Don’t Arrest Odili, Court Orders EFCC

[nf5kmw1]

We need a special tribunal or court for corruption set up ASAP!!!!!

Lawyer and Judges need to wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Don’t Arrest Odili, Court Orders EFCC
By Davidson Iriekpen, 09.21.2007

Like his former Abia State counterpart, Chief Orji Kalu, former governor of Rivers State, Dr. Peter Odili, has obtained a court order barring the Economic and Financial Crimes Comm-ission (EFCC) from prosecuting him for alleged corrupt practices while in office.
A Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, ordered the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Chief Michael Aond-oakaa, and EFCC not to arrest or detain Odili for the purpose of prosecution.
THISDAY gathered last night in Lagos that the order was given last week.
By this, the court has ordered EFCC or other any other government agency either jointly or severally through their agents and officials “not to arrest, detain, arraign for the purpose of prosecution” of the former governor pending the determination of the motion on notice.
The order was sequel to an ex-parte motion brought by the former governor following rumours that EFCC would arrest him any moment from now.
In the affidavit in support of the motion on notice filed on his behalf by one Ndudim Oreh, a legal practitioner based in Port Harcourt, Odili averred that about November 2006 and January 2007, the 2nd Respondent (EFCC), allegedly acting pursuant to its statutory powers, invited, arrested, denied and generally took steps that adversely affected the smooth running of the Government of Rivers State, under the Plaintiff/Applicant then.
He further claimed that bank records of the government were taken away and the account of the government frozen.
EFCC had earlier arrested and arraigned some immediate past ex-governors like Kalu, Chief Joshua Dariye (Plateau), Alhaji Saminu Turaki (Jigawa), Rev. Jolly Nyame (Taraba), Dr. Chimaroke Nnamani (Enugu) in court for alleged corrupt practices while in office.
Former Edo State governor, Chief Lucky Igbinedion, his ex-Delta State counterpart, Chief James Ibori and Odili were being touted as among the next set of former governors to be arraigned by EFCC.
However, the commission had earlier picked up some aides of the former Rivers State governor for interrogation.
But Kalu who had been arraigned, detained and admitted to bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja recently obtained an order of perpetual injunction from an Abia State High Court restraining EFCC from further arresting or detaining for the purpose of prosecution.
The Port Harcourt High Court also barred respondents in the suit from disseminating, publishing or circulating the report of the investigation carried out by EFCC, concerning the tenure of the plaintiff pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The court has adjourned the matter till today.
The court also ordered that the processes filed by the former governor be served on all the respondents.
It also ordered for an accelerated hearing of the motion on notice.
Odili had averred that in consequence of the situation then in Rivers State, the then Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the state instituted a suit No. FHC/PHC/CSI78/2007: Attorney-General for Rivers State Vs the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission & 3 Others against the 2nd Respondent on record.
He claimed that in its judgment in the suit, after full hearing, the trial judge, Hon. Justice I. N. Buba of the Federal High Court, granted all the declaratory and injunctive reliefs sought by the Plaintiff/Applicant in that case, saying that the judge had, amongst other relief, held that the 2nd Respondent was not entitled to rely on, utilise or in any manner whatsoever put to any use any report, findings or conclusions produced or arrived at by the Respondent as a result of the purported investigation or inquiry into the appropriation, disbursing, administering or management of funds of Rivers State.
The former governor noted that shortly after handing over power to his successor, the 2nd Respondent announced to the whole world, the fact that he and some other governors, had some questions to answer, based upon the complaints received against them while in office, as well as on the basis of their investigations and findings.
Odili further averred that the 2nd Respondent shortly after demanded that all former governors should report to it, which he did and was questioned as to the alleged findings by the 2nd Respondent's operatives, concerning his activities as governor of Rivers State.
He said he answered their questions and was allowed to go and that shortly after that, some of his former colleagues, namely: - Dariye, Kalu, Nnamani and others had since been arrested and arraigned in various courts in the country for alleged financial crimes.

[ikechiji]

If this is true, the National Judicial Council should come down hard on judges that issue these types of ex-parte orders. This is absolutely ridiculous! Odili should and will be charged just like the rest of the yeye ex-Governors who did absolutely nothing for their citizens for eight years. Greedy, blood sucking bunch.

As the Don would say, Ye-Ye Dey Boom!

[Abraxas]

Originally Posted by ikechiji

If this is true, the National Judicial Council should come down hard on judges that issue these types of ex-parte orders. This is absolutely ridiculous! Odili should and will be charged just like the rest of the yeye ex-Governors who did absolutely nothing for their citizens for eight years. Greedy, blood sucking bunch.

As the Don would say, Ye-Ye Dey Boom!

Gov Wants Priests To Participate In Governance

Source: LeadershipNigeria.com

The Rivers State governor, Sir Celestine Omehia has tasked Priests and other church leaders to take active part in governance and leadership to promote a decent society.

Sir Omehia said this on Sunday while speaking at the thanksgiving mass held at the Christ the King Catholic Church, Port Harcourt , to celebrate the 40th birthday of Reverend Father Kii.

He said that Father Kii has shown that outside Priesthood, clergymen can also be good administrators in the management of men and resources.

Governor Omehia recalled that some years ago, Father Kii was appointed as Chairman of the state Post-Primary Schools Board following the deteriorating nature of the organisation, and expressed satisfaction that during his tenure up till date, the fortune of the Board has changed for the better.

He pointed out that during the period, Father Kii was able to reveal that about 30 percent of the names on the pay roll of teachers were ghost workers, as well as instilled discipline and dedication into the school system.

The governor noted that Father Kii’s hardwork and competence resulted in his appointment as a member of the State Pilgrims Welfare Board, from where he moved up, to the Federal Pilgrims Welfare Board, and attributed this to his managerial acumen.

Omehia expressed delight that all these were achieved before Father Kii attained 40 years, noting that forty marks a turning point in the life of any individual, and congratulated him for authoring two Books, "Preservation of the Environment for Social Order in the Niger Delta: A perspective from Canon 747" and "Ruminations: Thoughts before Forty".

Also speaking, the former Governor, Dr. Peter Odili, commended Father Kii for showing that Priests can also operate successfully in an environment regarded as the preserve of older persons.

Describing Father Kii as an epitome of simplicity, and a reflection of the oneness of the body of Christ, Dr. Odili commended him for writing the books which exposes the sub-human condition of the people of the Niger Delta.

In his speech, Rev. Father Pius Kii said he decided to celebrate his 40 years on earth because it is a significant number in the scripture, describing the circumstances of his birth, as a gift from God to God.

He thanked everyone for honouring him with their presence, particularly the former governor of the state, Dr. Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili, and governor Celestine Omehia and his wife, Lady Tonia Omehia, and promised to remain committed and loyal to the administration.

In his homily, a senior lecturer with the Catholic Institute of West Africa, CIWA, Rev. Jude Asanbe, told Christians to shun selfishness and embrace the spirit of generosity in their daily lives.

Rev. Asanbe who advised Nigerians to imbibe the Spirit of hard work, patience and tolerance reminded them about the story of the Prodigal son, saying that lack of such qualities pushed him into ostentatious lifestyle.

The Clergy man described the 40th birthday of Rev. Father Pius Kii, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education UBE Board as a remarkable event, since according to him, Rev. Father Kii has remained committed and steadfast in the service of God, irrespective of his position, and urged him to continue to remain so.

Governor Celestine Omehia read the first lesson, while Justice Mary Odili, wife of the former governor of the state, read the second lesson at the Thanksgiving mass. High point of the mass was the presentation of two books written by Rev. Father Pius Kii, by Monsignor Matthew Hassan Kukah.

Hi, folks!

Remember not to forget: Dr. (Sir) Peter Odili's wife is a judge in the Federal Court of Appeal, the cesspit of the Nigerian judiciary! By the way, they made their maiden flight into public glare in Port Harcourt, at a choreographed and state-sponsored 40th birthday bash for a politically correct so-called man of God, Rev. Father Pius Kii, the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education UBE Board, in a Catholic Church in Port Harcourt, recently.

Just testing the waters, I guess!

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! {I go die-o, I beg!}

Muchas gracias.

Don Juan-Carlos ABRAXAS (III)

[DoubleWahala]

I'm an avid conspiracy theorist. So, here's my take on what has transpired

1. Balogun of Owu is paddy-paddy with Odili

2. Fada of modern Naija is also paddy-paddy with Nuhu.

3. Dem wan win the PR war against AG and UMYA, in favor of EFCC, at all cost.

4. What better way to win this PR 'war' than by showing the hollowness and wider implication of Kalu's court order?

5. This is done by Odili agreeing to be used as a foot-soldier by his paddy-paddy in securing this fresh 'court order', to the effect that Odili cannot be arrested by EFCC, knowing fully well that it would precipitate a massive public uproar.

6. This "uproar" would now be carefully coordinated, choregraphed and amplified, and used as an effective template to further denigrate the actions of the AG in trying to call a run-away EFCC to order.

7. Ever wonder why Odili was never arrested or charged to court even ever before he secured this new 'court order'

Bye-bye o, I be una broda (apologies to JAGA-JAGA )

DW

[lionking]

Solution is simple. Application to Court of Appeal to vacate supported by affidavit of urgency. Concluded within 2 weeks max.

[lionking]

Originally Posted by Abraxas

Hi, folks!

Remember not to forget: Dr. (Sir) Peter Odili's wife is a judge in the Federal Court of Appeal, the cesspit of the Nigerian judiciary! By the way, they made their maiden flight into public glare in Port Harcourt, at a choreographed and state-sponsored 40th birthday bash for a politically correct so-called man of God, Rev. Father Pius Kii, the Chairman of the Rivers State Universal Basic Education UBE Board, in a Catholic Church in Port Harcourt, recently.

Just testing the waters, I guess!

Ho-ho-ho-ho-ho-ho! {I go die-o, I beg!}

Muchas gracias.

Don Juan-Carlos ABRAXAS (III)

Cesspit of which judiciary? Federal judiciary or state judiciaries? The entire Court of Appeal or the division in which she sits? FYI, the Court of Appeal is more or less several courts under one umbrella - each division and its panel of judges is effectively a court of its own. You are allowing this your obsession with the Odilis to goad you into making sweeping generalizations. The federal courts in Nigeria are generally of a better quality than most state courts and the federal appeallate courts are generally of a higher quality than the federal courts of first instance - bar the individual appellate judges that have been indicted for corruption. These same federal appellate courts have done a yeoman's job in salvaging democracy in Nigeria from OBJ and his goons. Its most reckless on your part to smear the entire court of appeal just to get at the Odilis.

[Gentle Angel]

Originally Posted by ikechiji

If this is true, the National Judicial Council should come down hard on judges that issue these types of ex-parte orders. This is absolutely ridiculous! Odili should and will be charged just like the rest of the yeye ex-Governors who did absolutely nothing for their citizens for eight years. Greedy, blood sucking bunch.

As the Don would say, Ye-Ye Dey Boom!

I think this is the most glaring and worrying aspect of this report. Why are some members of the judiciary constituting themselves a nuisance in ridding the country of corruption. Dare I theorise that the judge has been paid off?

[I Love Nigeria]

Ahem!

Rule of law Rule of law Rule of law Rule of laaw Rool of laaw people

After all, the court is a court of competent jurisdiction ..... just like the state court in Abia state that has awarded indefinite RELIEF to DOCTOR Orji Uzor Kalu

Any ex-governor that cannot get a judge in his home state to issue exparte ORDER is a mugu!

Due Process and Rule of law
Due Processs and Rule of law
for all former government officials

But continued detention without trial for the poor and unemployed?

[ikechiji]

This is not about the new A-G and his push for the "rule of law". This is about judges who have been corrupted by the absence of the rule of law in previous regimes. If we had institutionalized the rule of law, judges would not be issuing these ye-ye orders.

[Igbosa]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

I'm an avid conspiracy theorist. So, here's my take on what has transpired

1. Balogun of Owu is paddy-paddy with Odili

2. Fada of modern Naija is also paddy-paddy with Nuhu.

3. Dem wan win the PR war against AG and UMYA, in favor of EFCC, at all cost.

4. What better way to win this PR 'war' than by showing the hollowness and wider implication of Kalu's court order?

5. This is done by Odili agreeing to be used as a foot-soldier by his paddy-paddy in securing this fresh 'court order', to the effect that Odili cannot be arrested by EFCC, knowing fully well that it would precipitate a massive public uproar.

6. This "uproar" would now be carefully coordinated, choregraphed and amplified, and used as an effective template to further denigrate the actions of the AG in trying to call a run-away EFCC to order.

7. Ever wonder why Odili was never arrested or charged to court even ever before he secured this new 'court order'

Bye-bye o, I be una broda (apologies to JAGA-JAGA )

DW

DW,
I have to say your conspiracy hypothesis is too hallow to be taken seriously. It also rubbishes all your arguement for "due process". Just hang it up.

Fortunately you have made more sense and given superior arguement elsewhere.

ILN,
Hang it up please. Your admirers are reading this.

[tonsoyo]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

I'm an avid conspiracy theorist. So, here's my take on what has transpired

1. Balogun of Owu is paddy-paddy with Odili

2. Fada of modern Naija is also paddy-paddy with Nuhu.

3. Dem wan win the PR war against AG and UMYA, in favor of EFCC, at all cost.

4. What better way to win this PR 'war' than by showing the hollowness and wider implication of Kalu's court order?

5. This is done by Odili agreeing to be used as a foot-soldier by his paddy-paddy in securing this fresh 'court order', to the effect that Odili cannot be arrested by EFCC, knowing fully well that it would precipitate a massive public uproar.

6. This "uproar" would now be carefully coordinated, choregraphed and amplified, and used as an effective template to further denigrate the actions of the AG in trying to call a run-away EFCC to order.

7. Ever wonder why Odili was never arrested or charged to court even ever before he secured this new 'court order'

Bye-bye o, I be una broda (apologies to JAGA-JAGA )

DW

Honestly DW you are beginning to sound incredibly ridiculous.

Now that all we have been saying about this irresponsible Attorney General is coming to the fore, you now came up with this kindergarten conspiracy theory, you need to realize that you have a reputation to protect in this village, you are beginning to rubbish it.

It is apparent that the AG has been clearing the ground for this kind of injunctions, so that he can throw up his hands in the air and shout "rule of law forever!" And because he knew that Ribadu cannot be cowed by such moves, he has to be silenced permanently.

For those blaming Ribadu for violations of the rule of law, you guys can see now that the law is indeed an ass. Ribadu was alleged to have been violating the rule of law to convict well known treasury looters. Yar'Adua and Michael Aondoakaa is abusing the rule of law to free well known treasury looters.

These guys are actively using the law to rape this country and perpetuate injustice. This is sacrilegious.

From all the signal that I am seen from this administration, we will wish that we can have OBJ back.

[DoubleWahala]

Tonsoyo, please, dont burst a blood vessel on my account.

My post was written in a lighter mood.

No go kill yasef for notin o!

DW

[AJ*]

Originally Posted by nf5kmw1

We need a special tribunal or court for corruption set up ASAP!!!!!

Lawyer and Judges need to wake up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If this is a fact, then what do we say to this of coming from the Punch News papers today?

Odili sues EFCC, begs AGF to stop arrest
FORMER Rivers State Governor, Dr Peter Odili, has dragged the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission before the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt , asking the court to restrain the anti-graft body from prosecuting him over his tenure between May 29, 1999 and May 29, 2007 . The ex-governor had approached the court through an ex-parte application dated September 13 and urged the court to restrain the EFCC and its agents from arresting or prosecuting him, pending the determination of his application. But Justice Regina Nwodo in her ruling on the application, refused to grant Odili’s prayers. The judge also ordered the ex-governor to put the EFCC on notice. The court processes were made available to our correspondent in Lagos on Thursday. Odili, who also joined the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice as co-respondents to the suit No FHC /PH/CS/1291/2007, claimed that the anti-graft body was planning to prosecute him in pursuant to the commission’s alleged investigation of his tenure for eight years. The plaintiff also wants the court to grant him an order of interlocutory injunction, restraining the EFCC from disseminating, publishing or circulating its report of investigation on his tenure in Rivers State . Odili’s ex-parte application was backed with a 13-paragraph affidavit in support and was argued by his lawyer, Mr. Ifedayo Adedipe (SAN). Delivering her ruling on the application, Justice Nwodo said, “The applicant’s counsel is directed to put the respondents on notice. “The motion on notice should be served on the respondents for accelerated hearing of motion on notice. “Case is hereby adjourned till September 21, 2007 for the hearing of the motion on notice.” But the ex-governor had appealed to the AGF to use his good offices with a view to preventing the EFCC from arresting him. Speaking through his lawyer (Adedipe) in a letter dated September 13 and addressed to the AGF, Odili also urged the AGF to ensure that nothing was done to tamper with the status quo on the matter.

THE PUNCH, Friday, September 21, 2007

Which news is the most recent?

Odili must not escape justice. It should be "Guilty until proven Innocent" for all political office holders who have been fingered as having corruptly enriched themselves by looting public funds. If proven innocent, we as tax payers will take responsibility for all legal fees and any form of restitution they seek.

See what they are doing with the stolen funds in Arik air. Even Richard's Virgin cannot afford to order the number of planes that Arik is buying today within the short period of becoming operational. They are laundering the stolen monies through Arik air. That company should be taken over by the Nigerian govenment and privatised at 1Kobo/share as it is all made up of tax payers money. Every Nigerian has a piece of Arik air and for the sake of those Nigerians that have been gainfully employed today, this should be the way foward.

[Auspicious]

Ooooooh Poor Auspicious!

There he was, waiting and waiting and waiting..

Waiting for his good friend DoubleWahala to come defending..

Defending the virtues of the Rule of Law, a la Aondoakaa!

Oh, poor, poor, Auspicious!

Little did he know he'd have to wait till "His Coming",

Wait till "His Coming" for DoubleWahala to come a-chanting,

A-chanting about the need for EFCC to obey the rule of law!

Oh, poor, poor, poor Auspicious!

There he was waiting and waiting and waiting..

Waiting on DoubleWahala to come with guns a-blazing..

Blazing away at those who help perpetUate corruption in Naija!

Alas, all DoubleWahala has to offer is some Rabbit-in-Hat Theories!

Oh, let's have some pity for our Poor Auspicious!!!

Who believed that in the face of the recent news from "Igwe Ocha",

Mr. Wahala will go "Ah, Yeepa!" - rather than tell us about Flying Pigs.

Auspy go wetey till Jesus Himself come before Wahala fit Shele!

Auspicious.

[DoubleWahala]

Auspicious, may peace and love, which passeth all understanding, be unto you, now and forever more.

DW

[Auspicious]

Originally Posted by DoubleWahala

Auspicious, may peace and love, which passeth all understanding, be unto you, now and forever more.

DW

Aaaahmin, Aaaaaahmin, Aaaaaaaaaaaamin l'oruko Jeeeeeesu!

Auspicious.

[DoubleWahala]

Originally Posted by Auspicious

Aaaahmin, Aaaaaahmin, Aaaaaaaaaaaamin l'oruko Jeeeeeesu!

Auspicious.

Auspi my guy,

Naija's problems go waaaay beyond what is going on right now. Whatever it is going on now has nothing to do with the "fight against corruption". It is simply a fight for political relevance, which I already pointed out here and there.

If you have the time, peruse the referenced post below, which I wrote some weeks back. Let me know if you have any comments.

Travelling Without Moving

The point is that corruption pays in Nigeria, and that is why it will continue (into the forseeable future) to be a major part of what defines us.

All the activities of the so-called "anti-corruption agencies" is akin to trying to quench the smoke without putting out the fire.

Right from the inception of the entity called Nigeria, corruption has been our forte. All our so-called "founding fathers" partook of it (maybe not as blatantly as our present crop of 'leaders), but they did it, nontheless, and got away with it.

A major cause, IMO, for this sordid state of affairs, is that our colonialist, England, bequeathed a nation state, with all the paraphenelia and system of government, which we did not really have any hand in creating or developing by ourselves, for ourselves. This practice has continued to this very day whereby, the current constitution in use, was arrived at with extremely minimal public participation. Further compounding the problem, is the incredibly complex and heterogenous nature of our socio-cultural construct.

So, our leaders just stepped into the shoes of 'massa' and continued from where they stopped. Since 'massa' was not accountable to the masses for his actions (or lack thereof), it was easy for our leaders to continue in this tried and tested 'noblest of traditions'.

Our leaders and rulers did as they pleased, and the masses, already conditioned into a state of fear and mental subservience, ignorantly kow-towed, without offering any serious challenge(s). 'Opposition' parties and groups, were really, in essence, just other 'displaced' elitist gatherings, equally angling for a share of the booty.

Military adventurism elevated corruption to an art-form in our country, so much so, that right now, corruption is virtually embedded into the psyche of the average Nigerian as a natural component of life; as natural as air, food, or the water we drink. Most of us engage in it in one form or the other, more so if we know we can get away with it.

These problems have remained with us to this moment, and they will remain until we realise and accept that we cannot tackle the effect without seeking to extinguish the cause(s).

A major ray of hope may lie in the economic policies the government embarks upon. If a proper foundation is layed, such that basic infrastructure like power (electricity), running water, good roads, unfettered access to healthcare, good basic education (up to high school), etc., the average Nigerian will be given such a powerful mandate to unleash his/her full potential under the sun.

Yet, even this may not be enough. Who will impliment and run the infrastructure? Wont it be the same irredeemably corrupt Nigerians? Indeed, who watches the watch-dogs? A lot of talk has made the rounds about involving the 'private-sector'. However, I know that no country on the face of earth has completely left the process of nation-building to the 'private-sector', particularly at an early developmental stage, such as obtains in Nigeria.

I'm afraid that any way you look at it, a nation-state involves something more than just physical presence or location. It involves the collective psyche or spirit of a people; their fears, their dreams, their hopes, their faith, their joy, and an acute sense of their collective destiny.

I leave you to your own conclusions.

DW