Connect with us

Headline

NDC Candidate, Mahama, Rejects Supreme Court Judgement on 2020 Election Petition (See Full Speech)

Published

on

NATIONAL ADDRESS BY H.E. JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA, 2020 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE OF THE NATIONAL DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS AFTER THE SUPREME COURT JUDGMENT ON THE 2020 ELECTION PETITION

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen,

Earlier today, the Supreme Court of Ghana delivered its verdict on a petition we filed against the declaration made on the evening of 9th December 2020 by the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Mrs. Jean Mensa, on the Presidential Elections of December 7, 2020.

My brothers and sisters, I did not take the decision to go to court lightly. In fact, many were those who expressed misgivings about my decision, not because we did not have a strong case, but because of the times we live in.

I still believe that no matter the circumstances, it was the right thing to do. It is gratifying that the court’s proceedings were broadcast live. Ghanaians followed the hearings diligently. They understood what was happening even if the legal terminologies were not always easy to grasp.

Even though the petition to the Supreme Court stood in my name, it nonetheless represented the desire of an overwhelming number of Ghanaians, anxious for answers from the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission as the Returning Officer of the December 2020 Presidential Election.

Ghanaians were hoping to hear her testify and many are still baffled by the refusal of Mrs. Jean Mensa to be held to account by testifying in this case – unfortunately, with the unanimous agreement of the justices of the Supreme Court of Ghana.  This vital part of the process to establish the truth and hold Mrs. Jean Mensa accountable was blocked time and again by a protective cordon and firewall that I am sure have confounded many Ghanaians.

The refusal of the Chairperson is in sharp contrast to the readiness with which Dr. Kwadwo Afari Gyan, then Chairman of the Electoral Commission willingly testified in the 2013 Election petition filed by then candidate Nana Akufo-Addo of the NPP.

Speaking as a Ghanaian, with no legal training, I believe that the refusal of the Electoral Commission Chairperson to testify in this election petition, leaves a bad precedent for the future. I disagree with the suggestion of our Justices that an election petition is akin to any other civil litigation and therefore an EC Chairperson, whose functions go to the heart of our democracy, can by a legal sleight of hand avoid accounting for her stewardship in an appropriate forum such as the highest court of the land.

Our legal team, led by Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, put together our case in a clear manner, which left no one in doubt about what the issues were. Apart from seeking to ensure compliance with the constitution and for the true choice of the people of Ghana to be respected, the Petition sought to provide opportunity for transparency and accountability in the management of our electoral processes. But no one who followed the proceedings in the Supreme Court will be surprised with the judgement pronounced some hours ago.

Much as I am aware that we are legally bound by the decision of the Supreme Court, I disagree with the process of trial and ruling of the court.

Ladies and Gentlemen, our 1992 Constitution says very directly in Article 125 Section 1 that: “Justice emanates from the people and shall be administered in the name of the Republic by the Judiciary, which shall be independent and subject only to this constitution.”

I believe that the law should not be an instrument for partisan purposes. I also believe that the rule of law should mean one rule for all. What anchors the rule of law is equality and fairness to all, irrespective of creed, background, or political coloration. Justice, we must remember, is rooted in moral foundations.

Ghanaians will always remember that moment when my lead counsel, Mr. Tsatsu Tsikata, quoted from the Holy Bible urging the Justices of the Supreme Court to be faithful to their Judicial Oath and their conscience, only for the lawyer representing Nana Akufo-Addo, the 2nd Respondent, to argue for the exclusion of God in the matter. Yet, in the courts of Ghana, we swear on the Bible or the Cross, as we also do with the Holy Koran, to speak the truth and nothing but the truth.

Ghanaians will also remember this 2021 Election Petition for that profound moment when the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission opted to evade public scrutiny. Everything was done in this trial to prevent the Commission from accounting to the people in whose name they hold office.

Requests for Interrogatories were dismissed. A request to inspect documents in the possession of the Commission was turned down. The request for admission of facts was ignored.

Worse still, she was aided by her counsel and the court to avoid explaining to the good people of Ghana from her own testimony, under oath in a properly constituted court of law, the errors she herself admits to have committed in the declaration of the 2020 Presidential election results.

This is a clear stab in the heart of transparency and accountability to the sovereign people of Ghana. Whatever the reasons for not allowing Mrs. Jean Mensa to testify or answer any questions, it leaves an embarrassing stain, not only on our justice delivery system but also, on the nation’s electoral system, which has deepened the grave doubts harboured by many Ghanaians about the true outcome of the December 2020 Presidential Election.

The motto of Ghana’s Electoral Commission is Transparency, Fairness and Integrity – principles the key actors clearly failed to live up to on this occasion. The refusal to account to Ghanaians, further, sets the worrying precedent – and I do really worry about this dangerous precedent – that may allow other heads of state institutions to adopt an approach of opacity and non-accountability in their work.

Just because they can rely on unconvincing interpretations of our laws to shield them from scrutiny in the near future. I hope and pray that time will prove me wrong.

There is a famous legal maxim brought into common use by Lord Chief Justice Hewart in 1924, that “Justice must not only be done but should manifestly and undoubtedly seen to be done”.

While judgement was given in this petition, it cannot be said by many to have been seen to be done by the constant unanimous strictures placed on the petitioner in laying out his case.

I have followed the proceedings of this petition and listened to the testimony of our General Secretary Johnson Asiedu Nketiah from beginning to end. I am quite alarmed at the mutilation of his testimony in the Supreme Court ruling.

Indeed, the ruling I heard today, virtually makes him the star witness of the 1st and 2nd Respondents. Many answers of his testimony in cross examination were taken out of context to create the basis for the dismissal of our election petition.

Ladies and Gentlemen, this case will go into the Ghana Law Reports for the future, and academics and students of law alike will clearly find befuddling, the internal contradictions in our jurisprudence. At the appropriate time, the legal team will come out with detailed comments on the judgment.

The Supreme Court has given its verdict, but the national debate on the dismal state of our democracy and the increasing weakness of its institutions has only just begun. It is time we all come together to confront those who seek to destroy the very democratic system that brought them into office. It is our patriotic duty to do so.

Ladies and Gentlemen, it bears reiterating that our grievances with the conduct of the 2020 elections was not limited to just the Presidential elections. Doubts about the Commission’s commitment to fairness and transparency have lingered much longer than the duration of this Petition.

The doubts have attended their every action, and rightly so, because of their posturing and sometimes duplicitous conduct. As I have alluded to in the past, the current leadership of the Commission, was installed after the politically motivated removal of the previous leadership. Since then, every step they have taken has appeared to be calculated at ensuring the retention of the appointing authority in power.

Aside from the compilation of a new voter register in the midst of a pandemic, one that many Civil Society Organisations, political and governance experts insist was more procurement-induced than need-based, the time-tested process of consultation and dialogue among stakeholders through the Inter Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) was supplanted by unilateralism. This has not boded well for harmonious relations with stakeholders.

Compared to the two previous leaderships of the Commission, what we have now does not meet even the minimum requirements of neutrality and non-partisanship that are essential for consolidating our democracy. The much-touted independence of the Electoral Commission exists only in name now. This should give all Ghanaians cause to worry.

Today, we still have as a member of the Commission, someone who publicly stated that the political party, which I led into the December 2020 election is an existential threat to Ghana’s democracy. And yet that same member presided over an election in which the same political party participated.

In the Parliamentary elections, the NDC won majority of seats. However, through devious manipulation by officials of the Electoral Commission, a number of these seats were illegally declared for the NPP.

In some instances, the manipulation was so glaring and brazen that simple intervention by the leadership of the Electoral Commission as has been done by previous Commissioners could have addressed the issues and righted the wrongs to make court actions completely unnecessary.

Therefore, it is not surprising that International Election Observers captured collation and tallying of results as one of the challenges of our 2020 elections. The posture and approach of this current Electoral Commission does not inspire the confidence needed to preside over any transparent, free and fair election.

They have absolutely no reason to remain in office. This is because the Electoral Commission must remain a neutral arbiter and the organizer of elections. They must not hold a vested interest in the dubious victory of one party over another.

The loyalty of the Electoral Commission must be to the people of Ghana and the Constitution from which it derives its mandate, and not the President or party under whose tenure the leadership is appointed. Immediate reforms, reflecting the long-standing image and reputation of our Electoral Commission as one of the finest and most credible on the continent and indeed the world, must be one of the focuses of public advocacy, if future elections are to be devoid of needless tensions and anxiety.

My brothers and sisters, we cannot forget the burning issue of the deliberate exclusion of the good people of Santrokofi, Akpafu, Likpe and Lolobi (SALL) from the Parliamentary election of 2020. This constitutes perhaps, the gravest injustice of the 2020 elections. It can easily fit into the worst forms of electoral trickery ever witnessed in our nation’s history.

Despite the shenanigans employed by the conspirators in this issue, it is abundantly clear that the rights of the people of SALL to vote, was intentionally violated as part of a move to ensure the predetermined election outcome of a particular Parliamentary constituency. This represents unparalleled abuse of power by both the government and its handmaiden, the Electoral Commission, to influence the outcome of the Parliamentary election in Hohoe.

It is even more staggering that no one has stepped forward to take responsibility for this unjustifiable action nor indicated any clear remedy for the harm caused. We cannot as a people countenance this kind of gerrymandering and chicanery in our politics. We must with one accord, demand immediate resolution of the impasse in the SALL area and take urgent steps to afford the people their right to vote and be represented.

My brothers and sisters, we entered the 2020 elections against an incumbent that was determined to abuse power and misuse state resources and institutions to achieve electoral victory. The run-up to the election and some of the processes involved were characterized by intimidation and harassment from state security agents and others loyal to the current regime.

Selective deployment of military personnel was used as a tool to instil fear in some of our citizens to dissuade them from taking part in the voter registration and other processes. Others were falsely branded as foreigners and their citizenship called into question unjustly – an abhorrent nation-wrecking prejudice which has been directed especially against certain ethic groups of this country and has continued till date and has even recently been visited crudely on the Auditor General, Daniel Yaw Domelevo.

In the last election, unprecedented levels of state funds and resources were doled out by the ruling party, and unprovoked, deadly violence inflicted on our citizens in several cases. In the process, eight of our compatriots were murdered in cold blood and several others maimed during the process of the elections.

We have designated these compatriots, whose blood was shed just because they sought to participate in what was a purely civil exercise as “MARTYRS OF DEMOCRACY” to whom we shall dedicate an appropriate monument when the time comes.

I hope we can count on all well-meaning Ghanaians to support our efforts to bring the perpetrators of these murders to justice. Never must a government be allowed to turn the simple process of an election into a bloodbath. Never must impunity of this magnitude be allowed to fester in our democracy.

Our independence and the current democracy we enjoy were fought for and attained through the sacrifice and blood of our founding fathers, mothers and our compatriots. Never must we accept convenience over principle.

I take this opportunity to express my deep-seated appreciation to our lawyers, led by the colossus of a legal mind, Tsatsu Tsikata, for a valiant fight, which has won the admiration of many. Against considerable odds, they persisted and drove home our point in a manner that convinced all fair-minded observers about the just cause we had embarked on.

I express similar gratitude to all who played diverse roles in putting our case together. I salute our three key witnesses – our General Secretary, Johnson Asiedu Nketia, Dr. Michael Kpessah Whyte and Rojo Mettle-Nunoo for helping to unravel a part of the untold story of the flawed 2020 elections.

I also wish to place on record that the service rendered to me by my legal team in this petition was gratis – free. We may not have been successful. But your hard work and sacrifice will not go unheralded when the full story is told.

I am very much aware that there are millions watching and listening to me who are disappointed at the outcome of this case. For those millions, like myself, who held out hope that our democracy would be advanced by the process and outcome of this petition, you must be disappointed.

But I encourage you to hold your heads up high and channel your disappointment into hard work that will ensure that, come next election, we will achieve a truly transparent and fair election, which we all as Ghanaians can be proud of.

To all my compatriots and supporters, we may have lost the temporary battle of the 2020 election and the Petition that followed, but the larger struggle to create a society that lives up to our national motto of freedom and justice still rages on. It is a struggle, which requires even more commitment than before, and it is one that we will not shirk from until our patriotic aim is achieved.

To the millions of NDC supporters who have stood by me, my running mate, Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang, our National Chairman, General Secretary, Campaign Chairman, FEC, NEC, Parliamentary Candidates, Sponsors and all activists and supporters who gave their all in the hope that we will win and form the next government to save our nation and meet your aspirations, do not despair at this outcome. I repeat. Do not despair! Never, ever lose hope.

We achieved an impressive showing in the last election, and despite the intimidation, obscene abuse of incumbency advantage and the massive use of funds and resources we can be proud that we gave it our best. Our have become stepping-stones on which the NDC can build to secure victory in the next elections.

The NDC will survive and grow from strength to strength. The sun may have set on our hopes for the just ended election today, but it will rise tomorrow and illuminate our path to a better outcome next time around.

To the Council of Elders, members of the National Executive Committee of the NDC, the Functional Executive Committee, the Election 2020 Campaign team, my Staff, party executives at all levels, volunteers, polling agents and all who played roles in our campaign, no matter how small, I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

The NDC will always remain the party of the people. The party was established to empower the people of Ghana to be architects of our own destiny. We blazed the trail for participatory democracy. And I am confident that out of the ashes of this legal setback, we will mobilize and rekindle the struggle for a better democratic Ghana.

We will be law abiding and do nothing to compromise the stability of the country. We will however continue to be the voice of the voiceless and will not be distracted demanding justice and fairness at all times. Neither will we surrender or fail to champion the rights of all our people to enjoy the fundamental freedoms guaranteed under our constitution.

To the over six million Ghanaians who entrusted me with their votes, I cannot thank you enough for this honour. I value your votes so much. It reflects the confidence you have in the ideology, the ethos and importantly the 2020 Peoples’ Manifesto of the NDC. We have proven to be the most viable path to rapid socio-economic development.

I can assure you that even though this was not the outcome we expected, I am sure your votes will spur us on to victory in the future elections.

I also wish to acknowledge and commend the courage and commitment of Civil Society Organisations, journalists and individuals who have dedicated their lives to speak truth to power irrespective of which party sits at the Flagstaff House.

Whiles in office, my administration tolerated your views even when we disagreed. We did not hound your souls. In similar vein, we encourage you to continue to hold all governments accountable as you have done in the past for it is your right to do so.

My brothers and sisters, I have had a relatively long and fulfilling journey of public life and service during which I have had the privilege to serve in various capacities. I have had my ups and downs like all humans, but I have at all times promoted unity and inclusion and not division; and I have always placed the interest and well-being of Ghana first. I will continue to do same even at this moment and beyond.

We have only one nation, Ghana, and we must work together to ensure progress and growth of our dear nation. We can only do this, if we ensure equality, freedom and justice for all our citizens.

Long Live the NDC!

Long Live Ghana!

I thank you all for your attention.

May God bless our homeland Ghana.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Headline

Benue Massacre: How Come No Arrest Has Been Made, Tinubu Fires at IGP

Published

on

By

President Bola Tinubu has directed Nigeria’s military and intelligence leaders to identify and apprehend those responsible for the recent killings in Benue State, saying the continued violence must be met with a clear and coordinated response from security forces.

Addressing service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, and intelligence agency heads during a stakeholders meeting in Makurdi on Wednesday, Tinubu questioned the lack of arrests following the deadly attack on Yelwata community, which left dozens dead and displaced thousands.

“Police, I hope your men are on alert to listen to information. How come no arrest has been made? I expect there should be an arrest of those criminals,” Tinubu asked, urging security leaders to strengthen intelligence operations.

“Christopher (the chief of defence staff), you have given much. I watch your comments, you can’t be tired of staying in the bush. Oloyede and the Air Marshal, we thank all of you, but we need to keep our ears to the ground, let’s get those criminals, let’s get them out. DG NIA, DG SSS, retool your information channels and let’s have tangible intelligence so that this will not occur again.”

Tinubu’s comments came during a visit to Benue, where he met victims of the recent attack and later engaged political, religious, and traditional leaders in discussions on how to curb the prolonged violence between armed groups and rural communities.

He acknowledged the efforts of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa and other top officers, but emphasised that more robust field-level engagement and intelligence gathering were urgently needed.

Directing the National Intelligence Agency and the Department of State Services to review their operations, Tinubu said the government must “retool information channels” and act decisively.

The President’s visit comes amid heightened public pressure following the Yelwata killings, which have drawn criticism from political figures and religious leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and Pope Leo XIV.

During the meeting, Tinubu also reaffirmed his call for peacebuilding efforts. He told Governor Hyacinth Alia to work closely with past governors and traditional rulers in the state, warning that a failure to foster unity could further destabilise the region.

“We are members of the same house, just sleeping in different rooms,” Tinubu said. “We need to turn this tragedy into an opportunity to rebuild trust and foster development. Human life is more valuable than anything else.”

He called for the establishment of a “leadership committee” comprising political leaders and community representatives to convene in Abuja and design a strategy for long-term peace.

“Whatever we need to do, I’m ready to invest in that peace,” he said.

Governor Alia, in response, appealed for constitutional support to establish state police forces and a special intervention fund for rebuilding affected communities. He acknowledged the limitations of community policing but said it remained necessary to address Benue’s ongoing security challenges.

Traditional leaders at the meeting took a more urgent tone. The Tor Tiv and chairman of the Benue State Traditional Council, James Ayatse, rejected framing the violence as a herder-farmer conflict, describing it instead as a “coordinated campaign of terror and land seizure.”

“This is not a clash,” he said. “It is a calculated, full-scale genocidal invasion that has gone on for decades and is getting worse every year. Mischaracterising the problem leads to misguided solutions.”

Ayatse urged Tinubu to recognise the situation for what it is and to address it accordingly.
As part of his visit, the President toured hospitals where victims are receiving treatment and encouraged citizens to donate blood.

The Guardian

Continue Reading

Headline

Pa Sam Amuka-Pemu: Celebrating a Media Titan at 90

Published

on

By

By Eric Elezuo

President Bola Tinubu, on June 12, a day before the birthday, set the stage for what was going to be a grandiose 90th birthday reception of one generally reputed as a media guru, titan and a solid force to reckon with in the business of pen pushing, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu, known in many quarters as Uncle Sam, or Sad Sam, in referenceto a columnhe pioneered. That day, Tinubu lavished words of endearment on him, bestowing on him the National honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON), and referribg to him as “a living testament to the power of the press to shape nations and hold power to account.”

The president had further noted that “Mr. Amuka-Pemu has devoted most of his life to journalism. It is to his credit and managerial acumen that Vanguard is alive today, 41 years after its founding, despite the crisis in the media industry. Uncle Sam remains a shining example of dedication, resilience and integrity within the media industry.

“Today, he is not just a leader of the profession; he is a doyen. His leadership, from the altar of journalism, has influenced the media landscape and extended to his role as a respected leader in Delta State and the South-South geopolitical zone, making him an elder statesman.

“On the occasion of this year’s Democracy Day, I conferred on him the national honour of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) in profound recognition of his significant contributions to the country and his exemplary leadership in the field of journalism. I urge the younger journalists to emulate this highly respected publisher and leader.”

On the d-day, the combined forces of Nigeria’s media, economic and political heavyweights gathered at the Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, to celebrate the 90th birthday of the journalism icon. The event set for 6pm already had a capacity fill hall as at 5pm with the carpet buzzing with excellent and gorgeous attires by dignified Nigerians also making the way to the hall. Uncle Sam, who is the Founder, Newspapers, comes across as one, who has professionally paid his dues in full even as he is paying.

The event drew an array of respected veterans from across every calibre of the newsroom, including notable dignitaries from all walks of life; all under one room, expressing glowing remarks to the man, who has been fearless to the core in the practice of a craft, he loves so much.

The event, which was an avenue of reconnection, networking and reunion, was another moment to share and relive decades of journalism history among veterans.

Expressing his appreciation at the kind words and encomiums showered on him, an emotional Uncle intoned that “from all these, it appears that I’m already dead; just waiting to be buried”. The iconic journalist was speaking against the background that such goodwill messages are mostly heard when someone is already dead, basically at the person’s tribute night, adding he was privileged to be alive to hear his.

“From all these tributes, it seems that I’m already dead, waiting to be buried. I thought it was a night we would come together to merry and dance with the musicians ready, but…,” he reeled out emotionally.

It would be recalled that earlier, a pot pourri of eulogies, encomiums, goodwill messages and outright praises have flowed from the dignitaries to the living legend, whose contributions to the field of journalism cannot be overemphasized.

Leading the array of encomiums and goodwill messages, President Tinubu, speaking through his representative, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, noted that Sam Amuka has etched his name in “the conscience of our people, and his voice has long served as a compass and conscience for the Nigerian nation.

“Today, we celebrate the legacy of patriotism without blemish, which makes Uncle Sam one of the most enduring voices in Nigeria’s media and democratic revolution. He is the institutional memory of Nigerian journalism, with fingerprints on iconic newspapers like the Daily Times, Punch, and Vanguard Newspaper.

“These newspapers are not just publications; they are chronicles of our national life, reflecting our hopes, struggles, and trials; behind these murals stood a man of immeasurable principle and courage.

“He is not just a journalist, but a guardian of our national conscience, a centurion of our democracy, and a titan of press freedom in Africa.

“Without voices like Uncle Sam’s, our journey to democratic governance might have taken a darker path. We celebrate him as a warrior who fought with facts, not fists, and with principle, not propaganda.

“At 90, Uncle Sam remains arguably the oldest practising journalist in Nigeria. Still curious, still committed, still standing, we honour him not just with words, but with our commitment to a free, fearless, fair, and responsible media.”

Also eulogising the distinguished pen pusher, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Segun Osoba, who were part of the brains behind the organization of the 90th birthday soiree, observed the long number of years they have known the veteran. While Obaigbena said the idea of the party was muted 30 years ago, Osoba said he has known him for a whopping 60 years.

“It’s been an honour to host this celebration for Uncle Sam today. Interestingly, the idea for this party was first conceived 30 years ago, when I mentioned to Uncle Sam that we would be hosting an evening event, and he jokingly replied that he wouldn’t be around by then,” Obaigbena said.

On his part, Osoba noted that “Today, we’re celebrating Uncle Sam’s special day, but I must admit, he didn’t want a big fuss. He preferred a low-key, informal gathering with plenty of music and dancing.

“I’ve known Uncle Sam for over 60 years, and I can attest that he’s a complex and multifaceted individual. Beneath his calm exterior lies a whirlwind of energy and strong opinions.

“As the Guild of Veterans, we wanted to honour Uncle Sam in a way that would make him happy. So, I visited him at home and we had a lively discussion, exchanging playful jabs and jokes. Eventually, he agreed to our plans, on the condition that the celebration would be informal and fun-filled.

In his message on X, Governor of Enugu State, Mr. Peter Mba, said in part, “I celebrate an icon and a perfect gentleman, who is not only a media giant, but has also nurtured giants through his mentorship. His establishment of Vanguard with a motto of a better life for the people was for him a continuation of using the media space to enthrone good.

“For a man who refuses to celebrate himself despite the opportunities available to him, it is only proper that those whom he has positively affected have chosen the occasion of his 90th birthday to celebrate his positive passion for mankind.”

Others, who lent their voices to express great regards for the nonagerian included the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Publisher of the Guardian Newspaper, Dame Maiden Ibru; former Governor of Delta State, James Ibori, Prof Wole Soyinka, Guild of Veterans,  Guild of Editors, ThisDay Alumni Association and others.

The night, beyond speeches, was also a meeting point for good music, led by ageless maestro, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, sumptuous dishes of local and intercontinental standards and outright fun as superinded over by Dare Art Alade as the anchor.

The role call of dignitaries at the event include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; the Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga; Chairman, ThisDay and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; the Olu of Warri, Ogiame Atuwatse III; the Deputy Governor of Delta State, Monday Onyeme; former Governor of Delta State, Chief James Ibori; Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke; Nobel Laureate, Wole Soyinka; and former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi

Others included former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba; Afenifere Leader, Chief Bode George; Former Governor of Cross Rivers State, Dr Donald Duke; former Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola; founder, Business Day Newspaper, Frank Aigbogun; Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu; Former INEC REC, Muhammad Kudu Haruna; Lagos State Commissioner for Information, Gbenga Omotoso, and Publisher, Guardian Newspaper, Maiden Alex Ibru.

THE MAN, SAM AMUKA-PEMU 

The media icon was born on June 13, 1935 born in Sapele, Delta State, southern Nigeria, into the family of the late Pa Amuka-Pemu and Madam Teshoma Amuka-Pemu, both of whom died in May 2014.

A journalist of repute, columnist and publisher, Uncle Sam as he was came to be known, founded the Vanguard Newspapers, growing it to become one of Nigeria’s leading newspapers. His journey to establishing Vanguard in 1983 was as a result of a soured relationship with his colleague, the Aboderins, after they co-founder of The Punch, in 1971 one of the most widely read newspapers in Nigeria.

Earlier, he served as the Editor of Daily Times of Nigeria, and the first editor of the Sunday Punch before he established The Punch with his friend, the late Olu Aboderin, in 1971.

Owing to his demure and classy practice, Amuka-Pemu was described as a “Gentleman of the Press” by President Muhammadu Buhari on his 80th birthday. He was also described as an icon and a leading light in Nigerian journalism by Nduka Obaigbena, President of the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria.

Today, he is revered as the oldest practising media professional in Nigeria, and has been cited by peers. A book entitled From 1939 to the Vanguard of Modern Journalism written by Kola Muslim Animasaun, who also trained under him, acknowledged his immense contributions to journalism in Nigeria.

On this 90th birthday, the media world rises in unison to raise oa toast to one of the very best the industry has produced, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu.

Continue Reading

Headline

Soyinka Advises Tinubu to Probe Unresolved Killings

Published

on

By

Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka has urged President Bola Tinubu to immediately launch a probe into the strange circumstances that led to the deaths of some Nigerians, including the likes of Dele Giwa, Bola Ige and Kudirat Abiola, for the sake of giving some closure to the matter.

While speaking with selected journalists in Lagos on Saturday, the renowned author said some Nigerians around the world have and could provide clues to the killings.

Soyinka has been speaking on the occasion of Nigeria’s Democracy Day, which was marked on June 12, 2025, where President Tinubu addressed the joint session of the National Assembly and awarded national honours to some of the heroes of the struggle.

While he praised the national honours, he said there were several omissions of heroes on the list, adding that he believed the honoured participants were a representation of the rest of the people in the struggle.

Soyinka revealed that he will be dedicating his honours to the memory of Late Beko Ransom-Kuti, who he described as a defender of human rights, champion of good governance, and campaigner for democracy, who was detained and jailed several times by the Nigerian military.

He warned that no one should make light of the weight and importance of the June 12 struggle, as many people died, and many others were greatly injured by the military junta, which killed, tortured, and imprisoned Nigerians at the time.

Soyinka’s plea comes after the presidency on Saturday denied it awarded national honours to human rights activist Aisha Yesufu and 35 others.

Names of the heroes of democracy were announced by President Tinubu on Thursday, June 13, as part of the activities marking the 2025 Democracy Day celebration. Only 66 awardees were announced at the joint sitting of the National Assembly in Abuja.

Among the posthumous awardees were a former Chief of Staff, Shehu Musa Yar’Adua; a former NEC Chairman who oversaw the 1993 elections, Prof. Humphrey Nwosu; and the wife of MKO Abiola and martyr of the June 12 struggle, Kudirat Abiola.

The President also granted a posthumous state pardon to renowned environmental activist Ken Saro-Wiwa and the rest of the Ogoni Nine, three decades after their controversial execution by the Sani Abacha-led military regime.

The nine other activists were also acknowledged for their sacrifices in the struggle for environmental justice and democratic ideals in Nigeria.

“I shall also be exercising my powers under the prerogative of mercy to grant these national heroes a full pardon, together with others whose names shall be announced later in conjunction with the National Council of State,” he said.

Each of the eight was conferred with the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, while Ken Saro-Wiwa was awarded the Commander of the Order of the Niger, CON.

This marks the first time a Nigerian President has officially acknowledged the role of the Ogoni Nine in the national democratic journey and taken steps toward state-led rehabilitation of their legacy.

The Ogoni Nine were prominent members of the Movement for the Survival of the Ogoni People (MOSOP), which campaigned against environmental degradation in the Niger Delta caused by oil exploration. Their execution drew global outrage, including Nigeria’s temporary suspension from the Commonwealth of Nations in 1995.

Those honoured alongside Saro-Wiwa include Saturday Dobee, Nordu Eawo, Daniel Gbooko, Paul Levera, Felix Nuate, Baribor Bera, Barinem Kiobel, and John Kpuine, all executed in 1995 after a military tribunal found them guilty in a trial widely condemned by international human rights groups as flawed and politically motivated.

Source: Channels TV

Continue Reading

Trending