International

Insecurity in our land: A dirge for the falling Kingdoms

HRM Oba (Dr.) Samuel Olusola Olatunji, FNIQS, the late Olumojo of Imojo-Ekiti, Ekiti State

Ekiti State, Nigeria – February 2, 2024
In the somber echoes of grief, we find ourselves compelled to lament the tragic demise of two esteemed Ekiti Kings, HRM Oba (Dr.) Samuel Olatunji PhD, the Onimojo of Imojo-Ekiti, and the Elesun of Esun-Ekiti. Their abduction and cold-blooded murder have cast a shadow over our once peaceful land, signalling the ominous emergence of a state teetering on the brink of failure.
As the haunting definition of a failed state looms large, we are confronted with the grim reality that Nigeria, particularly Ekiti State, is perilously close to embodying the nightmarish traits of governmental impotence, rampant insecurity, and territorial chaos. The recent heinous acts perpetrated by callous criminals, indifferent to the sanctity of human life, are symptomatic of a system in decay.
In a press release issued by Saint Augustine Comprehensive High School, Oye-Ekiti, Old Students’ Association and signed by the Worldwide President, Dr Vincent Bamigboye, the body lamented the precarious state of security in Nigeria, particularly in Ekiti State, and called for urgent intervention to avoid total anarchy.
The Press statement reads “HRM Oba Dr. Samuel Olatunji, a luminary and alumnus of St Augustine Comprehensive High School, Oye-Ekiti (SACHSO), met his untimely demise on January 29, 2024, just days after celebrating the 40th Anniversary of his 1983 Set. His murder, alongside other Brother Oba, is a stark reminder that if the custodians of our kingdoms are not safe, then the security of every citizen is a mere illusion.
Nigeria, particularly Yorubaland, is under siege, grappling with a relentless wave of violence that indiscriminately claims lives. The dire state of affairs raises fundamental questions about the ability of our government at all levels to protect its citizens and preserve the sanctity of life.
In this time of profound sorrow, we implore the Ekiti State Government to confront the prevailing security challenges head-on. It is imperative to establish a robust panel that will thoroughly investigate the security issues plaguing Ekiti State and propose effective strategies to rectify the lapses.
As concerned citizens, we advocate for the implementation of state-controlled, well-equipped police forces and the adoption of a technology-driven approach to enhance security measures. This includes the provision of serviceable police vehicles, tanks, drones, and advanced firepower to root out criminal elements that have taken refuge in our forests.
Furthermore, recognizing the proverbial truth that idle hands are the devil’s workshop, we call for concerted efforts to engage our teeming and restless youths positively. The path to lasting peace and prosperity lies in empowering our youth and redirecting their energy towards constructive endeavours.
In memory of the revered Obas, we urge Ekiti and Yoruba leaders to unite in the face of adversity. Let the tragic deaths of these esteemed figures serve as a catalyst for positive change. May their gentle souls, and the souls of all victims of insecurity in Nigeria, find eternal peace.”

International

Kenya’s parliament impeaches Deputy President on charges of corruption, stirring ethnic hatred

Kenya’s parliament voted on Tuesday to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on charges including enriching himself and stirring ethnic hatred, the chamber’s speaker said, paving the way for the senate to consider the motion.

“According to the results … of the motion that I’ve just declared, a total of 281 members being more than two thirds of the members of the National Assembly have voted in support of the motion,” Moses Wetang’ula said.

Gachagua, who has denied all the charges, backed President William Ruto in his 2022 election win and helped secure a large block of votes from the populous central Kenya region.

But in recent months, he has spoken of being sidelined, amid widespread reports in local media that he has fallen out with Ruto as political alliances have shifted.

Ruto dismissed most of his cabinet and brought in members of the main opposition following nationwide protests against unpopular tax increases in June and July in which more than 50 people were killed.

On Tuesday evening, Gachagua urged lawmakers to “search your conscience” before voting.

“If you search your conscience and listen to the issues that have been raised and you find that there are no grounds to impeach the deputy president of Kenya, please make the right decision.”

Members of parliament voted to impeach him by a margin of 281 to 44, with one abstention.

Kimani Ichung’wah, parliament’s majority leader, said the 59-year-old politician had “violated not one, but eight provisions of our constitution.”

At one point during the proceedings, he led lawmakers in a chant saying “Rigathi must go”, describing him as “a great danger to our nationhood, a great danger to the unity of our republic.”

Gachagua proclaimed his innocence, offering a detailed denial of the allegations, which include amassing a large unexplained property portfolio, and promoting “ethnic balkanisation”.

“I will fight to the end,” he told a press conference on the eve of the impeachment proceedings.

The senate will now hear the charges and may appoint a special committee to investigate them, where Gachagua or his representative can respond to the allegations.

If at least two-thirds of the senate vote to uphold the impeachment, Gachagua will be dismissed.

Gachagua has filed a court petition to halt the proceedings, which were initiated by Ruto’s coalition allies last week.

Prior to the vote, TIFA Research, a pollster, found that a narrow majority of 41% of Kenyans supported the impeachment against 38% who opposed it.

Ruto has not commented publicly on the impeachment proceedings.

Gachagua outraged many in Ruto’s coalition for likening the government to a company and suggesting that those who voted for the coalition had first claim on public sector jobs and development projects.

(Reuters/NAN)

International

Tunisia’s President secures 2nd term in landslide victory

Tunisia’s President Kais Saied was re-elected on Monday with 90.69 per cent of the vote, the head of the electoral authority ISIE said on national television.

Saied, 66, won Sunday’s election by a landslide, with his challengers Ayachi Zemmal collecting 7.3 per cent and Zouhair Maghzaoui 1.9 per cent of votes cast, ISIE said.

The turnout was 28.8 per cent, the lowest since the country’s 2011 revolution.

International

Tunisia: Court upholds jail term for presidential candidate

A Tunisian court has confirmed an imprisonment sentence earlier handed down to a presidential contender ahead of elections scheduled for Sunday in the North African country.

The appeals court in the city of Jendouba in western Tunisia had upheld the 20-month jail sentence against detained presidential candidate Ayachi Zammel, his lawyer said.

The ruling can be appealed and will not affect Zammel’s candidacy, his lawyer said.

Last month, a lower court issued the sentence against Zammel, a businessman and the head of the liberal Azimoun party, on charges of falsifying electoral endorsements.

The Oct. 6 polls are pitting incumbent President Kais Saied against Zammel and Zouhair Maghzaoui of the leftist nationalist People’s Movement.

Serious challengers to Saied, who is seeking a second term in office, have been excluded, according to observers.

The election commission has recently refused to reinstate three more presidential hopefuls who won court appeals to run for president.

Critics have accused the panel of lacking in independence and clearing the way for Saied to win, accusations that the panel has denied.

The vote will take place “against a backdrop of increased repression of dissent, muzzling of the media, and continued attacks on judicial independence,” Human Rights Watch said last month.

Since 2021, Saied has consolidated his power by dissolving the parliament and calling early elections, steps that the opposition called a “coup.”