuhu Ribadu; the Chief of Defense Staff and other security agencies deserve commendation, these are signs that there are some level of improvement in the security architecture”.

Top Christian Cleric,Apostle Kure Charge Rich Christians To Care For Needy Neighbors

The Chairman, Southern Kaduna Christian Leaders Association, SKCLA, Apostle Dr Emmanuel Nuhu Kure has urged more advantaged Christians to extend a helping hand to their less privileged neighbours during this year’s Easter celebration.

He made the call in a Easter message he personally signed and made available to News men in Kafanchan at the weekend, congratulating Christians for successfully witnessing the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Apostle Kure noted that Easter is a time for Christians around the world to rejoice in the victory of life over death and to reflect on the teachings of love, peace, and forgiveness that Jesus exemplified.

He added that this year’s Easter celebration holds a special significance, especially considering the challenging times we have faced as a community. However, as people of faith, we draw strength and hope from the message of Easter, which reminds us that even in the darkest times, there is always light and that through resilience and unity, we can overcome any challenge.

The Chairman emphasizes the importance to embrace the essence of Easter, to promote harmony, tolerance, and love amongst all individuals and communities in Southern Kaduna.

The SKCLA Chairman also commended the government, security agencies, and all relevant stakeholders for their efforts in ensuring a peaceful and secure environment for Easter celebrations.

Apostle Kure who is also the Vision Pioneer, Throne Room Trust Ministry Kafanchan encourages all Christians to remember the less fortunate in our midst during this Easter period. Let us extend a helping hand to those in need, offering support and kindness to uplift one another. By doing so, we demonstrate the true Christian spirit and contribute to building a more inclusive and compassionate society.

He however, congratulated the Muslim ummah over their fast, and urged them to continue to pray for a more peaceful future together.

Group commends Ribadu, other security agencies for tackling security challenges, stabilising country

Apparently elated over the proactive measures taken recently to rescue kidnapped victims , the Coalition for Peace and National Unity said it is left with no option than to commend the National Security Adviser , Mal.Nuhu Ribadu and other security agencies for tackling security challenges and stabilising the country.

According to group, the recent release of hostages kidnapped by bandits the hard work and tirelessly efforts to ensure the release of the school pupils and other kidnapped victims rescued within good time is a great feat worthy commendation.

“We are beginning to see that the Security Situation is gradually improving in northern Nigeria compared to what used to be obtainable in the past when daredevil Boko Haram insurgents and bandits had field day operating unhindered , especially in the north.” The group stated.

The Coalition for Peace and National Unity,which made the commendations in a press statement signed by the Secretary General of the group,Dr. Abdullahi Musa Ringim, said, “We are highly impressed for rescue of the 15 Tsangaya students kidnapped at a Qur’anic school in Sokoto State ,who regained their freedom; the rescued students of the Federal University Gusau from terrorists that invaded the students off campus accommodation and the rescue of 137 Kuriga pupils abducted more than three weeks ago from their school in Kaduna. It is great feat worthy of commendation. “

It also appauladed the military operations that led to the killing of most notorious bandits leaders in Zamfara and Katsina States and scores of their fighters .

The group said though there still works to do on issues of insecurity challenges, especially in the north, the proactive measures taken recently has yield positive results with hope that the fight against banditry and Boko Haram insurgents will soon be history.

While urging the office of NSA and security agencies to adopt strategic proactive measures to fight against all forms of criminalities across the country, especially banditry and Insurgency, it posited,”At this juncture, and from our comparative analysis as well as records obtained by our research unit,we are left with no option than to commend Federal government for efforts taken so far to tackle prolonged security challenges in country with the last eight months of Tinubu’s administration”.

According to the group, survey carried out recently did reveal that the security situation has tremendously improved in northern Nigeria compared to what used to be obtained in the past during the days President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari .

“Buhari made a number of promises to address Nigeria’s chronic security problems, But failed to effectively address them. Bandits attacked military locations, kidnapped hundreds of school students and abducted travellers. They even bombed a train and abducted passengers.

” The bandit groups existed across the north-west region and Niger State. These groups were economically driven. When they are not kidnapping for ransom, they exploit the lack of state presence to impose taxes and protection levies on rural communities.

“But noted that across the 19 Northerns according to research conducted by the group, in states like Kaduna; Sokoto , Zamfara, Katsina, the nefarious activities and attacks by bandits must be contained without any consideration.

“It is no longer new that as a country ,we have witnessed unprecedented security challenges such as : Boko Haram Terrorists attacks, militancy, armed robbery, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, Fulani-Herders farmers clashes, cultism among other social vices, but now that federal government has sense of commitment to ensuring that Nigerians can go to bed with their two eyes closed, we should the government to succeed . “

Kano CP lauds Prof Gwarzo for donating two operational vehicles to police

The Kano State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Usaini Gumel has commended the Founder and President MAAUN Group of Universities, Prof. Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo for single handedly donating two operational vehicles to Hotoro Police Divisional office in Kano metropolis.

Gumel made the commendation when he paid a courtesy visit to Prof. Gwarzo and Chairman, Adamu Abubakar Gwarzo (AAG) Foundation recently.

He said the purpose of the visit was to extend his gratitude to Prof. Gwarzo for generously donating two vehicles to the Hotoro Police Divisional office recently.

The CP who appreciated the gesture, described it as a morale booster which will go a long way in improving the operational efficiency and capacity of the police towards effective service delivery
in the Hotoro area and beyond.

Gumel, who further commended the singular effort of Prof. Gwarzo, assured that the vehicles will be judiciously utilized and properly maintained in order to achieve the desired objective.

He, however, called on other well-to-do individuals in the society to borrow a leaf from Prof. Gwarzo in providing moral and logistics support to police.

Responding, Prof. Gwarzo expressed his sincere appreciation to the Police Commissioner for acknowledging the contribution and pledged continuous collaboration so as to enhance security services within the area in particular and the state at large.

Anger, Disappointment In Court As Lead Attorney To Accused Fails To Attend Hearing

The Chief Magistrate, His Worship Aliyu Dogara of the Chief Magistrate Court II Ibrahim Taiwo Road, Kaduna has postponed to tomorrow, Thursday 21 March 2024, the hearing in the case of Criminal breach of trust, Cheating and conversation preferred against Pastor, Emmanuel Matthew Bobai by Ma Lovelyne Samuel over alleged 15 Million transaction entered into sometime in 2022.

When the case was called for hearing the legal counsel to the defendant Barrister Harps, represented by by Barrister Nurudeen Asaju said since he was only holding brief for the counsel, he would want the case adjourned to a later date as he does not have the full details of the case.

Barrister Henry Obimgba, counsel to the claimant, swiftly objected to the suggestion stating that cross examination can commence since the defendant has a representative holding brief on his behalf. He also said that it was unacceptable for legal representation to defendants to attempt to use technicalities to stall cases and put undue financial burden of claimant, wondering if the counsel to the defendant would pay for the accommodation of his client for an extra night in Kaduna.

Speaking with journalists outside the premises of the court, Barrister Obimgba who was obviously furious with the legal representatives of the defendant wondered why the accused who claimed to be a pastor at Neighborhood For Christ Church, Sabo Tasha, Kaduna, would serially engage in alleged fraudulent act.

The defendant, Pastor, Emmanuel Matthew Bobai, was not available for interview as he swiftly left the court premises.  

The presiding magistrate adjourned the hearing to 2 pm, Thursday, 21 March 2024.

Yahaya Bello: Arewa Youth Forum Threatens Massive Protest Against EFCC

*Demands closing of case using legal means available


The Arewa Youth Forum (AYF)  has while calling on the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led  Federal Government,  to step in to save the integrity of the Economic and Financial Crimes  (EFCC) from the clutches of those it described as selfish politicians, has threatened a massive protest in Abuja if immediate past governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello is not left off the hook.


AYF expressed this in a statement, signed by its General Secretary, Ahmed Aliyu Usman, made available to newsmen in Kaduna on  March 19, 2024.


“The AYF is using this medium to state that in defiance to the above, we will not hesitate to mobilize the youth to march the streets of FCT-Abuja in protest to expose the sponsors and the people behind it publicly,” the group warned.


The Arewa Youth Forum  which is the premier umbrella platform of all youth organisations in Northern Nigeria, having structures in 19-Nineteen Northern States, the FCT Abuja, some Southern states and the diaspora, said that it has watched with keen interest the unfolding developments concerning the unholy act of tarnishing the image of former Kogi State Governor, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello (GYB), through using the anti-corruption czar, EFCC, an action they consider as a desperate and selfish move by villains disguising themselves as politicians.

“The AYF like other well-meaning Nigerians, woke up to the news that the EFCC has, in an amended charge, accused the former Governor of diverting Kogi State Government funds in September 2015, 4-months before he assumed the position of a governor.

“To any right thinking person and in any saner clime, this charge is not only laughable, but further portrays the EFCC as an agency deeply infested with personalities whose intents and actions are at variance with the noble act that established it as well as that of Mr. President to defeat corruption activities in Nigeria.

“Available reports and facts have it that, His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello could not have as of September 2015, conspired with anyone, including the Government House Cashier, Mallam Abdulsalami Hudu, to convert any money belonging to the State Government.

“It should also be noted that GYB before becoming the Governor of Kogi State, had not in any way any financial dealings with the Kogi State Government, which could have permitted him to convert for his personal use, whopping monies belonging to the Kogi State Government; a scenario that will put anyone in doubt because it does not add up and makes no sense,” the statement said.

AYF said that the question begging for answers is, did the Kogi State Government come out in any way to declare its money missing?

“We believe even the lay man on the street knows the answer; A CAPITAL NO!” The statement said.



According to the statement titled, “EFCC’S  Political Agenda Against Governor Yahaha Bello:   A Baseless And Selfish Connivance Of Rogue Politicians With The Economic And Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)” AYF said that
they   are therefore, calling on selfish political actors to   desist from their campaign of calumny against GYB.

“Heartwarmingly, Kogi State has been ranked and adjudged, both locally and internationally, as a state with sound financial transparency and accountability,” it added..

The Arewa Youth Forum  therefore, called  on the EFCC Chairman to Apologise to Nigerians.


“Tender unreserved apologies by way of an opened letter duly signed, to His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the good and peace loving people of Kogi State and Nigerians at large for making us a laughing stock in the comity of nations. Close the case forthwith, using legal means available.


“On a final note, we wish to note that the developments at the commission to a larger extent, betray the determination of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR to retool and rejig the agency and make it more vibrant in preventing and fighting corruption in a genuine and objective manner within the ambit of the extant rule of law.

“We are of the view that the current EFCC leadership seems to have picked up the gauntlet from where Bawa left it. This is too frustrating and needs to be checked and addressed by all and sundry,” it said.

Harmonization: Is FRSC Above The Law

By Ben Auta

The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) which was statutorily established by the government has been an agency saddled with the enforcement of rules and regulations as well as the management of road accidents and other sundry matters regarding road management.

Recently, indications in the Corps showed that many of its rank and file are gearing up for a showdown with the management of the corps due to its non implementation of a direct federal government directive for them to place their rank and file cadre in line with that of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF)

As a paramilitary outfit of the federal government, it behove on the commission to respect the order issued by the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces and the president of the federal republic of Nigeria, through the office of the Secretary to the Federal Government and Head of Service for such orders to be effected.

It is said that ‘nobody, no matter how highly placed is above the law’. The president of any country is not above the law of the land rather he is elected or appointed to protect the law.

And in Nigeria, there are agencies that were created by the laws of the land but lives above the law that created it, Federal Road Safety Corps is one of them.

Presently, the FRSC is one of the agency that prides itself as an elite organization but falls short in many aspects when it comes to obeying government circulars even when it is under the direct supervision of the office of the secretary to the government of the federation with the head of civil service that issues circulars for execution by all MDAs.

The management chose which circulars from government to obey that suits them, and turn blind eyes to the ones that it considers ‘WELFARE’ circulars that are suppose to improve the morale of staff and increase productivity across board.

For example, when the circular on HND without additional qualification that puts a bar on the career progression of all federal workers came, the FRSC management quickly obeyed and implemented it but when government removed the dichotomy between HND and degrees holders in the public service, it took FRSC management some years to implement it.

Infact it took the courage of a staff of the Corps who wrote an open petition on the management of FRSC vindictive way of promotions for staff that resulted in the implementation of that circular but that is after the damage has been done as staff were stagnated for up to 10 years on one rank.

One of the burning issue that is quietly and consistently demoralizing the morale of other staff in the Corps is
The HARMONIZATION OF RANKS WITH THAT OF THE NIGERIA POLICE FORCE.

It will be recalled that government through the office of the head of civil service issued a circular directing all Paramilitary agencies to harmonized its ranking structures to align with that of the Nigerian Police Force (NPF) in order to bring about uniformity across the different agencies who always collaborate in different operations from time to time. But the FRSC management turned a blind eye to this circular.

While other agencies like the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have all complied with that circular via circular reference CDCFIB/1001/VOLI/110 dated 16th October, 2020 FRSC has refused to obey that

It should also be noted that

1. It is only in FRSC that have 3 tier of ranking structure for Marshalls I.e Road Marshall Assistant, Marshall Inspectors and above (RMAs, MIs) and Officers cadre).
2. It is only in FRSC that a three (3) tier of levels 8 can be found as the case may be, which in the public service are not operational in the different cadres.

As it is with in the Nigerian Police, a secondary school holder who is recruited on level 3 (constable) and meritoriously puts in 35 years of service can progress and retire as an ASP or SP, that means the person would have enjoyed 11 promotions while in service.

But in the FRSC, a staff with the same secondary school will only be promoted 5 or 6 times in his entire 35 years of service, what an injustice.

Hitherto, most of the rank and file blame their lack of motivation to the great injustice and injury done to them by the management of the Corps.

Most of their grouse comes from the fact that a Chief Inspector (CI) on level SGL 13 will be answerable to an ARC on SGL 8 while performing joint duties with sister agencies and if years of service are compared, the FRSC staff always lags because the other agencies personal outrank them.

A classic example is that of Marshall Inspectors who, served during the last general election organized by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), where alot of Marshall Inspectors where cowed by many paramilitary organizations by shutting down such personnel despite being having seniority over such officers who according to reports were junior to them in years of service.

Also a hint by some of the officials of the commission revealed that when the present Corps Marshall resumed office, he constituted a panel to look into the issue but which has not either reported to him or is sitting somewhere else among unattended files.

While most rank and file officers are wishing for a better deal with the management, morale continue to be low because most rank and file who had stayed very long in the service continue to grumble because the officers who superintendent over them are either not not experience to handle particular assignments or just hand over such functions to the Marshalls as they are more experience.

Some pertinent questions that needs to be asked about the harmonization are

1. Is harmonization going to cost the government anything? No! Because the same salaries will be paid to the affected officers as they are already recieving such.
2. Government will rather save a lot of money in recruiting and training of new officers for the corps as the staff already have ample experience on the job with many years of experience
3. Does the FRSC need to recruit more officers in the nearest future? No, as the staff currently are in the bracket of the workforce requirement of the FRSC, government needs only recruit junior staff as the need arises
4. Majority of staff will rather see the commission under the same board with other sister agencies as against being under the office of the SGF which has made the management hell bent on disobeying orders from the federal government despite priding itself as an ISO certified organization

Finally, the morale of the staff is low, this has led to an increase of crashes on our roads as staff who put in 20 years and above and are between levels 10 to 13 are made to carry out orders from inexperienced junior staff of levels 7 and 8 who are even less that 6 yrs and 2 yrs in service.

Government should do something about this issue of harmonization in FRSC before there is total chaos on our roads.

Anti Democrats Elements Want To Frustrate Mahmood Yakubu Out Of Office- Igbo Socio-cultural Group

Jaja Mica

The Youth wing of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo has raised the alarm over what it called an attempt to destroy key democratic institutions in Nigeria.

The Igbo group said the main targets of the plot are the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, under Prof. Yakubu Mahmood and the Senate under Senator Godswill Akpabio.

This is coming in reaction to the demand for the resignation of both Mahmood and Akpabio by a group under the aegis of United Nigerians in the Diaspora (UND).

UND had accused Mahmood of conducting what it described as shambolic Nigeria’s 2023 elections and recent ugly events in the nation’s polity.

On the part of Akpabio, he was accused of padding the 2024 budget.

However, in a statement by the National President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, Mazi Okwu Nnabuike, he described those behind the calls as enemies of democracy.

According to him, “it is disheartening that those who failed elections have sworn to bring every democratic institution in this country down.

“Some failed politicians have not rested ever since the 2023 elections were conducted and concluded.

“In line with extant laws, they also went to court and exhausted their legal rights.

“It is, however, curious that almost one year after, the ghost of their failure is still hunting them, hence their call for Mahmood’s resignation. Their stand is that if they can’t pilot the boat, they would have to rock it.

“But our question is this- why are they not also asking judges who adjudicated in the litigations to all resign from office? These cases went to court and were treated on merit.

“It is on record that no single governor was sacked by the courts, an indication that the INEC under Mahmood deserves some accolades.”

Okwu urged Nigerians to rise up and defend the country’s democracy from those who never meant well for the system.

“Having said this, we condemn in totality the demand by the so-called UND and whoever they represent.

“We urge the INEC chairman, Prof. Yakubu Mahmood, to ignore their rantings and antics as they are not speaking for Nigerians but for a selfish few.

“We also call on Nigerians to stand firm in defence of our democratic institutions as these desperadoes would never rest; however, evil will never triumph over right,” Okwu stressed