- As Brazil’s ex-President Lula lands in court, over corruption
Former military President, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida will on Friday in Minna, Niger State give out his last daughter, Halimat, in marriage. The wedding is taking place amidst concerns over the General’s health.
He recently returned from Germany, where he sought some medical help.Since then, he has kept off from public functions.
Halimat is the second daughter and last child of the family. She was born by his late wife Maryam while the military ruler presided over the affairs of the country at Dodan Barracks in Lagos.
Babangida ruled from Lagos between August 1985 until 1991 when he shifted the seat of government to Abuja. The groom is Alhaji Auwal Lawal Abdullahi, who holds the traditional title of Sarkin Sudan Gombe. He is a businessman.
All arrangements have been concluded for the wedding and invitations sent to prominent Nigerians, across the country. The wedding prayers will take place at the Hilltop Villa of the former military President Minna by 2.30 pm.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger says it will deploy no fewer than 135 personnel to provide security before and during the wedding fatiha. Mr Philip Ayuba, Commandant, NSCDC in the state, gave the figure in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN) on Wednesday in Minna.
He said that the command has set up three teams to achieve this purpose, including a surveillance team that will carry out under-cover activities in all the black spots within and outside the metropolis of the city. He said another team will patrol the metropolis patrol, while a third team will secure the venues of the programme.
These are Justice Legbo kutigi conference center, where a reception will hold for the guests, the El Amin School, which will hold a spill-over reception and the residence of the former President. ” We have already issued an effective operational order to the officers deployed for that effect” he said.
He also said that sufficient personnel will be deployed to all the roads leading to the hill top residence of the former president. Police Commissioner Zubairu Mu’azu also said 4000 policemen will be deployed to provide security on the highways, major roads in Minna the airport and the venues of the ceremony.
In the meantime, President or prisoner? Many Brazilians think one of those two roads lies ahead for former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is due in court on Wednesday on corruption charges.
Lula is facing five charges related to the Car Wash scandal, a three-year investigation that has embroiled more than 100 politicians.
If convicted, he could face jail. If he gets off, he could return to the presidency in the 2018 elections.
He denies any wrongdoing.
Lula will give his testimony at a court in the southern city of Curitiba, where hundreds of his red-shirted supporters have been gathering to protest.
His critics are also watching closely, although the case’s judge posted a Facebook video to discourage anti-corruption demonstrators from also descending on the city for a rival march.
His lawyers have made various failed attempts to delay his court appearance.
Known throughout Brazil simply as Lula, he was Brazil’s most popular president during his tenure from 2003 to 2010.
A former steel worker turned union leader, he came to office as the first left-wing leader in Brazil in nearly half a century.
Unable to stand for a third consecutive term, he was succeeded by close ally Dilma Rousseff, who was later impeached.
Lula is facing five charges related to the Car Wash scandal, the nickname for Brazil’s biggest ever corruption probe.
This first case, which is being tackled in court on Wednesday, accuses Lula of taking bribes from a construction company that allegedly renovated a beachfront apartment for him.
He is also accused of money laundering, influence peddling and obstruction of justice.
Vanguard with additional report from BBC
