Opinion
Crisis , Flying Court Orders Is Wike Actually In Contempt?
By Adekola Omoluabi ,with additional reports from Bamidele Akinol A Ogundana
The controversy bugging the FCTA-owned company, Abuja markets management Limited [AMML] has continued unabated, culminating in the shutdown of its corporate Head office at Gudu District, Abuja on Friday 10th November, 2023.
A detachment of the Nigeria Police Force reportedly sealed up the Adisa Plaza Office of the Market Managers early morning on Friday, allegedly under the directives of the Hon. Minister FCT, Barr. Nyesom Wike.
Wike was said to have directed one Abubakar Usman Faruk to vacate the office of the Managing Director, AMML and stop parading himself as the MD/CEO of the company having been effectively relieved of that duty since July 17, 2023 by the shareholders of AMML.
Faruk obviously refused to heed the Hon. Minister’s advice, hence the police action, which was based on security reports alleging that Faruk posted private security guards heavily armed in the Head office in a bid to resist any attempt to ward him off. It would be recalled also, that the FCT minister had late September 2023, announced the removal of 21 heads of departments, Agencies and Government-owned Companies including that of Abuja Markets Management Limited.
Out of all, only Abubakar Faruk reportedly refused to hand over to the most senior office in the establishment as directed by the minister. He had claimed that there was an order of court restraining the Minister or anyone else from removing him as the Managing Director.
In a news report in the Daily Post of November 8, 2023, it was alleged that the National Industrial Court in Abuja on Wednesday “began contempt proceedings” against the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike and others over the alleged disregard of a series of court orders.
This development, it was reported,’ was sequel to the decision of the Minister to include the Managing Director Abuja Markets Management Limited (AMML), in the list of heads of agencies dissolved on September 27’.
Speaking on the reported “contempt proceedings”, the Lawyer representing Abuja Investments Company Limited and Abuja Markets Management Limited in various cases relating to this, Mr. Abdulsalam Mohammed Saleh Esq said the contempt proceeding could only exist in the imagination of its authors. It is also alleged that the Registrars of court have stated that they are unaware of such “contempt proceedings”.
Abdulsalam who spoke to journalists during the weekend stated categorically that there is no contempt proceeding filed in the Industrial Court in this regard, noting that the case in the National Industrial Court has been reassigned to another Judge and will start afresh.
The embattled former MD is therefore expected to either give the lie to Bar. Abdulsalam’s claim by pushing through the contempt proceeding to its logical conclusion, or save the FCT Administration and the Abuja Market Community further embarrassment.
Before the alleged “contempt proceedings”, Abubakar Faruk, having “sacked” all AMML staff opposed to his continued stay, had approached a Chief Magistrate court to among others give an order declaring their operations as AMML staff unlawful.
Interestingly, the Wuse Magistrate Court presided over by His Worship Huzaifa Maccido on November 2, 2023 dismissed the case.
In dismissing the case, the Court seemed to have affirmed that Mr. Abubakar Faruk has been properly relieved of his duties as the MD/CEO of AMML.
Part of the ruling reads thus: “the purported letter of dismissal attached by the Complainant/ Respondent as EXHIBIT AMML A is dated 31st Day of July, 2023 while the signatory to the letter who is one Abubakar Usman Faruk sacked by the owners of the Complainant vide EXHIBIT 4 attached by the Defendants/Objectors. The said EXHIBIT 4 is dated 17th July, 2023. I agree that as at the time the 4th defendant was purportedly sacked, Mr. Abubakar Usman Faruk had no power to do so having being sacked on 17/7, 2023”, the ruling continued.
It would be recalled that Abubakar Usman Faruk was appointed the MD/CEO of Abuja Markets Management Limited in April 2009. He was redeployed following allegations of involvement in the scandalous informal market project in Area 10(UTC) transit way, the allegations bordered on lack of approval for the development on a rail transit way and illegal sale of the stalls by the former MD.
Though on redeployment away from AMML, Faruk reportedly drew his full salaries and allowances from AMML as Managing Director including upfront allowances up until July 2023 when he was reportedly fired by the Company’s shareholders.
Appointed by the then Minister, Adamu Aliero, Faruk had gone to court 14 years after to challenge the power of a Minister to redeploy him, citing the provisions of Company and Allied Matters ACT, 2020.
The Federal High Court, Abuja had ruled that the redeployment was not done in line with CAMA provisions thereby pronouncing him as both the MD/CEO as well as a Director. Armed with this order but without due process, Faruk had reportedly embarked on self-help to take over the office of the MD/CEO of AMML and had continued to use same to keep himself on the seat until this recent seal up.
Not minding his base approach, the Company owners ensured that Faruk was duly and effectively relieved of his job when the shareholders in an extraordinary General Meeting July 17,2023 fired him for “services no longer required”.
This he still challenged, making stakeholders wonder if Faruk is a shareholder in AMML. If he is not, can he impose himself on his employers? they ask. A search at CAC reveals that Faruk is NOT a shareholder of AMML and cannot remain the Managing Director having been removed by the shareholders.
His position as MD/CEO is one of employment as a staff of the company subject to its conditions of service, which allow him to be removed anytime his services are no longer required. The legal position and trite law is that no Court can impose an employee on an unwilling employer.
Keen observers are of the view that instead of being grateful for an uncommon opportunity, the very long stay apparently had a negative impact of entitlement on Mr. Faruk.
It can’t be said that Faruk has been fair to the FCT Administration and Company that gave him an uncommon opportunity of close to 15 years tenure. His last days can only be said to be hurting to the FCT.
He only succeeded in building strife and giving bad publicity to a hitherto relatively unknown Government- owned Company, whilst obstructing work flow.
It is however believed among close watchers that Faruk’s rare luck as the longest serving FCT public officer may turn to a misfortune should the administration decide to probe his years as the Chief Executive of the Market Management Company.
A pro-democracy group, the Progressive Group for Democracy (PGD), has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene and stop local government officials in Lagos State from pursuing unconstitutional third terms in upcoming council elections.
The group alleges that officials in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) are exploiting legal loopholes to extend their tenures, in violation of Nigeria’s Constitution.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, PGD National Coordinator Aladesanmi Abiodun Salawu described the move as a “clear violation” of constitutional provisions and a threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
He invoked President Tinubu’s historical opposition to tenure elongation, referencing the president’s fierce resistance to former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s third-term bid in the early 2000s.
“As a pro-democracy group, we are reminded of President Tinubu’s fierce opposition to Obasanjo’s third-term agenda. President Tinubu stood firmly against constitutional manipulation then. Where is the president’s voice now?” Salawu asked.
The PGD alleges that the officials in question assumed office following the deaths of elected chairpersons, took oaths of office, and later won full terms in subsequent elections.
“Their current bids for re-election, the group argues, constitute an unconstitutional third term. Salawu cited the Fourth Alteration to the Constitution, signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2018, which prohibits individuals from seeking a third term after completing a predecessor’s tenure and winning a subsequent election.
“Today, we stand at a very dangerous crossroads. The same anti-democratic forces that our heroes fought against during the June 12 struggle are re-emerging in Lagos State,” Salawu said.
“In Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs, we are witnessing a calculated attempt to normalise constitutional violations through the backdoor.”
The group also criticised Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, accusing him of complicity due to his silence on the issue. “As the chief security officer of Lagos State, (Sanwo-Olu)has a constitutional duty to uphold the rule of law. His silence is not just concerning; it is complicity,” Salawu said.
The PGD urged President Tinubu to publicly denounce the third-term bids and called on the Attorney General of the Federation to issue an advisory on term limits for local government administrations.
It also demanded that the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) disqualify candidates seeking unconstitutional terms.
“These individuals in Agbado Oke-Odo and Ikosi Isheri LCDAs must withdraw their candidacy immediately. We are not making a request; we are stating what the constitution already mandates,” Salawu declared.
The group vowed to challenge the alleged violations through legal means, including mobilising civil society, approaching the courts, and organising peaceful protests if necessary.
“The Lagos Society for Good Governance will utilise every legal means available to challenge this dangerous precedent,” Salawu added.
BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF
History was made again today at the National Assembly Service Commission NASC as the newly appointed as Executive Chairman,Dr Saviour Enyiekere and his Commissioners, was sworn in by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential villa to signify the beginning of another five years journey for the new management of the Commission.
Dr Enyiekere who was appointed along with his 12 commissioners representing the six geopolitical zones on 20th, February, 2025, assumed duty on 5th, May, 2025 few months after their appointment after been taking oath office.
He took the oath of office as the sixth National Assembly Service Commission Chairman since the inception of the Commission over four decades ago .
Until his appointment, Enyiekere, an environmental specialist, was the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President and had played a leading and strategic roles in the last 19 months before his elevation.
Soon after he took the oath office along with his commissioners , he assumed duty and was hosted by management and staff of the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and by extension, the National Assembly management led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, the new Clerk to the National Assembly CNA.
Fresh and determined to make a difference,While acknowledging the audience along with his new commissioners , he described today’s occasion as unique with the date falling to 5/5/2025, stating his determination to work with all stakeholders at the NASC and NASS.
He eulogised the outgone leadership of the commission and also paid a glowing trubutes to the deceased ones , acknowledging their unique performance and contributions to the development of the commission in all areas.
Enyiekere who solicited for the cooperation of the management, staff and staff union , promised to prioritize the welfare and well-being of staff of the commission.
The New Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Dr Saviour Enyiekere also promised to work harmoniously with the management of the commission , staff, and members of Parliamentary Staff Association PASAN.
Dr Saviour who attracted a conference hall that was filled to capacity bare his mind of carrying all and sundry along in his new administration .
Assertive, young and brilliant to manage the affairs of the commission, he promised to promote and sustain the legacies of management and previous leadership saying their contributions was indelible on the sands of time.
He used the opportunity to appreciate Nigeria’s President and reiterated his commitment along with his commissioners to promote and protect the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, with full support the leadership of the National Assembly under Senator Godswill Akpabio and Rt Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, lauding them for a job well-done and careful selection of the new Chairman and members/commissioners of the commission.
While describing the new responsibility as hectic and challenging, , saying with prayers , God will see us through.
Dr Saviour Enyiekere who promised to keep intact the good records of NASC management and the staff union , so as to ensure harmonious working relationship going forward.
During the handing over ceremony, The Secretary to the Commission, Mr
Lucky U. Ikharo, while presenting the handover documents to the new NASC boss, pledged the total commitment of the NASC Management towards the effective performance of the Commission’s assignment.
Speaking further during the handing and talking over ceremony at the Commission’s Conference Room, the new NASC boss told officials of the National Assembly Service that his leadership would emphasise the welfare of the workers of the Service, harmonious working relationship and productivity.
The new Chairman and his commissioners anxious to make a difference asked all stakeholders to extend their fellowship, admonition and possibly corrections.
Dr Saviour , a grassroot politician , with indepth experience in civil and political exposure, promised to make a difference without further delay .
The entire National Assembly Service Commission NASC bounced back to life after three months since the exit of the former Executive Chairman , National Assembly Service Commission NASC, Engr Ahmed Kadi Amshi FNSE.
Highlights of the occasion included group photograph, media interview and interactions with the management and staff of both the National Assembly Service Commission NASC, National Assembly leadership led by Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana along with the new commissioners.
With his assumption of duty and his promises, no doubt a new dawn has encapsulated and heralded the National Assembly Service Commission NASC and his leadership.
In a goodwill message, the Clerk to the National Assembly, Barrister Kamoru Ogunlana, assured the new Commission of the full co-operation of the National Assembly Management towards achieving success. He, however, pleaded with the Commission to carry the National Assembly Management along on key decision-making.
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West, with
The Honourable Commissioners that reported to duty alongside the Chairman include: Mr. Hanmation Mark Tersoo and Mr. Salisu Umar Agboola-Balogun (North-Central); Alhaji Lawan Maina Mahmud and Aminu Ibrahim Malle (North-East); Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and Hon Yusuf A. Tabuka (North-West), Chief Festus Ifesinachi Odii (South-East), Mary Samuel Ekpenyong and Mr Patrick Giwa (South-South), Mrs Taiwo Olukemi Oluga and Ipesa-Balogun, Afeez (South-West), with Festus Ifesinachi Odii not yet resume from the South-East .
Written BY ABUBAKAR YUSUF on yus.abubakar3@gmail.com.
By Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
The global shipping industry is the lifeblood of international trade, with nearly 90% of goods transported by sea. Behind this vast network of commerce are the seafarers professionals whose dedication keeps the world’s economy afloat. Yet, while the focus often falls on operational efficiency, safety, and environmental concerns, an equally critical aspect remains largely in the shadows: the mental health and wellbeing of those who spend months away from home, isolated and often battling invisible struggles.
Having worked both at sea and now within the maritime industry ashore, we have witnessed firsthand the emotional challenges faced by seafarers. Life at sea is often romanticized, but the reality is far more complex. Prolonged isolation, communication barriers, high-pressure environments, and the unpredictability of life at sea contribute to a unique mental health crisis that has, for too long, gone unspoken.
A seafarer’s life revolves around routines, watches, and operations that leave little room for personal downtime. The absence of family support systems limited recreational facilities, and minimal mental health resources onboard amplify feelings of loneliness and helplessness. Recent studies, including those by the Mission to Seafarers and the International Seafarers’ Welfare and Assistance Network (ISWAN), reveal alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and even suicidal ideation among crew members. These findings highlight a pressing need for the industry to prioritize mental health with the same seriousness as physical safety.
The COVID-19 pandemic further exposed and intensified these struggles. Hundreds of thousands of seafarers were stranded aboard ships, unable to disembark for months beyond their contracts. Crew change crises turned ships into floating prisons, exacerbating feelings of abandonment and mental exhaustion.
Though some shipping companies have since introduced mental health initiatives such as access to tele-counselling and mental wellness apps, these measures are still the exception rather than the norm.
Mental health challenges at sea are not merely personal struggles; they can have direct safety implications. Fatigue, anxiety, and depression diminish focus and decision-making ability, increasing the risk of accidents. Thus, protecting seafarers’ wellbeing is not only a moral obligation but a safety imperative for the entire industry.
As industry experts and former seafarers, we believe urgent cultural change is required. Shipping companies must move beyond token programs to embed mental health care into the fabric of maritime operations.
Practical steps include mandatory mental health training, confidential support systems, improved internet connectivity for family contact, regular shore leave, and destigmatization of seeking help.
It is time to bring the untold struggles of seafarers into the light. By acknowledging their mental health needs and committing resources to support them, we honor not only their critical role in global trade but their fundamental humanity.
Capt. Caleb Danladi Bako
Maritime expert and Academic Researcher
E-mail: Caleb.Danladi@plymouth.ac.uk, dancb2k@yahoo.com
Phone: +2348064218253