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YOUTH QUOTA IN PARLIAMENT BILL GAINS PROMINENT SUPPORT FROM PROF. MIKE OZEKHOME SAN

Prominent Nigerian jurist and human rights activist, Professor Mike Ozekhome, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has thrown his weight behind the Youth Quota in Parliament Bill, advocating for fair representation of young Nigerians in legislative bodies. Ozekhome hosted the bill’s advocacy team in his Abuja chambers, expressing strong support for youth rights to decision-making roles. “How old was Jesus Christ when he changed the face of the world, how old was Mohammed Ali when he changed boxing history, how old was Pele of Brazil when he changed football history,” Ozekhome queried, citing examples like Yakubu Gowon, Murtala Mohammed and King Diete Spiff who achieved prominence in their youth. “The energy, creativity and gravitas of the youth can never be undermined if a nation must develop,” he stated. Ozekhome emphasized Nigeria’s youthful demographic – with over 80% of the population aged 30 and below, and a median age of 18 – arguing representation would curb social issues. “If the youth knows he will have an opportunity to win an election… why will he engage in banditry and kidnapping? If young women know they can be represented… why should they do prostitution?” he said. The Youth Quota in Parliament Bill proposes one-third of National and State Assembly seats for young people aged 25-40, including men, women and persons with disabilities. Ozekhome pledged engagement with Senate President, Speaker and stakeholders to accelerate the bill’s passage when presented in October. “The youth, marginalized group, the disabled… are my constituency… Aluta Continua, Victoria Ascerta,” he declared.

NIGERIA DRIFTING TOWARDS ONE-PARTY STATE – OZEKHOME

Prominent constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, has raised concerns over Nigeria’s subtle descent into dictatorship, warning that the country is “gradually drifting towards a one-party state.” Ozekhome expressed his concerns during a recent interview on national television. The renowned lawyer condemned the current political culture of indiscriminate party defections and the erosion of ideological values among elected officials. “It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi all the same,” he quipped, criticizing the lack of distinction among political actors. According to him, this trend signals the death of a credible opposition and endangers democracy. Ozekhome pointed to the concentration of power in the hands of the current administration, alleging that President Bola Tinubu has strategically installed loyalists across critical government sectors. This, he warned, could render future elections meaningless if opposition voices continue to weaken. “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme,” he cautioned, adding that once this happens, all arms of government – legislature and judiciary – risk being compromised. The Senior Advocate also expressed deep concern over growing public apathy, likening Nigerians’ silence to a kind of “Stockholm Syndrome,” where citizens, pushed to the brink by hardship, appear too weary to confront those responsible for their plight. Drawing historical parallels, he referenced the collapse of the former ruling party, which once boasted of holding power for 60 years, only to crumble under the weight of its own internal contradictions. Calling for civic vigilance, Ozekhome urged Nigerians to wake up and reclaim their democratic space. “The power is yours, not theirs,” he said pointedly, emphasizing the need for citizens to take an active role in shaping their country’s future.

DIEZANI ALISON-MADUEKE’S LAWYERS DENY ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION AND LOOTING

The lawyers of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Minister of Petroleum Resources, have come out to deny allegations of corruption and looting leveled against their client. In a statement, Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, described the allegations as “a cocktail of lies” and “outrightly false” narratives. According to Ozekhome, the recent attempt to link Diezani to a yacht, Galactica, which was forfeited to the US government and sold for $52.8m, is a clear example of the “mischievous and cruel sport of tarnishing the image of the lady.” He stated that Diezani was never involved in the purchase, use, or sale of the yacht, and that it was purchased by Mr. Kola Aluko. Ozekhome also debunked the claim that Diezani was involved in the corrupt award of Strategic Alliance Agreements (SAAs) between the NNPC and Atlantic Energy companies. He stated that the contracts were validly entered into between the companies and the NNPC, and that Diezani was not involved in the contract process or negotiations. Furthermore, Ozekhome emphasized that Diezani never sold off oil blocks contained in the SAAs, and that she never gave such a directive or approval. He also highlighted the various false allegations that have been leveled against Diezani in the past, including the claim that she owned a diamond-studded bikini underwear valued at $12,000,000, which was denied by the EFCC. Diezani’s lawyers also noted that she was named in a criminal charge without any linkage whatsoever, and that she was forced to apply to be joined as a defendant to clear her name. However, the application was opposed by the EFCC, leading to the striking out of her name from the charge sheet. Ozekhome stated that Diezani has always been upright in the discharge of her duties, and that she remains the only Petroleum Minister to have left behind a staggering sum of over $4Billion in the NLNG Account representing Gas Sector Investment Funds. Diezani’s lawyers also highlighted her achievements, including being the first female Executive Director of Shell Petroleum Development Company Nigeria, the first female Petroleum Minister in Nigeria’s history, and the first female President of OPEC. The lawyers pleaded with the public to accord Diezani a fair hearing and allow the UK court proceedings to take their natural course without interference. They also urged those who have been spreading false allegations against Diezani to desist from doing so and allow the law to take its course. It’s worth noting that Diezani has been under investigation for nearly 10 years, and was recently charged to court in the UK on October 2, 2023. She has been depending on the goodwill of friends and family members for her survival, as she has not been permitted to work or leave the UK since 2015.