Opinion
Need For Sokapu To Stick To Issues
We have read with mixed feelings the response of Mr. Luka Binniyat, the P.R.O of SOKAPU, to our investigative report on the 200M Wike donation to IDPs in Kaduna State. It is quite disheartening and disturbing that Binniyat, a journalist, too, by profession, would deliberately shelve the critical issues we raised and dwell on frivolities that were neither the focus of our report nor captured anywhere in it.
Sir Luka Binniyat, the word “investigation” is not a big deal. You underrated our common sense. You expected that for us to undertake an investigation of this magnitude, we require intelligence that is at par with yours.
This investigative work does not require a sophisticated brain like yours to quiz facts from information hoarders. Common sense like ours was what we required to ask questions, transcribe, and write the report. Your intelligence is too big for small jobs like this, sir.
The difficult things in most journalism investigations are access to materials and information, but, in our case, people were willing to speak to us because they lost confidence in SOKAPU’s handling of the Wike donation.
When we saw the petition by the Chikun and Kajuru LG branches of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) against SOKAPU, we did not require a sophisticated brain like Binniyat’s to know that our first port of call was the PDP Chairman, Hassan Hyat. After our interview with him, he issued us a document (produced by a committee set up to fashion out how to share the funds), which we now referred to it as a template to validate his arguments and back his facts.
We did not also need Binniyat’s super-rich brain to know that the document has become our guide and the most important lead to unearthing what is hidden.
We did not also need Binniyat’s type of personality for persons of interest or prime actors as contained in the template to avail themselves as sources of information. Neither did we need Binniyat’s kind of guts to go to the hinterland and troubled zones. What we required, overall, were remotely sourced.
However, the northern part of Kaduna and JNI did not use Binniyat’s kind of intelligence to follow the procedures as dictated by the PDP template, they used common sense like ours (Concerned Journalists) and disbursed the funds and created a peaceful atmosphere around their IDPs, and even wrote and presented reports on the exercise to the PDP.
SOKAPU is too intelligent and probably used Binniyat’s kind of intelligence to go against the template and derived its formula, and lost the calm atmosphere around our IDPs.
Look at how Binniyat botched: he is SOKAPU’s P.R.O and a parody spokesman of the Labour Party, LP. Imagine how he has turned SOKAPU into an appendage appellation of LP. It is very evident that SOKAPU and LP are siamese in the polity. It was openly displayed in his response to our report.
But sir, our common sense tells us that you glossed over or circumvented the central issues in our report:
1. Why did SOKAPU decline to use the template given to it?
2. The template did not give SOKAPU the power to make an alternative decision in case of a paucity of funds. The decision to buy relief materials is contrary to the template given to SOKAPU or the demands made by the IDPs themselves.
3. SOKAPU should have reverted to Hassan Hyat or the committee for any option in case of any uncertainty.
4. Why did SOKAPU sideline Community Development Associations, LG Chairmen, CAN, and other actors as designated in the template and took unilateral action?
5. The template is not flexible. It is very rigid and explicit on sharing funds to affected LGAs and not purchasing and sharing relief materials.
6. SOKAPU did not make mention the reasons why Asake did not return to Hyat after putting several calls to him to find out why SOKAPU did not disburse the funds to the IDPs immediately
7. Your rejoinder did not explain why the continuous hoarding of the depleted funds up to this day.
8. In your rejoinder, you did not state why Asake did not hand over the documents of purchase of the relief materials that were distributed to the Dio Maisamari leadership.
9. You also did not fault any of the accounts of the IDP Coordinators, which provided the basis for our conclusion that what you distributed to the IDPs is nothing near commensurate to the about 60 million Mr. Asake claimed to have spent on the purchase of the relief materials.
10. You did not also refute the claim that Mr. Dio Maisamari was suspended and later recalled or informed the reader why SOKAPU decided to keep money meant for meeting the emergency needs of IDPs for almost a year now? Isn’t it clear that why Asake has been indicted or CAN “arm-twisted,” (as you claim) Mr. Dio Maisamari to get 18 million or Mr. Dio himself suspended allegedly over the mismanagement of the same funds is the failure of Asake, ab initio to disburse the funds as stipulated in the template given to him or involve relevant stakeholders in the disbursement of the funds?
It is instructive to also let you know that the idea to investigate SOKAPU’s handling of the Wike funds was conceived while Asake was still president of the Union, and kick-started before he even publicly declare interest to run for the governorship of the state under the LP. Mr. Maisamari, the current president of SOKAPU can confirm that we interviewed him on this matter over five (5) months ago and told him we were on an investigative work. We did so after Mr. Asake declined speaking with us, and directed we meet Dio, whom he handed over every detail we will want from him.
On our part, it is for the people, the IDPs, and posterity to judge. We couldn’t have missed the opportunity to unearth the facts about misappropriation of funds meant for the most vulnerable among us for the fear being misconstrued as “working for politicians or political parties.” This report will outlive the 2023 elections, and its findings would remain a pathway to the discovery of more truths about how SOKAPU under Asake handled the Wike funds.
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