By David Owei,Bayelsa

A transparency group, the Coalition for Ethical Standard Accountability and Good Governance(ESAGG) has tackled the Nigerian Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior over alleged lack of due consultations of relevant stakeholders before the commencement of the e-Visa and e- CERPAC Regime.

According to the group, despite the commendable fact that these digital platforms aim to enhance transparency, speed up processing, and simplify immigration for expatriates entering Nigeria, all society approach should have been adopted with all stakeholders engagement, buy-in of foreign entities,the investment drivers of the nations economy and the International Communities carried along in the new policies.

The National Coordinator of the group, Comrade Ebuka Nwachukwu. , in a statement made available to newsmen via electronic mail, noted that while acknowledging the strides taking by both the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior,it is pertinent to echo this fact that migration to digital platform is done hand in hand with the analogue facility being issued side by side for a reasonable period and not a rush period.

According to the Statement, “The e-Visa and e- CERPAC Regime: Need for Detail Awareness Campaign and All Stakeholders Engagement;The Nigeria Immigration Service under the watch of the Ministry of Interior must understand that migration from an existing service or product to another in this digital age goes beyond a jingle on a television or advert placement on select Newspapers.”

“it is an all society approach,all stakeholders engagement and buy-in of foreign entities,the investment drivers of the nations economy,the International Communities,vital organs of government that has direct dealings with Immigration related matters and most importantly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”

“While acknowledging the strides taking by both the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Ministry of Interior,it is pertinent to echo this fact that migration to digital platform is done hand in hand with the analogue facility being issued side by side for a reasonable period and not a rush period.”

“The Amnesty period is too short for companies and organizations to start losing Millions expended for an existing facility and to start purchasing new facilities,in a nation trying to attract investors and to compete with other nations within the same region and continent, whose Immigration Policies is attracting huge number of investors and businesses to their country,countries like Ghana, Rwanda, Algeria, Morocco,South Africa,Tanzania,Benin Republic,Kenya to mention but a few,where every investment opportunity from Hospitality,Tourism,Ports activities,Sports,AI and Digital Technology, Mining are used to attract investors with flexible secured Visas and Residence Card that is also digital in nature”

“The Ministry of Interior must be mindful of the fact that she can not be the driver and passenger at the same time,the Ministry must allow the Nigeria Immigration Service to operate as the enforcement agency and service provider for which it’s operative were trained and do the needful to do a comprehensive Awareness Campaign and engage with all stakeholders,else there will be a system collapse and a backlash to Nigerian investors and Citizens in reciprocity by other countries as a response to the current rush in the name of digitization of a system.

” There is need for the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to engage thoroughly with all stakeholders not select group and to do an exhaustive Awareness Campaign to carry along beneficiaries of the services and the organisations paying the fees charged.”

“As concern citizens,the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service must realize that the system E-Visa and e- CERPAC was issued abinitio on a platform,and on agreed terms,conditions to avoid system breakdown and failure”

“There must be smooth transition,not a quick fix arrangement as obtained,a lot was committed to the production system brought in by the organisations issuing the former facility,there must be a winding process that will be healthy to both the Nigeria Immigration Service and their service providers in all the service windows,be it Passport where the Nigeria Immigration Service is opting for a centralized production,the new e- Visa and e- CERPAC,”

“These are technical services driven by technology and expertise,there is need for smooth technology transfer and let us not forget the Build,Operate and Transfer policy, the new services will be effective with proper handing over and transfer.”

“Above all, there is need for the Ministry of Interior and the Nigeria Immigration Service to allow a lawful transition,and detail brief by all parties concern which will be sanctioned by all and for the good of the nation.”

The group however called on the Federal Government and relevant agencies for the extension of the amnesty period to give room for thorough Awareness Campaign, Stakeholders Meeting and buy-in of the end users through public hearing and public engagements.

‎By Our Correspondent
‎The Kano State Commissioner for Transportation, Alhaji Ibrahim Ali Namadi has resigned from his position just hours after Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf received the report of the investigative committee probing his involvement in the controversial bail of a suspected drug baron, Sulaiman Aminu Danwawu.
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‎This development is regarded as a significant step in the administration’s ongoing commitment to integrity, transparency, and public accountability.
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‎In a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, the Commissioner explained that his decision to resign was made in the overriding public interest and in the light of sensitive nature of the matter.
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‎“As a member of an administration that has consistently championed the fight against the sales and consumption of illicit drugs, it behoves me to take this step—painful as it may be.
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‎”While I maintain my innocence, I cannot ignore the weight of public perception and the need to protect the values we have collectively built,” he stated.
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‎Alhaji Namadi expressed his profound appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for the opportunity to serve the state, reaffirming his dedication to the principles of good governance and responsible leadership.
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‎“I must, as a good citizen, strive to protect, preserve, and uphold the trust and vision we have worked so hard to instil in our dear state. I remain loyal to the ideals that brought this administration into office,” he added.
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‎Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has graciously accepted the resignation and wished the former Commissioner success in his future endeavours. He also reiterated his administration’s unwavering stance on justice, discipline, and the fight against drug-related crimes and social vices affecting the youth and the broader society.

The Governor further stressed the need for all political appointees to always reason with caution on sensitive matters and obtain permission from the higher authority anytime they are about to engage themselves on issues of public interest.
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By Abdul-Ganiyy Akanbi

A civil rights group, the Centre for Reform and Public Advocacy, has raised an alarm over alleged misuse of Magistrate and Area Courts by officials of Kebbi State Government to harass and intimidate political opponents in the state.

The group said that the misuse of the lower courts had become worrisome as over 20 innocent people considered to be political opponents have been clamped into jail through frivolous charges.

Addressing a press conference on the matter in Abuja on Monday, Barrister Kalu Kalu Agu, Head, Legal Services of the Centre, alleged in a petition that Government of Kebbi State is weaponizing security and judicial apparatus to oppress and intimidate dissenting voices.

At the joint media briefing with the African Democratic Congress Legal Support Forum, the group urged all courts within Kebbi State to uphold judicial independence and resist being used as political tools for the oppression of citizens.

Among those alleged to have been unjustly arrested and convicted on false narrations are Ibrahim Adamu Augie for publishing a video on health issues in Kebbi, Mukhtar Dan Baturiya for allegedly airing views considered by the state officials as anti- government.

Others said to have been arrested and made to suffer same fates are Ahmad Tijjani Musa and Ibrahim Bature who were said to have run into trouble with the state government men for exercising their fundamental right of commenting on public matters.

“These are just a few examples among many. Each represents a violation of constitutionally protected freedoms, a misuse of state power, and a betrayal of public trust.

“The pattern is consistent: citizens who voice dissatisfaction or raise awareness about public issues are targeted by the state machinery, prosecuted on frivolous charges, and punished in a manner designed to suppress broader dissent.

“The Centre and the Forum are also in possession of credible reports and firsthand testimonies of several other victims who have suffered prolonged detention, psychological trauma, social stigmatization, and economic loss as a result of these unlawful actions.

“Many have been coerced into silence through fear of further persecution, thereby creating a climate of fear and repression in Kebbi State. The cumulative effect is the erosion of civic space, the suppression of democratic freedoms, and the collapse of public trust in institutions meant to protect justice and liberty.

“These individuals are often summoned under dubious pretenses, arrested without warrant, denied access to legal representation, coerced to write statements and to admit charges, and held in custody beyond the constitutionally allowed duration” Agu stated.

He disclosed that in many instances, the charges brought against these persons are not only frivolous and baseless, but are concocted to suit a political narrative.

Offences such as “public nuisance,” “inciting public disturbance,” and “defamation” according to Agu, have been routinely and wrongfully invoked to criminalize speech and stifle freedom of expression.

The group claimed that the roles of Magistrates and Area courts in the repression has become concerning as the lower courts often lend legitimacy to abuses by entertaining meritless charges and issuing harsh sentences without proper legal scrutiny or regard for due process.

“The weaponization of the security and justice system to punish dissent is an abuse of power that threatens not only Kebbi State but the rule of law in Nigeria as a whole, Agu stated.

The group therefore demanded “an immediate investigation into the conduct of the Kebbi State Government, security agencies, and judicial officers involved in the repression and persecution of opposition voices.

Also, the Centre sought the identification and disciplinary action against officers of the Nigeria Police Force and DSS who have acted outside the scope of their authority in unlawfully arresting and detaining citizens.

Besides, the group requested the immediate release and compensation of all individuals currently in detention or those wrongfully convicted for exercising their constitutional rights to free speech and civic engagement.

The lawyer demanded the monitoring of human rights situation in Kebbi State by national and international organizations, with a view to halting the normalization of state-sponsored persecution.