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Strong And Innovative Think Thank Panacea To National Development — Buratai

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Nigerian Ambassador to the Benin Republic, Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), has canvassed for strong and innovative think thank as a panacea to Nigeria Development.
Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of Tukur Buratai Research Centre, TBRC, at the weekend in Keffi, Nasarawa State, the former Chief of Army Staff said TBRC will fill the vacuum in the area of research and policy development, especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.
Buratai explains that his passion for human capital development was borne out of his genuine desire to give back to the system and contribute his own quota.
“One may want to know why a retired General cum diplomat will decide to collaborate with a university to set up a think-tank like TBRC. Since this a straight question, I will respond with an answer that is precise and straight to the point. It was W.H Auden who said that “We are here on Earth to do good to others. What others are here for, I don’t know.” My simple philosophy about life is to continue to live a life of value by improving on the system that we have, and as someone coming from the military, I reckoned that the best way for me and my associates to add value to our society and make our country better and stronger is through a think-tank like TBRC.
“Let me make it categorically clear to us that one of the factors that helped the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries is strong and innovative think-tanks.
As far back as 1831, the Duke of Wellington set up the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies with the aim of helping policymakers navigate through complex policy problems.
Then the London Fabian Society which got established in 1884, home to Sydney and Beatrice Webbs, who later founded the London School of Economics. In 1919, scholars like Lionel Curtis of Oxford University spearheaded the establishment of a think-tank to explore international problems and advocate policy solutions.
“After that, we saw the emergence of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace in 1916, which in 1927, merged with two other institutions to form the widely acclaimed Brookings Institution. I believe that there exists a gap in our polity that “TBRC as a think-tank can fill through research and policy development especially in the areas of security and defence, peace, conflict management, climate change, leadership and development.” He said.
To Buratai development in every sector of our national should not be left alone for the government.
He says all hands must be on deck if we are to achieve the Eldorado we crave for.
“We need development in every sector of our national life, and this is something that should not be left for the government alone to do. As I have said in so many fora, there can be no real development without security and peace, and in the same vein, there must be economic opportunities, equity and justice for security and peace to exist which in turn serves as the foundation or pillars of development.
“TBRC will devote attention to the interplay between these critical factors taking cognisance of our environment and its peculiarities with a view to coming up with policies that can help the government. Our objective is geared towards a more secured and better Nigeria for all Nigerians.
“Increased productivity, improved socioeconomic well-being, increased income, infrastructure development, job creation, and improved quality of local produce for both domestic and international markets remain the hallmarks of a well-thought-out research initiative and development agenda by a prosperous nation led by a visionary/corrupt-free leader.
The anticipated benefits of a functional research and development program include training people with the necessary capacity to conduct economic tasks with an appreciable degree of skill, hence achieving maximum production. These capacities include equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully harness and exploit the potentials found in their surroundings.
Nigeria’s current situation demonstrates that it is a populous nation with a plethora of potentials but insufficient capabilities to transfer these potentials into socioeconomic reforms.
“Evidence abounds in nations throughout the world that house research centres dedicated to developing necessary initiatives and or strategies that will aid in mitigating development issues and maximizing environmental potential. While a few of nations have achieved significant milestones and or breakthroughs in this area, many others are still struggling to find their footing in terms of designing mechanisms by which their potentials can be fully realized.
“Research entails an in-depth investigation of an object or situation with the goal of promoting development and progress. It is a process that involves the collection of reliable and usable information and data on the subject of the research, as well as the analysis of the data acquired in order to reach a legitimate conclusion. Thus, the primary purpose of research is to uncover answers to important questions targeted at resolving societal problems.
To Buratai, Leadership is a characteristic, nor a title. Leadership is about encouraging others to live the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
“I must say that research and well-informed policy frameworks are indispensables to those in the positions of leadership. We leave in a globalized world and things now move with breakneck speed.
“The world of today is no longer an environment that responds to those who have military might or have numerical strength; it also doesn’t give a damn if a country has an armada of natural resources like the one we have in Nigeria. “Sometimes, I picture those in positions of leadership as sailors of a ship cruising on the ocean, supposedly taking their people to the Promised Land.
“Today’s world simply responds and obeys those who are well informed and those who have fool-proofed policies.
“This is why research centres and think tanks like TBRC are critical to the success of every leader. There is no gainsaying the fact that leadership without well-informed and foolproofed policies will lack clear vision and direction. This is the major cause of setbacks in most African nations.” He said.

BIG STORY

Two Men Who Chopped Down Iconic Sycamore Gap Tree To Be Sentenced

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Two men who were found guilty of the “deliberate and mindless” act of cutting down one of the UK’s most treasured trees will learn on Tuesday whether they will receive prison sentences.

In May, a jury at Newcastle Crown Court found Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers, who were formerly friends, guilty of criminal damage for felling the tree at Sycamore Gap in 2023.

The tree, which had stood close to Hadrian’s Wall in northern England for nearly two centuries, was notable enough to be featured in the 1991 Hollywood film “Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves”.

A look back at the Sycamore Gap tree cutting in September 2023 shows how the case, now at the sentencing stage in a Newcastle court, captured national attention.

They were found guilty of two charges: one for destroying the sycamore and another for damaging the Roman wall, which was hit when the tree collapsed.

The court is scheduled to sentence them on Tuesday. They could face up to 10 years in prison. The session is expected to begin at 11:00 am (1000 GMT).

Following the verdict, the National Trust said the “needless felling” had “shocked people around the country and overseas”.

A spokesperson mentioned that the loss was felt most in northeast England, where the tree held deep emotional and cultural significance for many.

Moronic mission

A review of the September 2023 Sycamore Gap tree incident reveals that two men are now awaiting sentencing for destroying one of the UK’s most well-known trees.

Prosecutor Richard Wright explained that the two drove to the area near Hexham in Graham’s Range Rover on the night of September 27, 2023, and cut down the tree using a chainsaw within minutes.

He added that once the tree was down, the men got back in the vehicle and drove back to Carlisle, where they lived.

The prosecution stated that they jointly caused £622,191 worth of damage to the tree and an additional £1,144 in damage to Hadrian’s Wall, the Roman-era structure stretching across northern England.

The sycamore had become an iconic part of the region, drawing millions of visitors over time and being honored with the Tree of the Year award in 2016.

Authorities are now working to determine whether the tree can be regrown using its remaining stump or from its seeds.

According to the National Trust, which owns both the wall and the tree, 49 saplings have been cultivated from the sycamore’s seeds. These young trees will be planted across different UK locations this winter.

A piece of the felled tree, more than six feet long, now serves as the focal point of an art display located near where the original tree stood.

Visitors are invited to see and touch the remaining piece of the tree, and the space is meant to be one where people can come together, reflect, and remember.

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BIG STORY

Akpabio Appeals Judgement On Natasha Akpoti’s Suspension

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Senate President Godswill Akpabio has submitted an appeal in an effort to reverse a federal high court ruling that instructed the senate to lift the suspension placed on Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, the senator representing Kogi Central.

The appeal, dated July 14, 2025, was lodged at the Abuja division of the court of appeal.

Akpabio is contesting the July 4 decision issued by Binta Nyako, which labelled Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension as overreaching and a violation of her constituents’ rights to representation.

Although the court recognized the senate’s constitutional power to discipline its members, Nyako determined that the duration and severity of Akpoti-Uduaghan’s suspension were excessive. Additionally, the court imposed a ₦5 million fine on the senator for contempt, pointing to a satirical Facebook post made during the trial that allegedly violated an existing restraining order.

In reaction, Akpoti-Uduaghan has lodged her own appeal, disputing the contempt ruling on the basis of jurisdiction. She claimed the court lacked authority to rule on a contempt matter involving actions that took place ex facie curiae — outside the courtroom.

Akpabio’s legal representatives also submitted a cross-appeal, questioning the federal high court’s jurisdiction. They argued that the issue pertains to internal legislative matters, which they believe fall outside judicial oversight as stated in Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

In his appeal containing 11 grounds, Akpabio criticised the lower court for dismissing his initial objection and issuing decisions that he believes encroach upon the legislative independence granted by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act.

He argued that processes such as suspensions, statements made during plenary, and senate decisions should not be subject to court review. The appeal further stated that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s case was filed prematurely because she had not yet pursued resolution through the internal processes of the senate, especially through the committee on ethics, privileges, and public petitions, as outlined in the Senate Standing Orders (2023, as amended).

Akpabio also alleged that the trial judge denied him a fair hearing by introducing and deciding on matters such as the alleged excessiveness of the suspension without input from either party. He viewed this as a violation of the court’s impartial role.

Additionally, the appeal criticised the merging of interim reliefs with the main claims, which Akpabio’s legal team argued was a procedural error. They also maintained that the case should have been dismissed for not complying with Section 21 of the Legislative Houses Act, which requires a three-month notice to the clerk of the national assembly before initiating legal proceedings.

Akpabio is requesting that the appeal court accept his case, nullify the federal high court’s decision, and uphold the senate’s disciplinary action against Akpoti-Uduaghan.

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BIG STORY

Natasha Akpoti Fires Back At Akpabio Over Reinstatement Challenge

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Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, who represents Kogi Central, has dismissed Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s appeal challenging the Federal High Court decision that reinstated her to the Senate.

Akpabio, through his lawyers, approached the Court of Appeal in Abuja to contest the July 4 verdict by Justice Binta Nyako, which overturned Akpoti-Uduaghan’s six-month suspension and labelled it as “excessive” and lacking legal justification.

The appeal, dated July 14 and registered as CA/A//2025, stemmed from suit FHC/ABJ/CS/384/2025, which Akpoti-Uduaghan filed to contest her suspension.

In his appeal, Akpabio urged the appellate court to nullify the ruling, arguing across 11 grounds that the trial court lacked the authority to interfere in what he described as internal National Assembly matters, which he claimed are not subject to judicial review based on Section 251 of the 1999 Constitution.

He also criticised the court for dismissing his preliminary objection and issuing directives that impacted parliamentary procedures. He insisted that decisions made during plenary, such as suspensions and resolutions, are protected by the Legislative Houses (Powers and Privileges) Act and should not be legally challenged.

According to Akpabio, Akpoti-Uduaghan filed her lawsuit prematurely without first exploring the Senate’s internal grievance process through the Committee on Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions, as required by the 2023 (amended) Senate Standing Orders.

He further claimed the trial court denied him a fair hearing by raising new issues — such as whether the suspension was excessive — without input from both parties and then ordering her reinstatement based on that.

Attempts to get an official reaction from Akpoti-Uduaghan were unsuccessful, as she did not respond to phone calls or messages.

When approached at the “Double Minority” documentary screening organised by Daria Media and the MacArthur Foundation, the senator declined to comment on whether she would return to her legislative duties.

When asked about Akpabio’s appeal, she reacted sharply and said, “Did you also ask him to tell you why he appealed it?” before leaving the venue.

It is worth recalling that on February 20, 2025, a dispute erupted between Natasha and Akpabio concerning seating arrangements in the Senate.

Following the incident, she accused him of sexual harassment, including offering favors in exchange for her cooperation on legislative matters.

The Senate’s Ethics Committee rejected her complaint on procedural grounds and suspended her for six months for “unruly behaviour,” denying her access to her office, salary, and security.

On July 4, 2025, Justice Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja overturned her six-month suspension, deeming it excessive, and directed the Senate to bring her back.

The court also imposed a N5 million fine on Akpoti-Uduaghan for contempt related to a social media post but emphasized that her constituents had been deprived of representation during her suspension.

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