News From Nigeria
Youths in Kogi State on Sunday endorsed the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial candidate in Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti Uduaghan, as their choice candidate for the February National Assembly election.
‘’’The good people of Kogi Central deserve a better senator with sound understanding and intellectual depth. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is suitable and capable of leading the way out of the quagmire we find ourselves today’’
They also chided Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies for misleading Nigerians, embarking on laughable exercise and suicide mission and placing Kogi State both on the map of national and international ridicule.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his cronies are overwhelmed by the rising political profile of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan. They simply want to be mischievous’’
Meeting under the aegis of Ebira Youths Coalition (EYC), the youths described the N10 billion allegations as purely absurd, diversionary and unnecessary distraction.
‘’Nothing will stop Akpoti-Uduaghan from occupying the Kogi Central senatorial seat in 2023’’.
Rising from an emergency working committee meeting held in Okene, Kogi State, the youths vowed to resist to the last drop of their blood any attempt by Bello and APC members to manipulate the 2023 elections’’
‘’Kogi APC is already heading for the rocks occasioned by its parochialism, deceit and betrayal of the people’s mandate. We will not subscribe to anything evil in 2023. The voters are interested in the emergence of an honest, consistent and credible woman as Kogi Central senator in 2023’’
Speaking through its National Director of Information and Orientation, Dr. Ihiampe Jato, the youths condemned the governor for orchestrating a campaign of calumny against Akpoti-Uduaghan, with a view to impugn her integrity and malign the transparency stance of the Kogi Central PDP candidate.
They praised Akpoti-Uduaghan for her peaceful disposition and gentility.
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will make Kogi Central a more salubrious clime. She will promote an environment safe for life and the growth of business’’
They also applauded her for bringing smiles on the faces of Kogi people.
‘’Kogi Central is about to be emancipated from anti-development forces’’
They urged the electorate to come out and vote in February and March, 2023.
‘’We are waiting for the National Assembly election. We know Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan will win. The people will vote for PDP’’
They also urged Nigerians to ignore fake stories sponsored by Kogi APC lepers in Abuja and Lokoja.
‘’We need a vibrant and well-focused senator who has the interest of the district at heart; a woman who is academically sound and administratively skillful; a very deft master strategist who doesn’t talk with both sides of mouth; a woman who will deliver the dividend of democracy to the wonderful people of Kogi Central’’
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan: Law firm disowns document
A law firm, Indemnity Partners, has dissociated itself from a document in respect of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri Kingdom, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.
‘’Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband’’.
‘The law firm said in a statement signed by B. C. Igwilo SAN that the document was inauthentic and of dubious origin.
‘’ That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin’’.
The firm urged the discerning public to ignore the document in circulation in its entirety.
‘’We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents’’ the statement added.
Below is the full text of the disclaimer
INDEMNITY PARTNERS
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, NOTARIES PUBLIC
4th November 2022
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
DISCLAIMER
We are solicitors for Mrs Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Our attention has been drawn to a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from our law firm in respect of our client and her husband.
We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents.
That letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin.
Accordingly, we urge the discerning public to ignore it in its entirety.
Indemnity Partners
Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s popularity, strength threat to Bello, Kogi APC leaders, says PDP Chieftain
A chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Kogi, Chief Otenyiete Otuhuo, said the popularity and strength of the party’s senatorial candidate in Kogi Central had thrown Governor Yahaya Bello and other All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders in the state into panic mode.
‘’What they are seeing is the beginning of PDP’s victory in 2023. APC should be ready to move out of Kogi State. We do not want war. It is time that the APC realized that it has failed Kogi State people politically’’
He also condemned APC leaders for making Kogi State some sort of torture, kidnapping and killing chambers.
Okene Local Government Chairman, Hon Abdulrazak Yusuf, a few days ago gave one week notice to PDP in the local government area to vacate its party secretariat. Safiu, a loyalist of Governor Yahaya Bello and a man on the pay roll of Abdulkarim Asuku, Chief of Staff to Bello, was abducted for dumping the ruling party in the state.
In a statement in Lokoja, the PDP leader accused Bello and other top government functionaries of employing all kinds of tactics and blackmail to harass and intimidate members of the opposition.
Particularly Ohuhuo criticised Bello for his undemocratic conduct and breach of the peace in Kogi State.
He urged President Muhammadu Buhari to call Yahaya Bello to order.
‘’Despotism and flagrant abuse of power represent the basic fabric from which the Yahaya Bello led APC administration is woven today. Something should be done to curtail the excesses of Kogi government officials and military personnel in the state’’
He also urged the police to arrest Kogi State APC officials for crimes against humanity.
‘’Kogi APC officials have steadily kidnapped, harassed and beaten individuals that have been critical of Yahaya Bello’s policies’’
The PDP stalwart commended Bello for exposing APC tactics to Kogi electorate, who now fully understand how the party wants to execute its 2023 political plan in the state.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello and his co-travellers are not intelligent enough. Rather than face PDP squarely, they are looking for cheap distractions. Their efforts to cause more divisions and confusion among Kogi people are becoming new sources of strength and urgency to dislodge them in 2023’’.
The statement underscored rallies and seminars held by different groups to condemn thuggery and violence in Kogi State.
He also praised Kogi people for creating and sustaining a culture of resistance.
‘’Our people are eager to take the crusade to Europe and America. That is the next option if they continue to harass, intimidate, kidnap and kill members of the opposition’’
North-Central leaders express surprise, unhappiness on Kogi government terrorism statement
Top leaders of the North Central zone on Friday urged the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Kingsley Fanwo to desist from a campaign of calumny, hate and deception.
‘’Such empty posturing cannot fool the good people of Kogi State. The Commissioner for Information and Communication is talking rubbish. He knows the real terrorist in the state’’
The highly respected leaders also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to prevail on the Yahaya Bello led All Progressives Congress (APC) government to avoid continuous illegal approach to governance and public issues as it is now becoming a stigma on the ruling party and the Kogi State Government.
‘’We want to use this opportunity to inform Mr. President and the wonderful people of Kogi State that the terrorism statements by the Commissioner for Information and other officials of the Kogi State government are all lies’’
In a statement issued at the weekend in Abuja by the Chairman, Congress of Concerned North Central Leaders (CCNCL), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, the leaders noted the frivolity, ignorance and mischief that informed the commissioner’s recent statement.
The commissioner for information embarked upon this latest charade in a vain attempt to deflect attention from the woeful performance of Yahaya Bello.
They condemned the Kogi State government’s skirmish against the opposition, the draconian rulership of Yahaya Bello and the havoc done to the North Central zone by holding down one of the great prospects of the Middle Belt region.
‘’We condemn in strong terms the kidnapping of opposition members in Kogi State. We see this as a very bad trend for the state. We enjoin President Mohammadu Buhari to unravel the people behind this criminal act as the public opinion and petitions lay this at the door step of some powerful members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kogi State.
Principally, the leaders carpeted the APC for abandoning Kogi youths to the ogre of unemployment.
They listed misery, poverty, violence, economic mismanagement and human destruction as key achievements of the APC administration in Kogi State.
‘’What is Governor Yahaya Bello’s performance? He has performed disgracefully. The Yahaya Bello led APC government is oppressive, ugly and blight in the heart of the North Central. Kogi State is now rated highly in the halls of infamy’’
They urged Kogi voters to reject tired souls and con-men whose only motivation is self-enrichment at the expense of the suffering masses.
They also urged the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Kogi Central Senatorial district, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, not to be intimidated over the 2023 senatorial race.
‘’Kogi Central needs a senator who can find solutions to the district’s enormous economic, social and political problems. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has the integrity, dynamism, courage and vision to address problems and take the senatorial district to the Promised Land’’
Kogi Elders Decry Yahaya Bello’s performance
Top leaders of Kogi State on Thursday accused Governor Yahaya Bello of turning the domestic lives of the people upside down.
They also described the governor as a despot, symbol of oppression and erratic character.
In a statement in Lokoja, the leaders urged President Muhammadu Buhari to address the spate of kidnapping in Kogi State.
The statement issued by the Chairman of Kogi Indigenous Forum (KIF), Alhaji Mohammed Suleiman, accused the ruling party of abducting members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
Safiu, stepbrother of Abdulkarim Asuku, the Chief of Staff to Kogi Governor, Yahaya Bello, was abducted on Monday
Particularly, the notable leaders accused the ruling party of hatching a destructive plan, orchestrating violence and deliberating using hit squads to destabilize the opposition in the state.
They described the Kogi State governor as a desperate and confused person who has no value for human life.
‘’Governor Yahaya Bello enjoys seeing the people in misery’’
The Igala, Ebira, Okun, Bassa Nge, Kakanda, Bassa-Komo and Oworo leaders underscored violence, terror and feelings of hatred against the opposition.
The eminent leaders blamed Bello for failing to address the state’s pressing needs.
They called on the electorate to vote out APC in the 2023 elections.
‘’PDP will break the back of APC. It will beat the ruling party, others in the 2023 elections’’
The group of respected leaders in the state scolded Bello for putting APC in extremely difficult position.
‘’APC members in Kogi State are living in cloud-cuckoo land. Humiliation and embarrassment await Kogi APC 2023’’.
Royal families in Okere-Urhobo have condemned the role of Chief Louis Okumagba in the 30 plots released by the Delta State government to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State.
They described it as a negative development and a minus for peace and development in Delta State.
In a letter titled: ‘’Attempt / efforts to cause communal war, fanning the embers of communal dispute, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and criminal defamation of characters of our clients; Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State, all committed by Mr. Louis Okumagba – a call to investigate the allegation herein, the families urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good office to investigate allegations against Louis Okumagba, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiri and the Urhobo of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.
’’God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom’’
Counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, L O. Egboyi & CO said in the 1974/76, the then government of Mid-Western Nigeria acquired a part or portion of our client’s land for public purpose.
‘’In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So, it entered into agreement with our client family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients’’
The Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri are made up of the popular Okumagba family of Warri, Okere- Urhobo kingdom.
‘’Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri. Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thugs and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Headquarters’, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Rights action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. The action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police’’.
The families said the suit of the suspect against the Police was dismissed by the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba).
‘’While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo’’.
This incitement, according to the families, created several apprehensions in the minds of locals, which has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
‘’Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our clients namely, Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had a one-on-one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him’’.
The legal practitioners described Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu as bunch of responsible families
‘’Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families are known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society. Our clients therefore take the allegation of hiring assassins by its members very seriously, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country’’.
The families also deplored the actions of Louis Okumagba and urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good offices to investigate the allegations and anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
‘’So, if investigation reveal the named individuals as assassins or connected to the attempt assassination of the suspect, as he alleged, they should be so indicted and prosecuted. But otherwise, the law on criminal defamation as enshrined in the Criminal Code and status in Nigeria are still very potent and alive. We assure you of our client’s co-operation with your men in the investigation of this petition’’.
……………………………………………………
Legal Practitioner, Corporate & Property Consultants
No 9, Effurun / Sapele Road
Opposite High Court Junction,
Effurun .
TEL: 08035759764
Email: luckyegbuyi@ gmail.com
Our Ref: LOE/IGP/COM/BREA/OKUMAGBA/1/22 Your Ref……………
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE,
NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE
EDET LEWIS HOUSE
ABUJA.
Sir.
RE: ATTEMPT / EFFORTS TO CAUSE COMMUNAL WAR , FANNING THE EMBERS OF COMMUNAL DISPUTE, CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE AND CRIMINAL DEFAMATION OF CHARACTERS OF OUR CLIENT ; OLODI, OKI AND IGHOGBADU FAMILIES OF WARRI IN THE OKERE – URHOBO KINGDOM OF DELTA STATE, ALL COMMITTED BY MR. LOUIS OKUMAGBA – A CALL TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGATION HEREIN
We are counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, herein called our Clients.
The Olodi , Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri, make up the popular Okumagba family of Warri , Okere- Urhobo kingdom.
Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri.
In 1974/76, the then government of Mid-Western Nigeria acquired a part or portion of our Client’s land for public purpose.
In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So it entered into agreement with our Clients family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients
Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thuggery and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Head Quarters, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Right action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. That action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police.
We wish to inform you that suit, of the suspect against the Police, has been dismissed by the Delta State High Court, Sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba). A copy of the enrolled order is herein annexed as annexure as Annexure A.
While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo.
This incitement has created several apprehension in the minds of locals, which apprehension has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our Clients namely; Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but that he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had one on one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our Clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him.
Our Clients are bunch of responsible families known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society.
Our Client therefore takes the allegation of hiring of assassins by its members very serious, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country.
It is against the background of the foregoing that we have the instruction of our Clients to petition you to use your good office to investigate these allegations against the suspect, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiris and the Urhobos of Okere Urhobo Kingdom. God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom.
So, if investigation reveal the named individuals as assassins or connected to the attempt assassination of the suspect, as he alleged, they should be so indicted and prosecuted. But otherwise, the law on criminal defamation as enshrined in the Criminal Code and status in Nigeria are still very potent and alive.
We therefore urge you to use your good offices to investigate these allegations of our Client and cause anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
We assure you of our clients co-operation with your men in the investigation of this petition.
Yours faithfully
L.O. EGBOYI ESQ
CC;
The Head:
Olodi, Oki and Ighogbudu families,
Of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Warri
. “Your activities have shaped quality of Nigeria’s infrastructures”, says National Waves Publisher
Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, last weekend in Lagos again clinched Nigeria’s Most Outstanding and Quality-oriented Construction Company award at the National Waves Newspaper and Magazine 2022 Awards event for its comprehensively qualitative works in the country over the decades.
The award went to the company at the well-attended 14th anniversary of National Waves Newspapers and Magazine Lecture/Awards which held in the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the Mr. Jimmy Enyeh, the Publisher of National Waves Newspapers and Magazine, “Julius Berger has continuously shaped the infrastructure engineering landscape of this country, from construction of bridges, roads and buildings to other delicate infrastructural works that require good dependable expertise, professional reliability and lasting durability.”
The publisher further added that “Julius Berger has also meaningfully sustained an unrelenting, commendable and consistent signature of compassion and inclusiveness to its many host communities across Nigeria through a plethora of proactively productive and developmental corporate social responsibility initiatives, too numerous to mention for want of time.”
Jimmy Enyen added that there is hardly any aspect of Nigeria’s national life that Julius Berger’s work is not visible to see: “Julius Berger builds houses, hospitals, oil and gas facilities, airports, roads, jetties, and recreational stadia to the best engineering quality and standards. Anywhere the Nigerian goes; the quality signature of Julius Berger is outstandingly manifest. Whether traveling by road, air or sea, Julius Berger has done great quality work by way of bridges, roads, jetties or airport runways. For the 14th Anniversary awards of National Waves, our Board meticulously searched for organisations that have so much positively affected the lives of most Nigerians by way of quality service this past one year. Our conclusion was simple; Julius Berger is it.”
In appreciating the National Waves Media group for the Award, Prince Moses Duku who received the Award plaque on behalf of the company said Julius Berger Nigeria has been around for a long time and progressively, increasingly doing and offering what it knows best, quality projects and reliable service delivery.
Other recipients of awards at the National Waves 2022 Awards include the Dangote Group, AIT, and the Hon. Minister of State for Labour, Olorogun Barrister Festus Keyamo who also presented the 14th Anniversary lecture at the event, amongst others.
On hand to present the Award plaque to Prince Duku was Mr. Patrick Adaba Jr.
………………………………………………
27 July 2022
‘Vibrant Africa: The Rising Rhythm’ – Culture Festival 2022 to hold August 19-21 in Lagos
The Culture Festival, a global event series organised by the Art of Living Foundation, has been confirmed to hold in Lagos from 19 – 21 August 2022.
Themed “Vibrant Africa: The Rising Rhythm”, the Festival aims to build a compassionate and harmonious society by bringing the people of the world together in celebration. Through song, dance, meditation, and dialogue, attendees will share and explore their rich cultural diversity, while honouring the underlying spirit that connects us all as one global family.
Highlighting the essence of this year’s theme, the founder of the Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravishankar, said, “Today in the world, where there is so much polarity, it is time to unite everybody. We know sports can unite. We know the economy can unite – as when it comes to business, everyone forgets their nationality and culture. Faith also unites, while the first and perhaps most important, is culture. Dance and music can also foster unity and that’s what the Culture Festival 2022 seeks to achieve.”
“The Festival will be like an Olympics for artists; an Olympics for culture. Without music and dance, life at times could feel so dry. If we all work harmoniously, we can envisage a better world for the coming generation and live like we are all one family,” Gurudev concluded.
Set to be hosted at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Lagos, the Festival will also mark the 40th anniversary of the Art of Living Foundation. The Foundation is the world’s largest educational and humanitarian organisation, with the single motive to create a stress-free and violence-free society through fostering individual well-being and societal development.
Leveraging local initiatives like ‘I Meditate Africa’ and ‘Voice of Africa’, Art of Living has reached over 2.3 million Africans and united 22 African countries through peace campaigns. The Foundation has been teaching Happiness and Youth Leadership Training Programs in Nigeria for more than 10 years, and has impacted thousands of people in Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, Kaduna, Abuja, Enugu and Delta States. In partnership with the University of Lagos, the Foundation launched the Drug Free Nigeria campaign to create awareness about drug abuse and addiction among youths.
Past editions of the Culture Festival have brought presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, dignitaries, spiritual leaders, social activists, artists, and people of all races, religions, and political stances together in the spirit of global unity and vibrant celebration.
Admission to the Festival is by registration, and interested attendees are encouraged to visit www.artofliving.ng.
……………………………………………………
FREE, TRANSPARENT AND CREDIBLE ELECTIONS INDISPENSABLE TO PEACE AND STABILITY IN WEST AFRICA, PRESIDENT BUHARI DECLARES
President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday in Monrovia, Liberia called on leaders in West Africa to do all within their powers to ensure that elections are conducted in their countries in an atmosphere of trust, freedom and transparency as this is the only way the sub-region can be insulated from the scourge of unconstitutional take overs that reared its head in three countries recently.
President Buhari made this call this in a goodwill message to the Government and people of Liberia as he joined other world leaders on the occasion of the 175th Independence Anniversary of the West African nation.
According to the President, democracy and good governance must take its roots on the African continent to sustain peace, stability and development while leaders must redouble their efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy.
“I would like to use the opportunity of this event to address an important issue affecting three countries in the ECOWAS region; Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.
“All the three nations have National Elections in 2023. In Nigeria, we are working towards a free, fair, transparent, credible and acceptable outcome of elections and their results, it is important and necessary for all our countries to key into these resolves as they are indispensable to peace and stability in our countries and sub-region.
“The deepening of democracy and good governance are essential antidotes to check-mate unconstitutional change of governments as we sadly witnessed within the last three years in three countries within our sub-region. We must strengthen our efforts to guarantee the irreversibility of democracy in our sub-region and Africa,” he said.
President Buhari used the opportunity to recall Nigeria’s leading roles that pulled the country back from its fratricidal insurrection in the 90s, adding that his presence at the celebrations underscores his strong belief in cementing existing bilateral ties:
“Nigeria’s contributions to the survival and safety of Liberia are well known. The dark period of your country’s civil war from 1989 to 1997, was a period that Nigeria invested hugely for peace in Liberia and indeed stability in the rest of the ECOWAS sub-region. May those dark days never re-surface in our countries and sub-region.”
The Nigerian leader commended his Liberian counterpart, Dr. George Manneh Weah, for his demonstration of love for the country and the pursuance of peace, unity and progress, as evidenced by people-oriented projects executed with the sole purpose of taking the country to greater heights within the limited resources available. While urging the Liberian leader to do more, he assured him of Nigeria’s continued support in this regard:
“Your Excellency’s policy of development launched in 2018 as well as the recently launched youth empowerment program, targeted at comprehensively addressing the problems of youth restiveness in Liberia and equally aimed at rescuing the disadvantaged youths (ZOGOS in local parlance) from drug addictions and other forms of social vices and transforming them into useful members of the Liberian society, are clearly very appropriate policies to lift up the most vulnerable.
“Permit me to assure you and all Liberians that Nigeria, as a good partner and a dependable ally, would continue to support you in these efforts, within the limit of our resources. This brings to the fore, the need for strengthening and broadening the levels of collaboration and cooperation between our two countries, both bilaterally and multilaterally, within the ECOWAS, AU and the UN, in order to adequately tackle the common national, sub-regional and global challenges.”
The President of Liberia, Dr. George Weah, thanked President Buhari and other West African leaders for their attendance and to our President in particular, “thank you Mr. President and the good people of Nigeria. Without your support we would not have had peace.”
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
July 26, 2022
Alhaji Nureni Oluwatoyin Animashaun is dead.
The top Lagos leader died on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 in Surulere.
He was 76.
A totally detribalized Nigerian, Animashaun was known for being outspoken and for not shying away from the truth.
Tributes from relatives, friends and neighbours have described him as a straightforward and a deeply committed family man.
“Alhaji Animashaun was a pillar of his family. His passing is a great loss to the family, Lagos Island and Alaka-Iponri Community.
Animashaun was buried according to Muslim rites on Wednesday, July 20, 22 at Ikoyi Cemetery, behind Radio Nigeria.
The 8 days Fidau Prayer will hold on Wednesday, July 27, 2022 at Block 135, Iponri Housing Estate, Alaka
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Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over his failure to probe allegations that over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply since 1999 may have been stolen, mismanaged or diverted into private pockets.”
Nigerian cities have repeatedly been plunged into darkness as the electricity grid has reportedly collapsed at least three times in 5 months, and 130 times in 7 years. According to the World Bank, epileptic power supply costs businesses in Nigeria about $29 billion yearly.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1119/2022 filed last week at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to investigate how over N11 trillion meant to provide regular electricity supply has been allegedly squandered by governments since 1999.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to compel President Buhari to ensure the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible for the missing electricity fund, as appropriate, and to ensure the tracing and full recovery of any missing public funds.”
SERAP is arguing that, “It is in the public interest to ensure justice and accountability for alleged corruption and mismanagement in the electricity sector, which has resulted in the failure of governments to solve Nigeria’s perennial power problem.”
According to SERAP, “The staggering amounts of public funds alleged to have been stolen over the years in the sector have had catastrophic effects on the lives of millions of Nigerians, akin to crimes against humanity against the Nigerian people.”
SERAP is arguing that, “The failure to trace, find and recover the missing electricity fund is antithetical to the public interest, the requirements of the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], and the country’s international obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Nigerians have for far too long been denied justice and the opportunity to get to the bottom of why they continue to pay the price for corruption in the electricity sector–staying in darkness, but still made to pay crazy electricity bills.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Investigating the allegations of missing N11 trillion electricity funds, prosecuting suspected perpetrators and recovering any missing public funds would end a culture of impunity. It would also address persistent collapse of the electricity grid, and improve access to and affordability of electricity in the country.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Corruption in the electricity sector and the lack of transparency and accountability in the use of public funds to support the operations of DISCOS have resulted in regular blackouts, electricity grid collapse, and unlawful hike in electricity tariffs.”
SERAP is also seeking “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to refer to the International Criminal Court all unimplemented reports of corruption in the electricity sector gathering dust on the shelves, and to arrest and surrender those named in the reports to the court for prosecution.”
Joined in the suit as Respondent is Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice.
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. These commitments ought to be fully upheld and respected.”
“Corruption in the electricity sector has also continued to disproportionately affect the most disadvantaged and vulnerable sectors of the population who cannot readily afford expensive generators in order to have a reliable power supply.”
“The failure of successive governments and high-ranking government officials to prevent corruption in the electricity sector and to bring suspected perpetrators to justice is the primary cause of the persistent crisis in the electricity sector, including the exploitation of electricity consumers, and collapse of the electricity grid.”
“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has adjudged the failure of the States to provide basic services such as electricity as violating the right to health.”
“Citizens are frustrated at persistent allegations of corruption in the sector, and the impacts on their human rights. Prosecuting perpetrators would address the grave travesty that has for many years occurred in the power sector.”
“Impunity for corruption in the electricity sector has for many years forced ordinary Nigerians to stay in darkness, but still made to pay crazy electricity bills.”
“Successive governments have failed to increase power generation and provide Nigerians with regular and uninterrupted electricity supply, with many electricity contracts shrouded in secrecy, and trillions of Naira going down the drain.”
“Impunity for corruption in the electricity sector will continue as long as high-ranking public officials go largely unpunished for their alleged crimes.”
“The Buhari administration has legal obligations under Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power, and article 26 of the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure effective prosecution of allegations of corruption.”
“Alleged corruption and mismanagement in the electricity sector and the repeated collapse of the electricity grid have continued to deprive Nigerians of economic opportunities, subjecting them to cruel and degrading treatment.”
“Under Section 16(1) of the Constitution, the government has a responsibility to ‘secure the maximum welfare, freedom and happiness of every citizen on the basis of social justice and equality of status and opportunity.’”
“Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“The failure by successive governments to tell Nigerians the truth about allegations of corruption in the power sector amounts to a failure to ensure that electricity services are progressively made available, on the basis of equality and non-discrimination.”
“The details of the missing N11 trillion electricity funds are contained in a SERAP report titled: From Darkness to Darkness: How Nigerians are paying the Price for Corruption in the Electricity Sector.”
“According to the report, the total estimated financial loss to Nigeria from corruption in the electricity sector starting from the return to democracy in 1999 to date is over N11 trillion. This represents public funds, private equity and social investment (or divestments) in the power sector.”
“It is estimated that the loss may reach over N20 trillion in the next decade given the rate of Government investment and funding in the power sector amidst dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
26/6/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
Born in Eku, Delta State and raised by his grandmother in Sapele, Ebireri is considered one of the most important Nigerian journalists.
He earned his undergraduate degree in political science and education from the University of Port Harcourt and has a master’s degree from University of Lagos in political science. He has a postgraduate diploma in journalism and diploma in English from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the University of Lagos.
In Abuja, the nation’s federal capital, the honest Nigerian writer gained the knowledge that enabled him to build a successful career in journalism.
He began his reporting career in Lagos as a television announcer and producer.
He worked as political reporter, correspondent, political editor, group news editor and deputy daily editor in some Nigerian newspapers.
Ebireri taught at various times in Port Harcourt, Abuja and Lagos.
He also worked as a senior special assistant, media to a former Lagos State deputy governor and chief press secretary to a speaker in Delta State.
The former New Age, National Mirror, Business Hallmark and News Star editor is currently the director of communications and political matters of MediaGate Management and Consulting Limited.
Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victory, a good omen – Kogi Central Leaders
Notable Kogi State leaders on Thursday reacted to the victory of Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan in Wednesday’s senatorial primary, saying it was ‘’a great result’’
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has done enough to endear herself to every household. She will set straight Kogi Central’s journey to greatness and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people’’
The leaders in a statement in Lagos described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) senatorial flag bearer as a visionary leader, bridge builder, stickler for excellence and blessing to Kogi State.
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is articulate, knowledgeable and gentle. She has contributed so much to elevate the status of Ebiraland’’
The leaders said nothing would stop Akpoti-uduaghan from clinching the Kogi Central Senatorial seat in 2023.
‘’Kogi Central is PDP. Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has crowd-pulling power like no one else in Kogi politics. We strongly believe in her candidacy. We are just waiting for the 2023 elections. We know she will win’’
Signed by the Chairman of Ebira National Forum (ENF), Chief Itopa Jatto, the respectable Ebira leaders stated that the political terrain in Kogi Central Senatorial District has started taking a different shape.
‘’We want to see a more human side to the Government. Kogi Central All Progressives Congress (APC) is already heading for the rocks’’
‘’Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is straightforward and absolutely reliable. We will definitely vote PDP in 2023. She will use the opportunity of going to the Senate to transform Kogi Central, improve the standard of living of the people, engender prosperity and keep the dream of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant alive’’ the statement added.
A Yoruba body, South-West Renewal Movement (SWRM), on Sunday threw a surprise by endorsing All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful, Senator Godswill Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has remained the darling of the South-West people. He is a purposeful leader in Nigeria, a veritable model and always thirsty for legacies’’.
.The group said it would mobilize APC delegates in the South-West geo-political zone to support Akpabio in the ruling party’s presidential primaries.
At a three-hour long meeting in Akure, Ondo State to finalize their strategy for the APC presidential primaries, the group applauded Akpabio for offering to serve the country at the highest pedestal.
Soft-spoken APC chieftain and chairman of SWRM, Chief Olusola Adebamgbe said at the meeting attended by prominent APC leaders from Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Ekiti, Osun and Ondo that notable South-West politicians, business tycoons and traditional rulers were working with politicians from other geo-political zones to make Akpabio the country’s next president.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the man who can guarantee national peace and unity when elected president in 2023’’
The development conscious group commended the front runner in the race for the presidency in 2023 for making a difference in Akwa Ibom State, National Assembly and the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs.
The group underscored Akpabio’s experience, antecedent, credibility and charisma.
It emphasized Akpabio’s robust vision for Nigeria, the feats recorded in the Niger Delta region and the judicious utilization of human and natural resources in Akwa Ibom State.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has the potential of becoming the best president. He will encourage foreign investment, boost economic growth, create more jobs, deal with insecurity, pursue policies and principles of women empowerment, provide the enabling environment for the emergence of industries and shift resources to the state governments for positive efforts in roads, health, water and educational infrastructure’.
The group also emphasized Akpabioi’s solid network of allies that he has and the followership he is attracting based on his performance and leadership style.
The South-West group is backing Akpabio for the 2023 presidency.
Eminent politicians in different political parties and with differing philosophies on Wednesday heaped high praises on All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential hopeful. Senator Godswill Akpabio.
‘’The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio has done well – more than any minister that has ever emerged in the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs. He has changed the ministry completely’’
They also described the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant as a go-getter, strategist, highly detribalized national leader and an extraordinary man with extraordinary capacity for patience, tolerance and hard work.
‘’Nigeria needs quality and focused leadership. We need a president who the people know and trust. We need a leader with proven records of service. We are the foot soldiers of the South and North.
The leaders emphasized competence, courage, transparency, integrity and patriotism.
‘’Our next president must have strong vision, ability to articulate the vision and willingness to make changes. The person must be compassionate, be in touch with the people and be able to galvanize them into action. Senator Godswill Akpabio is determined to work for the general wellbeing of Nigeria and Nigerians. He will change the pace of development, implement people oriented programmes and transform Nigeria into a prosperous country’’
The notable politicians and traditional rulers spoke in Ikot Ekpene on the chances of Akpabio to clinch the presidency in 2023.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has the requisite appeal and political structure to clinch the party’s presidential ticket’’
They said the APC presidential ticket was a foregone conclusion.
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio is the most suitable person to lead the country after the tenure of President Muhammadu Buhari. He is destined for greatness. There is no doubt that the APC will retain the presidency in 2023. Akpabio will contest primary elections and will be the ruling party’s flag bearer’’
The position of notable members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC) and other parties in the country was presented by leader of APC Northern Front, Dr. Ibrahim Ahmed and PDP Chieftain, Chief Clement Odili.
The leaders praised Akpabio for securing Niger Delta’s long term strategic interests
‘’Senator Godswill Akpabio has made an impact on the people. He has what it takes to drive the country in the direction that we want it’’. He is in the presidential race to win’’
They applauded Akpabio for distinguishing himself when he was governor of Akwa-Ibom State.
The leaders also underscored Akpabio’s understanding of the nation’s problems, competence and honest leadership
‘Senator Akpabio has a humble disposition, simplicity and humane disposition towards the people. His pedigree is huge. The average man on the street is conscious, proud and highly appreciative of Akpabio’s role in the development of the region. They aptly consider Akpabio a hero’’ Ahmed said.
The Northern and Southern politicians are advancing the cause and presidential ambition of Senator Godswill Akpabio.