OBASIAFRICA

Over  120 anti-corruption civil society organizations have called for the removal of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, for what they termed his alleged politicization of the agency, disobedience to court orders, and infringement on the human rights of Nigerians. The CSOs, in a petition on Tuesday, demanded that the EFCC chairman be sacked. There had been a series of protest rallies by CSOs calling for Bawa’s removal as EFCC helmsman. The CSOs had demanded that Bawa be sent to prison for contempt of court. Justice R.O. Ayoola of the Kogi State High Court had in a judgment on February 6 sentenced Bawa to prison for disobeying a November 30, 2022 court order. The judge directed the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to effect Bawa’s arrest and remand him in Kuje Prison. It was the second time that a court would order the imprisonment of the EFCC chairman for contempt. Justice Chizoba Oji of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, ...

People are descending on South Sudan's capital, Juba, in order to welcome Pope Francis when he arrives on Friday. He will be traveling from the Democratic Republic of Congo with a message of peace for the conflict-ridden country. The BBC met a group of Catholics who had walked for nine days from Rumbek - some 300km (190 miles) north-west of Juba. “When the spirit is with you, you do not get tired. We are here to get the blessings of the Pope. I am confident that with his blessings, things will change for this country,” one woman told the BBC.   South Sudan has been fractured by civil war and political instability since gaining independence in 2011. The Church is seen as a symbol of hope by many. It is where many sought refuge when war broke out. The people are confident that the pontiff's presence will change the tide for their country. “He is a prophet and whatever he prays in the next few days, while on our soil, will come to pass. Things will be different. We are going to be...