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Rivers: Lawmakers resume sitting, Fubara yet to be seen
The return to democratic rule in Rivers State after six months of emergency rule started on a shaky and disappointing note yesterday. While the House of Assembly resumed, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi, failed to show up.
Fubara’s absence led to a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, who thronged the Government House in Port Harcourt, dispersing in disappointment around 7 p.m. after waiting for about 12 hours. The crowd started arriving at Government House from the 23 local government areas of the state as early as 7a.m.
The polity was replete with speculations on why the governor, who left the country shortly after his suspension on March 18, did not resume as expected. While some feared that he may not return because he had been ‘robbed’ of powers and hobbled, sources said he was holding meetings with key stakeholders in Abuja on the way forward before returning to Government House.
However, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT and Fubara’s predecessor, Mr Nyesom Wike, said he had called and the governor assured of his readiness to resume.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television, Wike said he had spoken to Fubara and he was ready to return to the country to assume office.
Asked if he would support Fubara for a second term, Wike said it was too early to do so.
Earlier in the day, former Sole Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas(retd), paved the way for Fubara’s return. He officially quit his position, handed power over to elected executives, urged support for Governor Fubara, and bid Rivers people good bye.
Ibas, who was silent on how much he spent in the six months he administered Rivers, since March 18, despite calls from stakeholders to give a financial report, said President Tinubu’s mandate of restoring order had been achieved and cautioned stakeholders against bringing the state to the brink of collapse again.
However, while the governor failed to return, the lawmakers resumed.
Assembly urges Fubara to forward commissioners list, appropriation bill
At its first sitting after six months suspension, the Rivers State House of Assembly urged the yet-to-return Governor Fubara to commence the process of submitting a list of commissioner-nominees for screening and confirmation.
The Assembly also asked the governor to come up with an appropriation bill that will address current realities in the state, and to ascertain what happened during the emergency rule.
The House, through a motion set the legislative agenda for the remaining session of the 10th Assembly.
Moving the motion on behalf of eight co-sponsors, Leader of the House, Major Jack, said that the House considered it imperative to set the agenda to reflect the current situation in the state.
Contributing to the debate on the motion, members applauded it and supported all the prayers therein.
Commenting on the Motion, Speaker Martin Amaewhule commended President Tinubu for restoring democratic institutions in the state, saying “Going forward, the House will work with the governor and abide by the terms of the peace parley and the provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in the interest of peace and good governance in the state.”
The House resolved to call on Governor Fubara to forward the list of commissioner-nominees to the House for screening and confirmation in line with the Constitution and “the terms of the peace parley.”
Amaewhule, after a voice vote in which all members backed the motion, said the Assembly will formally write the governor to request the names of commissioner-nominees and a fresh budget proposal.
A statement by Martins Wachukwu, Special Assistant on Media to the Speaker, Rivers State House of Assembly, said: “The House further called on the governor to commence the process of coming up with an Appropriation Bill to cover the remaining part of the year to address current realities.
“Ascertain what transpired in the last six months with regards to the award of contracts and expenditures from the State’s Consolidated Revenue Fund.”
Massive crowd besiege Rivers Govt House, wait hours for Fubara
For over 12 hours yesterday, a huge crowd massed at the Government House and waited in vain to welcome Governor Fubara following the end of emergency rule in the state.
Residents, including politicians and major stakeholders, as early as 7a.m., besieged Government House in Port Harcourt to welcome the governor as he resumes duty after his six months suspension.
Fubara was expected in Government House, yesterday morning following the lifting of the six months emergency rule by President Bola Tinubu via a statement on September 17.
Various groups in the different attires from the 23 councils of the state were seen singing and dancing outside the gate, anticipating Fubara’s arrival.
Excited supporters of Fubara expressed satisfaction with the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers, hoping that the state would now witness more accelerated development to make up for the six months of emergency rule.
Former President of Nigerian Youth Council of Nigeria, NYCN, Mr. Marvin Yobana, said: “Today is a great day. A joyous day. I want to thank Mr. President for lifting the emergency rule in the state.
“I want to urge all political actors who have embraced peace to keep the peace. I commend the governor and the FCT Minister for toeing that path of peace. Rivers people voted for the governor and they love him very much.
“We must appreciate one another. We are here because we are happy as a people. The projects the governor embarked on are people-oriented. We believe that he will continue in that same speed to complete them for the best interest of Rivers State.”
Vanguard gathered that most of those who thronged Government House were members of the Simplified Movement (Fubara’s political structure) with some of the banners displaying photographs of former Speaker of the House and Governor Fubara’s top ally, Victor Oko-Jumbo.
Among them were immediate past council chairmen loyal to Fubara and their supporters such as former chairman of Obio/Akpor, Chijoke Ihunwo, and his counterpart from Port Harcourt City LG, Ezebunwo Itchemati.
Surprisingly, supporters of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, were not seen, including the newly-elected LG chairmen.
Those seen leaving the Government Gouse Gate expressed frustration over the governor’s absence after waiting for several hours.
“We are going because we are hungry. Maybe when the governor comes we will return,” one of them said.
Empty Government House
Meantime, it has been gathered that the Brick House is now empty, following failure of the governor to return, yesterday as expected. Sources said the house would remain so until the governor resumes
Ibas quits, seeks support for Fubara
While handing over, Ibas said: “Six months ago, President Tinubu entrusted me with the solemn responsibility of steering Rivers State through an extraordinary moment in its history.
“Today, I can say with conviction that by the grace of God and through our collective efforts, the mandate has been accomplished; law and order has been restored; local government elections have been conducted and chairmen elected by the people now serve in their offices.
“Statutory boards and commissions have been reconstituted and are performing their duties. State budget had been passed by the National Assembly providing a legitimate fiscal framework for governance and development.
“These are milestones of progress that belong to all of us because they reflect the resilience of the people determined never to allow their state slip into paralysis.”
Ibas said despite the milestones, “we must be mindful, however, that statecraft is not a destination. Even the most advanced nations and countries must constantly renew themselves because governance is a living process.
“Rivers State will continue to require vigilance, sacrifice and leadership anchored on one enduring truth that governments exist to protect the people and to promote their welfare and well-being.”
On the lessons learned from the emergency rule, Ibas said: “One of the enduring lessons of this season is that the exercise of power without restraint can cripple institutions and rivalry without dialogue clearly endangers democracy.
“Let this chapter stand as a permanent reminder that the health of our polity depends not on who wins or loses but on how political actors manage their differences and in the strength of the institutions we preserve and the unity we nurture.
Support Fubara
“As I hand back the reins of leadership to Governor Fubara, I do so with confidence and respect. I urge Rivers people to support him wholeheartedly because leadership and followership is a shared responsibility.
“No matter how competent and clear a vision may be it can only come to fruition and thrive with the active support of citizens. For me this is the closing of another chapter in life, devoted to service in diplomacy and now in governance.
“I leave with gratitude to God, proud of what we have accomplished together and hopeful of what lies ahead. May history remember not just the titles we bore but the fidelity with which we have served.”
Ibas thanked President Tinubu for reposing confidence in him and entrusting him with the onerous task of restoring order in the state as well as supporting him throughout the period.
I’ve forgiven Fubara — Wike
Meanwhile, Wike has said that he has put aside past differences with Fubara, insisting that reconciliation has already taken place.
While featuring on Channels TV programme, Wike said he would not engage with Governor Fubara if he had not forgiven him, stressing that for him, “everything is over.
“I have already said that we have been speaking. I will not engage with a man I have not forgiven. Everything is over. I am not a politician who says one thing today and another tomorrow. We must move forward,” he said.
The former Rivers governor, however, accused some unnamed individuals of attempting to frustrate the peace process by deliberately twisting legal interpretations surrounding the conduct of local government elections in the state.
“Unfortunately, there are people who do not want peace. Today, I watched individuals twisting the law, claiming illegality in the conduct of local government elections. But ask them: what did they do to prevent such illegality in the first place?” Wike queried.
He further lauded President Tinubu for his intervention in restoring calm in Rivers, noting that peace had returned to the state despite efforts by “conflict merchants” to stir the crisis, adding “the president has done a great deal.”
Nothing to celebrate – Atiku
Speaking on the restoration of democracy in Rivers, former Vice President and 2023 Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, said on his X handle: “Lifting the suspension of Governor Simi Fubara is nothing to cheer about. The suspension of the Rivers State Governor and the State House of Assembly was unconstitutional when it was done six months ago and is still illegal today.
“President Tinubu had no power to suspend a democratically elected governor and state lawmakers. The Rivers shenanigans only signpost the dictatorship of the Tinubu administration.”
A misstep that shouldn’t have happened- Peter Obi
The 2023 Presidential candidate of Labour Party, LP, Mr. Peter Obi, described the emergency as a misstep which should not have happened.
Obi expressed hope that all political gladiators in the state had learned a lesson from the sad episode because it would be a tragedy if no lessons were learned.
The former Anambra State governor said this in a post captioned: “The misstep that should not have happened,” on his X handle, yesterday.
He said: “The restoration of democracy in Rivers State after six months of needless disruption remains a sour side of our democracy today. It was a constitutional breach that will hurt our democracy for a long time.
“I just hope that some lessons were learned by all the gladiators in the Rivers State impasse. Great minds remind us that ‘The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing.
“A true leader is the one who admits his/her mistakes, is smart enough to learn from them, and is strong enough to correct them.
“I would like to congratulate the good people of Rivers State for their endurance in the face of provocations. And to appeal to Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the members of the state House of Assembly and all the political leaders in the state to embrace peace and forge ahead.
“The real mistake is the one where we end up learning nothing. Be assured that a new Nigeria is Possible and inevitable.”
Tinubu playing god in Rivers – ADC
The African Democratic Congress, ADC, criticised President Tinubu’s handling of the Rivers State political crisis, describing the suspension and subsequent reinstatement of Governor Fubara as a dangerous precedent that could weaken Nigeria’s democracy and encourage federal overreach.
The party warned that the development posed a serious risk to constitutional governance and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.
In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, the ADC expressed concern over the President’s approach to resolving the conflict in Rivers State, aying it raised questions about the proper limits of executive authority.
Abdullahi said the move was more about ‘political strategy’ than genuine efforts to strengthen democracy.
“On September 17, Nigerians witnessed a curious spectacle: President Tinubu directing the governor, deputy governor, and members of the state Assembly in Rivers State to ‘resume’ duties after serving his six-month suspension from office,” Abdullahi said.
The ADC argued that Tinubu’s actions amounted to assuming powers not granted to the presidency under the constitution, thereby undermining the rule of law and the democratic process.
The ADC argued that by sidelining elected officials without judicial process, the President effectively stripped the people of Rivers State of their right to be governed by leaders they freely chose at the ballot box.
“For six long months, the will of the people of Rivers State was set aside. Their elected leaders were, in effect, put on suspension, not by a court of law, but by a President who himself was elected.
“Now, with the wave of a hand and the stroke of his pen, the same President has decided to ‘allow’ other duly elected officials back to work, as though they were his political appointees,” the ADC added.
The party reminded Tinubu of his own history as a state governor who once championed federalism and state autonomy, contrasting it with his present actions, which it said have reduced governors to subordinates of the federal government.
“The President is not a headmaster, and governors are not his pupils to be sent home and recalled at his discretion. Yet, with this action, the President and his men have achieved their goals; not to restore peace to Rivers State, but to secure a thoroughly pacified government loyal to Abuja,” Abdullahi stressed. (Vanguard)
The Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, of the Accord Party, has won 19 Local Government Areas out of the 30 in the state, while his close rival, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress, clinched 11 LGs in the Saturday governorship election.
Adeleke is awaiting the official declaration from the Independent National Electoral Commission following the collation and announcement of results on Sunday.
Here is the breakdown and how Osun indigenes voted:
1. Boluwaduro LG
Returning Officer: Prof Sola Omotola
A: 7,118
APC: 7,050
ADC: 179
Accredited voters: 14, 662
Total valid votes: 14,478
Total votes cast: 14,655
#OsunDecides: Massive Turnout at Abogunde Compound, Ward 2, Unit 9, Ede North0:00 / 0:00
2 Ede South LG
Returning Officer: Raji Oluwakemi
A: 26,188
ADC: 390
APC: 6,219
Accredited voters: 34,011
Total votes cast: 33,950
Total valid votes: 33,210
3. Ife North
Returning Officer: Prof Tajudeen Opoola
A: 13,879
ADC: 333
APC: 9,613
Accreditation: 24,772
Total votes cast: 24,704
Total valid votes: 24,216
4. LGA: Ilesa West LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Babatunde Omotoso
A: 16196
ADC: 673
APC: 12756
Accredited voters: 31333
Total votes cast: 31234
Total valid votes: 30244
5. LGA: Ifedayo LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Babatope
A: 7427
APC: 6836
ADC: 115
Accredited voters: 14703
Total votes cast: 14703
Total valid votes: 1449
6. LGA: Ilesa East LG
Returning Officer: Prof. Chika Asogba
A: 12280
ADC: 504
APC: 16208
Accredited voters: 30371
Total votes cast: 30209
Total valid votes: 29460
7. LGA: Ife Central LGA
Returning Officer: Prof. Adekoya Iromini
A: 21171
ADC: 747
APC: 15913
Accredited voters: 39990
Total votes cast: 39330
Total valid votes: 38380
8. Boripe LGA
Returning Officer: Prof. Ahmed Sakiru
A: 12448
ADC: 379
APC: 19963
Accredited voters: 33943
Total votes cast: 33713
Total valid votes: 33116
9. LGA: Irepodun LGA
Returning Officer: Babafunso Awe
A: 14504
ADC: 249
APC: 15713
Accredited voters: 31291
Total votes cast: 31282
Total valid votes: 30717
10. LGA: Obokun
Returning Officer: Dr Stephen Ojo
A: 12023
ADC: 205
APC: 16120
Accredited voters: 29183
Total votes cast: 29147
Total valid votes: 28687
11. LGA: Orolu
Returning Officer: Dr Akinkunmi Sunday
A: 12352
ADC: 236
APC: 10622
Accredited voters: 25424
Total votes cast: 23890
Total valid votes:23438
12. LGA: Osogbo
Returning Officer: Udueke Maximilian
A: 36480
ADC: 1503
APC: 30474
Accredited voters: 70840
Total votes cast: 70785
Total valid votes: 69307
13. LGA: Oriade
Returning Officer: Dr Olabode Olajide
A: 21343
ADC: 423
APC: 14863
Accredited voters: 37962
Total vote cast:37933
Total valid votes: 37073
14. LGA: Odo Otin
Returning Officer: Prof. Adebola Aderibigbe
A: 18003
ADC: 377
APC: 15435
Accredited voters: 34482
Total votes cast: 34456
Total valid votes: 34026
15. LGA: Ife East
Returning Officer: Prof. Benjamin Omolayo
A: 27201
ADC: 935
APC: 18600
Accredited voters: 49065
Total votes cast: 49017
Total valid votes: 47519
16. LGA: Ifelodun
Returning Officer: Prof Olayiwola Fasonranti
A: 21107
ADC: 509
APC: 18396
Accredited voters: 41156
Total vote cast:41143
Total valid votes: 40466
17. LGA: Atakumosa West
Returning Officer: Prof Adesiji Taiwo
A: 7479
ADC: 213
APC: 10037
Accredited voters: 18707
Total votes cast: 18399
Total valid votes:17985
18. LGA: Iwo
Returning Officer: Mrs Koyejo Fasakin
A: 27085
ADC: 588
APC: 19660
Accredited voters: 48985
Total votes cast:48953
Total valid votes: 48027
19. Ede North
Returning Officer: Associate Prof. Jacob Opele
A: 35427
ADC: 307
APC: 10283
Accredited voters: 47262
Total votes cast:47205
Total valid votes: 46474
20. Ila LG
Returning Officer: Prof Oludolapo Amu
A: 16211
ADC: 259
APC: 12934
Accredited voters: 30028
Total votes cast: 30021
Total valid votes: 29605
21.. Irewole LG
Returning Officer: Mr Wahudi
A: 10934
ADC: 275
APC: 29972
Accredited voters: 42858
Total votes cast: 42824
Total valid votes: 41575
22. Ayedire LGA
Returning Officer: Dr Samuel Sunday
A: 11073
ADC: 148
APC: 9910
Accredited voters: 21419
Total votes cast: 21414
Total valid votes: 21228
23. Atakumosa East LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Bukola Bolaji
A: 7872
ADC: 333
APC: 9936
Accredited voters: 19253
Total votes cast: 18823
Total valid votes:18442
24. Egbedore LGA
Returning Officer: Mrs Omolara
A: 19278
ADC: 363
APC: 11194
Accredited voters: 31867
Total vote cast: 31830
Total valid votes: 31155
25. Ayedaade LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Fakayode
A: 16681
ADC: 331
APC: 15719
Accredited voters: 34232
Total vote cast: 33801
Total valid votes: 33180
26. Isokan LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Anthony Fajinmi
A: 13765
ADC: 384
APC: 14063
Accredited voters: 29421
Total votes cast: 29405
Total valid votes: 28715
27. Olaoluwa LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Temitope Babalola
A: 10063
ADC: 213
APC: 10782
Accredited voters: 21599
Total votes cast: 21595
Total valid votes: 21228
28. Ife South LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Shittu Olugoke
A: 13507
ADC: 290
APC: 14678
Accredited voters: 29521
Total votes cast: 29461
Total valid votes: 28906
29. Ejigbo LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Cicilia Akintayo
A: 18458
ADC: 5053
APC: 16195
Accredited voters: 41173
Total votes cast: 41125
Total valid votes: 40314
30: Olorunda LGA
Returning Officer: Prof Hilary Okoh
A: 23514
ADC: 666
APC: 24671
Accredited voters: 51172
Total votes cast: 50793
Total valid votes: 49458
Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party is leading in the collation of results from Saturday’s governorship election in Osun State.
Checks by our correspondent on the Nigeria Elections Intelligence System shows result from 303 of the state’s 332 wards with Adeleke polling 177,572 votes, representing 50.5 per cent, ahead of his closest challenger, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who had 158,588 votes, representing 45.1 per cent.
Najeem Salaam of the African Democratic Congress was placed third with 5,917 votes as at the time of filing this report, with collation still ongoing across the state’s 30 local government areas.
Figures from the collation showed that out of 845,100 registered voters in the state, 361,500 were accredited, translating to a voter turnout of 42.8 per cent. A total of 351,500 valid votes were recorded, while 7,200 ballots were rejected.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said 43.41 per cent of polling units had reported results as collation entered its concluding stages.
Adeleke, who is seeking re-election, defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the Accord Party ahead of the poll, which INEC cleared 14 political parties to contest after the PDP and the Labour Party failed to field candidates.
Adeleke’s running mate is Kola Adenusi, while Oyebamiji, a former Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), is running with Benjamin Adereti as his deputy.
Results are expected to be formally declared by INEC’s Returning Officer at the state collation centre once all outstanding wards have reported.
After nine days in captivity and subsequently regaining freedom, Weekend Trust tracked Justice Faruk Hassan Bunza to his residence at Unguwar Chaki quarters, Bunza, for an insight into his experience in the bush and more. Although he had to undergo medical checks after his release, the judge, who appeared to still be recuperating from the ordeal in the bush, opened his door to our correspondent.
Justice Bunza of the Kebbi State High Court was abducted from his residence in the early hours of Saturday, July 26, 2026, and he regained freedom on Monday, August 3, 2026, about nine days after.
It was earlier gathered from his relatives that the sum of N50 million was paid as ransom.
It was learnt that five-armed men stormed the judge’s residence at about 12 midnight, fired several shots into the air to scare residents, and whisked him away. No one was killed or injured during the operation, which lasted only a few minutes.
The following day, Sunday, July 27, the abductors contacted the family and demanded N200 million as ransom. After negotiations, the amount was reduced to N50 million. On Monday, August 3, it was gathered that the ransom was paid and the bandits abandoned Justice Bunza on top of a hill before deserting their camp.
Speaking with our correspondent, the judge said he was held about 49km from his hometown at Dutsen Bandan, on a hill behind the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) permanent orientation camp in Dakin Gari, Suru Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
A resident of Bunza, who pleaded anonymity, told our correspondent that Dutsen Bandan is a known bandits’ hideout and that, “People have been complaining about the movement of suspected bandits around the hill.”
The kidnap
In an interaction with Weekend Trust, Justice Bunza said, “When the five-armed men stormed my residence and asked me to follow them, I didn’t resist. We came out and moved east through a road adjacent to my house, passing behind other residences. From there we turned north toward a small irrigation site, Fadama. We trekked for a few meters, turned west and returned to the main road. We crossed it and headed to the hill on the western part of Bunza town.
“On getting to the hill, we moved south toward the Bunza-Kamba Road. We crossed the road and continued trekking. After trekking for about 25km barefooted, we arrived at Tungar Bandan junction where they parked their motorcycles to avoid detection. From there we rode for about 24km before arriving at Dutsen Bandan, their main camp in Dakin Gari, headquarters of Suru LGA. In all, I was kept about 49km away from my family for nine days. I suspect my abductors had been monitoring me for a long time. They have informants who gave them details about me.”
Life in captivity
At the camp, Justice Bunza said there were not more than 20 bandits. “I was asked to climb the hill. I had trekked 25km barefooted, so it was difficult, but they didn’t care. On top of the hill, I met two other Fulani men who had also been kidnapped. Five-armed bandits guarded us while the rest stayed with their families down the hill.
“The next day, Sunday, they brought two photographs — mine and that of the chairman of Bugudu LGA in Zamfara State, Nura Umar Abdullahi. They asked if it was me and said they were ordered to kidnap both of us, but they didn’t mention who gave the order.
“They also showed me a newspaper report about my abduction. They said they heard President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had directed that N200m be paid for my release, but someone stopped it. That shows they monitor news and social media.”
Justice Bunza further observed that the bandits live normal lives with their wives and children at their camps, noting that “At the Dutsen Bandan camp, I observed that the bandits sleep, cook and interact with their families there just as we do in our houses.
“Unfortunately, the bandits do not observe the five daily prayers. When it was time for prayer, I prayed alone. I performed dry ablution, Tayammum, and observed my prayers. However, I could hear them reciting the Holy Qur’an every day. I could hear the five bandits guarding us reciting the Qur’an daily, but they did not pray at all,” he said.
He recalled that the bandits at the Dutsen Bandan camp were not many. The bandits were not more than 20 at the camp. So, the government can easily crush them. They rely on informants who bring them information from town.
“Most of these informants are young children of bandits. From my observation, roles among the bandits depend on age. While the younger ones serve as informants and errand boys, the adults are the foot soldiers. They carry arms and actively participate in operations.
“Though the bandits were armed, they were always fearful and on high alert. They warned us kidnap victims to remain quiet and calm. There was a day they warned me to stop coughing. They were very scared because they thought I was coughing to alert people to our location.
“At night, they would hide a few meters away from us and remain vigilant. They were very conscious of movements around them,” he added.
My abductors were friendly, fed me twice daily
However, the judge said his abductors did not torture him. “They were friendly throughout the nine days. They never humiliated me.
“The only things that troubled me were climbing the hill and the long trek. My face was covered anytime I ate so I wouldn’t see them. I was asked what food I wanted and I chose tuwon shinkafa or semo with okra soup. They fed me twice daily with bottled water and Maltina.
“Whenever they brought me food, they would tell me to eat to my satisfaction. And anytime I didn’t finish, they would say I shouldn’t be shy to eat it all because it was meant for me.
“However, the two Fulani men were not given any food. Whenever they asked for drinking water, they were given dirty water from the stream. They were always told that only I would get proper meals and clean drinking water.”
According to the judge, two reasons informed his abduction, “One, as a judge I handle high-profile criminal cases including banditry and kidnapping. For that reason alone, the bandits might have targeted me. Two, they are money mongers looking for rich people. I was told they were informed I am one of the richest people in Bunza with five cars, several houses and farmlands. So, I think these are the main reasons.”
Justice Bunza told Weekend Trust that during conversations with his abductors, they told him they were informed that he was a rich man with “plenty of money and assets, including landed properties.”
“Based on my interaction with them, I fully understood that my abduction was purely for ransom. My abductors were just money mongers. They had no intention to kill me. Their target was to collect money,” he said.
“Although my captors were friendly, my face remained covered throughout my stay in captivity. Whenever it was time to eat, they would hide behind me and ask me to uncover my face so I wouldn’t see them. After I finished eating, they would ask me to cover my face again before coming out of their hideout.
Justice Bunza lamented the lack of security for judicial officers especially at their residences, recalling that “When I was a magistrate and chief magistrate, I had permanent security at my house. Now I don’t. Security is on a shift basis. Despite the risk of our job, we are not provided with security at our residences. We are prone to attack. It is unfortunate and the government must do something urgently.”
“Though Allah is our ultimate protector, it is good if the government can provide quarters for judges with adequate security. Every judge should have security at his residence, at least at night. We are targets because we convict bandits in the courts. Due to the nature of our job, we are also targets to the bandits. In fact, we are at high risk of attack by the terrorists.”
How I regained freedom
Justice Bunza said the two Fulani captives escaped on Saturday, August 1, and that on Monday, August 3, after collecting the N50 million ransom, most of the bandits left the camp, leaving two persons to guard him.
“I overheard them arguing. One said the other should shoot me, but he didn’t, probably to avoid attracting security operatives or passersby. They eventually abandoned me and ran away.
“Around 5-6pm, I realized that I was alone. I then removed the covering from my face and came down from the hill. I trekked until I got to a village at night but feared it might be occupied by bandits, so I hid until morning.
“In the morning, I continued trekking until I got to Kwanar Bandan and met some villagers. I asked for a commercial motorcyclist that will take me to Bunza. I got one and he asked for N8,000 to take me to Bunza. Then a tinted commercial Toyota Corolla with three passengers arrived. The driver agreed to take me for N2,000.
“However, at Dakingari junction I bought firewood for N3,000. I did that in order to convince the driver to take me directly to my house. We finally agreed on N3,000. When I got home, relatives and other sympathizers were outside. Because of the tinted glass, no one recognized me until I came out from the car. Then people started jubilating and sympathizers continued to troop to my house.”
When asked if his recent abduction would affect his commitment to work, Justice Bunza said: “Never. I swear to Almighty Allah, nothing on this earth can change my attitude and commitment to my duties as a judge. Remember, I am under oath. So, nothing can make me change my mind toward discharging my responsibilities as a judge.
“In fact, this experience will only motivate me to double my commitment to discharging my duties. I can assure you, Wallahi, nothing on this earth can make me deviate from what is right. I have learnt many lessons from this incident and I will continue to keep many things to myself.”
The High Court judge told Weekend Trust that prayers from family, friends and well-wishers played a significant role in his release.
“Relatives, friends and well-wishers from within Bunza, Kebbi State and even beyond prayed for me. People prayed fervently for my release and, by God’s infinite mercy, He answered our prayers.
“Here I am today a free man. I’m hale and hearty; nothing worries me. While in captivity, I always told myself that my captors were ignorant about Almighty Allah. If they knew God, they wouldn’t involve themselves in this evil,” he said.
How to end banditry, kidnapping
“As I said earlier, the bandits at the camp where I was kept are not many. They could be easily crushed if our security operatives are allowed to confront them squarely.
“Secondly, from my observation, poverty and illiteracy are the main factors driving these terrorists into banditry and kidnapping. If the government can provide adequate job opportunities for citizens and create a conducive environment for educating the young generation; both Islamic and Western education, that will greatly help in addressing the situation.
“The government should invest heavily in education; I mean both Islamic and western education. Teachers and other stakeholders should be equipped to impart knowledge on the people. The issue of unemployment must also be addressed. Citizens should be provided with adequate job opportunities so that money can circulate among the majority, not just among the few as it is now.
“If government tackles the problems of poverty, unemployment and education, the menace of banditry and kidnapping will be drastically reduced, if not completely wiped out,” he said.
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