By George Mgbeleke

Pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) has faulted the decision of the office of the National Security Adviser to drag to the Department of State Services, the matter of the accusation made against the NSA Mr. Nuhu Ribadu by former Governor of Kaduna state Mallam Nassir El-Rufai concerning a plot to import odourless but toxic chemical substance into Nigeria.

The Rights group has instead admonished the NSA to institute a suit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory or the Federal High Court, Abuja Division so the erstwhile Governor of Kaduna State and a former Federal minister who is a prominent leader of the political opposition can have the opportunity to tender evidence and to directly confront the person he has accused just as the courts of competent authority has the judicial powers of the Federation in accordance with Section 6 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

HURIWA said since the office of the Department of State Services just like every national security affiliated institutions are coordinated from the office of the National Security Adviser, it can be considered a resort to a self-help measure for the office of the National Security Adviser to file a petition against an opposition politician to a government office under the supervision of the office of the National Security Adviser to the President of the Federation. “The government should avoid exercising powers and authority in such a way that it would be interpreted that the political opposition leadership are under a military styled repression.”

HURIWA in a statement by the National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, recalled that the immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, had asked the Office of the National Security Adviser to clarify what he described as information available to opposition figures regarding the alleged procurement of a toxic chemical substance.

In a letter dated January 30, 2026 and addressed to the National Security Adviser in Abuja, El-Rufai said he was seeking “clarification and reassurance” over reports that the office planned to obtain thallium sulphate from abroad.
El-Rufai posted a copy of the letter on his official X handle on Sunday.

The former governor noted that the substance is regarded as dangerous and tightly regulated, stressing the need for transparency.
“I am writing as a concerned citizen to seek clarification and reassurance regarding information available to the political opposition leadership about a procurement of approximately 10 kilograms of Thallium Sulphate by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), reportedly from a supplier in Poland.
“Given that thallium salts are highly toxic and tightly controlled substances, I believe it is important – for public safety, democratic accountability and for maintaining public trust – to confirm the following details”, the letter partly read.

HURIWA also recalled that the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) on Sunday denied procuring thallium sulphate, a highly toxic, colourless and odourless compound capable of killing humans in small doses.

In a reply by OM Adesuyi, a brigadier general, signing on behalf of Mr Ribadu, the ONSA acknowledged receipt of Mr El-Rufai’s correspondence and denied the allegation.
“ONSA has neither procured nor initiated any process for the purchase of such material, and has no intention of doing so,” the statement signed by Mr Adesuyi, stated in the letter, first published by TheCable.

The letter added that the matter had been referred to the State Security Service (SSS) for a comprehensive investigation, and that Mr El-Rufai and other parties in possession of relevant information would be invited by the service to provide evidence.
“Your Excellency and other parties involved, who may possess relevant information relating to this claim, will be duly invited by the Service to provide any evidence that may assist in an in-depth investigation, establishing the facts and ensuring due diligence,” the letter read.

HURIWA disagreed with the dimension and direction that the office of the NSA has taken the matter which suggest a show and demonstration of ‘MIGHT IS RIGHT’ which the Rights group described as illegal and unethical for a government official being accused by a political opponent of the government in power to then use officers answerable to him to seek to intimidate or harass into silence the political opposition leader who has made the allegation.

“The office of the NSA should go to court and allow for adjudication of the matter by an institution that is not affiliated to the NSA because dragging Nassir El-Rufai to the DSS is like becoming the prosecutor and the judge in your own matter. Let this matter go to the court of law so all parties can exercise their fundamental freedoms to disclose whatever information they have.

By Paul Mumeh

Today, family, friends, political associates, and admirers across Nigeria celebrate a distinguished public servant, elder statesman, and accomplished administrator, Suleiman Asonya Adokwe, as he marks his 72nd birthday—a remarkable milestone in a life defined by service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the people. Born on February 15, 1954, his journey reflects dedication to nation-building at every stage.
Senator Adokwe’s path in public service began in the civil service of the old Plateau State and later in Nasarawa State, where he rose to become a Permanent Secretary. In that role, he distinguished himself as a disciplined and principled administrator—methodical in approach, transparent in conduct, and deeply committed to strengthening governance structures. His tenure was marked by administrative excellence, effective policy implementation, and a reputation for fairness that earned him widespread respect.
His transition into politics was driven not by ambition, but by a higher calling to serve more broadly. As Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs in Nasarawa State, he brought clarity, accountability, and innovation to governance. His contributions advanced development priorities and reinforced institutional efficiency, laying foundations that endured beyond his time in office.
It was, however, in the National Assembly that his impact became most profound. Serving three consecutive terms as Senator representing Nasarawa South, Senator Adokwe emerged as a principled and articulate voice for his constituents. In the Senate, he worked alongside notable leaders, including David Mark, earning trust and admiration for his legislative insight and patriotic commitment. His advocacy consistently reflected a belief in national unity, democratic consolidation, and socio-economic progress.
Throughout his years in public office, Senator Adokwe exemplified humility and accessibility. He regarded public office not as a privilege for personal gain, but as a sacred trust—an opportunity to uplift communities and strengthen institutions. His leadership style, rooted in consultation and bridge-building, made him a stabilizing force in both state and national politics.
Today, he continues to serve as Chief of Staff to Senator David Mark, who now leads the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a party increasingly shaping Nigeria’s opposition landscape. In this capacity, Senator Adokwe’s wealth of experience and institutional memory remains invaluable, helping to shape emerging political narratives with wisdom and foresight.
Beyond offices and titles, his enduring legacy lies in his character. He is widely regarded as a mentor, a consensus-builder, and a statesman of rare distinction. His life offers a powerful lesson to younger generations: that true leadership is anchored in integrity, courage, and compassion.
At 72, Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe stands tall as a statesman whose contributions have enriched both Nasarawa State and Nigeria. His story affirms that greatness is measured not merely by positions held, but by the positive and lasting impact made on people and society.
As he celebrates this milestone, we honour not only his years but his enduring legacy.
Happy 72nd Birthday, Distinguished Senator Suleiman Asonya Adokwe. May the years ahead bring continued good health, peace, and the deep fulfillment that comes from a life devoted to service.

* Mumeh writes from Abuja, Nigeria.

By George Mgbeleke

Backing the wife of Nigeria’s President Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu’s advocacy for further aistrikes by the United States to target terrorists in the North of Nigeria, pro-democracy and civil rights advocacy group HUMAN RIGHTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA (HURIWA) described her position as logically sound and overwhelmingly popular amongst millions of Nigerians.

During a visit to the United States of America, Nigeria’s first lady was interviewed by Fox News during which time she said the US strikes were a ‘blessing,’ welcomes collaboration with Trump.

She said: “America’s Christmas Day strike on Islamist militants in northwest Nigeria was a “blessing,” Tinubu said, signaling that her husband’s government welcomes further U.S. involvement as it confronts insurgents and criminal gangs.

“The intervention of the U.S. was quite a welcome development,” Tinubu told Fox News Digital during a week-long visit to Washington, D.C.

“Nigeria is looking forward to collaboration” with the U.S. on security issues. “We are expecting that there will be more.”

Welcoming the call for more US strikes on terrorists in the North of Nigeria as made by the Wife of President Tinubu, HURIWA in a press statement signed by the National Coordinator Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, argued strongly that only follow-up strikes on terrorists camps by the United States could deliver the kind of successful result that would cause massive damage to the infrastructure of Islamic terrorists in Nigeria.

The rights group said the unprecedented and massive scale of civilian casualties caused by the terrorists demands that sustained strikes by the United States has the capacity to cripple the operational capability of the terrorists. HURIWA said the heinous crime of the terrorists should be met with decisive airstrikes to neutralise and degrade the terrorists.

HURIWA recalled that Nigeria has ranked sixth in the 2025 Global Terrorism Index, with a score of 7.658, moving up from eighth place in 2023 and 2024.

According to the 2025 report released on March 5, the country recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024, indicating an increase in fatalities over the previous two years.

“…Deaths in Nigeria peaked at 2,101 in 2014, before dropping to 392 in 2022, the lowest level since 2011. However, fatalities increased by 34 per cent in 2023 to 533, and further to 565 in 2024.”

The report further explained that IS-Sahel has expanded its reach beyond its primary area of operation in the Liptako-Gourma region, which spans the borders of Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Nigeria. In 2024, the group launched a series of attacks across several countries, including Nigeria (16 attacks), Niger (12 attacks, Mali (6 attacks), and Burkina Faso (1 attack).

Based on these statistics, HURIWA is therefore calling on the US president to order more airstrikes targeting terrorists in Nigeria.