Politics
Atiku Abubakar: The ‘Corrupt’ Customs Officer
It is no news that former Vice-president Atiku Abubakar is a man of affluence, in fact, he’s so rich that he has contested for president a record 6 times and in all but one occasion outspent every other candidate.
However, very little is known about the Waziri Adamawa’s real source of wealth going by the fact that he was just a civil-servant prior to his involvement in business and politics.

Atiku Abubakar started his career as a customs officer where he served for 20 years, rising to the second highest position of Deputy Director (DD), before resigning in 1989.
According to Atiku’s biography, he had set a target to become the director of the customs service by the time he turned 40 years.
Unfortunately, this vision didn’t come to fruition and he would spend 3 more years in the agency after his 40th birthday, lobbying for the top job through all his political machineries within and outside the para-military agency.
He wanted to be the agency’s huncho so bad that he allegedly wrote military president General Ibrahim Banbangida, an ‘old friend’, to endorse and approve him as the agency’s chief executive, a request that was well received and obliged, however, the process would turn left as a coalition from his home state of Gongola (now Adamawa & Taraba states) got wind of his impending appointment and in a quick turn of events, had the provisional appointment rescinded.
The coalition’s argument was that the state already had very prominent members in the president’s cabinet.
At this time, the Inspector-General of Police and Chief of Air staff were from Atiku’s home state and the erstwhile Vice-admiral Murtala Nyako of the Nigeria Navy, also from the same state, was already anointed for to become the Chief of Naval Staff by his people in Gongola and his colleagues within the presidency and Supreme Military Council.
Automatically, Atiku’s emergence as the Director of Customs would have made Nyako’s dream futile. Nyako went on to become the chief of Naval staff, he would later join politics after his retirement where he would win two terms as governor of Adamawa state.
Atiku was the deputy director in charge of the most lucrative arm of the agency; enforcement & drugs department, it was a goldmine for corrupt customs officers.
For many years, Atiku would use his position to exploit the agency’s loopholes and in the process enrich himself so much that he was seen as the most powerful and influential officer in the agency, even more powerful than the director of the agency.
He accrued so much wealth that he was already a multi-millionaire in his mid-30’s, with investments in oil & gas, oil servicing, real estate, commodities trading, and farming.
The source of funding for these many business interests wasn’t a puzzle, it was a well known fact that the agency was one of the most corrupt institutions in the country at the time, so it was normal for customs officers to live extravagant and lavish lifestyles.
Atiku taking full advantage of his top position, milked not only the importers, but allegedly received outrageous sums in bribes by drug peddlers, and diverted sizeable sums of money from the agency’s coffers as his department was statutorily mandated to enforce the agency’s laws on drugs.
Impounded drugs and other items found their way back into the markets and streets under the supervision of Atiku’s lieutenants, they lived a life of opulence, far above what their salaries could afford.
Atiku’s influence was so much that he wasn’t sanctioned for his many multi-million Naira businesses which was against the code of conduct for government workers as civil servants weren’t allowed to run businesses apart from farming or agro-allied businesses.
The circumstances surrounding his sudden resignation from the very ‘lucrative’ position he occupied at the time raised a lot of dust, while some insiders alleged that he resigned due to frustrations of not becoming the agency’s no.1 man and the seeming betrayal by the people he trusted to land him the job, other sources believe that the events that saw one of the agency’s most senior officer step down on 30th April 1989 was due to corruption allegations leveled against him which almost got him fired.
But due to his friendship with the then Head-of-State General Ibrahim Babangida, he was permitted to have an honorable discharge via a formal resignation which he submitted while on pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

Atiku would go on to contest and win the Adamawa state’s gubernatorial elections in 1998 but would abandon it to join Olusegun Obasanjo of PDP as his running mate in the presidential election of 1999 which they won, subsequently becoming the second democratically elected vice-president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He is currently contesting to become the 6th democratically elected president of Nigeria in the general elections of 25th February 2023 under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), a party he abandoned to contest for president in 2007, and campaigned against in 2015 as a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC).
Politics
African Union Takes Action: Republic of Niger Suspended Amidst Political Unrest
In a decisive move that reverberated across the continent, the African Union (AU) announced the suspension of the Republic of Niger from its membership ranks.
This momentous decision was unveiled during the African Union’s Peace and Security Council meeting held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on Tuesday, August 22.
African Union:Picture Source- Pinterest
The suspension stems from the recent political turmoil that engulfed the nation, with the African Union pointing to the coup orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani on Wednesday, July 26. As part of a series of sanctions imposed on the francophone West African country, the Republic of Niger faced the repercussions of its internal upheaval.
The African Union’s stance was uncompromising, as it made it clear that Western nations seeking to meddle in African affairs should refrain from interfering. This firm message was directed from the heart of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where the AU’s call for autonomy echoed loudly.
The events leading up to Niger’s suspension unfolded against a backdrop of political uncertainty and unrest. The coup in Niger, orchestrated by Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, prompted the Afican Union to take action. Their decision to suspend Niger was not taken lightly and was ratified during the Peace and Security Council meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on August 22.
The aftermath of the military takeover in left President Mohamed Bazoum in captivity, held under the close watch of the juntas in Niger. Despite international pressure, the release of the president and his family remains elusive. This tense situation compelled the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) to intervene, imposing sanctions on Niger and establishing a deadline for the initiation of military intervention by the sub-regional body’s standby forces.
The suspension of the Republic of Niger from the African Union serves as a stark reminder of the continent’s commitment to upholding stability and safeguarding democratic governance. The swift response underscores the African Union’s dedication to maintaining order and security within its member states, sending a resounding message to the global community about the importance of respecting Africa’s sovereignty.
Politics
Peter Obi: “I Campaigned For Presidency Because I Can Say It Any Day, I Will Solve The Problem Of Nigeria”
In a recent tweet that has caught the attention of many, @MissPearls shares an inspiring declaration made by former Anambra state governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi. According to @MissPearls, Peter Obi proclaimed, “I campaigned for Presidency because I can say it any day, I Will SOLVE THE PROBLEM OF NIGERIA. All these confusion everywhere can BE SOLVED, and I am PREPARED for it”

Peter Obi’s bid for the presidency in the recent elections stirred considerable excitement and garnered support from diverse quarters, particularly the youth demographic. The former governor is known for his progressive ideas and pragmatic approach to governance, which resonated with many Nigerians who sought change and effective solutions to the country’s myriad challenges.
Despite his extensive support and well-articulated vision, Peter Obi’s presidential ambitions faced formidable opponents in the election. The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) released results that placed him behind the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who emerged as the winner, and Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who came second. However, these results were met with skepticism due to apparent electoral irregularities that marred the integrity of the process.
In response to the controversial election outcome, both Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar filed legal challenges against the INEC’s declaration. This move underscores their commitment to upholding the democratic process and ensuring that the voice of the electorate is accurately reflected. As the election Tribunal Judges prepare to deliver their verdict, Nigeria watches with bated breath, eager to witness justice being served.
Meanwhile, the administration of Mr. Bola Ahmed Tinubu has taken significant policy actions since assuming office. The removal of fuel subsidies and the decision to float the Naira have triggered mixed reactions across the nation. While these measures may be intended to foster economic stability and growth, the immediate consequences have been felt by everyday Nigerians. The cost of living has surged, and the socio-economic effects on the rich and the poor have become more pronounced.
As the Nigerian population navigates these shifts, the aftermath of the election and the ensuing governance strategies offer a critical juncture for evaluating the nation’s trajectory. The voices of discontent, expressed by citizens facing the brunt of these policies, highlight the necessity for leaders to prioritize the well-being of the populace while pursuing economic advancements. It is essential for the government to strike a balance between fiscal prudence and safeguarding the interests of the vulnerable segments of society.
The policy changes implemented by Bola Tinubu have shed light on the delicate balance between progress and the welfare of the people. As the nation waits for the tribunal’s judgment and the dust settles on the recent election, Nigeria stands at a crossroads, with the potential to reshape its future trajectory and address the systemic challenges that have held it back for far too long.
Fore more updates, follow us on Twitter @ReporteraNews.
Politics
Youths in Kano Defy Police Ban to Protest Alleged Tribunal Bribery
Hundreds of determined youths in Kano took to the streets, defying a police ban, to protest what they perceive as attempts to manipulate the state election petition tribunal. This incident unfolded against the backdrop of a ban on protests by the Commissioner of Police, Usuani Gumel, following revelations of alleged plots to obstruct justice through financial inducement in legal proceedings.

The rally, which unfolded outside the state government house, saw impassioned youths brandishing placards with messages that underscored their commitment to justice and the integrity of the electoral process. Their actions were sparked by concerns over an alleged plan to bribe the state election petition tribunal, casting a shadow over the fairness of the process.
The ban on protests was issued in response to recent revelations made by Justice Flora Azinge, who unveiled purported schemes by lawyers to disrupt the course of justice through financial incentives. The Commissioner of Police cited “confirmatory intelligence products” as the basis for this decision, leaving a contentious atmosphere surrounding the freedom of assembly and the right to peaceful protest.
This ban, however, failed to deter the resolute youths who carried a variety of placards conveying their strong stance against corruption, manipulation, and injustice. The slogans they chanted resonated with their determination to safeguard the sanctity of the electoral process and uphold transparency in governance.
Among the messages displayed, one placard caught the eye with its direct callout: “Gandollar, stop spoiling the name of Tinubu.” This highlights the allegation that financial impropriety is tainting the reputation of key political figures.
In a video circulated online, the enthusiastic protesters chanted slogans that echoed their deep-seated concerns. Chants of “No to corruption,” “No to injustice,” and “No to manipulation” reverberated through the crowd, embodying the youth’s unwavering commitment to fair and accountable governance.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf praised the peaceful conduct of the protesters and assured them that their concerns would be relayed to President Bola Tinubu. This gesture recognizes the role of the youth in shaping political discourse and underscores the importance of their voices in the pursuit of a just society.
In conclusion, the youths in Kano have seized the moment to voice their concerns and demands for an unbiased electoral process. Their defiance of the police ban serves as a reminder that public sentiment cannot be easily suppressed. As this incident unfolds, it raises important questions about the delicate balance between freedom of assembly, legitimate protest, and maintaining public order. It also underscores the critical role of the youth in shaping the political landscape and demanding accountability from their leaders.
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