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Honourable Akala Is A Chairman With A Difference – Amb GodBless Ademu
The newly coronated Ata-Oja Igala, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State, Honourable Chief Ambassador Godbless Isiaka Ademu has said that the chairman of Karu Local Government Area, honourable Samuel Akala Gajere is a chairman with a difference as he (Hon. adsbygoogle || []).push({}); com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js">
Ata-Oja Ademu make this assertion during his coronation ceremony as the Ata-Oja Igala, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State saying that the socio-economic development that Akala had brought to Karu Local government area has no rival.
Ata-Oja Ademu said, “This is the Igala community in Karu local government area Nasarawa My name is Honourable Chief Ambassador Godbless Isiaka Ademu, Proprietor of Honourable schools limited; Proprietor, Solutions Computer Consult, honourable center for remedial studies and many more and today, I have been mandated to become the Ata-Oja Igala Karu local government.
“For your information sir, Igala community are the most organized non-indigenous group in Karu, whether we like it or yes (not or not). Honourable sir, we have a structure that is second to none in the whole 36 states of the federation and the federal capital territory, what is that structure?
“The Igala community has 3 different structures or more, we have the ICDA president who is the Administrative head of the Igala Community, We have the Ata-Oja Igala who is the socio-political and the economic head of the Igala community of which I am opportune to step into the shoe today being 14th November, 2020; and we have the Onu Igala who is the traditional head of the Igala community who represent the father of everybody whether good or bad, whether mad or normal. A very handsome man, I don’t if you can see him,. A handsome man an educated man , an enlightened man, a man of vision he is the onu igala, Karu Local Government, he is the Oga Ata Igala, Karu local government, and to tell you he is the Wakil Igala, Karu Local Government. That title was bestow on him by Esu Karu himself, so he belong to the council of chief Karu Local Government.
“We invited you here today, not because of anything, chairman has come and gone, but I want to tell you please help us tell Honourable Akala that he is a chairman with a difference. The Igala people, we are people of peace and honourable Akala is a man of peace; the Igala people we are people that like progress and Honourable Akala is a progressive entity; the Igala people we are people that love dignity and honourable Akala is a dignified man himself.
Ata-Oja Ademu however implore the honourable chairman for inclusiveness of the Igala community in Karu Local Government in his administration and socio-political planning as the Igala community have not benefited directly from his administration.
He said, “Looking at karu local government he has done a lot here and I want to tell you sir that if he had carried the Igala people along, he would have done more and I want you to know sir to draw your map and include the Igala community, you will never fail politically, you will never fail economically, you will never fail socially and psychological you will never fail.
“So we are waiting, the Igala community, to be called upon one day and have a place and have a say in the affairs of Karu local government being the most populous non-indigenous tribe in Karu local government.
“Now because of what you have done to the people not to the Igala community; if it is to the Igala community, we have benefitted nothing physically, that is the bitter truth but we must chew it but the development he has brought to Karu despite that you did not carry the Igala community along which you would have done better we have seen and we are feeling it and therefore we say thank you Honourable Samuel Akala Gajere for making Karu a town of pride.
“We are therefore presenting an award to him to tell him that we are aware of what he is doing and to tell him that we want him to do more and to tell him that we want him to carry us along.
“So the National President, please help us deliver this award to the executive chairman, karu local government who has been so generous to the igala community, so far that we buy and sell here, and we live here, we sleep here with our two eyes closed. Thank you very much the National President.”, he concluded.
Honourable Akala, through his Councilor, Social Services and Special Duty Abubakar Maiwada expressed appreciation for the Award while pledging to do more for the Igala Community in Karu local government of Nasarawa State.
He said that, “On behalf of my boss the chairman of karu local government, let me give thanks to the Almighty Allah sub hanau wata ala for making us to witness this occasion.
“Actually, he wanted to be here personally but because of tight schedule he is not as he has another official engagement somewhere within the state. let me seize this opportunity to tender his unreserved apology for his inability to be here personally and I hope his apology is accepted, even though he is not here physically, I want to assure you he is here with you.
“As a matter of Fact, this award and traditional title given to my boss is a well deserve one considering his contribution to the development of Karu local government area.
“Honourable Akala has done two and a half years in office but the result are enormous, his achievement in almost nukes and cranny of karu local government are so much visible to the extent that even a blind man can testifies. In fact, he is the best performing local government chairman in the history of Karu Local government in Nasarawa State.
“Igala Community in karu local government area are known to be peaceful. Let me seize this opportunity to call on you to continue to be in peace and harmony as karu local government will continue to partner with you and support your activities both morally and financially when the need arise.
“I want to sincerely thank the organisers of this event, particularly the Ata-Oja of Igala community, karu local government area for organizing this auspicious event and honouring my boss with this prestigious award and traditional title, I am hoping that this spirit of brotherliness and cordiality will continue to grow.
“Finally, I want to sincerely thank you so much for honouring me with this award. Thank you very much!
“May Almighty Allah reward you accordingly!” he concluded.
Meanwhile, the National President, Igala Cultural Development Association (ICDA), Sadiq Aubakar Amodu that also received an Award and the traditional title of ‘Ukata Igala’, through the ICDA Chairman, Karu-Jikwoyi, Ebiojo Muhammed had admonished the Igala community to be resilient saying that nothing good come easy. He also pointed out some of the achievement of his Administration, saying that during his tenure, we were able to build the Igala Unity House in Ayingba, during his tenure there was cultural reawakening of Osho Hunting Expedition which was last done over 60 years ago, and more importantly, that he is able to galvanise cohesion among all the Igala entity fostering unity among Igala sons and daughters all over during his tenure.
Also, The Pro-term President of the Chartered Institute of Forensic and Investigative Professionals of Nigeria (CIFIPN), Dr. (Mrs) Enape Victoria Ayishetu and the widow of the last Ata-Oja Igala, Karu local government, Nasarawa State, Late Honourable Alex Daikwo JP, Mrs. Elizabeth Alex Daikwo among others were recipients of various awards and traditional titles during the occasion.
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Kogi Ministry Of Justice Partners NGO On Fight Against Gender-Based Violence
From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi State Ministry of Justice, in collaboration with the non-governmental organization “Protect the Child Foundation” has launched a strategic partnership aimed at sustaining the fight against all forms of gender-based violence (GBV) in the state.
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This was the focus of a one-day stakeholders’ workshop on “Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence,” organized by the Ministry’s Directorate of Gender-Based Violence in collaboration with the Foundation and with the support of the French Embassy.
Stakeholders at the event called for the strengthening of Nigeria’s legal framework to ensure a sustained and coordinated response to gender-based violence across the country.
Delivering the keynote address, the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Kogi State, Muizudeen Yunusa Abdullahi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Falilat Yusuf Musa (Esq.), emphasized that combating GBV is a shared responsibility requiring collective commitment and action.
“The theme of today’s discourse
Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance: Sustaining the Fight Against Gender-Based Violence is not just a slogan but a strategic blueprint for action,” Abdullahi said.
“These three pillars Justice, Protection, and Zero Tolerance form the tripod upon which a safe, equitable, and dignified society must stand.”
He highlighted key legal instruments supporting the fight against GBV, including Sections 33, 34, and 42 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Law of Kogi State, 2022, and the Child’s Rights Law of Kogi State.
According to him, these laws collectively ensure that every citizen from infancy to adulthood—is shielded from violence, discrimination, and exploitation.
Abdullahi commended Governor Usman Ododo for his administration’s unwavering commitment to curbing the menace of sexual and gender-based violence in the state, noting that the governor’s leadership has provided “decisive action and clear direction” in ensuring justice for survivors.
“Under his leadership, we have a clear mandate to ensure that the full weight of the law is brought to bear on perpetrators without fear or favour,” he said. “In Kogi State, there is zero tolerance for gender-based violence.”
He called on law enforcement agencies to handle GBV cases with urgency and sensitivity, urged civil society partners to continue advocacy and survivor support, and challenged communities to break the culture of silence and stigma.
In her remarks, the Executive Director of “Protect the Child Foundation”, Barr. Elizabeth Achimugu, attributed the persistence of gender-based violence largely to poverty and called for the empowerment of the girl child as a key strategy to address the problem.
She stressed the need for community engagement and public awareness, noting that exposing perpetrators and ending stigmatization are crucial to combating GBV.
“Sexual and gender-based violence constitutes a grave violation of human rights and a public health crisis,” Achimugu said. “In Nigeria, despite the existence of relevant laws, enforcement remains weak, especially in rural communities where awareness is low.”
She cited alarming statistics from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023, which reports that 31% of women aged 15–49 have experienced physical violence, while 7% have experienced sexual violence, often linked to harmful cultural practices.
Achimugu called for integrated, multi-sectoral approaches involving health, education, justice, and community systems, as well as economic empowerment initiatives for women and girls to reduce vulnerability to abuse.
Earlier, the Deputy Director of the Gender-Based Violence Directorate, Juliana Jonathan-Omale, underscored the need for sustained action, describing the workshop theme as “both a declaration and a challenge.”
“We have moved from breaking the silence to building systems of response,” she said. “Now we must ensure this fight is not a fleeting campaign but a lasting commitment built on strategy, resilience, and collaboration.”
Participants at the workshop, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society representatives, agreed that sustained progress against gender-based violence demands coordinated action, legal enforcement, and community-driven change to build a safer and more inclusive society.
Ends
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Ajia Mourns General Abdullahi Adangba, Condoles Emir of Ilorin and Ilorin Emirate
By AbdulRahman Obaje
Businessman and philanthropist, Alhaji Ibrahim Mohammed Ajia, the Dan Amanar of Fune Emirate, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Major General Abdullahi Mohammed Adangba (rtd), former Chief of Staff to two Nigerian Presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, who died on Tuesday in Abuja at the age of 86.
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Ajia, in a condolence message signed by his Director of Communications, Malam Abdulrahman Aliagan, and made available to journalists in Abuja, Ajia described the late General Adangba as “a rare patriot, seasoned administrator, and a disciplined officer whose life symbolized loyalty, humility, and selfless service to the nation.”
Ajia extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji (Dr.) Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari CFR, and the entire Ilorin Emirate over what he described as “a monumental loss to Ilorin, Kwara State, and Nigeria at large.”
According to him, “The late General Adangba was not only a distinguished military officer and public servant but also a proud son of Ilorin whose contributions to national development and his community will never be forgotten. He served the country with uncommon dedication and left behind a legacy of integrity and honour.”
Ajia noted that the passing of General Adangba at this critical time has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill, particularly among patriotic Nigerians who value truth, service, and national unity.
He prayed that Almighty Allah grants the departed soul Al-Jannah Firdaus and gives the Emir of Ilorin, the bereaved family, and the people of Ilorin the strength to bear the great loss.
“On behalf of my family and associates, I join the good people of Ilorin Emirate and the entire nation in mourning a statesman who gave his all for the peace and progress of our dear country,” the statement concluded.
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Fair Hearing for Kanu: AVID expressed deep concern over judicial standards
Our Correspondent
The American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) has condemned what it described as a “continuing judicial travesty” in the ongoing trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
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AVID, in a statement issued on Thursday, November 6, 2025 and signed by its President, Chief Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID expressed “grave concern and total condemnation” over what it called the erosion of constitutional and judicial standards in Kanu’s case.
The statement alleged that the trial lacked legal foundation and violated both domestic and international principles of fair hearing.
“Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution (as amended) is clear under Section 36(12) that no person shall be tried for any criminal offence unless that offence and its penalty are defined in a written law,” the group stated.
“This is a bond editable constitutional safeguard, a cornerstone of due process, and a measure of any civilized nation’s commitment to justice.”
According to AVID, the Nigerian government continues to prosecute Kanu under the repealed Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013, despite the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which replaced it.
“Yet, before the world and under Justice Omotosho’s watch, the Nigerian state persists in trying Mazi Nnamdi Kanu under a dead law — the Terrorism (Prevention) (Amendment) Act, 2013 — which ceased to exist upon the enactment of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022,” AVID said.
“Justice Omotosho, contrary to the mandatory duty of judicial notice under Section 122(2)(a) of the Evidence Act, has refused to acknowledge this repeal. This is not a mere oversight; it is a judicial dereliction of constitutional duty.”
The group further faulted the judge’s alleged decision to defer ruling on issues of jurisdiction and double jeopardy until final judgment, insisting that such questions strike at the root of any criminal trial.
“Justice Omotosho’s posture of ‘wait till judgment’ on questions of jurisdiction, double jeopardy, and validity of charge is the opposite of established precedents of the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the statement noted.
“Jurisdictional defects strike at the root of a case and must be determined forthwith, not deferred. No court, no matter how highly placed, can arrogate to itself jurisdiction it does not possess,” the statement emphasised.
AVID cited Section 76(1)(d)(iii) of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, which, it said, requires that any alleged terrorism committed abroad must also constitute an offence in the jurisdiction where it occurred — in this case, Kenya, where Kanu was allegedly abducted.
“This double criminality requirement has not been met, yet the judge insists on proceeding, thus nullifying the moral and legal foundation of the entire trial,” the group argued.
The organization also accused Nigeria’s legal and judicial institutions of silence in the face of what it termed “constitutional infidelity.”
“It is appalling that in the face of such manifest constitutional infidelity, Nigeria’s legal institutions — the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the National Judicial Council (NJC), and so-called legal analysts — have chosen cowardly silence,” the group lamented.
“A nation whose lawyers fear to ask, ‘Under what law is this man being tried?’ has surrendered its conscience to tyranny,” the group added.
AVID also expressed concern over what it called “the destruction of every element of fair hearing” guaranteed under Section 36(1) of the Constitution.
“From the denial of access to lawyers and family in DSS custody to the judicial disregard of documentary evidence before the court, every element of fair hearing has been destroyed in Justice Omotosho’s court,” it said.
Citing an incident in open court, the veterans’ group claimed Kanu had asked for a brief recess in the judge’s chambers “to prevent the judiciary’s embarrassment” but was denied.
“When Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in court, asked for a five-minute recess in the judge’s chambers to prevent the judiciary’s embarrassment, he was rebuffed,” AVID said.
“When he raised the profound constitutional question — ‘Under what law am I being tried?’ — Justice Omotosho retorted, ‘Wait till judgment.’ That a sitting Federal High Court judge can preside over a criminal trial without identifying a subsisting law is the ultimate indictment of Nigeria’s judicial decay,” AVID stressed.
The group called on international bodies, including the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), the U.S. Department of State, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to monitor and document what it described as “ongoing judicial abuses in Nigeria.”
“The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in its present form, is not just a constitutional aberration but an affront to international human rights standards on fair trial and rule of law,” the statement read.
AVID urged Nigeria to “choose between law and lawlessness,” saying the ongoing proceedings undermine the nation’s claim to democracy.
“Justice Omotosho’s courtroom has become a theatre of constitutional absurdity — a place where a man is asked to defend himself against a non-existent law, where judicial notice is optional, and where constitutional provisions are treated as irritants,” the group said.
“If Nigeria still claims to be a constitutional democracy, it must immediately halt this charade, restore the rule of law, and release Mazi Nnamdi Kanu unconditionally.”
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