Featured

Lessons from Senegal: The Will of the People is Sacrosanct

Published

6 months ago

April 4, 2024

Eric

By Dolapo Aina

The Presidential elections which held on Sunday, March 24, 2024 was one election that the whole of West Africa and the African Continent watched with keen interests for several reasons which were pertinent to the regional bloc of ECOWAS and the Continental body of the African Union. In the West African region, Senegal has stood as a country with one of the most enviable political and democratic transition. This year’s election was not going to be different notwithstanding the myriad of political somersaults and political bottlenecks which the citizens of Senegal vociferously objected to. The two major candidates; Bassirou Diomaye Faye of PASTEF had the popular vote of 2,434,751 (54.28%) while Amadou Ba of the ruling party APR pulled 1,605,086 (35.79%).

For an on the ground and concise understanding of the dynamics of politics in Senegal, Dolapo Aina in search of answers and armed with some pertinent questions reached out to Senegal’s Dr. Fadel Ndiame, who is the CEO of Food Systems Transformation Solutions and the former Deputy President of AGRA and Nigeria’s Mr. Chris Ogunmodede, who is a consultant and policy analyst based in Dakar, Senegal.
In his own words, Chris Ogunmodede: “The conduct of the presidential election was as free, fair and transparent as an election could hope to be. There were virtually no reports of foul play anywhere and the results of the ejection generally reflected the will of the electorate.”

On the question about any doubts about the democratic processes in Senegal, Mr Ogunmodede further stated that: “I would say that I am a critic of the popular narrative about Senegal being a regional exception or “beacon of democracy in West Africa,” as is commonly said in mainstream discourse. While Senegal regularly conducts credible elections that reflect popular opinion, it is not immune to the same pitfalls of authoritarianism, weak party systems and political interference that other West African countries experience and the events of the last few months (and even the last few years) bear that out.”

On the factors that made the electorate vote in Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the new President, the Nigerian who resides in Senegal went thus: “Senegalese voters were largely disappointed with the tenure of President Macky Sall, who began his presidency with so much promise but soiled his reputation with his overreach and failure to ensure that Senegal’s macroeconomic indicators made a meaningful impact in the lives of people. The last straw was his ill-fated bid for a third term and imposition of an unpopular candidate on his party.”

Africans who followed the elections in Senegal voiced and chorused a ubiquitous question bordering about the uniqueness of Senegal’s democracy that the rest of Africa does not know about or unaware of. Mr Chris Ogunmodede posited and quoting him verbatim: “I would say that there is a lack of nuanced knowledge about Senegal’s political system that reflects the Anglophone bias of media coverage of Africa. But one thing other Africans must know is that for all Senegal’s shortcomings, its impressive civic participation beyond elections is something the rest of the continent can learn from.”

Senegal’s Dr. Fadel Ndiame described the just concluded elections positing that: “The elections and their outcomes were both exceptional and deeply significant in terms of the size of the victory of the opposition candidate. The irruption of PASTEF and its political discourse brought to the fore a narrative of change, a break away from the dominant system of patronage and mismanagement of public resources and corruption. It popularised a sense of deep hope for a more democratic, prosperous country, anchored on a strong ideology of political independence, shared economic prosperity and social inclusion which resonate very well with the aspirations of the Senegalese voters, especially the younger ones.”

Dr. Ndiame further elucidated that: “The biggest challenge that I see for the newly elected President and the opposition movement that brought President Faye to the Presidency, is to live up to the expectations of those who voted for them and the aspirations of the Senegalese population at large.”

On doubt(s) about the democratic processes in Senegal, the top agriculture expert went thus: “Yes, at many points in the process there were some worrying signs that the electoral process would not abide to democratic principles and constitutional rules. The most significant factors having been the imprisonment of the most popular candidates (who eventually) won the contest on a landslide, despite their last-minute release from prison and the large number of candidates. Luckily it was possible for the main political contenders to find an acceptable arrangement which enabled the continuation of the political process and the inclusion of some or the key political figures to compete for the vote of the Senegalese people. There were also some concerns about the integrity of the whole electoral process.”

On the possible factors that made the electorate vote in Bassirou Diomaye Faye as the new President of Senegal; Dr Ndiame posited that: “This requires more studies of the election results and how the vote distribution across region and demographics groups. But it seems like the leadership of PASTEF succeeded in articulating the concerns and aspirations of voters and especially the younger segments of the voters who were eager to sanction the ruling party and its candidates.”

Other contributing factors could have been the popular perception that the government of the day was compromising the constitutional rules, and abusively cracking down of the leading opposition party and leader; containing and curtailing the freedom of the independent media, while controlling the parliament and the judiciary. The election of President Diomaye is to be a popular referendum against that system. So said the former deputy President of AGRA.
On the question about Senegal’s democracy that the rest of Africa might not be aware of, Dr Ndiame wen thus: “Well, I would say Senegal has a historical tradition of democracy and constitutionally grounded rights for people and their institutions; while the system still needs to be strengthened to maintain checks and balances, and ensure an equilibrium between different centres of powers (political, economic, social and religious. In my view, this is what we are experiencing in Senegal which is simply; political and citizenry maturation processes that take time and require the good will of the leadership of all sectors (public, private, civil society, the religious and traditional). Ultimately for Senegal and any other country, the priority is to build and strengthen our institutions, guarantee the full independence of the judicial system, investing in the political literacy and education of the electorate, to enable their voices heard in a loud, but peaceful and democratic way.”

As President-elect Bassirou Diomaye Faye gets inaugurated as the President of Senegal on Tuesday, April 2, 2024, the citizens of the West African country are expectant and will hold their leaders accountable as they have always done. One major lesson from Senegal is that the unflinching will of the people must be obeyed by all and sundry including players, partakers and observers. And most importantly, the will of the electorate is sacrosanct still.

Featured

Air Peace Boss, Finance Chief Indicted for Obstruction of Justice

Published

40 mins ago

October 13, 2024

Eric

By Agency Report

Allen Onyema, the Chairman, CEO, and founder of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline, has been charged in a superseding indictment with obstruction of justice for submitting false documents to the government in an effort to end an investigation of him that resulted in earlier charges of bank fraud and money laundering.

Ejiroghene Eghagha, the airline’s Chief of Administration and Finance, was also charged for participating in the obstruction scheme, as well as in the earlier bank fraud counts.

“After allegedly using his airline company as a cover to commit fraud on the United States’ banking system, Onyema, along with his co-defendant, allegedly committed additional crimes of fraud in a failed attempt to derail the government’s investigation of his conduct,” said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. “The diligence of our federal investigative partners revealed the defendants’ alleged obstruction scheme, making it possible for the defendants to be held accountable for their aggravated conduct of attempting to impede a federal investigation.”

“These cases represent the continued commitment of the Drug Enforcement Administration to identify and hold accountable those who engaged in fraud and money laundering,” said Robert J. Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Atlanta Division.

“Allegedly, Onyema and his accomplices fraudulently used the U.S. banking system in an effort to hide the source of their ill-gotten money,” said Assistant Special Agent in Charge Lisa Fontanette, Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation Atlanta Field Office. “Today’s superseding indictment is indicative of the dedication IRS-CI special agents and our law enforcement partners have, as part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, to neutralize threats to the United States from criminal organizations.”

“The charges announced today demonstrate the criticality of diligence and truth in criminal justice proceedings,” said Steven N. Schrank, Acting Special Agent in Charge, Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta that covers Georgia and Alabama. “HSI and our partners are committed to pursuing those who seek to exploit our nation’s financial system and any efforts to cover up illegal activity.”

According to U.S. Attorney Buchanan, the superseding indictment, and other information presented in court: Onyema, a Nigerian citizen and businessman, is the CEO and Chairman of Air Peace, a Nigerian airline founded in 2013. Between 2010 and 2018, Onyema travelled frequently to Atlanta, where he opened several personal and business bank accounts. More than $44.9 million was allegedly transferred into his Atlanta-based accounts from foreign sources.

Beginning in approximately May 2016, Onyema, together with Eghagha, allegedly used a series of export letters of credit to cause banks to transfer more than $20 million into Atlanta-based bank accounts controlled by Onyema. The letters of credit were purportedly to fund the purchase of five separate Boeing 737 passenger planes by Air Peace and were supported by documents such as purchase agreements, bills of sale, and appraisals. The documents purported to show that Air Peace was purchasing the aircraft from Springfield Aviation Company LLC, a business registered in Georgia.

However, the supporting documents were allegedly fake – Springfield Aviation Company LLC was owned by Onyema and managed on his behalf by a person with no connection to the aviation business, and Springfield Aviation never owned the aircraft. The company that allegedly drafted the appraisals did not exist. Eghagha allegedly participated in this scheme as well, directing the Springfield Aviation manager to sign and send false documents to banks and even using the manager’s identity to further the fraud. After Onyema received the money in the United States, he allegedly laundered over $16 million of the proceeds of the fraud by transferring it to other accounts.

In May 2019, upon discovering that he was under investigation in the Northern District of Georgia for bank fraud, Onyema and Eghagha allegedly directed the Springfield Aviation manager to sign a key business contract, but also specifically told her to not date the document. In October 2019, Onyema allegedly caused his attorneys to present that same contract, now falsely dated as being signed on May 5, 2016 (prior to the bank fraud that began in 2016), to the government in an effort to stop the investigation and unfreeze his bank accounts.

Allen Ifechukwu Athan Onyema, 61, of Lagos, Nigeria, and Ejiroghene Eghagha, 42, of Lagos, Nigeria, were indicted on November 19, 2019, on one count of conspiracy to commit bank fraud, three counts of bank fraud, one count of conspiracy to commit credit application fraud, and three counts of credit application fraud. Additionally, Onyema was charged with 27 counts of money laundering, and Eghagha was charged with one count of aggravated identity theft. On October 8, 2024, they were both charged in a superseding indictment alleging an additional count of obstruction of justice and one count of conspiracy to obstruct justice. The case is criminal action number 1:19-CR-464.

Members of the public are reminded that the indictments only contain charges. The defendants are presumed innocent of the charges and it will be the government’s burden to prove the defendants’ guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

The Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Commerce, and Department of Treasury are investigating this case.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Garrett L. Bradford and Christopher J. Huber are prosecuting the case.

This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016. The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.

Source: www.justice.gov

Featured

A Cultural Trilogy: Celebrating Diversity, Heritage, and the Inspiring Presence of Chief Dr. Dele Momodu in Calgary

Published

10 hours ago

October 12, 2024

Eric

By Lanre Ajayi

The vibrant city of Calgary played host to an extraordinary three-day cultural celebration, A Cultural Trilogy, from September 26th to 28th, 2024, featuring the esteemed Chief Dr. Dele Momodu. This unique event, organized by Ethnik Festivals, brought together diverse communities and highlighted the richness of cultural heritage, business innovation, and artistic expression. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu, a globally recognized journalist, businessman, and cultural ambassador, graced the occasion with his presence, making it a landmark experience for the Nigerian and broader African community in Canada. His first-ever visit to Calgary was met with great excitement, high emotions, and warm hospitality, making it a truly memorable journey.

Day 1: Thursday, September 26, 2024

Morning and Afternoon Visits

The event kicked off with a courtesy visit to Osuji & Smith Law Firm at noon. Being the largest Black-owned law firm in Canada, it was the perfect starting point to honor the African community’s achievements in the legal field. Chief Momodu engaged in insightful discussions, exchanged ideas with the team, and highlighted the importance of legal representation for African diaspora communities.

Following this, he visited Motif Photography Studio, the first Black-owned photography studio in Calgary, owned by a black young, talented entrepreneur. The atmosphere was lively as Chief Momodu commended the efforts of local entrepreneurs who are making significant strides in creative industries. The studio visit concluded with a special photography session capturing the momentous occasion, which Chief Momodu humorously referred to as “a moment to be framed for the books.”

After a delightful lunch break at Delish Dining, where Chief Momodu enjoyed a traditional Nigerian dish of Eba and Egusi soup, the delegation returned to the Sheraton Eau Claire Hotel for a short rest, preparing for an eventful evening ahead.

Evening Event: University of Calgary

With Rondel Roberts in the middle and the Dean of the Faculty of African Studies

In the evening, Chief Momodu made his way to the University of Calgary, where he delivered a keynote address at the Department of African Studies. The venue was filled with eager students, faculty members, and community leaders. His speech, centered around “The Role of Youth in Shaping Africa’s Future,” was both powerful and thought-provoking, leaving the audience deeply moved. Following the address, a lively Q&A session allowed attendees to engage directly with Chief Momodu, discussing topics ranging from media representation to youth leadership.

The evening concluded with a vibrant cultural performance by the Rondel Roberts Band, a local Calgary-based group that showcased a fusion of Afro-beat and jazz. Tobi, a dynamic solo artist, added to the spirit of the evening, setting the stage for an unforgettable night that reflected the rich musical heritage of the African continent.

Day 2: Friday, September 27, 2024

Morning and Afternoon Highlights

Day 2 began with a courtesy visit to Flavours Restaurant, the first Nigerian restaurant in Calgary. The aroma of Jollof rice, plantains, and suya filled the air as Chief Momodu, alongside local business leaders and government officials, engaged in a casual yet impactful discussion on the economic contributions of African businesses in Canada. It was a powerful reminder of the strength and potential of the African business community in diaspora.

Chief Momodu’s admiration for the entrepreneurial spirit was evident as he mingled with various business owners, offering words of encouragement and sharing his own journey of building a transcontinental media empire.

Evening Event: International Business Summit & Cocktail Reception

The evening unfolded at the Central Library, Downtown Calgary, where the International Business Summit & Cocktail Reception took place. The grand venue was abuzz with activity as dignitaries, local businesses, and community leaders arrived, dressed in their finest attire. The event opened with a red-carpet welcome, where guests were treated to performances by the Young Bhangra Club of Calgary, setting a vibrant and inclusive tone for the night.

A series of business presentations followed, featuring leading entrepreneurs such as Alabi Adenekan of JL13 Concept Inc., Tola Jimoh of Calgary Luxury Photography, and Samusideen Kazeem from KSA Immigration.

The evening reached a high point with a panel discussion involving local business leaders, followed by a networking session where attendees had the chance to connect over a curated menu featuring Jollof rice, grilled shrimp, and an array of Nigerian delicacies. The night was not just a business gathering, but a celebration of shared heritage, entrepreneurship, and the collective future of the African community in Canada.

Day 3: Saturday, September 28, 2024

Morning and Afternoon Visits

The final day of the trilogy began with a visit to Health Watch Medical Clinic, a prominent Nigerian-owned medical clinic in Calgary. Chief Momodu took time to interact with the staff, praising their dedication to community health and wellness.

He then proceeded to Treasure African Market, an Afro-Canadian grocery store owned by a royal descendant from Ile-Ife. The market, filled with African produce, spices, and crafts, felt like a nostalgic journey back to Nigeria, evoking deep emotions for Chief Momodu.

The store’s unique connection to the Yoruba heritage added a sentimental touch to the visit, as Chief Momodu reflected on the importance of preserving cultural identity in the diaspora.

Evening Event: Cultural Presentations & Storytelling Night

The grand finale of A Cultural Trilogy took place at the Central Library, featuring a spectacular showcase of diverse cultural performances. The evening was graced by the presence of Hon. Muhammad Yaseen, Alberta’s Minister of Trade, Immigration, and Multiculturalism, who emphasized the importance of embracing diversity in his welcome speech.

The highlight of the night was the White Hat Ceremony, a Calgary tradition symbolizing hospitality and community spirit. As Chief Momodu donned the iconic White Hat, an overwhelming sense of pride and emotion swept through the audience. For Chief Momodu, it was a moment of honor and acceptance, marking his deep connection with Calgary and its people.

With each performance, from Egyptian folk dance to Thai traditional music, Korean Samulnori drumming to Caribbean dance rhythms, the audience was transported across continents. The diversity of artistic expression and storytelling was a testament to the shared values of unity, resilience, and cultural pride.

The evening ended with heartfelt remarks by Chief Momodu, who expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to experience Calgary’s vibrant multicultural scene. The audience responded with a standing ovation, a fitting end to a three-day celebration of heritage, creativity, and community.

The Emotional Impact

Throughout the three days, Chief Dr. Dele Momodu’s presence brought a sense of gravitas and inspiration. His personal reflections, candid conversations, and unwavering support for the African diaspora community left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. From the emotional resonance of the White Hat Ceremony to his joyful engagement with the youth and business leaders, each moment was filled with a sense of connection and shared purpose.

Conclusion

A Cultural Trilogy was more than just a series of events; it was a powerful reminder of the strength of cultural diversity and the importance of community. Chief Dr. Dele Momodu’s first visit to Calgary will be remembered as a milestone, a celebration of identity, and a call to action for continued collaboration and empowerment. His presence, heartfelt reflections, and inspiring words left a lasting impact on everyone who attended A Cultural Trilogy.

As the curtains closed on this memorable event, Chief Momodu expressed his eagerness to return for the upcoming International Art and Culture Festival, scheduled for February 21 and 22, 2025. This festival promises to be the largest cultural celebration of the year in Calgary, and Chief Momodu is looking forward to witnessing an even greater display of art, heritage, and diversity. With anticipation building, Calgary’s multicultural community is already preparing to make this an unforgettable showcase, further strengthening the ties that were forged during this historic visit.

Featured

A Peep into the World of Nollywood Acctress, Judith Iwu

Published

3 days ago

October 10, 2024

Eric

Name: Judith Iwu

Age: 42 years old

Place of Birth: Sokoto State, Nigeria

Partner: Ogechi Nwanekwu

Children: Bayo Iwu, Kizito Iwu, Angelica Iwu

Height: 6 feet tall

Award: International Media Personality Award

Career:

Judith Iwu is a renowned Nigerian actress with a distinguished career in Nollywood. Her exceptional acting talent has made her a standout performer in the industry, known for taking on complex roles that captivate audiences.

Notable Movies:

Judith Iwu has starred in several notable movies, including:

“House of Trouble”

“Priceless Woman”

“Nicest Gifts to Men”

“Evil Household”

“Virgins on Fire”

“Agony of Love”

“The Tigress”

These films have showcased her versatility, earning her respect from both peers and fans in the entertainment world.

Award:

Judith Iwu received the prestigious International Media Personality Award, highlighting her contributions not only as an actress but as a key figure in the media space. Her work continues to inspire upcoming talent within the industry.

Ended Marriage:

Judith Iwu’s marriage ended in 2006. After this, she faced the challenge of raising her three children—Bayo, Kizito, and Angelica—singlehandedly. Despite the personal difficulties, she balanced her responsibilities as a mother with her thriving acting career.

Current Partner:

Judith is currently in a supportive relationship with Ogechi Nwanekwu, who plays a significant role in her life. Together, they navigate their shared life while Judith continues to pursue her passions in the entertainment industry.