– Seizes 300,000 tramadol pills from Pakistan; busts skuchies factory in Ibadan
Operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, have intercepted a large consignment of Canadian Loud, an imported strong synthetic strain of cannabis, packaged in 324 bags with a gross weight of 111.2 kilograms in Onikan area of Lagos Island while being conveyed for distribution in an unregistered Grand Caravan vehicle by a 42-year-old suspect, Taofeek Yusuf.
The arrest of Taofeek and seizure of the imported consignment late in the night on Friday 12th January 2024 following credible intelligence came on the heels of the arrest of another drug trafficking suspect, Godwin ThankGod the previous day Thursday 11th January by NDLEA officers at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, MMIA Ikeja Lagos. The Milan, Italy-bound Godwin was intercepted while attempting to board a Royal Air Maroc flight with quantities of codeine-based syrup and rohypnol concealed in his luggage.
The suspect who is a regular flyer was arrested during a search of his luggage at the Departure Gate of Terminal 2 of the airport. The search to the discovery of five cartons consisting 50 bottles of codeine syrup and 300 tablets of rohypnol.
In the same vein, NDLEA operatives at the SAHCO import shed of the import on Friday 12th January recovered 30,000 packs of tramadol 225mg consisting 300,000 pills. The consignment, which came from Karachi, Pakistan on KLM Royal Dutch Airline, with airway bill number 074-62674964, was taken into custody following a joint examination with other security agencies at the airport.
Meanwhile, various quantities of tramadol and cannabis sativa concealed in soles of sports canvas shoes going to Oman as well as another consignment of tramadol and rohypnol hidden in spices heading to the United Kingdom were intercepted at two courier firms in Lagos by NDLEA operatives of the Directorate of Operation and General Investigation, DOGI, on Tuesday 9th January.
Operatives in Oyo state on Thursday 11th January raided a clandestine skuchies factory operated by Oyadeji Dimeji, 28, in Moniya area of Ibadan where 76.6kg of cannabis sativa, 134 grams of tramadol, 93 grams of rophynol and 50 litres of already produced skuchies, a liquid mixture containing various types of psychoactive substances, were recovered.
In Ondo state, four suspects: David Iyoragie, 34; Adams Idowu, 28; Ibrahim Audu Abdullahi,54; and Ayomide Henry Ayuba, 20, were arrested at De – Rock View Hotel, Gadson Junction off Ado- Ekiti Road, Igoba, Akure North LGA on Friday 12th January with 524.5kg cannabis. Another suspect, Aniekeme Eyibio, 26, was also nabbed at Ala forest, Akure North LGA where 293.5kg of the same psychoactive substance and a Dane gun were recovered from him.
While 67-year-old Franklin Eze was arrested at Otuo, Owan East LGA, Edo state on Thursday 11th January with 454 blocks of cannabis weighing 311kg loaded in his Lexus salon car marked EBM 812 AA, Abdullahi Shuaibu, 43, was nabbed by NDLEA operatives on Tuesday 9th January at Ayangba, Dekina LGA Kogi state with 43 blocks of compressed cannabis, weighing 22kg and three pinches of methamphetamine.
In Katsina state, a suspect, Danladi Adamu aged 24 was nabbed on Wednesday 10th Jan. with 25.5kg cannabis sativa during a buy and bust operation at Kurmi Primary School in Malumfashi metropolis, while operatives in Gombe arrested Sulaiman Mohammed at Lapandimtai, Kaltungo, with 47 blocks of same substance weighing 30kg concealed in two sacks of groundnut.
The War Against Drug Abuse, WADA, advocacy campaign of the Agency continued in equal measure in schools, markets, worship places and others across the country in the past week. Some of them include: WADA sensitization lecture for students and staff of Unity High School Senior, Abeokuta, Ogun state; King George College, Imeke, Badagry Lagos as well as students and staff of Yusuf Bala Usman College of Legal Studies, Daura, Katsina state; WADA sensitisation lecture for youths of Wamakko LGA, Sokoto state; WADA advocacy visits to the Emir of Hadejia, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje, Jigawa state; and the Chief Judge of Borno State, Justice Kashim Zannah.
While commending the officers and men of the MMIA, Ondo, Edo, Oyo, Lagos, Kogi, Katsina and Gombe Commands as well as those of DOGI for the arrests and seizures of the past week, Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of NDLEA, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) urged them and their compatriots across all formations of the Agency to maintain the offensive action tempo and strive to surpass previous records while maintaining a balance with their drug demand reduction efforts.
Femi Babafemi
Director, Media & Advocacy
NDLEA Headquarters Abuja
Sunday 14th January 2024
SUPREME COURT DELIVERS JUDGEMENT FRIDAY ON GOMBE GOVERNORSHIP, RESERVES JUDGEMENT ON KADUNA STATE GOVERNORSHIP ELECTION DISPUTE
The Supreme Court has fixed Friday to deliver judgement on an appeal that seeks to nullify the election of Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State.
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and its candidate, Mohammed Barde, are praying the apex court to set aside the concurrent verdict of the Court of Appeal and the Gombe State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which dismissed the case they filed to challenge the declaration of Governor Yahaya of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the winner of the gubernatorial poll that was held in the state on March 18, 2023.
A five-member panel of the apex court, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, confirmed the electoral dispute for judgement after all the parties adopted their briefs of argument.
Meanwhile, the court dismissed another appeal that was filed against Governor Yahaya’s election by the candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Nafiu Bala.
The appellant withdrew the matter after the Supreme Court panel drew attention to the fact that the case contained pre-election issues.
In a related development, the court also reserved its judgement on Kaduna state governorship election dispute.
The PDP and its candidate, Mohammed Ashiru, are praying the court to sack Governor Uba Sani, who won his election on the platform of the All Progressives Congress, APC.
COURT GRANTS EMEFIELE PERMISSION TO TRAVEL OUT OF FCT, STOPS NBC FROM IMPOSING FINES ON BROADCAST STATIONS
Justice Hamza Muazu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court has granted the immediate past Governor of the Central Bank, Godwin Emefiele’s request to travel out of the FCT.
The court said Emefiele must, however, remain in the country.
On his bail terms, he was restricted to the FCT.
Emefiele, through his lawyer, Mathew Bukka, SAN, had requested a variation of the terms.
The Counsel of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, did not object.
He told the court to ensure that Emefiele wrote an undertaking that he would remain in the country if his plea was granted.
The charge against the former governor of the CBN was also amended to 20 from 6.
The amended charges against Emefiele now includes criminal breach of trust, forgery, conspiracy to commit forgery, procurement fraud and conspiracy to commit felony.
The court had on December 24, 2023 granted Emefiele bail in sum of N300 million with two sureties in like sum.
His lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mathew Burkaa, told Channels Television that Emefiele was released from the Kuje Correctional Centre after his lawyers perfected his bail conditions.
Emefiele was arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on procurement fraud and using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on Sa’adatu Yaro, a staff of the CBN, by awarding a contract for the procurement of 43 vehicles worth N1.2 billion between 2018 and 2020.
While he was remanded in Kuje, Emefiele was mandated to deposit all his travel documents with the registrar of the court and must remain within the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC).
Meanwhile, Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court Abuja has nullified the power of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
Delivering Judgement in a suit instituted by the Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the NBC, following the Commission’s imposition of fines of N5 million each on a television station and three pay TV platforms in 2022, for allegedly undermining Nigeria’s national security by broadcasting documentaries on banditry in Nigeria, Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia held that the NBC, being not a court of law, acted above its powers by imposing such fines.
The Judge declared null and void the provisions of the Nigeria Broadcasting Code authorizing the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to impose fines on broadcast stations for alleged breaches of the Code as it ruled that administrative and regulatory bodies could not exercise judicial powers.
The judge commended MRA for challenging the NBC’s action and issued an order
of perpetual injunction restraining the Commission or anyone acting on its behalf from further imposing any fine on any media platform or broadcast station in Nigeria for any alleged offence committed under the Nigeria Broadcasting Code.
An Abuja-based lawyer, Uche Amulu, had filed the suit on behalf of MRA asking the court to hold, among other things, the NBC’s action of imposing a fine on each of the media platforms and the station for broadcasting a documentary about the state of banditry and security in Zamfara State is unlawful and unconstitutional and has a chilling effect on the freedom of media to impart information and ideas.
MRA contended that it would deter the platforms and station from reporting the true state of affairs regarding the security situation in Nigeria, and therefore constitutes a violation of the rights of MRA, its members, and other citizens of Nigeria to freedom of expression, particularly their rights to receive ideas and information without interference, as guaranteed by the Constitution and the African Charter on Human and People’s Rights.
MRA also sought a declaration that the procedure adopted by the NBC in imposing the fines was a flagrant violation of the rules of natural justice and the right to fair hearing under Section 36 of the Constitution and Article 7 of the African Charter as the Commission is the drafter of the Code, which provides for the alleged offences for which the media platforms and the station were punished, and which empowers the NBC to receive complaints, investigate and adjudicate on the complaints, impose fines and collect fines.
Sexual Harassment: Court Grants Suspended UNICAL Prof Temporary Bail on Health Ground
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja has granted a temporary bail to Professor Cyril Ndifon, the suspended Dean of Faculty of Law at the University of Calabar, who is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an alleged sexual misconduct against some of his students.
Justice Omotosho had on Monday, 8th January, 2024 ordered that Professor Ndifon be remanded at the Kuje Centre of the Nigerian Correctional Service pending the conclusion of his bail application.
At the resumed hearing of the bail application on Wednesday, January 10, 2024, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Okon Efut, SAN applied that his client be granted temporary bail so as to enable him go for a glaucoma surgery scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2024.
The temporary bail application by the counsel to the defendant was not opposed by Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, the lawyer to the ICPC in the trial.
In his ruling, Justice Omotosho granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250 million with a surety who must swear to an affidavit of means and deposit his or her travel passport with the court registry.
The judge also ordered that the bail would take effect from 10th of January, 2024.
The hearing of the bail application and continuation of trial were later adjourned until 25th and 26th of January, 2024.
ICPC is prosecuting Professor Ndifon on four (4) counts charge bordering on sexual harassment, official corruption and abuse of office contrary to sections 8, 18 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
AUTOMATED TELLER MACHINE, ATM FRAUD: KADUNA COURT JAILS IDRIS MUSA
Justice A.A Bello of the Kaduna State High court sitting in Kaduna has convicted and sentenced one Idris Musa to ten years imprisonment for Automated Teller Machine, ATM fraud.
He was jailed on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 after pleading guilty to one- count charge bordering on cheating, upon his arraignment by the Kaduna Zonal Command of the EFCC.
The one- count charge reads: “you, Idris Musa, sometimes in July, 2022 in Kaduna within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, dishonestly induced one Idris Ismail by swapping his Zenith Bank ATM card under the guise of helping him withdraw money, an act which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 306(a) of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, 2017 and punishable under Section 307 of the same law”
The defendant pleaded guilty to the charge when it was read to him, which prompted prosecution counsel, M.U Gadaka to pray the court to convict him accordingly.
Justice Bello thereafter sentenced and convicted Musa to a term of ten years imprisonment or pay a fine of N200,000.00k( Two Hundred Thousand Naira only).
Musa’s journey to the Correctional Centre started when he was arrested for swapping ATM cards of unsuspecting victims under the pretence of helping them operate the payment machine. He was arrested in the premises of a bank with 48 ATM cards of different banks in his possession.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 11, 2024
LAND FRAUD: LASRERA SEEKS STRONGER COLLABORATION WITH EFCC
The Lagos State Real Estate Regulatory Authority, LASRERA, has called for greater collaboration with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, to check fraudulent malpractices in the real estate sector in the state.
This call was made in Lagos on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 by the Special Adviser on Housing, LASRERA, Ms. Barakat Odunuga-Bakare , while on a courtesy visit to the Lagos Zonal Commander o of the EFCC, Assistant Commander of the EFCC, ACE I Michael T. Wetkas.
Odunuga-Bakare said the visit was meant to seek greater collaboration with the Commission, adding that “Our agency was created by the government to register, monitor and sanitize real estate sector in Lagos.
“We need the EFCC when we are unable to resolve the issues between developers and the other parties. There are fraudulent malpractices in the real estate industry, where developers fail to fulfill their obligations or refuse to refund the other party. And in cases we are unable to resolve, we refer to the EFCC for investigation”, she said.
Responding, Wetka described land fraud as one of the biggest issues the EFCC is faced with in the state. According to him, the visit could not have come at a better time because of the efforts taken by the EFCC to ensure that the land industry in the state was sanitized.
“Land fraud is one of the biggest issues we are battling in Lagos here. Recently, at a stakeholders’ engagement, posers were raised as to whether we should be dabbling in the issues of land, because some legal practitioners believe that most land cases are civil. But we had to educate them on the several criminalities involved in land matters. For example, someone can claim to have a land for sale when, in fact, he has no land to sell, thereby defrauding unsuspecting victims of millions of Naira”, he said.
Continuing, the Zonal Commander stressed that, “”there is also the aspect of falsification of documents in order to facilitate a particular transaction, in respect to a land, thereby committing a fraud. There is also the issue of cloning documents that already exists in records, making it look original. In the light of the foregoing, people were able to realise that there were lots of criminalities prevalent in land matters.”
Wetkas also emphasized the opportunities that abound in the land industry, saying,” look at how much Lagos can generate from land deals. People want to invest in land all over the world. But for the fear of land fraud, they can’t invest. So, we need to do the right thing and make Lagos a safe haven for investors.”
Also speaking, Head, Land and Property Fraud Section, LPFS, Lagos Zonal Command, ACE11 KufreAbasi Alex-Osagie, highlighted some of the challenges faced by the EFCC in investigating land matters. She, therefore, urged LASRERA to assist the Commission in ensuring that proper checks were put in place with respect to building approvals. ” You also need to look into the issue of original documents being released to the wrong hands,” she said.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 11, 2024
ALLEGED $6BN FRAUD: AGUNLOYE’S TRIAL BEGINS FEB 12
Justice J. O Onwuegbuzie of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Apo, Abuja, has slated the commencement of trial of a former Minister of Power and Steel Development, Olu Agunloye for February 12, 2024.
Agunloye is standing trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on seven-count charges bordering on fraudulent award of contract and official corruption to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars) contrary to and punishable under Section 22(4) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
At Thursday, January 11, 20223’s session which was to determine his bail application, filed by his counsel, Adeola Adedipe, SAN, prosecution counsel, Abba Muhammed made a strong objection, citing two different counter affidavits to the bail application.
“We are objecting to the general application by the defendant in an affidavit made on January 8, 2024, consisting 76 paragraphs. The deposition was made by Umar Hussain Babangida. We also filed a further counter-affidavit, dated January 10, 2024 consisting of 25 paragraphs, deposed by Umar Hussain Babangida, annexed with the same exhibits. We rely on all the exhibits and depositions on the counter-affidavit on the defendant’s application for bail and we also adopt the written address,” he said.
However, the defence counsel prayed the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, disclosing that the defendant has an underlying health condition.
Justice Onwuegbuzie in his ruling, granted Agunloye bail in the sum of N50million (Fifty Million Naira only), with two sureties in like sum. The sureties, he said, must be people who are reputable and live in the Federal Capital Territory. The sureties must also submit copies of their identity cards and international passports to the court registrar and must depose an affidavit of means and write an undertaking to produce the defendant in court throughout the duration of the case.
The judge further ruled that the sureties must show evidence of ownership of property (C of O) amounting to N300 million (Three Hundred Million Naira) within Maitama, Abuja. Furthermore, the defendant was ordered to surrender his travel documents to the court registrar and should not travel out of the country without leave of the court. His residential address should also be verified by the court.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 11, 2024
YOU ARE DOING WELL AND MR. PRESIDENT HAS A LOT OF CONFIDENCE IN YOU, KAYODE EGBETOKUN TELLS OLA OLUKOYEDE
The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun has commended the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Mr. Ola Olukoyede on his sterling efforts in fighting economic and financial crimes and other acts of corruption since he assumed office, pointing out that he is doing well on his job.
He gave the commendation in Abuja on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the Force Headquarters when Olukoyede paid him a courtesy visit. Egbetokun said, “ I warmly welcome you and congratulate you on your appointment. You are doing well and Mr. President has a lot of confidence in you”.
The IGP expressed delight with the works of the EFCC , describing the Commission “ as a good child of the Police” and promised enhanced support for the Commission. “We are proud to have the EFCC as our child. We will continue to support you”, he said.
Earlier in his speech, Olukoyede applauded the Police for nurturing the EFCC from infancy and expressed delight with the existing synergy between the two Agencies. “We are proud of the nurturing we received from the Police and solicit more support, cooperation and collaboration given the specialized nature of our works”, he said.
He drew the attention of the IGP to the need for a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU between the Police and the EFCC to address issues of overlapping of operations. “There is no need to dissipate energy investigating similar cases. We can come up with an MoU to properly address such issues”, he said, He called for better mutual understanding, promising that the EFCC would continue to leverage on its relationship with the Police for enhanced collaboration with it.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 15, 2024
EFCC ARRESTS FORMER MINISTER OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY, CHARLES CHUKWUEMEKA UGWUH, FOR AN ALLEGED CONSPIRACY AND FRAUD TO THE TUNE OF N3.6BN
Operatives of the Lagos Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested a former Minister of Commerce and Industry, Charles Chukwuemeka Ugwuh, for an alleged conspiracy and fraud to the tune of N3.6bn.
Ugwuh was arrested alongside Chief Geoffrey Ekenma on January 11, 2024 at No.2, Musa Yar Adua way, New Owerri, Imo State, following a petition to the Commission from a new generation bank on the alleged fraud perpetrated through a company, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., linked to the ex-Minister.
Investigations revealed that Ugwuh and Ekenma, Managing Director, Ebony Agro Industries Ltd., allegedly obtained a loan facility from the bank for the purchase and production of polished rice.
However, the suspect, according to the petitioner, failed to meet up his obligations to the bank and all efforts to get him to repay the loan facility proved abortive.
The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 15, 2024.
EFCC arraigns Joel Mba Okodi on an eight-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheque.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, Port Harcourt Zonal Command, on Thursday, January 11, 2024, arraigned one Joel Mba Okodi before the Imo State High Court sitting in Owerri, Imo State.
He was arraigned before Justice C.C. Okereke on an eight-count charge bordering on stealing and issuance of dud cheque.
Count 8 of the charge reads: “That you Joel MBA Okodi on or about the 12th of September, 2019 at Orlu within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court fraudulently issued a First Bank Cheque No. 85621949 dated the 12th of September, 2019 in the sum of Ten Million Naira, N10, 000.00 in favour of Pauly Merchandise Enterprises in partial fulfillment of your financial obligation to him in the sum of Fifty Million Naira, N50, 000, 000.00 only, and when the said cheque was presented for payment, it was dishonoured due to insufficient funds standing to your credit. Issuing dishonored cheques is contrary to Section 1(1) (a) and (b) (i) and (ii) of the Dishonoured Cheque (Offences) Act Cap D11 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation) 2007.”
When the charges were read to the defendant, he pleaded ‘not guilty’ and in view of his plea, prosecuting counsel, M.T. Iko prayed the court for a trial date, which was not opposed by the defense counsel N.N. Chukwuemeka. He, however, prayed the court to grant the defendant bail.
Justice Okereke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50, 000,000, Fifty Million Naira, and two surtees in like sum. The two surtees must swear to an affidavit of means of livelihood and must own a landed property with a Certificate of Occupancy, C of O.
Justice Okereke also asked the defendant to produce a three years tax clearance for identification and thereafter adjourned the matter till February 29, and March 7, 2024, for commencement of trial and hearing of bail application He ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody pending fulfillment of his bail condition.
The defendant was arrested based on the claims of a petitioner alleging that sometimes in 2018, Joel Mba (1st Defendant), his firm, Okosi Brown Enterprises Limited and Okodi Atta (currently at large), Effiong Peter (currently at large), Mohammed Shasi (currently at large), Geogry Edet (currently at large), and Anthony Bassey Etim (currently at large), presented themselves as representatives of the Akwa-Ibom state government. According to him , the defendant and his co-accused approached him that they were authorized to sell a dilapidated Abestonic Industrial Scrap Company located at Oron Local Government Area on behalf of the state government, for N140, 000,000.00 (One Hundred and Forty Million Naira).
The petitioner allegedly made an initial deposit of N52, 000,000.00 (Fifty-two Million Naira) with a promise to make a balance payment of N88, 000,000.00 (Eighty-eight Million Naira) in two weeks. After the initial payment, he allegedly discovered that the said authorization by the state government to Mba and his firm had been reversed. Upon this discovery, the defendant allegedly issued a dishonoured cheque to the petitioner and further efforts made to recover the rest of the money proved abortive.
Head, Media & Publicity
January 17, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
TINUBU, SHETTIMA, GOVERNORS, OTHERS STORM IBADAN FOR AKANDE AT 85
…President, Lagos Gov Praise Former APC National Chairman
President Bola Tinubu, his vice, Senator Kashim Shettima, Governors including Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State; members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), National Assembly members and eminent Nigerians stormed Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State on Tuesday for the 85th birthday celebration of former interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ex-Governor of Osun State, Chief Adebisi Akande.
President Tinubu and other dignitaries from all walks of life, which included elder statesmen, serving and former public office holders, politicians, leaders of Civil Society Organisations and Captains of Industry, among others, converged on the International Conference Centre, Ibadan, for Akande’s 85th birthday, celebrated with the unveiling of the Adebisi Akande Foundation and a lecture titled “The Leadership Question: Prospects for Nigeria.”
The Guest of Honour, President Tinubu was represented by Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu while Vice President Kashim Shettima, the Guest Speaker, was represented by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum.
The event was attended by Governor Seyi Makinde (Oyo), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Biodun Oyebanji (Ekiti), Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) and Ademola Adeleke (Osun), who was represented by his deputy, Kola Adewusi; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat; elder statesmen, Alhaji Tanko Yakassai and Prince Tajudeen Olusi; former Governor of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba; former Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Staff, Lt. General Alani Akinrinade (rtd), traditional and religious leaders, among others.
Speaking at the event, President Tinubu described Chief Bisi Akande as “one of the moving forces of progressive movement in Nigeria.”
President Tinubu disclosed that Akande has been a close friend, ally and advisor to him through the years, noting that perhaps, he would not be where he is today as President of this country without the help and support Chief Akande has given. “Many countless other people will also affirm that he has had the same positive effect in their lives as he has in mine,” he declared.
The President said: “Baba Akande turning 85 is a landmark achievement that calls for celebration. We must also be thankful to God for his life and for giving the nation an eminent leader like him. He remains one of our respected elder statesmen in Nigeria who continues to offer rare insights and counsel on how best to organise our country for effective governance.
“I have benefited immensely from Baba Akande’s good knowledge and perspectives on a wide range of issues as they affect Nigeria and the Western part of the country.
“Beyond his sagely contributions to our national development and political evolution over the decades, the most enduring aspect of his enviable life is his forthrightness, integrity, reliability and spartan life which he imbibed from his leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. All these attributes have served him well in all the positions he had the rare honour to occupy in his illustrious life.
“A committed democrat, die-hard progressive, and prudent yet compassionate leader of men, Chief Akande has done much for this country and for the progressive family. He has been a prominent architect of our nation’s progressive political parties.”
President Tinubu, stressed further that “If anyone needs a reliable and dependable compatriot as an ally, Chief Akande is that man anyone can go to battle with. Since we transitioned from the defunct Alliance for Democracy to Action Congress, from Action Congress to Action Congress of Nigeria and now the governing All Progressives Congress, Chief Akande has remained a constant feature. l salute his courage and commitment to democratic and Progressive ideals.
“Whether in public office or later in life in his capacity as pioneer Chairman of ACN or as Interim Chairman of APC, Chief Akande brought honour and integrity into the discharge of his responsibilities.
“He could not have done otherwise. Baba had been sold early in life on those noble values of honesty, integrity, conscience, courage, hard work, perseverance and the importance of a good name among others.
“Highly principled and perceptive, Baba Akande is selfless and intensely patriotic. He gave more to others than he gave himself. What he has given to his family, his Osun State, to the Yoruba race, he also gave to this country: the very best.
“He is one of the few leaders still around who can be called a true disciple of Chief Awolowo. Like Chief Awolowo, Baba Akande has devoted his public life to engendering a truly democratic, just and egalitarian society where all people are given the opportunity to attain a happy and prosperous life.
“Just as Chief Awolowo did for him, Chief Akande has been a father figure and a mentor to younger politicians across the country particularly in the South-West. He is a consummate teacher, tolerant and cosmopolitan in outlook, and an excellent human being. He is charitable and equally helpful to all who come in contact with him no matter their station in life.”
Speaking in his capacity, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Chief Adebisi Akande is a teacher, leader and cosmopolitan man.
He said: “I have the rare privilege to call you my father. I appreciate those little moments when you have called, advised, admonished, encouraged and corrected me as a person, father, and leader of people. I want to thank you for who you are and for what you have been to many of us.
“He is a man that all of us will continue to drink from his wealth of experience. You are a teacher and leader but you are also a cosmopolitan man. You are a man that understands the reality of today because even from your age, you have the sense to put together the reality of today.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
16 JANUARY 2024
PRESS RELEASE
IBADAN EXPLOSION: SANWO-OLU SYMPATHISES WITH OYO GOVT, VICTIM’S FAMILIES
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has sympathised with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde and the Oyo State Government over the Tuesday Ibadan explosion that led to the death of two persons and injured 77 people.
He also extended heartfelt sympathies to the immediate families of the victims and the entire people of the State, particularly Ibadan residents over the explosion allegedly caused by illegal miners, who stored explosive devices in one of the houses in the Bodija area of Oyo State capital.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued on Wednesday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, described the sad incident as disheartening and unfortunate, wishing the people of Oyo State, particularly the victims, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
Sanwo-Olu also commended Governor Makinde for the prompt deployment of first responders and all relevant agencies within Oyo State, as well as earth-moving equipment, ambulances, emergency lights and security for comprehensive search and rescue operations at the scene of the explosion.
He said: “I am deeply saddened by the news of the Ibadan explosion that led to the destruction of many properties in the vicinity with records of two fatalities and 77 people injured on Tuesday night at Bodija in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“It is painful and worrisome that the explosion was caused allegedly by illegal miners, who stored explosive devices in one of the houses in the Bodija area of the State. Sadly, the carelessness and unlawful activities of the illegal miners have brought sorrow to many families and the State.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I sympathise with the immediate families of the victims of the explosion, the government and people of Oyo State.
“I wish Governor Seyi Makinde and all the people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents and victims’ families, peace, comfort and lots of love at this time of sorrow.
“I want to assure my brother-Governor that the good people of Lagos State stand with you in this very difficult time. We pray that God would comfort the victims’ families and the entire people of Oyo State, particularly the Bodija residents, who were affected by the disaster.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
17 JANUARY 2024
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF BOOKS ON THE ADMINISTRATION OF FORMER PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI ON TUESDAY, JANUARY 16, 2024 IN ABUJA
First of all, I thank the organisers of today’s book launch for providing me the opportunity and the ambience to reunite with my predecessor, former President Muhammadu Buhari, since he left office on May 29, 2023.
When President Buhari was leaving office he said he would retire to Daura, far away from Abuja to enjoy his well-deserved retirement from public service. I remember he added that if his supporters and friends deny him of enough rest in Daura, he would run to the Republic of Niger.
Well, as you all know, he can no longer escape to Niger Republic because of the border closure.
I am therefore extremely happy to receive him here in Abuja. We are all here today to honour a great man, a patriot, a dedicated public servant who offered his best in the service of our country since he joined the army in 1962 at age 18.
President Buhari served our country with dedication and uncommon zeal. First as a military officer who offered unblemished service, manning important commands and political positions, and crowning it as military Head of State on 1st January 1984. Second, as a politician who ran four times for the highest office until he was elected President in 2015.
The authors of the books we are here to present to the public have done justice to the essential Muhammadu Buhari, especially on his tenure and legacy as the 15th President of Nigeria.
Femi Adesina, who served him as the Special Adviser on Media & Publicity, authored one of the books titled:’Working with Buhari: Reflections of a Special Adviser, Media and Publicity ( 2015-2023).”
I particularly thank Femi for using his memoirs to let us into the challenging eight years of the administration and how his principal steered the ship of State.
President Buhari assumed office at a very difficult period of our national life when the economy was spiralling into recession and Boko Haram had taken over swaths of our territory in North East. At a point it appeared even Abuja, the seat of government would fall into the hands of Boko Haram with the bombing of the UN Building, Banex Plaza, Nyanya and other locations within the Federal Capital Territory. We cannot easily forget how our armed forces battled the Boko Haram terrorists under the leadership of President Buhari to reclaim our territory and push them to the fringes of Lake Chad where they no longer pose existential threat to our sovereignty.
I must say the job of securing every inch of our country is yet to be finished. My government will stamp out the remaining vestiges of Boko Haram, Ansaru, banditry and kidnapping gangs. We won’t rest until every agent of darkness is completely rooted out.
The second book that will be presented today is a collection of five volumes book on the Buhari years. The book, “Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy (2015-2023)” gives an authoritative account of the stewardship of President Buhari.
Beyond what the editor of these volumes has recorded as the achievements of President Buhari in his eight years as a democratically-elected President, history will also be kind to him as the leader who promoted local production of goods to grow our economy.
It will be said glowingly of President Buhari that in his eight turbulent years, marked by acute shortage of revenue, Covid-19 pandemic that shut down the global economy for almost two years, his administration embarked on the most ambitious infrastructural renewal for the country.
President Buhari gave us the second Niger Bridge. He revamped Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. He gave us the Lagos-Ibadan and Warri-Itakpe Rail lines. He completed Abuja-Kaduna rail line and Lekki Seaport. He built brand new airports, among many other landmark economic projects. The Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway, which he started, will be completed by my administration, by the Grace of God.
Whatever unresolved challenges faced by President Buhari in his eight years, our administration will endeavour to resolve them. As I said during the campaigns, I inherited all his assets and liabilities.
Our administration will continue to work , from where President Buhari stopped, to make our country better, create a vibrant economy and secure the environment to bring more prosperity to our people.
I thank you all for coming to this event and for finding time to honour President Buhari and the organisers. And I welcome President Buhari back to Abuja.
May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE WILL RECEIVE MORE ATTENTION, PRESIDENT TINUBU ASSURES NIGERIANS
President Bola Tinubu says his administration will give more attention to education and healthcare, as well as provide the enablements for industrialization and investments in consonance with his vision of creating an economically stable and prosperous country.
Speaking at the second-term inauguration of Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, in Owerri, on Monday, President Tinubu said he is well-attuned to the concerns of citizens, assuring them that the challenges brought on by very essential reforms are being addressed.
“In the past 40 years, a few people were cornering our common wealth, and calling it subsidy, but I call it wasteful. Right now, we are all bearing and sharing that pain. But things are looking up. Things will get better for the good of all Nigerians. With me, there is hope.
“I assure you that there will be substantial development in education for your children; priority on industrialization; healthcare will receive more allocation and attention. We will train more health workers,” the President said.
President Tinubu commended Governor Uzodinma for his stewardship in Imo State, describing him as the “real hope” of the state.
“It is a great honour for me to be here in Imo State. And to congratulate the people of Imo for being discerning and determined to vote into a second term, a very unique individual who resonates with a progressive agenda, Senator Hope Uzodinma,” he said.
The President said he is committed to building a united and secure country, noting the peace and security in the state, adding: “Before now, people were afraid of coming to Imo state, but today Imo is safe and open for business. What we have learnt from this experience is the importance of unity, cooperation, and a focus on our internal security.”
President Tinubu implored the governor to work even harder for the people, emphasizing that hard work is the reward for a re-election.
“I assure you that your hopes are renewed. Be assured of the support of the federal government to ensure rapid development of your state,” he concluded.
Speaking after the administration of oaths of office by the Imo State Chief Judge, Justice Theresa Chukwuemeka-Chikeka, Governor Uzodinma pledged that his second tenure would be an uncommon tenure in the execution of policies.
“We have been able to lay a solid foundation for accelerated economic growth and development of our state. We also addressed the decay we met in the civil service, the decay we met in the education sector, and the health sector. In addition, we addressed the lingering problem of unemployment through the variety of youth empowerment initiatives.
“We carried out a digital version of dealing with the unemployment market, which included the provision of digital and other portable skills, including artificial intelligence to our teeming young men and women,” he said.
Unfolding his priorities, the governor said the next four years of his administration would focus on deepening the shared prosperity mantra through massive infrastructural expansion, adding that the vision of his government is anchored on a 10-year development plan which has the capacity to make the state self-sufficient.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 15, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU: KIDNAPPING, BANDITRY UNGODLY; WE WILL EMBARK ON MASSIVE EDUCATION EFFORT
President Bola Tinubu has condemned the recent spate of kidnappings and bandit attacks, describing the development as disturbing, ungodly, and sinister.
Speaking when he received a delegation of Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden, a highly respected Islamic Movement, at the State House, in Abuja on Tuesday, President Tinubu said while security agencies are acting with dispatch to immediately address the current challenge, all required resources, policies and plans will be rolled out soon for the massive education of Nigerian youths.
The President said education is the antidote to the troubles agitating the nation, adding: “There is no weapon against poverty that is as potent as learning.
“I can assure you that we are here to change the life of our people. We are here to promote peace, stability, and economic prosperity.
“We are dedicated to building a lasting peace with a focus on the comprehensive education of our children. We will get our teachers and their owners involved in an education process that will be relevant to the future of this country. It is important. Knowledge brought me here with your prayers and your support. Without knowledge, there is nothing to generate hope for mankind,” President Tinubu said.
The President also emphasized that it was important to promote updated knowledge through existing islamic learning institutions for youths in Northern Nigeria to speed up development in the region, in Nigeria, and throughout Africa.
“Please embark on special prayers. Embark on proper education for our youths. Kidnapping and banditry are not the way of God. Shedding each other’s blood is bad. And there can be no development without peace. It is only in the area of peace that we can eliminate poverty. We must work for peace in order for our economy to grow better,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, the Jam’iyyatu Ansaridden leader, Sheikh Muhammad Lamine Niass encouraged the President to continue implementing his reform initiatives while affirming that his movement, which is reputed for its promotion of peace and tolerance, would continue to pray for Nigeria’s peaceful development.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 16, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES FORMER PRESIDENT BUHARI FOR VISIONARY LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE TO NIGERIA
President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday in Abuja thanked former President Muhammadu Buhari for his visionary leadership of Nigeria and commitment to probity, propriety, and service.
Speaking at the launch of two books on the former President; Working with Buhari: Reflections of a former Special Adviser to the President, Media & Publicity, by Femi Adesina, and Muhammadu Buhari: The Nigerian Legacy, by Dr. Udu Yakubu, President Tinubu said Buhari demonstrated integrity and transparency in leadership.
The President said the former President has kept his word not to interfere in government matters after leaving office.
“When you left office, you left a lot of pens and files for me for continuity. I inherited the liabilities and assets of my predecessor.
“You told me it will be difficult to please everyone as a leader. You advised that I should work hard and satisfy my conscience,” he said.
President Tinubu stated that former President Buhari inherited a tottering economy and an overwhelming security situation, but that the former President was able to start the process that would guarantee stability.
“I am glad that history has been reintroduced in our schools, and this will be part of our curriculum,’’ the President said on the books.
Describing former President Buhari as an organized and disciplined person, President Tinubu urged him to continue to be a pillar of the nation’s development, even after retirement.
Earlier in his remarks, former President Buhari thanked the President for attending the event, highlighting some of the peculiarities of the office, which include the likelihood of being misinterpreted and misunderstood.
“We kept records of our stewardship. This event is part of accounting for our two terms in office. Government is a continuum. You run and hand over to the next person,” Buhari said.
The Chairman of the occasion, former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, commended the former President for actions taken to buoy the economy, contain insecurity, and stabilize the polity.
“You handed over to President Tinubu; it was great. It was really great to hand over to President Tinubu, another great leader who will give Nigeria a new direction,” General Gowon added.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 16, 2024
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU COMMISERATES WITH OYO STATE GOVERNMENT, VICTIMS OVER IBADAN EXPLOSION
President Bola Tinubu has expressed sadness over the devastating explosion that occurred on Tuesday night in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
The explosion killed two persons and wounded about 80 others. It also destroyed several buildings, vehicles, and other properties.
“It is worrisome that the cause of the blast is being attributed to the activities of illegal miners. Those behind the inexcusable and reckless behaviour that has created the conditions for the sad incident to occur must be fished out and punished,” the President said.
President Tinubu commiserated with the government and people of Oyo State and called on all concerned agencies of government to unravel the circumstances that led to the tragedy with alacrity.
The President has directed the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to work with the Oyo State Government to offer immediate and comprehensive relief to the victims.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 17, 2024
A PEOPLE’S ORODJE; BEING A TRIBUTE BY THE OKPE UNION TO ORHORO I, THE LATE ORODJE OF OKPE, ON THE 20TH YEAR MEMORIAL OF HIS PASSING.
Leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc has declared the multi-dimensional support given it by Nigerian media as responsible for the overwhelming positive public goodwill the organisation enjoyed in the outgoing year.