Some workers in public and civil service in Bayelsa State have turned to begging to survive the hard economic realities in the state.
It was observed that some workers, in a bid to cope with the harsh economic condition foisted on them by unpaid salaries, had devised different means to beg in order to fulfil their financial obligations.
The PUNCH learnt that the civil and public servants being owed about five months’ salaries by the Governor Seriake Dickson-led administration could no longer meet their personal and family obligations.
Many of them were said to be unable to pay their bills, children’s school fees and service their accommodation expenses.
Due to their inability to pay transportation fares, most of them could no longer attend to go to their work places and church activities while persons who managed to go end up begging for fares to go back home.
Some of them said they were dying of hunger, adding that they no longer went to work because of the lack of money for transport and feeding.
They recalled that Dickson had promised to promptly pay salaries of workers, but wondered why the governor, who was no longer executing projects, could not pay workers.
One of them, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, said he stopped going to work because the government had not paid him since November 2015.
The source, who is a manager in the government owned Izon Ibe Community Bank, confessed, “I work in the state-owned micro-finance bank, but since November, I have not been paid. I can’t go to work because I need to look for something to do to feed my family. It has been very tough. Surviving in Bayelsa State has become so difficult.
“I wonder why an oil-producing state like Bayelsa cannot pay salaries. We learnt that states like Ebonyi and Taraba, with one of the least allocations, still pay salaries. But here, we are working in an oil-producing state without salaries.”
Also, two ladies working for the state government were sighted on Imgbi Road, on Wednesday, begging passers-by for N100 to go home after attending a morning church programme in the area.
Though many people turned them down, they leapt up in joy when eventually a Good Samaritan gave the duo N500 to go home.
It was, however, learnt that the governor recently approved the payment of a month’s salary for the civil servants, but most of them had no balance left in the accounts after their banks deducted arrears of unpaid loans.
A food vendor, who identified herself simply as Emilia, said the hardship had affected her so much that most of her customers no longer patronised her.
She said, “Before, my small shop used to bubble with patronage. I would finish selling before 9pm every day.
“But everything has changed. I have reduced the quantity I cook, yet I can’t finish selling my food even up to 12am. I carry them home. I am even considering closing my shop.”
However, most residents have blamed the development on the leadership style of Dickson, saying he stifled the economy on assuming office as the governor for the second term.
An angry resident, identified simply as Emmanuel, wondered why the government was claiming that the state is poor when Dickson said he opened a dedicated account “where he saved for the rainy day.”
“The rain is now falling. People expected the governor to start using the savings of the state in paying salaries and rejuvenating the economy. Bayelsa is not supposed to be suffering. It is supposed to be a model state.”
Commenting on the situation, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Bayelsa State, Mr. Ndiomu George-Diepre, said the Congress was disenchanted with the development.
Though he appreciated the economic situation in the country, he, however, appealed to Dickson to pay the workers so that they could meet their personal and family obligations.
George-Diepre said, “The Congress as usual is still on the struggle. Right now, we are on the air, calling on the government to pay the unpaid salaries.
“While we understand the economic situation in the country and how it also affects the states, we are still asking that the government should pay all the outstanding salaries of workers, particularly the pensioners and of course, the local government workers.
“There are also a lot of scams and ghost workers suspected in those areas, and the governor is saying he wants to do verification and after that they will pay. But the Labour is saying that they should be paid because they have suffered for a long time.”
However, a top official in the Governor’s office said Bayelsa State was not the only state that was owing salaries, rationalising that some states were owing between seven and eight months.
The official, who did not want his name mentioned, said, “So, why is Bayelsa State so peculiar that journalists want to do a report on it?
“The Federal Government is owing. You heard the Secretary to the Government of the Federation saying the FG is owing N6bn every month. Is that not scandalous for a nation like Nigeria? Is it not more news worthy than workers resorting to begging? Check the fact, we are owing just three months.”
TRIBUTE TO A FRIEND, BROTHER AND QUINTESSENTIAL MAN OF THE PEOPLE
Fate brought us together; experience made us friends and death has now temporarily separated us. Though it seemed farfetched, I had hoped that we would both have lived as friends into our hoary years with great grandchildren running around us. I never envisioned doing this at this time, but here I am, paying tribute to my Boss and true friend, the Governor General of Ijaw Nation and the first civilian Governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Solomon Peter Alamieyeseigha. But who am I to question God, the author and finisher of all things.
Senator Ehigie Uzamere
I am still in shock and lost for words, at your passage, even as I put down these words. We spoke only a few days to your demise when you called from Dubai and reflected over varying views and vicissitudes of life.
You told me that you may not have been perfect in your service to your Ijaw Nation you greatly cherished, but that whatever, that you would rather die on Ijaw soil. How true your words! Your passage will ever be like a sore on the palm; very difficult to heal.
Today your body lies silent in the tomb you built. Today your body returns to Amassoma, the land of your birth. Today your body lies buried in Ijaw land. A land and people you stood up for. Though you may have wished for more years on earth, but you go home today, a fulfilled man, who came, saw, and conquered many odds. Your wish for longer life denied that God’s will be done in your life. Your time is up; the bell has tolled and home to God, you return. May we learn from your life and your experiences; build on them, that Ijaw land, Nigeria and the world will be a better place for mankind.
To say I will miss you, your friendship and your brotherly love will be making an understatement. My wife, children and associates are still in shock. What we owe you today, is prayers to God for a peaceful repose of your soul; while the friendship bonding our two families will remain intact.
You were a greatly misunderstood man, but beneath your military inspired mien, lay a heart of gold, kindness and extreme generosity. It is my opinion you were one more sinned against, than you ever sinned against your fellow men. The media painted a macabre picture of you that was an exact opposite of the man I knew. You spoke the truth, when every other person wanted to hear untruth. You believed in and cherished honest friendship. Your unalloyed friendship and loyalty often landed you in hot soup; a ready and easy recall is the one that led to your impeachment – an unfriendly and unfair cut, for which you forgave the perpetrators before your heavenly call. You were ready to pay the ultimate price for the emancipation of your people and development of Ijaw land – a land which for you, stretched beyond Bayelsa State, to the coastlines of Ondo and Cross River States. May your labour of love and fight for the emancipation of your people, never be in vain.
As a sitting governor, you gave assistance, financial and otherwise, to even total strangers. I recall your assistance to a sick, elderly woman you met on board a flight to New York, together with her husband. I was with you. You paid her hospital bill and looked out for her and her family on their return to Abia, their home State. You easily, on sound advice, reinstated wrongfully disengaged subordinates. Your goodness to fellow men was enormous. May God have mercy on your soul and count your selfless acts of benevolence in your favour.
My friend, boss, and brother, your earthly sojourn is over, but the experience of your friendship will last my lifetime. Sleep on Alamco, Olotu and Governor General of Ijaw nation. Goodnight, till we meet at the feet of Jesus Christ, to part no more.
The Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has dissociated itself from a letter purportedly written by ex-governor of the state, Timipre Sylva, seeking federal appointments.
The party also demanded the resignation of the Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, whom it said, did not represent its interest at the federal level.
The Chairman of the Bayelsa State chapter of the APC, Chief Timipa Orunimighe, said this at a press conference at the party’s National Secretariat in Abuja on Wednesday.
Orunimighe, who was flanked by members of the party’s state executive committee members, said the party was left with no option but to bring their case to the party’s national secretariat after attempts to resolve the issues internally failed.
He alleged that Sylva, who is regarded as a party leader in the state, had arrogated to himself power that he did not possess.
Timipre Sylva
The party chairman added, “Timipre Sylva wrote a letter on his personal letterhead to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation with a list of people with their CVs for appointments without consulting the party.
“For that kind of communication, the party leadership, after due consultation, writes such letters on the party’s official letterhead but this was not the case.
“We also ask the Minister of State for Agriculture, Heineken Lokpobiri, to resign because he is not in tune with the policies and programmes of the APC administration.”
He explained that the party had approached the minister at its formative stage, adding that it even offered him its ticket to contest (the state governorship election), saying the then National Assembly member turned down the party, arguing that the APC lacked the capacity to win elections.
The chairman said it was a sad day for the party when Sylva, for reasons best known to him, pushed for Lokpobiri’s nomination and subsequent confirmation as a minister to work in an administration formed by a party he never believed had the capacity to win elections.
The chairman also accused Sylva of trading with slots allocated to the state chapter of the party.
He said the party’s national leadership had assured the state executive that it would look into the matter and ensure justice was done.
When contacted, Sylva, who was the party’s candidate in the last governorship election in the state, dismissed the party chairman’s allegations as a non-issue.
He alleged that Orunimighe was simply venting his frustrations for failing in his bid to corner the ministerial slot for himself.
Sylva accused some members of the state executive of the party of being interested in promoting their personal interests rather than the collective interest of the party.
The ex-governor added, “When the ministerial slot came, the chairman told me he wanted to be a minister and he is not qualified to be a minister.
“His only experience in Nigeria is that he had been a local government chairman and I made him the local government chairman.
“I told them that the people, who are joining us, we need to give them a sense of belonging and so, Heineken was nominated. We also looked at the spread in the state.
“I was contesting governor from the East; he, as the Chairman, is from the Central and Heineken is from the West, and so, I felt we should take somebody from the West to be a minister and Heineken became a minister.”
Sylva accused the party chairman of hobnobbing with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in the state, alleging that soon after the APC lost the elections in the state, the state governor allegedly gave Orunimighe an undisclosed amount of money.
Three oil workers have reportedly lost their lives in pipeline explosion in Bayelsa State.
The victims, said to be employees of an oil servicing firm, died on Sunday.
It was learnt that the pipeline explosion occurred in Olugboboro community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The pipeline is owned by Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
It was further learnt that the deceased were carrying out repair work on a leaking pipeline when the tragedy struck.
The explosion, which occurred on Easter Sunday, according to community sources, also left several persons injured.
The National Oil Spill Detection and Response Agency on Tuesday confirmed the pipeline blast.
The Director-General, NOSDRA, Dr. Peter Idabor, who confirmed the development on the telephone, said that an employee of the agency escaped death in the explosion.
Idabor said that the survivor had allegedly drawn the attention of the oil workers to the breach of safety procedure and left the scene shortly before the incident occurred.
He said, “I received a report of the incident from our employee in Yenagoa office and luckily one of our officers on the team survived. Because of the safety conditions of the place after inspection, our employee left the place and he was not affected.
“ I am going to report the matter officially to the Minister of Environment today (Tuesday).”
It will be recalled that July 9, 2015 explosion at Agip’s oil field in Azuzuama, Southern Ijaw, left 14 persons dead.
A regulatory official of the Bayelsa Ministry of Environment and NOSDRA and 12 maintenance crew members were among the victims.
MOSOGAR—THE leadership of Urhobo Progress Union, UPU, led by Chief Joe Omene, has accused the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, of bias in the role it played in securing the N9 million bail granted Yanusa Dahiru in his trial over Ese Oruru’s abduction.
Speaking, yesterday, in Mosogar, Delta State, Omene lamented the quality of legal representation Yunusa was given, saying that UPU would send a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, SAN, to represent them at the next trial date.
Describing the case as a test case on the relationship between Arewa and the Urhobo, Omene said: “There is more than meets the eyes in this matter.
“Yunusa, as an individual, cannot afford a SAN to represent him hence we believe ACF, which has been at the background in the matter, won’t stand on the part of justice and fairness in this case.
“If ACF is biased in this matter, it will strain the relationship between them and the UPU as they are supposed to be law abiding in protecting the rights of the under-aged girl child.
“Our SAN representative, who is the UPU Secretary General, will represent us at the next date of proceedings and advice us on what is going on.”
Yinusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, the young man who allegedly abducted, converted to Islam and forcefully married and impregnated 14-year-old Ese Oruru was on Tuesday remanded in prison custody by Justice H.A. Nganjiwa of the Federal High Court in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
Yinusa Dahiru, Ese’s abductor
Kano-born Dahiru was brought before the court under very tight security and is being prosecuted on a five-count charge of criminal abduction, illicit sex, sexual exploitation and unlawful carnal knowledge.
On the sidelines of the court proceedings, Dahiru, 18, admitted to impregnating the teenage girl, but pleaded “not guilty” to the five-count charge when the charges were read to him.
Dahiru, who wore a yellow caftan and brown cap, appeared quite relaxed in court after he was brought in at about 10 am.
A special police prosecutor, Kenneth Dika, who was reported to have met with the suspect and the victim, Miss Oruru, for their official statements, signed the charge sheet in the suit.
The police accused Dahiru of conspiring with the duo of Dankano Mohammed and Mallam Al Hassan to abduct, coerce, deceive and sexually assault the Delta-born Miss Oruru.
The charges read in part: “That you, Yinusa Dahiru, a male resident in Opolo-Epie area of Yenagoa in Bayelsa State, conspired with the duo of Dankano Mohammed and Mallam Al Hassan between August 2015 and Febuary 2016, to commit an offence of abduction and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 27(a) of the Trafficking in persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
Also, the police prosecution told the court that “Dahiru abducted Ese Oruru by means of coercion, transported and harboured her in Kano State and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 13(2)(b) of the Trafficking in Persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015”.
It added: “That Yinusa Dahiru induced Ese Oruru by the use of deception and coercion to go with you from Yenagoa to Kano State with intent that she be forced or seduced into illicit intercourse and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 15(a) of the Trafficking in Persons (prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015.”
It also accused him of having unlawful carnal knowledge of the victim without her consent, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 357 of the Criminal Code Act and punishable under Section 358 of the same Act.
Just before the charges were read, Justice Nganjiwa turned down an interpreter who attempted to translate the charges to Dahiru’s indigenous Hausa language. The charges were eventually read to the accused in Pidgin English, following which he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
After listening to the police prosecutor and the lawyer to the accused, Mr. Kayode Olaosebikan, the judge adjourned the matter to March 14, but not before remanding the accused in prison custody till the adjourned date.
Olaosebikan told THISDAY that a bail application before the court would be heard on the said date and described the case as one of “two lovebirds who decided to elope because of the love they had for each other”.
“We have applied for bail and the court will rule on it on the adjourned date. The prosecutor has filed their case. It is easy for the prosecutor to pile up issues, now they have to prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
“We see the case as that of two love birds. It is a case of Yinusa, an 18-year-old boy in love with a 14-year-old girl and they agreed to elope,” he said, in apparent disregard for the mood of the nation on the case.
He added: “It is easy for the prosecution to bring up charges but Yinusa as a man has pleaded not guilty and it is left for the prosecution to prove their case beyond every reasonable doubt.
“It is a case of two love birds, in our social parlance we call it elopement, but government and the state prefer to call it abduction and it is left for the court to decide whether it was abduction or elopement of two minors because Yinusa is 18 years old and the girl in question is 14 years old.”
It was gathered that the police will, at the next hearing, line up about six witnesses to prove its case against the accused.
The mother of 14-year-old Ese Oruru, Mrs. Rose Oruru, has said Yunusa Dahiru, aka Yellow, betrayed her and her family by abducting her teenage daughter from Bayelsa.
Ese was abducted by Yunusa, in August 2015.
The teenagee was forced to convert to Islam and forced into marriage with Yunusa.
Ese and Yenusa case
Ese was reunited with her family this week following a massive campaign by PUNCH newspaper, which generated national outrage and forced the authorities to ensure she was taken from Kano and reunited with her family.
Rose dismissed the claim by Yunusa’s father that the abductor had stayed with the Orurus for 10 years as a house help.
The teenager’s mother said they only got to know Yunusa at about 2012.
Our correspondent gathered that this was the period Yinusa came to the Opolo area, where the residence of the Orurus was located.
It was gathered that Yunusa usually helped people carry their loads from the market.
That was how the Orurus got to know him.
Rose also said sometime in 2012, the family decided to help him with somewhere to sleep at night.
Before then, our correspondent gathered that Yunusa usually slept in different places in the area, including churches.
She said, “Yunusa was one of the Hausa people in the area, and he used to come to my shop to buy food, and sometimes when he did not have money, we would sell to him on credit or give him food for free.
“When we discovered that he needed a place to lay his head at night, I decided to help him by allowing him to pass the night in the shop, but not to live there.
“We did not know he would turn against us and kidnap our daughter. Yunusa betrayed me and my family, despite how we helped him.”
Rose described him as someone who was known to people around the area because he was friendly .
She said he sold firewood for some time until someone in the area gave him a tricycle to ride.
“I remember that he behaved like a good person; people in our area knew him very well. Nobody would have thought he could do such a thing,” she added.
According to Rose, Yunusa was asked to stop coming to sleep in her shop in 2013 after some items got missing in the shop.
Rose said items such as rice and bottles of soft drinks disapperared.
She said, “That was when I became suspicious. Since I could not prove it, I just asked him to stop coming to the shop to pass the night. This was in late 2012 or early 2013.
“I had to start locking the fridge and my cupboard. Why would I do that if I had trusted him?”
She said people who said Ese willingly travelled to Kano with him did not know Yunusas history.
She recalled that a few weeks after she asked Yunusa to stop coming to sleep in her shop, her shop was burgled.
She said she lost valuables, including food items and a big television set that came with a DVD player.
“That television set was even bigger than the one currently in my shop. We do not want to lay blame on anyone because we could not say that this was the person that did it,” she added.
She said a year later, Yunusa started coming to the shop to buy food.
She said, “He came one day to beg me to forgive him. I then told him that I did not hold anything against him that I had forgiven him.
“But how could I have known that he was planning to do something bad to my daughter?
“I know my daughter, Ese, she would never have done such a thing with someone like Yunusa. She did not go to Kano with him on her own accord.”
Medical report not for the public
The police have said the report of the medical examination carried out on Ese Oruru will not be made public.
The Force stated that the medical report was confidential and not for public consumption.
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, who said this in response to an inquiry from our correspondent on Thursday, explained that the report was not ready yet.
According to her, the police will respect Ese’s privacy and will not disclose the result of the medical examination.
She added that the report would be given to investigators to assist them in their work.
“When Ese’s medical is ready, it will be handed over to the investigators and it will not be made public by the police as we respect the privacy of the girl-child (Ese),” Kolawole said.
The police had earlier said it had carried out various medical tests on the teenager, whose rescue from forced marriage and conversion to Islam, was championed by PUNCH newspapers.
It was learnt that the police had carried out different tests on Ese, including pregnancy and HIV/AIDS tests.
On Ese’s abductor, Yunusa Dahiru, the police spokesperson said he had been transfered to Bayelsa State, where he would be tried for his crime.
“Yunusa is already in Bayelsa,” Kolawole said.
Claim of innocence irrelevant
The Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase, has dismissed the claim by the father of Yunusa Dahiru, who abducted Ese, that his son had not committed any crime.
Arase stated this on Thursday during a one-day awareness workshop on sexual and gender based violence in Nigeria, organised by the Nigeria Police Force, in collaboration with Cleen Foundation and Ford Foundation in Benin, the Edo State capital.
Ese was taken to Kano from Bayelsa in August 2015 by Yunusa, where he converted her to Islam and forcefully married her without the consent of her parents.
She was, however, released on February 29.
The father of the suspect, Alhaji Dairu Bala, had reportedly said at his Tofa home in the Kuru Local Government Area of Kano State that his son followed “his heart” when the teenage girl “fell in love” with him and “followed him.”
But Arase, who spoke through the Gender Officer, Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department, Mrs. Mairo Adebalogun, noted that Bala’s claim of innocence was irrelevant, adding that Yunusa would be prosecuted.
Arase said, “The father is not the person in the picture of this issue; it is his son. The police are going to investigate and if they find him wanting, they will prosecute him.”
PSC to dismiss indicted police officers
The Police Service Commission has said it will dismiss from service, any police officer found culpable in the abduction of Ese Oruru.
The commission said it was waiting for the report of the ongoing investigation of some police officers involved in the case, as directed by the Inspector-General of Police.
A statement by the PSC spokesman, Ikechukwu Ani, on Thursday in Abuja said the commission “will ensure that any police officer who is found to have compromised himself either by omission or commission in the saga will be flushed out.”
It commended the IG “for his swift action in rescuing the teenager and ensuring that she was immediately reunited with her family,” adding that it would work with Arase to see that Nigerians, including the likes of Ese were guaranteed their freedom to life.
My daughter was raped
The father of Ese Oruru says their underage daughter was raped by Yunusa.
Charles Orurus, in an interview on the rumoured pregnancy of the minor, said his daughter had been forced to convert to Islam and into a child marriage without their consent.
Charles said, “My daughter was raped by that man. I saw the sign when I saw her last night. We are glad that stage one is over. I am happy she has been finally released and I have seen her, but I am sad. Now we will have to face whatever comes next.”
He, however, said the family would hold a meeting in the next few days to take a collective decision on the matter.
H also told our correspondent that he would meet with the police, lawyers, and other concerned persons on the issue.
Ese’s mum, Rose, however, said she could not say for certain that Ese was pregnant, adding that medical tests would confirm her suspicion.
The teenager’s mother also said Ese did not know she was in Kano State until after some time.
“It was like she had been hypnotised,” she said.
When asked what she would do if her daughter was indeed pregnant.
“Until then,” she said.
Dickson orders trial of abductors
The Bayelsa State Governor, Mr. Seriake Dickson, has called for a comprehensive investigation into Ese’s abduction and subsequent prosecution of the culprits.
A statement by the state government on Thursday said the governor spoke in Yenagoa, shortly after receiving Ese and her parents in the Government House.
While describing the incident as unfortunate, Dickson directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate effectively with the police towards ensuring that Ese’s abduction was prosecuted to a logical conclusion.
Dickson, who described Ese as a minor, wondered why it took so long to secure her release, adding that, there were questions begging for answers.
The governor was quoted as saying, “This matter has to do with enforcement of the laws of this state. This matter is not religious; It is not a matter that has to be swept under the carpet.
“I have directed the Ministry of Justice to collaborate with the police to ensure that this matter is prosecuted to a logical conclusion.”
The governor directed that a team of medical personnel and counsellors be set up to liaise with Ese and her parents to offer support to reintegrate Ese to the society.
According to raisingchildren.net.au , there isn’t a ‘right age’ to start having relationships – every child is different, and every family / culture will feel differently about this issue. But here are some averages:
From 9-11 years, your child might start to show more independence from the family and more interest in friends.
From 10-14 years, your child might want to spend more time in mixed gender groups, which might eventually end up in a romantic relationship.
From 15-19 years, romantic relationships can become central to social life. Friendships might become deeper and more stable.
There is a lot of controversy about Ese’s age, but the excellent investigative journalism by AIT with the interview of her parents confirm that Ese is in fact 13 yrs old so there is no need to waste time debating about this.
As a mother of a teenage son myself, I know that many teenagers spend a lot of time thinking and talking about being in a relationship. In these years, teenage relationships might last only a few weeks or months. It’s also normal for children to have no interest in romantic relationships until their late teens. Some choose to focus on schoolwork, sport or other interests.
Each parent is different, and no one has a right to tell another parent how to raise their child. But the problem is when the general public decides to have an opinion over a young girl’s sexuality. Going over Linda Ikeji’s blog when it was announced that Ese had in fact chosen to stay in Kano, the comments people left on the article made me nauseous. They had no respect for her privacy, and no one even viewed her as a child.
It is very disturbing that our society does not view child sexuality any different from adult sexuality. They take it lightly and find it funny that a 13 year old confused and vulnerable, who has obviously made some poor choices should be made an object of ridicule. Social media particularly has not been very responsible in discussion the issue.
Further, the NUJ code of ethics stipulates “A journalist should not identify, either by name or picture, or interview children under the age of 16 who are involved in cases concerning sexual offences, crimes and rituals or witchcraft either as victims, witnesses or defendants.” Now that the story has broken that Ese may be pregnant, I appeal to the media, mainstream and social media to please respect the privacy of this family.
No good will come from engrossing the National attention on this issue now that she is back with her family. The respectable thing to do is to pressure the relevant ministries such as the ministry of social services to take action. Pictures of the ministry of women affairs and child development should be the one pasted on papers not Ese’s to ensure there is follow up without invading the privacy of the family.
Biologically speaking, puberty is the period when an adolescent reaches physical growth and sexual maturity. It is marked with bodily changes and change in feeling towards opposite sex due to increase in sex hormones. This period starts from late childhood and ends with early adulthood (12 to 18 years).
In this crucial stage, adolescence is influenced by peer pressure especially the opposite sex peers. Puberty is a period marked with rapid physical growth leading to sexual maturity and psychological changes. The average onset of puberty is at 10 or 11 for girls and age 12 or 13 for boys.
Girls become sexually and physically mature two years earlier than boys. Puberty begins with a surge in hormone production, which in turn causes a number of physical changes a an adolescent is going through drastic physical changes she also goes through psychological, mental and emotional changes. Stanley Hall, a well known psychologist, describes this stage as the period full of “storm and stress”. This phase is marked with psychologically growing-up. Ericson, another psychologist refers this stage as “Identity Crisis” referring to confusion in identifying oneself neither as a child nor as an adult.
The early and late childhood period boys like to play with boys and girls prefer to be comfortable in the company of girls. Developing relationship with same sex friends and getting their approval and acceptance is one of the important characteristic of interpersonal relationship. The maximum socialization takes place during this stage. But as childhood period end and child enters into an adolescent stage suddenly due to hormonal changes and development of secondary sex characteristics the interest in opposite sex becomes more significant.
Suddenly an adolescent becomes self conscious and her outlook changes. She becomes conscious towards herself as well as towards opposite sex. An adolescent spends lot of time looking at himself or herself in the mirror, new look in hair style, preference in clothing and dressing up manners changes, use of cosmetics and interest in looking good increases. Sudden changes occur in improving self image and having better self impression on opposite sex. Girls become shy in the presence of the opposite sex.
Is all this my attempt at using pchychology to justify Ese’s behavior? NO! What I am in fact saying is that is normal for her to be interested in the opposite sex, but that is not a reason to make her an object of ridicule. She is still a child, and it is the responsibility of society to protect her till she reaches the age of consent. Just because she is an adolescent with raging hormones doesn’t mean she is a responsible adult ready to make decisions on her own. All responsible adults in her life have to protect her till she is mature enough to understand what she is getting herself into.
Back in 2013, a Time magazine article on abduction began like this…
“Abduction is a singularly grotesque transaction. In a single instant, a relationship between two people changes to one of captor and prisoner, owner and chattel. One holds absolute power and the other holds none.”
The Nigerian, media had a fanfare with word abduction, but when Ese was being returned, there were a crowd of men around her, the video circulating the web showed a terrified little girl trying to hold on to some sort of control. There was no comforting voice. Once again, there was absolutely no recognition that this was just a child. For Heaven sakes, Ese is just a child.
She may or may have not chosen to have gone to Kano. It doesn’t take a genius to know that it will be traumatizing to be the center so much controversy. She may or may not be in love. It does not take a PhD to know that no one would want their their private life broadcasted on air. An adult would be nerve wracked to go through what Ese has been through.
The American Psychological Association say, According to research, hostage survivors often develop an unconscious bond to their captors and experience grief if their captors are harmed. They may also feel guilty for developing a bond. This is typically referred to as the Stockholm syndrome. Hostage survivors may also have feelings of guilt for surviving while others did not. It is important for survivors to recognize that these are usual human reactions to being held captive.
When hostages are released, it is essential for them to:
Receive medical attention.
Be in a safe and secure environment.
Connect with loved ones.
Have an opportunity to talk or journal their experience if and when they choose.
Receive resources and information about how to seek counseling, particularly if their distress from the incident is interfering with their daily lives.
Protect their privacy (e.g. avoid media overexposure including watching and listening to news and participating in media interviews).
Take time to adjust back into family and work.
I am writing this as a teacher and a mother, Please for the love of God, leave this child alone to go back to school no more media coverage on this story, it’s doing Ese more harm than good. As long as she is below the age of consent, all responsible adults should act like it! Let her have some privacy. Her entire life is still ahead of her.
By Clifford Ndujihe, Kingsley Omonobi, Abdulsalam Muhammad, Dapo Akinrefon, Wahab Abdullah, Charles Kumolu & Gbenga Oke
Ese and Yenusa case
ABUJA — 14-year-old Ese Rita Oruru, the Delta State-born girl-child, resident in Bayelsa, who was abducted by Yunusa Dahiru, alias Yellow, but rescued by the Police in Kano, has been discovered to be about five months pregnant, very reliable sources have told Vanguard.
Ese Rita Oruru, arrived Yenagoa yesterday and she is presently quartered at the police officers mess Yenagoa. She came in company of her mother, Mrs Rose Oruru and securirity escorts who drove them quietly to the Offciers Mess.
This came as Dahiru Bala, the biological father of Yunusa, declared, yesterday, that his son never cohabited with Ese Oruru because of embedded contraption highly offensive to his religion.
This is as some prominent Nigerians, including Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, former Lagos State Police Commissioner, Abubakar Tsav; Second Republic politician and lawyer, Guy Ikokwu and women NGOs, said the law should take its course on the matter and expressed anger over the teenager’s pregnancy.
It was gathered that the white Hijab she wore on her arrival from Kano on Tuesday was used to cover the pregnancy, even though her physical condition and looks created suspicion.
Vanguard was told that it was the condition the Police authorities discovered about Ese that informed the IGP, Solomon Arase’s directive that she should be handed over to the Gender and Child Protection Unit.
A similar directive was given to a team from the Medical Department of the Force to carry out a comprehensive medical examination on the girl at the Police Medical Facility in Area 1, Garki, Abuja.
Upon certifying her medical status and emotional state, Vanguard gathered that the Inspector-General of Police, feeling uncomfortable with the transport arrangement of the mother that they returned by road, cancelled the arrangement and directed that both Ese and her mother be flown to Yenagoa.
Meanwhile, the IGP has directed the Bayelsa State Police Command to take over investigation of the case since, according to sources, the offence was committed in Bayelsa, which is the place of residence of the abductor, Yunusa Dahiru.
Consequently, Vanguard was told that Yunusa would be moved to Yenagoa to face interrogation and prosecution for kidnapping and child abuse as well as violence against a girl-child. The Inspector-General of Police had earlier vowed that Yunusa and all other actors in the seven-month-old abduction saga would be brought to justice.
He said it was the only way the nation would make a clear statement in unison that any individual who violated the sanctity of the rights of children shall be dealt with in accordance with extant laws of the country.
The IGP spoke as Mrs. Rose Oruru, Ese’s mother, thanked all Nigerians, the Nigerian Police Force and well wishers, who assisted in one way or the other to ensure her daughter was brought back alive and safe, saying she could not say much for now.
Speaking through the Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olabisi Kolawole at Force Headquarters, shortly before Ese’s mother, Mrs Rose Oruru, was led to take custody of her daughter, the IGP said: “Aside prosecution of the actors directly involved in this case, the Inspector General of Police has also ordered an in-house administrative inquiry designed to review the professional conduct of officers responsible for the initial investigation of this case. Any officer indicted of professional dereliction will be firmly dealt with accordingly.”
My son never cohabited with Ese — Yunusa’s father
Meanwhile, Dahiru Bala, the biological father of Yunusa Yellow, declared yesterday that his son never cohabited with Ese Oruru because of embedded contraption highly offensive to his religion”.
Dahiru in an exclusive interview with Vanguard at his country home, Kauyen Tofa in Kura local government area of kano State, said: “There was no marriage between my son and Ese Oruru due to contradiction and illegality involved.
“The love relationship between my son and Ese was built on ignorance of their religious backgrounds which made it difficult for anyone to support their marriage proposal.”
Dahiru Bala, 55, disclosed that traditional authorities were fully briefed about an impending illegality when his son, Yunusa, who he said was 25, informed him of his decision to elope with her lover.
“I promptly reported the matter to the village head and on their arrival, they were taken to his home, who in turn reported to the District Head at Kura, headquarters of Kura local government area.
“Yunusa was a house help to Oruru’s family for 10 years and when he told me of his love relationship with Ese, I opposed it because we already have a proposal for him in the village.
“Sequel to the request of Ese, she was converted to Islam on the order of the District Head before he was taken to the Emir’s palace for his final say.”
The farmer said that on arrival at the Emir’s palace, a senior counsellor who took the brief, summoned the Sharia Commission to take custody of Ese Oruru till the following day when the emir would be available.
Shedding more light on the Yunusa/Ese Oruru love saga, Dahiru Bala disclosed that the emir, who subsequently met with them, ordered the Sharia commission to liaise with the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 1 to return her home with immediate effect. According to Yunusa’s father,
“the much anticipated return of Ese Oruru to Bayelsa was truncated by her when she broke down in the AIG’s office and raised safety questions to her life back home. Subsequently, the move was halted to pave way for investigation”.
The suspect’s father, who was surrounded by his village men during the encounter, said “the last we heard of Ese Oruru was that she was in custody of Sharia commission, who kept her in the home of the District Head at Kura.”
She should be allowed to deliver the baby—Tsav Reacting to the development, retired Police Commissioner, Alhaji Abubakar Tsav said: “There is a difference between elopement and abduction. If the suspect is of age, he should be prosecuted. If I were in the position of the parents, I would allow her to deliver after which she should be allowed to make her choice.”
Pregnancy unfortunate, inevitable —Joe Odumakin President of the Women Arise for Change Initiative and the Campaign for Democracy, Dr Joe Okei-Odumakin said “it is the most unfortunate aspect of the Ese Oruru saga and it is inevitable. But the fact remains that there are more dangers than one can imagine for a 14 year old to become a mother in such a manner as this.”
She, however, added that those found culpable of the act, no matter how highly placed, should be brought to book. She said: “There are no two ways about this, a crime has been committed by the man, Yunusa alias Yellow, who abducted the teenage girl all the way from Bayelsa State to Kano State for a forced marriage and conversion of religion.
The Nigerian law does not recognise such illegality with an under-aged and nothing should be spared at ensuring that the main culprit and everyone involved, no matter how highly placed, are brought to book.”
The law should take its course – Ikokwu
Second Republic politician and lawyer, Chief Guy Ikokwu said: ‘’The law should take its course as the molestation and abuse of children and infants is rampant in our society. It should not take the intervention of a monarch, the IGP or the governor or president for police officers trained in crime prevention to do their normal work. Ese Oruru’s father has given glory to God as what happened was not Christian or Islamic like the Chibok episode.
Asked his opinion on Ese’s pregnancy and what the parents should do, he said: ‘’The pregnancy is a family matter. It is for the family to decide. The abduction is a criminal matter but the pregnancy is a family issue. Under the law, we cannot advice the girl to go and commit an abortion. The girl may die in the process. It is for the family to decide.’’
The issue is an embarrassment to Nigeria— Dr Junaid Mohammed
“The issue of the elopement of Ese is an embarrassment to this nation and without mincing words, Yunusa shows irresponsibility and the law should take its course on him. Also, the Emir of Kano should be investigated by the police because the statement he gave is not enough to exonerate him in the whole issue.
“As far as I am concerned, this issue has nothing to do with religion but a fundamental issue that must be tackled head on and I am calling on the Bayelsa State governor to look into the girl’s issue and help her out.” Funmi Falana, Executive Director, Women Empowerment and Legal Advocacy, WELA, said:
“it is unfortunate that the young girl has become a victim of violence against girl child in the society. “Her situation or experience could be likened to a rape because she was not properly married and her consents were not sought, which is contrary to the law.
“As it is now, the man should be arrested and prosecuted and not allowed to go scot free. The punishment is seven years jail sentence.
“As to the predicament of the girl, she should not be allowed to bear that child and the accompanied pains because she is not biologically fit for it. If allowed to bear the pregnancy, she may have VVF. A case of a girl raped in Agege was handled by us, the girl was operated upon.
“However, if she carried the pregancy eventually, she should be delivered through cessarian session. She should be adequately taken care of.”
Another woman lawyer based in Benue, Mrs Patience Joseph, who is the coordinator of Nigeria Women Against Poverty, NWAP, said, “The issue is still strange to me. This is because, I can’t imagine how the little girl started fraternizing with the alleged abductor, under the nose of her parents to the extent she was ‘shipped’ out of Bayelsa.
“However, this is not the issue on ground now. The only solution is for the state (government) to first determine the condition of the girl, the blood sample of the abductor, and make adequate medical findings to determine if he is responsible and also determine if she will be medically fit to carry the pregnancy.
“After this, the issue has become a crime against the man, no matter what the circumstances in which he met the young girl.
“In Islam under which guise he may hide for instance, it is condition precedent that the consent of the proposed lady must be sought and that of the parent before a valid marriage can be consummated alongside the payment of dowry.
“In this situation none of these conditions are met apart from engaging the little girl in family way prematurely. So, he must be made to account for his deeds according to the law.
“One cannot recommend the abortion of the foetus which is illegal, except on medical conditions, supported by proper directive from a qualified medical personnel.”
Neighbours, relations and friends besiege Orurus’ Opolo residence
Meanwhile, neighbours, relations and friends of the Orurus including newsmen had besieged their Opolo residence awaiting the arrival their receive when news filtered in that they were at the Mess. A resident who pleaded anonymity said “we are waiting the mother and daughter to be sure that they are back.”
At the police officers Mess, journalists were denied access to the girl by security operatives who claimed they were acting on instruction from above. But a police confided in Vanguard saying:
“tthere is a directive that the girl should be accommodated at the Mess for three days because of the trauma she has passed through.” As at the time of filing this report journalists were still keeping vigil at the mess.
Barely 24 hours after the inauguration of PUNCH newspapers campaign, 14-year-old Ese Oruru was rescued from Kano State where she had been taken to by her paedophile captor, Yinusa, aka Yellow.
Ese and Yenusa case
Ese, who was abducted on August 12, 2015, converted to Islam and forcefully married by Yinusa, was on Monday released to the police in Kano State.
The minor was released to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 1, Kano, Shuaibu Gambo, by the Kano Emirate Council.
The Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, who confirmed this to one of our correspondents via a text message, said Ese would soon be reunited with her parents.
He said, “She is safe with us. She will be reunited with her parents.”
The Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, also confirmed that Ese had been released to the AIG Zone 1, adding that she would be brought to Abuja on Tuesday along with her parents.
She said, “Ese has been released and as I speak with you, she is with the AIG, Zone 1, Kano. She will be brought to Abuja tomorrow (Tuesday) along with her parents.
“The AIG Zone 1 has taken over the matter. The police swung into action and they are investigating at the moment. Investigation is still ongoing.
“All those involved in the saga would be dealt with according to the law. Any person indicted in the incident will be made to face the law.”
Asked if the police would conduct medical tests, including HIV/AIDS test on Ese, Kolawole stated that “all the necessary tests would be carried out.”
The Police Public Relations Officer, Zone 1, Kano, Rabiu Ubayi, also confirmed that Ese was with them in Kano.
The police spokesperson added that Yinusa had also been invited for questioning, and he was writing his statement when our correspondents called him separately on the telephone.
He said, “Presently, we are in action. We have found the girl. The police have invited all the parties. We invited the people who are holding her, including Yinusa himself.
“The girl and the man are here. They are writing statements. They are all in police custody. We have not concluded investigation at the moment. But they are all with us.”
Ese had been abducted in 2015 by Yinusa, who was a longstanding customer of her mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, a food vendor in Opolo in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Yinusa, a tricycle rider, took away the minor to Kano from her mother’s shop. Rose had gone out on the day, leaving Ese and her siblings in the shop.
Yinusa subsequently took Ese, who was 13 years old at the time, to Kano, where she was allegedly converted to Islam and forcefully married.
Rose’s attempts to get the girl released had met a brick wall until PUNCH newspaper’s campaign.
Prosecute Ese’s abductor, Yinusa
Nigerians are demanding sanctions for those who held 14-year-old Ese Oruru captive for eight months.
Ese was released to the police on Monday, 24 hours after PUNCH newspapers inaugurated a campaign to free the minor.
One Yinusa, aka Yellow, had abducted Ese in August 2015, taken her to Kano, had her converted to Islam and forcefully married her.
It took eight months, trips to Kano by her parents, a campaign by PUNCH, and outrage among Nigerians to secure her freedom.
Many Nigerians, who were shocked by Ese’s ordeal, have called on the Federal Government to ensure such an incident does not recur by dealing decisively with those that have contravened the country’s laws.
The Minister of Women Affairs, Jummai Alhassan, made it clear that laws had been broken, promising to prosecute those involved.
“Our laws are very clear on the case; Ese Oruru is 14 years and as such cannot consent to marriage. Any such union she’s in is illegal,” she said in a tweet.
Alhassan explained that since Ese was a child, her right to freedom of movement was subject to parental control.
“The Act also clearly states that anyone who marries a child is liable to a fine of N500,000 or five years’ imprisonment or both,” she said, adding that her ministry would ensure the full prosecution of anyone found to have contravened the law.
A former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili, also called for the prosecution of those involved.
She called for an investigation into the incident and publication of findings about why Ese’s release was allowed to linger for so long.
Senator Ben Murray-Bruce had also, while calling on the Inspector-General of Police to free Ese, stressed that the IG must ensure that those involved did not go free.
A PUNCH reader, Obazee Osas, had while celebrating the news of Ese’s release, explained that his joy would not be complete if Yinusa was not prosecuted.
He said, “Yes, PUNCH, we did it! But this should not be the end of the case. That Yinusa of a man who took that girl from Bayelsa has a lot of people like him, who are looking for young girls to prey on and elope with.
“Won’t it be right, if he is used as a deterrent to others who might be contemplating such act? Please, raise the hastag #YinusaMustBeArrestedAndProsecuted.”
Several other Nigerians also called for the prosecution of those involved.
A twitter user, Yomi, who tweets via the handle @akintonmide, said, “This cannot be let off.”
Another user, Yemi, tweeting via @ScarTissue101 said, “Ese isn’t really free till Yinusa is made to face the law for his crimes.”
Prominent legal practitioners also called for the prosecution of Yinusa.
The lawyers wanted the police to prosecute Yinusa for abduction and rape.
They also urged the police to arrest and prosecute others mentioned in the abduction mess and policemen involved in the lackadaisical handling of the case.
Senior Advocates of Nigeria, Mr. Femi Falana and Sebastine Hon, told one of our correspondents on Monday that the abductor of the girl and those who helped him had committed a criminal offence.
They called on the police and the governments of Bayelsa and Kano states to prosecute the culprits.
Falana said regardless of the rescue of the girl, Yinusa and his helpers should be prosecuted by the Bayelsa State Government.
Falana said, “I have just got the assurance of the IGP, Mr. Solomon Arase, that Ese has been freed and will be released to her parents tomorrow (Tuesday).
“While thanking The PUNCH newspaper for campaigning for the release of Ese, and the police authorities for ensuring the release of the girl, the matter should be pursued to a logical conclusion.
“The abductor and his helpers should be arrested and prosecuted to serve as a lesson to others. We call on the Bayelsa State Government to file charges against the suspects without any further delay.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Felix Fagbohungbe, said what Yinusa did was criminal and condemnable and called for his prosecution according to the law.
Fagbohungbe said, “It is a criminal act and Yinusa should be prosecuted. The law of the land is very clear on that. In fact, the young girl is not a Muslim in the first place; so, she cannot be affected by any provision of the Quran. And even at that, a 13-year-old girl, who is supposed to be in school, how can she give consent, when we know that the age of maturity is 21, and the voting age is 18? So, this is a criminal act.”
She is a minor
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Wahab Shittu, also called for Yinusa’s arraignment for abduction, stressing that Ese, being a minor, could not give a valid consent to marriage.
Shittu said, “She is still a minor. If you look at the provisions of our Constitution, the age to vote starts from 18 years. The implication is that the Constitution envisages that you do not attain adulthood until you reach the age of 18. The girl is a minor.
“He (Yinusa) took away the girl from the custody of her parents without their consent outside the jurisdiction of the state and even without the consent of the girl, expressed or implied; so the man should be arraigned for abduction.”
Another Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Jiti Ogunye, said Yinusa acted contrary to the provisions of Section 361 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the analogous provisions of the Criminal Code, Law of Bayelsa State and should as such be prosecuted.
According to Ogunye, the charges against Yinusa will also include rape as he was likely to have slept with the girl.
Ogunye said, “Section 361 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and the analogous provisions of the Criminal Code, Law of Bayelsa State, define the offence of abduction and provide that ‘any person, who with the intent to marry or carnally know a female of any age, or cause her to be married, or carnally known by any other person, takes her away or detains her against her will, is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for seven years. And of course, it can be imagined or assumed that the offence of rape would have been committed against the young girl. The punishment for rape, under sections 537 and 358 of the same Criminal Code Act, is life imprisonment.
“The abductor and his accomplices should be prosecuted in Bayelsa State. That is where the crime originated.”
Mr. Emeka Ngige, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, said the Bayelsa State Governor, Siriake Dickson, should also be held accountable for the incident.
He said, “The Bayelsa State Governor should tell the public why he would allow such a thing to happen in his domain. All the police personnel, who failed in their duties of rescuing the girl, including the Inspector-General of Police, should be appropriately sanctioned.”
Human rights lawyer, Festus Keyamo, said Ese could not make a decision for herself until she reached the age of 21.
He said, “It is worrisome that the girl was taken away without the consent of her parents. Any girl that is under the age of 21, no matter the religion involved, should not be married off without the consent of her parents. If anyone is saying it is tradition, then that tradition is repugnant to natural justice, equity and good conscience and should be rejected.
“In law, 21 is the age of maturity and consent, while 18 is the voting age. To sign a contract or enter into any other agreement, you must be 21.”
A Lagos-based lawyer, Mr. Yemi Omodele, said Ese’s parents had a valid cause of action and urged them to approach a high court in Bayelsa State to enforce their daughter’s rights.
“If it is true that the age is 14, the parents have a legal right to approach the appropriate court of law within the southern region of the country, particularly in Bayelsa. They can approach the state high court in Bayelsa to protect the girl’s rights,” he said.
Ahmed Adetola-Kazeem, another counsel, said the forced marriage of Ese was wrong both from the Islamic religious point of view and the constitution.
He advised her parents to sue Yinusa and the police.
Adetola-Kazeem said, “Quran 4:25 states that a man can only marry a lady with the permission of the parents. So, the step he (Yinusa) has taken is a very wrong step. Secondly, the Quran also says that there is no compulsion in religion, so, you can’t force your religion on someone else.
“The parents of the girl should sue Yinusa and join the police or whichever law enforcement agency that is involved or complicit.”
The Executive Director of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project, Adetokunbo Mumuni, said any supposed consent given by a person below the age of 18 years was invalid in the face of the Nigerian law and urged the parents to seek redress in court.
Mumuni said, “The law does not reckon with a consent given by an underage person. For a person to consent, he must be 18 years and above. As far as Nigeria is concerned, the lowest age of maturity in terms of contract and consent is 18 years. In the law of contract, a person below the age of 18 is still regarded as a minor; under that age you cannot enter into a contractual agreement and marriage is a contract.”
A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Gowdwin Obla, said the excuse of elopement was not tenable and would not shield Yinusa from being prosecuted.
Obla said, “Elopement at what age? Can a girl who cannot give consent for marriage give consent to elope? It is wrong. Even if the girl elopes with him, there are enough public outcries to make any reasonable person return the girl to her parents. The man did not mitigate the extent of his criminality and sadly, it looks like he has some support from governmental institutions. It is not a matter to be negotiated.
“It is a case of what is called statutory rape because the girl is below the age of 18. She cannot give consent for sexual relationship. That is statutory rape.”
As to whether the excuse of elopement would prevent Yinusa from being prosecuted, Obla said, “No, it is not an excuse. In fact, he could have mitigated his punishment by promptly returning the girl when he became aware of her true age. But he did not; he persisted in his criminality.”
Blame the police, not me
The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, has described the abduction of 14-year-old Ese Oruru from Bayelsa State by one of his subjects as an embarrassment.
Sanusi spoke on Monday after a meeting with members of his council over the issue.
He explained that he had received two calls from people in far away South Africa on Monday over the matter.
The emir further explained that when the matter was first brought to his attention in September 2015, he ordered her immediate return to her parents after it was established that she was underage.
He, however, expressed surprise that the matter still lingered months after he gave the instruction.
Sanusi said, “I ordered her return since September 2015, through the Office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 1.
“But to my surprise, the issue was still with the Sharia Commission, Hisbah (religious police) and the Police.
“The matter is worrisome, to the extent that two people phoned me in the morning today from South Africa over the matter. I told them clearly that I had directed her return since the last six months.
“I can also remember that I ordered the district head of Kura, the Sharia Commission and Hisbah, to investigate the allegation she (Ese) raised that her mother wanted to kill her.
“They confirmed to me that the allegation raised by Ese was true. I requested police intervention just to get her a cover to take her back home.
“I think it was the police authorities that caused the delay. I have done my best for her and even directed for action. It’s unfortunate that the police delayed this matter which has embarrassed us.
“Ese is underage and she can’t be married off as an underage girl. Every Muslim also knows that marriage can’t be without guidance. She must be taken back to her parents; she can only marry when she reaches the age of 18.”
The Emir further said, “It is un-Islamic for someone to marry a lady without guidance. This abduction of Ese by my subject to Kano is bad because it will cause disunity among our people.”
Sanusi reiterated his directive to the Sharia Commission to immediately return the girl to her family, adding that “this issue is something that is unbecoming among our people”.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has promised to work with his Kano State counterpart, Governor Abdullahi Ganduje, to ensure the return of 14-year-old Ese Oruru, who was abducted, taken to Kano, converted to Islam and married by one Yinusa.
A non-governmental organisation, Kindling Hope Across Nations Initiative, which has been working with Ese’s parents to secure her release and return home, said this in a statement.
The statement said the governor had during a meeting with KHAN Initiative officials on Sunday, expressed concern over the issue and appealed to the NGO to allow him intervene in the issue.
The KHAN Initiative said, consequently, it cancelled a rally, aimed at drawing attention to the 14-year-old’s shocking story, which was scheduled for Monday.
“In view of the personal interest demonstrated by the Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, we have decided to suspend the rally to give both state governments time to urgently bring Ese back,” the NGO said.
It explained that the governor had expressed concern that a rally might lead to a breach of the peace, “given the high level of tension currently in the state on account of the proposed rally”.
The NGO, however, said it would continue the fight to return Ese back to her parents and seeks justice for her.
Dickson’s intervention follows the launch of “Free Ese” campaign by PUNCH, which has drawn the attention of thousands of Nigerians to the sordid story and failure of top officials in Bayelsa and Kano states to do the right thing.
Stories about Ese’s plight and the travail of her parents have led to increased calls for her immediate release and the prosecution of those involved in her abduction.
KHAN, an NGO committed to improving the lives of people and creating a world where everyone is empowered to live above poverty, has worked with the Orurus since they reported the incident to the organisation.
The Executive Director, KHAN Initiative, Mr. Kizito Andah, had told Sunday PUNCH that after receiving the case, the organisation immediately swung into action by formally informing the Department of State Services.
He said several meetings were held in December 2015 with officers of the DSS, noting that the state security outfit made several promises to secure the release of the victim, but that up till date, Ese was still held hostage by the perpetrators.
Andah, who is also the Secretary, Child Protection Network, claimed that their coordinator also spoke with the Inspector-General of Police and the police boss gave his word that the girl would be returned to her parents. Yet, that had not been done.
Ese had been abducted in August 2015 by Yinusa, who was a longstanding customer of her mother, Mrs. Rose Oruru, a food vendor in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.
Since August 12 when her parents made the shocking discovery, trips to Kano, the involvement of the police and efforts to get the Emir of Kano, Mallam Lamido Sanusi, at whose palace the girl is believed to be held to resolve the matter and ensure the return of the 14-year-old to her parents have failed.
While her mother was told that Ese had converted to Islam and, therefore, was no longer her daughter, her father was told that his daughter was an 18-year-old adult and not 14, hence she was capable of making decisions for herself.
Palpable fear gripped the residents of coastal communities of Brass Local Government Area of Bayelsa State following explosion that rocked oil pipelines belonging to the Nigerian Agip Oil Company.
The explosion, which was said to have been triggered by dynamite attacks allegedly launched by suspected militants affected pipelines located in Orukari, Golubokiri and Kpongbokiri communities of Brass.
The development, it was learnt had led to many residents of the riverside communities scampering for safety.
It was learnt that the attacks were launched on Thursday night and had led to massive spillage of crude from the Agip pipeline into the sea and fishing camps.
Confirming the incident, member representing Brass Constituency 1 in the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Mr. Israel Sunny-Goli, condemned the attack on Agip pipelines.
Sunny-Goli, in a statement on Saturday, said, “Preliminary investigations indicate that the bombing of the pipeline was an act of sabotage carried out to hurt the economic interests of Bayelsa state and Nigeria.
“The latest explosion coming after bombing of pipelines recently in the same area is worrisome as it is capable of forcing oil companies out of operation which would have adverse effect on Nigeria’s economy.”
Sunny-Goli called on security agencies to beef up security around oil facilities to ensure they prevent future attack by economic saboteurs bent on crippling Nigeria’s economy.
The lawmaker added, “I want to condemn the latest attack on Agip pipeline at Kpongbokiri. This is a clear sabotage by economic saboteurs. Recently, they blasted pipeline at Orukari and Golubokiri.
” I condemn this latest attack on Agip pipeline at Kpongbokiri in its entirety. It is sabotage against Nigeria in a bid to cripple the economy at a time the nation is struggling with decline in revenue due to the fall in oil prices.
“It is common knowledge that because of the low price of oil which is our main source of revenue, many states can hardly pay workers’ salaries. This sabotage is capable of crippling the economy if not urgently curbed. If these attacks are not checked and the perpetrators brought to book and Agip decides to pull out of Bayelsa, it would be disastrous for us as a people.”
He urged Bayelsans, especially those that have oil facilities around them to be be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies to prevent further attacks.
Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Saturday in Yenagoa, threw his weight behind the embattled Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Uche Secondus, saying he (Secondus) remains the party’s national chairman.
Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson
He, therefore, condemned the decision by former presidential aide, Ahmed Gulak, to forcefully declare himself as chairman of the party.
According to the Governor, contrary to the reports in the media, there are no three chairmen in PDP but only one in the person of acting national chairman and that is Uche Secondus.
Dickson in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Iworiso-Markson, clarified the position of PDP Governors Forum, saying Secondus was still the Deputy National Chairman of the party.
He added that in the absence of a substantive national chairman, he (Secondus) remained in acting capacity until a new chairman emerges.
The governor denied reports of any division in PDP Governors Forum or change in the current leadership of the party.
He said there were modalities for the emergence of chairman of the party as stated in its constitution and therefore there could not have been any reason to have three chairmen running the party at the same time.
Dickson was categorical that at no time did the forum nominate anyone as chairman, insisting that Uche Secondus as Deputy National Chairman, going by the law and the party’s constitution, was still in acting capacity until a new chairman emerges.
He said, “There can’t be a vacuum and as servants of the law, we must be seen at all times to be people who are duty bound to uphold the law and to do the right things at all times in the eyes of the law.”
Elders in Bayelsa State chapter of the All Progressives Congress have advised that a repented Niger Delta militant, Mr. Government Ekpemupolo (aka Tompolo), should surrender himself for questioning by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over N13bn fraud.
Tompolo
They also demanded an apology from the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Mr. Timi Frank, over his comments against the party leadership in the State “in his own interest.”
The PUNCH had reported that Justice Ibrahim Buba of a Federal High Court in Abuja had granted an order compelling him to answer an amended 40 counts of conspiracy, fraud and money laundering levelled against him and a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi.
But shortly after the court order, militants attacked oil installations, fuelling speculations that his ‘boys’ were responsible.
However, Tompolo in a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari, accused the candidate of the APC in the Bayelsa State governorship election, Timipre Sylva, of trying to link him to the renewed vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, saying he (Sylva) was the one responsible.
But a member of the Bayelsa APC Elders, Chief Arerebo Bodi, at a reception organised in his honour on Saturday in Abuja, said it was important for Tompolo to honour the request of the EFCC, rather than blame Sylva and other APC leaders in the State.
The All Progressives Congress, Bayelsa State chapter, has called for the arrest and prosecution of the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Kombowei Benson, for disobeying Appeal Court ruling nullifying his election.
APC data Centre
It also condemned the Peoples Democratic Party-dominated state House of Assembly for allegedly aiding and abetting illegality within its fold.
The APC noted that it was “undemocratic and dishonourable” for the House to have allowed its Speaker, Mr. Kombowei Benson, whose election was nullified by the Court of Appeal, to remain in office, over 40 days after the court’s ruling.
The APC, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Mr. Panebi Fortune, said it was irresponsible, ironical and unacceptable for a law-making House to treat the sacred pronouncement of the third arm of government with disdain.
The party said it took public outcries and efforts of whistleblowers, including the legal team of the state APC, to unearth the illegality perpetrated in the House.
It called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the Speaker for contempt, adding that Benson should be convicted and committed to prison for disobeying court order.
The party also called on the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission to investigate the illegal financial dealings of Benson within the period he disobeyed the court order.
The APC said the anti-graft agencies should arrest Benson to account for December and January salaries and allowances he collected including other disbursements he made against the provisions of the constitution.
Gunmen, suspected to be cultists, have shot and killed one person in Amarata area of Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.
The victim, popularly known as Ashanti, was reportedly shot close to his residence at about 8pm on Sunday.
A source, who pleaded to remain anonymous, said Ashanti met his death when he went to buy some fruits opposite his house.
“He just crossed the road to buy some fruits when a group of boys opened fire on him. He was shot on his forehead,” the source stated.
It was learnt that Ashanti was immediately rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Yenagoa, where he was confirmed dead.
It was further learnt that the incident caused pandemonium among residents of the OMPADEC area of Amarata as people ran in different directions for safety.
But residents of the area have expressed concern over indiscriminate arrest by police operatives following the incident.
“We are tired of the incessant police raids. Instead of investigating and arresting known cultists, they are arresting innocent people and extorting money from us,” a resident, who gave his name only as Lazarus, lamented.
When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Mr. Asinim Butswat, confirmed the incident.
He said, “The victim was shot on the forehead by a group of boys suspected to be members of a cult.
“The victim was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre where he was confirmed dead. The corpse was deposited at the FMC morgue for autopsy.”
Former Governor of Bayelsa State and candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the 2015 governorship election, Timipre Sylva, who blames his loss in the recently held poll on malpractices, spoke to select journalists in Yenagoa, the state capital. SIMON UTEBOR was there
Timipre Sylva
The Bayelsa State governorship election has been won and lost. What is your assessment of the prolonged Bayelsa State 2015 governorship election which was concluded on January 9 this year?
The results of the Bayelsa State governorship election declared on Sunday, January 10, 2016, did not meet with our acceptance at all, as a party and as a person.
What are your misgivings?
Ab initio, I am sure you are familiar with the fact that I have always complained about the Independent National Electoral Commission in Bayelsa State. Even in a court of law, if an accused person is to stand trial before a judge and the accused person says that he cannot expect justice from a particular judge, usually something is done about it. In this case, we were contesting an election and I said from the beginning that I did not have confidence in the Resident Electoral Commissioner and in the Administrative Secretary (of INEC), and that I did not expect a free and fair election if these people were going to preside over the election.
What actions did you take to express your worries?
I complained about the issue over and over again. I even reduced it (complaint) to writing and we sent a petition. Usually, before an election of this nature, INEC officials are switched; sometimes they send them to another state and bring another electoral commissioner. But this time, they chose to keep this team that was already in place, set up by the Peoples Democratic Party as a rigging machine. This was the same team that returned almost 100 per cent of all voters in Bayelsa to the former President (Goodluck Jonathan) in Bayelsa State. And we felt that these people could not have given us a free and fair treatment. We said it over and over again.
What did the electoral body do in its response to your complaints and petition?
Unfortunately, our cries fell on deaf ears. On Sunday, they proved themselves true to type. We believed that the election could even have been declared inconclusive on Sunday because there were still a lot of votes outstanding — 53,000 votes — and they still declared the results against the law.
Are you saying the election was skewed against you?
If you look at the whole election, the election was skewed against the All Progressives Congress from the very beginning. Anywhere APC won, results were cancelled; anywhere PDP won, results were entered. The process of distributing materials was rigged. We had it on good authority that all the vehicles to move electoral materials were all provided by the PDP for INEC.
Was it an understanding the political parties had with the INEC?
Of course, INEC will say that they provided the money but some officers decided, probably, to pocket that money and went for those vehicles from the PDP. The understanding we had with INEC was very clear: take materials to the Registration Area Centres and then move materials from the RACs to the various units. Suddenly, that was changed by INEC here in Bayelsa and they started moving materials to communities and to units, in some cases, from Yenagoa. So, while our people gathered at the RAC to be part of the process of distributing the materials, they suddenly heard that their materials were already in their communities. By the time they got to their communities, a lot of our leaders in these communities could not even enter their communities anymore because the communities had been taken over by gunmen and thugs of the PDP.
Are you inferring that there was collusion between INEC and the PDP?
There was collusion between INEC and the PDP. Even the cancellations were clearly collusion. We feel that we have not had a free and a fair treatment. I believe that in any free and fair election in Bayelsa — I am sure all of you will bear me witness — APC will win. But, unfortunately, while we were trying to be fair, the opponent was bent on rigging the process. As we heard, they were bent on keeping Bayelsa. Then, there was no way one could win because they (the PDP) were just bent from the beginning on rigging the process.
Now that the results have been declared and your opponent returned as governor, what is your next move?
Yes, the results have been announced but as far as we are concerned, as a party, these results are completely unacceptable to us. However, we have called all APC members to keep calm; there is no need for anybody to take law into their hands. We will seek redress in a competent court of law. But I will like to just put this on record that as far as APC is concerned, what happened in Bayelsa was not a proper election. It was just the normal impunity of the PDP that played out. Of course, these institutions were already set up by the PDP. They were inherited by this government and it will take a while before we see a complete disappearance of this attitude in Nigeria. So far, we have told our supporters to stay calm and wait for instructions from us. I thought I should address you and let you know the position of our party.
What does the law say about cancelled votes; does it say that during supplementary poll, cancelled votes do not count or is it that this election is a unique one?
The law did not say that cancelled votes will not matter at any stage at all. The law is clear: if the votes that are cancelled are more than the difference between the winner and the next person, then elections should hold again in those areas where results were cancelled. That is the position of the law. But, unfortunately, the law was turned upside-down very clearly in this case and we feel that that is not right. I think at some point, the PDP and INEC were desperate to announce a winner; they just didn’t want to go through that process all over again. I think that’s what happened but, of course, that doesn’t make it right at all. And as far as we are concerned, we are going to discuss with our lawyers.
You raised issues against the REC and the administrative secretary. The Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, had raised a similar issue against the REC in Edo and the REC was changed. What response did you get from the INEC on your petition?
As far as the REC was concerned, I did not just write a petition; I did not just ask for the change of the REC. Even the REC, at some point, began to take issues with us (candidates), accusing a faceless candidate of offering him bribe. A REC like that, who is already quarrelling with the candidates in an election, was allowed to conduct the same election. I have never seen this; it has never happened anywhere, not even in Nigeria before. But, unfortunately, I didn’t get a reprieve as you know. In that case, you don’t expect me to now opt out of the election because they had refused to change the REC.
I was forced as a candidate. If I said I wasn’t going to subject myself to the election, what were the options? I don’t have any option. INEC is the body to conduct the election. I have cried out to INEC over and over again to change the REC but INEC refused to change the REC. What will I do? Of course, I went into the election, unfortunately hoping that the REC would have a change of heart. But, you can see from the event that they were just bent on making sure that the APC loses that election. If you look at the event from the very beginning on December 5, we won in a local government area, they cancelled a section of that local government and reordered (rescheduled the) election the next day, almost without informing us. We didn’t even know on December 5, 2015 that election was holding in those areas.
Meanwhile, there were other areas as well that were outstanding from that same election but those areas that they were interested in, they quickly held a rerun on Sunday and then said there was going to be a rerun for the rest of other areas on the 9th of January. Why didn’t they shift the rerun in those areas as well? Why didn’t they hold the rerun that were pending also on Sunday that they held those other elections?
What happened on January 9?
You can see INEC was playing a game from the beginning. The INEC in Bayelsa was set as part of the rigging machine of the PDP and I have said it over and over. If you look at what happened on Saturday (January 9), how can they ever justify a situation where materials to the farthest communities were sent last and materials to the nearest communities were sent first? They knew that the farthest communities were some of our strongholds. They sent materials to communities like Enewari a day before. Enewari is like 30 minutes from Yenagoa. But they didn’t send materials to a place like Forupa, to a place like Azuzuama and to a place like Ikubie. These are places that are six hours by speedboat. And they started the journey by boat in the morning of the election and when they got to Ikubie, they insisted that they were going to deliver these materials from one community to community. At six o’clock in the evening, my people were calling me that they were still distributing materials in those communities. What the PDP wanted to do, we knew about it. Their strategy was to frustrate the election in Southern Ijaw because they felt that they already had a lead; they felt if the election held in a few places, it will be enough for them (INEC) to declare them (winner).
They colluded with the INEC to frustrate the election in Southern Ijaw. The election really didn’t hold in Southern Ijaw. In most places where the election held, as long as it was the APC that won, it was cancelled. Not at the unit level; no result was cancelled at the unit level. The cancellation was done mostly at the local government area collation level, which is a misnomer. And when we said that results should be cancelled at the state level, the panel said they didn’t have any powers to cancel election results at that level. That same panel that claimed that they did not have powers to cancel results invoked the power to cancel Southern Ijaw results on the 5th of December, even before the results arrived and while collation was ongoing. But suddenly, they didn’t have that power anymore, as long as it was the APC that was making the case.
But INEC sent two additional RECs. Didn’t it?
Clearly, there was collusion between the local INEC and the PDP. Some people will say it was okay that they sent more RECs — two other RECs from Cross River and Delta States. But then, you ask the question: when did those RECs arrive? By the time those RECs arrived, the damage had already been done. All the Supervising Presiding Officers had been appointed and the SPOs were mostly their people. When I made a case that the SPOs were mostly their people, the REC told me that the instruction was for him to use experienced SPOs. That means these SPOs should be SPOs that have conducted an election before. And what were those elections before: The presidential election and the House of Assembly elections, and you know the outcome of those elections. The same set of SPOs was used; the same set that rigged the other elections for them.
The same set of collation officers was appointed. When we protested, they said they had to appoint only the same people. How were we expected to win an election where the PDP rigging machine was still very (much) intact and its people were just drafted? It was very clear. I likened it to a rat being in a cat’s court. Of course, the result can be guessed by anybody because the rat can never be right in a cat’s court. That was the kind of situation that we found ourselves.
One of the issues that marred the election was violence. The APC was accused of perpetrating violence during the poll. Do you agree?
We agree that there was violence during the election but that violence can be traced, in all cases, to the doorstep of only the PDP. Our people were actually the victims of the violence — before, during and after the election. I said ‘after’ because even as I speak, some unknown people went to the country home of my state agent and destroyed it. Today, as I speak, some PDP thugs went and dealt machete cuts on an APC member in a place in Nembe. All these are still ongoing. As far as we are concerned, this senseless violence must stop. The violence in Ekeremor, you are all familiar with. This election was procured by the PDP, I am sure, wholesale. I am sure it was a turnkey project; they were supposed to return everything wholesale for certain things to be paid; I do not know how much. If you look at the election in Yenagoa, one of the collation officers was the younger sister of the Director of Publicity of Dickson Campaign Organisation, Mr. Jonathan Obuebite. How can anybody win in her unit or ward. Of course, they had the materials and everything in a corner and wrote (the) results and came back. Of course, INEC was on hand to receive the results. That is what happened all through that election.
In Southern Ijaw, it was learnt that election did not hold in Ward 17 and over 39,000 votes were cancelled. What actually happened?
Those results were not meant to be entered at all. It was deliberate. Materials for the whole of those areas were sent deliberately late on the day of that election. And that is our stronghold. The materials arrived there very late. It was a collusion between INEC and the PDP.
It was learnt that the pipeline explosion occurred in Olugboboro community of Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.
The explosion, which was said to have been triggered by dynamite attacks allegedly launched by suspected militants affected pipelines located in Orukari, Golubokiri and Kpongbokiri communities of Brass.
