Opinion
Tussles, Struggles Over Immediate Take Off Of NOK University, Kachia Resumes
Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta, candidate of Labour Party in the Southern Kaduna Senatorial District election in the February 2023 General Elections and KYC Inter-Projects Limited, has instituted a case of criminal conspiracy against Chief Anthony Hassan, Mr. Hassan Anthony Myendwas and Mr. Peter Danladi Gyet.
The defendant, had earlier approached the Chief Magistrate Court Rigachikun Kaduna through a Criminal complaint later transferred to Kachia Magisterial District in CASE NO. CMC/KCH/13DC/2024 brought against Chief Anthony Hassan, Mr. Hassan Anthony Myendwas and Mr. Peter Danladi Gyet.
The Case on NOK University instituted by Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta (The Garkuwan Matasan Arewa) resumes on Thursday with quest for peaceful and amicable resolution of all issues holding the smooth take off and operations of the University with the two (2) major contending shareholders and partners of the University, now opting through their Counsel for out of Court Settlement.
Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta and KYC Inter-Projects Limited had earlier approached the Chief Magistrate Court Rigachikun Kaduna through a Criminal complaint later transferred to Kachia Magisterial District in CASE NO. CMC/KCH/13DC/2024 brought against Chief Anthony Hassan, Mr. Hassan Anthony Myendwas and Mr. Peter Danladi Gyet.
The Complaint, Michael Ayuba and KYC Inter-Projects Ltd the Complainants, had through their Counsel Sir Ben Churchill Aniekwena Esq. urged the Criminal Court to entertain the allegations against the Defendants bordering over the Offences of criminal conspiracy: Contrary to section 58 and Punishable under section 59, giving false evidence: Contrary to section 119 and Punishable under section 121(2), dishonest or fraudulent execution of deed of transfer containing statement or consideration: Contrary and Punishable under section 140, criminal misappropriation: Contrary to section 293 and Punishable under section 294 and; defamation: Contrary to section 371(1) and Punishable under section 372 all of the Kaduna state penal code law NO. 5 of 2017.
At the resumed hearing of the Case on Thursday 29th February 2023, which was redirected and transferred on the Orders of the State Chief Judge to the Kachia Magistrial District and before His Worship Biniyat Thomas Isiaku Esq., both Counsel after much heated argument over issues of Services and Appearance of Parties particularly on the 2nd Defendant Mr. Hassan Anthony Myendwas who was not in Court, finally bow to part of peace on the Matter and the issues involving the Parties as a way forward in amicably resolving all issues for the immediate and possible takeoff of the University in Kachia.
Counsel representing the Complainants, Sir Ben Churchill, has aligned with the defence Counsel in praying the Honourable Court to grant the Parties free hand in view of both Counsels and Parties Agreement to allow them elect 5 members each to represent Parties to the dispute and to report back to the Court the outcome of the resolutions within one month to enable possible withdrawal or the continued progress in prosecution of the Defendants. In response, Counsel to the Defendants Dr. U. Y. Dikko confirmed the request of the Parties, that Counsels be made to seat in between the Parties and their selected representatives in good faith and as a duty imposed on Counsels while handling matters of this nature particularly where it involves as in this Case two great, prominent and well-meaning sons of Jaba Land and communities. While seeking for a way forward, Engr. Dr. Ayuba had drawn the Court’s attention over several neglect and/or refusal of the Defendants to abide with directives/resolutions taken by well-meaning individuals, kinsmen and royal fathers of Jaba community at the earlier attempts made of resolving the dispute thus prompting his institution of this Case and his added instructions to his personal Solicitors to commence a Civil trial over the same issues between the Parties over NOK University.
The Court in its wisdom had conceded to the Parties request and adjourned the Matter to 4th April 2024. The Court had also directed that both Parties and their respective Counsels fully participate and through the Registry of the Court to furnish immediately and on or before 4/3/2024 their Parties elected 5 names of persons of good character standing in the society, conscience and reputation to be communicated for the Court’s directive on or before 10/3/2024. The Court also Ordered that the 2nd absented Defendant be served with the Complaint and summons. After listening to the plight as to venue and convenience of all the Parties, the locations of their likely representatives and Counsels in the matter, the Court granted the unanimous consensus request of Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah Peace Center (The Kukah Center – Faith, Leadership and Public Policy Abuja) as Venue for the Peace meeting.
This we hope will finally lay to rest the conflict over NOK University and the two key Stakeholders and Partners over the Institution.
Efforts at reaching or having attention speak to the Parties and/or their Counsels failed. However, we gathered that the Suit at the Federal High.
By Rinret Jennifer Mwarap
The unrelenting massacre of citizens in Plateau State has reached an alarming level. While the government claims to be taking steps to restore order, the reality on the ground tells a different story one that feels like nothing meaningful is being done.
It is heartbreaking to see our loved ones butchered without cause. The questions torment us: What have we done wrong? Who have we offended? Where did we go astray? Must we continue to endure this suffering for no justifiable reason?
The killing of innocent people in Plateau must come to an end. The government and security forces cannot afford to look away. Their responsibility is clear they must act swiftly and decisively to bring the perpetrators to justice, for the sake of the innocent victims and the children left behind.
I call on the Governor of Plateau State to rise to this challenge. Take bold and immediate action against those who seek to destroy our land and shed innocent blood. Let them face the full weight of the law.
This feels like a nightmare—how did we get to the point where the same Plateau where I once slept peacefully with both eyes closed is now a place where even sleeping with one eye open feels unsafe?
Where is the peace in our “Home of Peace and Tourism”?
When will our tears dry? When will justice prevail?
If we truly seek peace, then justice must be non-negotiable.
Ken Nnamani, a former president of the senate, says he did not beg Elisha Abbo, a former senator representing Adamawa north, on behalf of any judge after the ex-lawmaker lost his election case in court.
In October 2023, the court of appeal sacked Abbo and declared Amos Yohanna, candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as the winner of the Adamawa north senatorial election.
Appearing on Channels Television on Wednesday, Abbo said he was a victim of “miscarriage of justice”.
The former senator said Nnamani pleaded with him on behalf of a judge after he lost his election case in 2023.
Reacting in a statement, the former senate president described Abbo’s claim as “blatant lies”.
“My greatest surprise was to hear him state that Senator Ken Nnamani visited him to plead with him on behalf of a judge for the miscarriage of justice. This statement is a blatant lie. I do not know how Senator Abbo can boldly fabricate an event that never happened to buttress his allegation of judicial miscarriage against him,” he said.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have never visited Senator Elisha Abbo at his house or anywhere. Up to this moment, I do not know where he lives. I have never discussed with him about his case, or any case pending or decided by any court of law in Nigeria.
“The only time I met with him was when he visited me in my house. It was more of a social visit by him. At this meeting, we never discussed his case or any case. I recall that when the matter of his political career came up, I advised him to avoid controversies as a young politician.
“The statements Senator Abbo made regarding me and his case are all fabrications. I believe I have had a sterling and distinguished public service career. I am determined to maintain my integrity and commitment to excellence till the end of my life.”
Heineken Lokpobiri, minister of state for petroleum resources, says the federal government plans to commence implementing the drill-or-drop provisions of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA).
Section 94 of the PIA gives operators a period of three years to begin oil production or relinquish the assets to the federal government.
Speaking during the Cross Industry Group (CIG) meeting held on Tuesday in Florence, Italy, Lokpobiri said it is in the best interest of the country that all inactive wells go to work.
He said the federal government, under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, has provided every necessary incentive to ensure international oil companies (IOCs) in Nigeria run smoothly and profitably.
“Now, it is imperative for these industry players to match the government’s efforts with increased investment by announcing final investment decisions (FIDs),” he said.
Furthermore, Lokpobiri discussed “the challenges, expectations, and measures to enhance the sector’s contributions towards domestic energy needs and regional expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa”.
He emphasised that while IOCs have highlighted engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractors as a challenge, “EPCs will not come unless they see strong commitments from industry players”.
“The government has done its part to provide the requisite and investment-friendly fiscals, the ball is now in the court of the IOCs and other operators to make strategic investment decisions that will drive increased production and sustainability in the sector,” he said.
“We must also recognise that domestic crude supply is essential to national energy security. The best solution to this challenge lies in increasing production, which will ensure a balance between domestic supply obligations and external commitments.”
The minister further urged industry players to explore collaborative measures, such as shared resources for contiguous assets and the release of underutilised assets to operators ready to invest in production.