News From Nigeria
I had initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between my beloved wife, Senator Natasha-Akpoti Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
However, recent developments have compelled me to issue the statement.
It is clear that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the Nation at large. She is a devoted wife and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity.
My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony. I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honouring the friendship between us. We reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
However, despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President.
I have unwavering faith in my wife’s loyalty and I am fully committed to our marriage, which is grounded in love, compassion and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything as she is the greatest joy of my life.
I now respectfully urge the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat my beloved wife with the respect and dignity she truly deserves while the relevant authorities and the court determine the underlying issues.
HIGH CHIEF EMMANUEL ORITSEJOLOMI UDUAGHAN
ALEMA OF WARRI
The Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan at the weekend urged the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate President to treat his wife, Senator Natasha Akpoti- Uduaghan with the respect and dignity she truly deserves.
‘’My wife has confided in me about her interactions with the Senate President, whom I considered a family friend. In response, I approached the matter with the utmost maturity and responsibility, as it is my duty as a traditional leader who has immense respect for constituted authority and upholds core family values, foster peace and harmony. I personally met with the Senate President and respectfully urged him to extend the courtesy and respect my wife deserves, while also honouring the friendship between us
He also urged the relevant authorities and the court to determine the fundamental issues.
In a statement in Abigborodo, Warri North Local Government, Uduaghan said they reached an understanding and agreed to resolve the issue amicably.
‘’Despite this agreement, my wife continues to express concerns about the harassment she has endured from the Senate President’’.
The Warri High Chief described the Senator Representing Kogi Central as a devoted wife.
‘’Without prejudice to the ongoing legal proceedings, I wish to emphasize that my wife was duly elected by her people due to the immense love, respect and confidence they have in her and she is committed to delivering quality representation to her district and the Nation at large. She is a devoted wife and the bond we share is deep and unwavering. She has always remained truthful, even in the face of adversity’’
The statement stressed Uduaghan’s unwavering faith in his wife’s loyalty and commitment to the marriage.
‘’Our marriage is grounded in love, compassion and mutual respect. I would never trade her for anything as she is the greatest joy of my life’’.
Uduaghan, apparently angry said he initially resolved to refrain from commenting on the ongoing dispute between his beloved wife, Senator Natasha-Akpoti Uduaghan, and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
‘’Recent developments have compelled me to issue the statement’’
He pointed out that certain sentiments are being stirred up unnecessarily, distracting from the serious underlying allegations, which should concern every discerning individual with sound family values.
South-South women on Saturday advised the leadership of the Senate and the Committee on Ethics not to plunge the country into pain and tragedy.
They also applauded the Senator representing Kogi Central, Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her courage, boldness and contribution to nation-building.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is an hero and a source of permanent and daily inspiration in Nigeria and on the continent’’
The women in a statement in Asaba, capital of Delta State, urged the Senate Ethics Committee not to recommend decisions which have been decided by special interests.
‘’The Ethics Committee should identify and diagnose the crisis and its roots. We are not expecting banal and destructive recommendations on this issue’’
Entitled ‘’Alienation of Women politicians in Nigeria, fatal misunderstanding, bullying, the rule of conduct in the Senate, abuse of power and precarious authority, the women condemned the threat of illegal actions, discrimination, victimization and other forms of segregation based purely on gender.
‘’One of the most popular and leading labels often put on responsible and successful women by the detractors is that they are rude. That label certainly does not apply in the case of the recent incident. Even if male politicians and their female lackeys in Nigeria were to shout from the rooftops in an attempt to make the label stick, the facts of the incident will not allow it’’
The statement issued by the Chairperson of South-South Women in Politics, Chief Rita Okogie urged the principal officers and members of the Senate to treat themselves like brothers and sisters and not shy away from the central contention in the recent event.
‘’Don’t resist the voice of honour and reason. Don’t insult the intelligence of the Nigerian woman. Don’t make your colleagues objects of ridicule in the eyes of the world for selfish interests. Don’t be too bitter against one another, no matter the differences’’
Specifically, the women called for complete change in attitude and drastic reorganization of thinking habits as well as in the relationship between male and female politicians in the country.
‘’Our dignity and survival are seriously being jeopardized through conscious and deliberate actions by the male politicians in the country. Akpoti-Uduaghan’s recent action is very healthy and provides the beginning for a genuine change in male’s attitude to women in the country. We hope that Akpoti-Uduaghan’s action will accelerate the efforts to achieve strong voice and respect for women’’
They urged male politicians in the country to dedicate themselves to the precepts and practice of democracy.
‘’Another matter relating to the state of our nation today which we have to be vigilant about is the moves to shut women out of the system. The dangerous aspect of this is the country’s drift into becoming a government of only men’’
The statement while emphasizing compromises and persuasions urged bootlickers of a divisive and evil system to move away from attitudes and appearances detrimental to women’s progress in the country.
‘’How can we be led to believe that individuals full of self-hatred and contempt for women in Nigeria can suddenly become defenders of our interests? The male politicians in the country lack any substantive reasons to give for the recent incident. They simply beat about the bush with meaningless phrases’’
The women reaffirmed that they will support Akpoti-Uduaghan and other female politicians in whatever difficulties they may face in the country.
‘’Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is a good woman, and an upright and virtuous patriot. We bear malice or ill will to none and our reaction is solely in support of gender understanding and human love’’
A legal firm, Indemnity Partners, has disowned a letter trending on social media purporting to have been issued from the law firm in respect of Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and the Alema of Warri, High Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan.
‘’We are solicitors for Mrs. Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’’
The legal firm in a statement signed by B C Igwilo, SAN, urges the discerning public to ignore it in its entirety.
‘’We categorically distance ourselves from the purported letter and its alleged contents. The letter is inauthentic and of dubious origin’’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) “over the failure to reverse the patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in Automated Teller Machine (ATM) transaction fees.”
The CBN recently announced that ATM withdrawals made at a machine owned by a bank but outside its branch premises will now attract a charge of N100 per N20,000 withdrawn. ATM withdrawals at shopping centres, airports or standalone cash points, will incur a N100 fee plus a surcharge of up to N500 per N20,000 withdrawal.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/344/2025 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court, Lagos, SERAP is asking the court to determine “whether the decision by the CBN to increase ATM transaction fees is not arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, and contrary to the provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.”
SERAP is asking the court for “a declaration that the decision by the CBN to increase ATM transaction fees is arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable and contrary to the provisions of sections 1(c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127(1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, which is binding on the CBN.”
SERAP is seeking “an order of interim injunction restraining the CBN, its officers, agents, associates or any other persons acting on its directive or instructions from enforcing and giving effect to the decision, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice for an order of interlocutory injunction filed in this suit.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The increase cannot be justified under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended], the CBN Act, Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The increase creates a two-tiered financial system that discriminates against poor Nigerians who may not be able to afford or pay the increased ATM fees.”
According to SERAP, “The patently unlawful, unfair, unreasonable and unjust increase in ATM transaction fees also inherently contributes to violations of the human rights of socially and economically Nigerians.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The CBN is compromising its stated mission to advance the management of the country’s economy, and ultimately, sustainable development.”
“The CBN is also failing to comply with the Nigerian Constitution, the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act and the country’s international human rights obligations in the exercise of its statutory powers and functions.”
“The increase in ATM transaction fees ought to have been shouldered by wealthy banks and their shareholders, not the general public.”
“CBN policies should not be skewed against poor Nigerians and heavily in favour of banks that continue to declare trillions of naira in profits mostly at the expense of their customers. The increase in ATM transaction fees would inflict misery on poor Nigerians and contribute to human rights abuses.”
“Imposing exorbitant ATM transaction fees on socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians at a time several Nigerian banks are declaring trillions of naira in profits yearly is manifestly unfair, unreasonable and unjust.”
“The CBN through a Circular to all banks and other financial institutions dated February 10 2025 stated that it has reviewed and increased the ATM transaction fees prescribed in section 10(7) of the CBN Guide to Charges by Bank, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions 2020.”
“Section 1(c)(d) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act, 2018 provides that the objectives of the Act are to ‘protect and promote the interests and welfare of consumers’ and ‘prohibit restrictive or unfair business practices’ such as the exorbitant and unreasonable increase in ATM transaction fees by the CBN.”
“The provisions of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act are directly binding on the CBN, as the provisions constrain the exercise of the statutory powers and functions of the institution.”
“Section 2(1) of the Act provides that its provisions ‘apply to all undertakings [such as the CBN] and scope of application to all commercial activities within Nigeria.”
“Section 2(2) provides that: ‘This Act is binding upon- (a) a body corporate or agency of the Government; (b) a body corporate; (c) all commercial activities aimed at making profit and geared towards the satisfaction of demand from the public.’”
“According to section 70(1) of the Act, ‘For the purpose of this Act, an undertaking [such as the CBN] is considered to be in a dominant position if it is able to act without taking account of the reaction of its customers or consumers.’”
“The Act prohibits abuse of dominant position by the CBN including charging excessive ATM transaction fees to the detriment of consumers.”
“Section 104 of the of the Act asserts the supremacy of the Act over ‘the provisions of any other law’, such as the CBN Act. The only exception to the provision is the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended].”
“Section 127(1) of the Act also prohibits the CBN from making any policy or providing “any services at a price that is manifestly unfair, unreasonable or unjust.”
SERAP is therefore asking the court for the following reliefs:
A DECLARATION that the decision by the Defendant in upwardly reviewing and increasing ATM Transaction Fees, as contained in the Defendant’s circular dated 10th February 2025 is arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, unjust and a dis-service to the consumers of the services rendered by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in Nigeria, and ultimately in breach of sections 1(c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127(1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
A DECLARATION that by the combined provisions of section 1 (c) and (d), 104, 105 and 127 (1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018, section 42(1) (a) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act 2007 and section 10.7 of the Central Bank of Nigeria Guide to Charges by Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institution 2020, the Defendant cannot unilaterally increase ATM Transaction Fees without the consent of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).
AN ORDER setting aside the Defendant’s circular dated 10th February 2025 and published on 11th February 2025, with reference number FPR/DIR/GEN/CIR/001/002, directed to all Banks and Other Financial Institutions for being arbitrary, unfair, unreasonable, unjust and a breach of the provisions of sections 1 (c) and (d), 104 and 127 (1) of the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Act 2018.
AN ORDER restraining the Defendant, including its agents, assigns, privies and or representatives or such other persons acting on its behalf, and all Banks, Other Financial and Non-Bank Financial Institutions in Nigeria from implementing and/or enforcing the decision of the Defendant.
AND FOR SUCH FURTHER ORDER(S) that the Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstance of this suit.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the interim application and the substantive suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
23/02/2025
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
…our joy is that every construction by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is nearly perfect – nearly, because no one is perfect
The Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission (PCC), FCT, Hon. Musa Dikko has commended leading construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for its strict compliance with regulations, stating that the company deserves an award for maintaining a record free of public complaints,
Speaking during the Commission’s courtesy visit to the company’s headquarters Wednesday, Dikko emphasized the long-standing relationship between the PCC and Julius Berger, praising the company’s excellence in construction and labour relations. “Our joy is that every construction done by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is nearly perfect. I say ‘nearly’ because they say no one is perfect,” he remarked.
On the company’s handling of compensation matters at project sites, the Commissioner noted that Julius Berger has consistently ensured prompt and fair compensation to affected individuals, including those in the FCT. “Each time compensation is required, my parents and our people always feel at ease because Julius Berger’s approach is different from other construction companies. This long-standing commitment has ensured that no complaints have been brought to the Public Complaints Commission regarding the company’s conduct. Where there is no peace there can be no development, and for this, Julius Berger deserves an award”, he added.
The Commission’s State Director of Investigation, Irene Chuka Ogbogu echoed Dikko’s sentiments, appreciating the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts and its commitment to due diligence.
Responding to the commendation, the Director of Administration at Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Alh. Dr Abdulaziz Kaita acknowledged the fruitful collaboration between the company and the PCC. He assured that the company remains dedicated to upholding workers’ and communities’ rights whilst adhering to all regulatory frameworks. “As a company, we have always strived to operate within legal and ethical guidelines. Our cooperation with the PCC has been beneficial to both parties, and we will continue to support the Commission’s mandate of protecting the rights of the people and ensuring compliance,” he stated.
Kaita further emphasized that as one of Nigeria’s largest employers of labour in the construction industry today, Julius Berger recognizes the responsibilities that come with its status. “Being a major employer of labour requires us to be diligent in the protection of our workers and the citizens. We have internal policies which we abide with, and I can assure you that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc will ensure everything is done through the due process, he assured.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a strong relationship that ensures public trust, compliance, and the continuous development of Nigeria’s infrastructure sector.
The PCC delegation on the courtesy visit included: the Chairman, Hon. Musa Dikko, State Director of Investigation, Mrs. Irene Chuka Ogbogu; Deputy Director of Investigation, Mrs. Jideri Agbese; Head of Public Relations, Mr. Emmanuel Ugboaja; Deputy Head of Public Relations, Mr. Alex Akinyele and Information Officer, Ms. Gladys Iduku.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed condolences to the Publisher of New Dawn Online, Mr. Olatunde Abatan, over the death of his wife, Mrs. Desola Abatan.
Governor Sanwo-Olu while mourning the passing of Mrs. Abatan, who died at the age of 58 on Tuesday after a brief illness, described her death as a great loss to the family, particularly her husband, children, and siblings.
Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday also sympathised with the entire family, friends and associates of the deceased.
The Governor also sent his condolences to the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) over the death of the renowned journalist’s wife.
He said: “It is with a deep sense of sorrow that I commiserate with the Publisher of New Dawn Online, Mr. Olatunde Abatan, on the passing of his beloved wife, Mrs. Desola Abatan.
“No doubt, the death of a loved one is a painful episode in our lives because it is irreparable, but we must always take solace in God for a good life spent by the deceased person.
“Mrs. Desola Abatan lived a good life and made a positive impact during her lifetime. She was a soul mate, friend, and great supporter of her husband, Mr. Olatunde Abatan. She was also a caring and loving mother to her children.
“I pray that God will grant the soul of our beloved Mrs. Desola Abatan eternal rest and comfort her husband, children, the immediate family, friends and associates.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
SPECIAL ADVISER – MEDIA AND PUBLICITY
20 FEBRUARY 2025
Alaka Estate allottees on Wednesday urged the Managing Director of the Lagos Building Investment Company PLC (LBIC), Olusola Faleye and his supposed contractor to cease forthwith any illegal construction on the demolished portion of the allotted land of Block 130 and 131.
‘’It is disheartening to find that against all forms of protocol, civility and respect to the Fundamental Right to own a property, which is enshrined in Section 43 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended, LBIC in cohort with some developers without any knowledge of the legal owners of the property, specifically on the 8th of February, 2025 went to level the site and began an illegal development on the land’’
They also urged the LBIC Managing Director to return to the agreement earlier had with the legal owners of the property and get to reach an agreement signed, sealed and delivered by the leadership of LBIC and the legal owners of the property before any construction under any guise can begin.
At a press conference in Alaka, the allottees through their solicitors, Samuel Shodipo and Associates, descended on the LBIC Managing Director, accusing him and his Co-Travellers of wrongful appropriation of their properties.
They accused the Lagos State Government officials of igniting the crisis and working against the December 16 agreement.
‘’Shortly after the demolition, a meeting was held with the MD of LBIC on December 16, 2024, in their office wherein the MD agreed with the legal owners of the property after presenting their allocation letters, that an amicable resolution taking into concern the perspective of the legal owners of the property must have been reached. He then counseled the legal owners present at the meeting to meet, forge a collective stand and get back to meet with him on the way forward’’
The allottees called on Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to call the LBIC Managing Director to order.
‘’It is no gain saying that the legal owners had their property demolished due to its dilapidated state as a result of the frequent flooding of the area whenever it rained, which unfortunately permeated the structure so much so that the building began to sink. Consequently, His Excellency Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu met with some of the legal owners of the building in 2019 and promised to demolish the said buildings, build a new structure on the land and handover the completed building to the original owners of the property’’
They also accused the LBIC Managing Director, the contractor and other cronies of the MD of plotting to forcefully take over the property.
‘’After a while that nothing seemed to be forthcoming from the initial discussion with the governor, LBIC came to demolish the property without carrying the legal owners of the property along on November 28, 2024’’
Julius Berger is a beacon of excellence in Infrastructure development – Quantity Surveyors
A group of certified Quantity Surveyors in the country has hailed leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc as beacon of excellence in infrastructural development.
Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Nigeria Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS Foundation, Olusegun J. Ajanlekoko who made the declaration when he led the Board of Trustees of the Foundation on a courtesy visit to the construction company Tuesday, said, “this foundation is an offshoot of the NIQS. When NIQS turned 50, we thought about what we could use to impact the society, how our presence can be felt, and that was what led to the Foundation.
Describing the NIQS Foundation as a new baby still growing, he said the group needed to look beyond the shores of their immediate environment for partnership opportunities with like-minded organisations. We needed to go beyond the shores of our own confinement and look at how we can partner, how we can extend synergies between ourselves and those who are progressive in the industry, those who have the same vision with us, and our first point of call was Julius Berger. So, when we looked at those who we think can have the same goal, vision and can team up with us; Julius Berger came up on the front board.
Saying that the construction company stands as a beacon of excellence, Ajanlekoko welcomed the opportunity to partner with Julius Berger On behalf of the NIQS Foundation, we send our gratitude for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with you in the spirit of collaboration and mutual progress. We must say that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc stands as a beacon of excellence in infrastructure development, delivering projects that have significantly contributed to the growth and modernization of Nigeria.
He continued: Your unwavering commitment to policies, sustainability and capacity building within the construction sector is commendable and serves as an inspiration to industry stakeholders including the NIQS Foundation.
The Chairman then stated that the group’s visit to Julius Berger was driven by the desire to foster a strategic partnership that aligns with their shared objective of promoting excellence, professionalism, and innovation in the built environment, adding that, as a Foundation, we are committed to supporting initiatives that enhance capacity building, research and sustainable development in the quantity surveying profession and the construction industry at large.”
Speaking while welcoming them, Julius Berger’s Director of Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita said, your presence here today is not just an acknowledgement of the Institution’s dedication to the values of excellence and professionalism, but a testament of your unwavering commitment to the growth and advancement of quantity surveying in Nigeria.
He said, the NIQS Foundation has been a beacon of hope and progress in the field of quantity surveying even as he acknowledged the group’s efforts in promoting professional development, fostering innovation, and ensuring the highest ethical standards have been instrumental in shaping the landscape of construction and project management in Nigeria through its initiatives that empower young professionals, fund education.
He further said the NIQS Foundation’s visit to Julius Berger has great significance to the company, “as it is an opportunity to strengthen our partnership and collectively explore ways to further the objectives of the foundation. We believe that this engagement will lead to fruitful discussions and actionable steps to empower the next generation of professionals and reinforce the value of quantity surveying in our national development.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General, NIQS Foundation, Qs. Dr. Celestina N. Eke said, “The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors Foundation is an independent organization formed by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors and registered to carry out research and the necessity to improve the lives of individuals and create a better environment through research and alleviation programmes.
The Foundation, she continued, is registered as Incorporated Trustees under Part F, Section 823 of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2020 of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
She continued: This courtesy visit of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors to Julius Berger marks a significant step towards enhancing collaboration and communication within the construction industry. We express strong commitment to working together on future initiatives that promote professional development and address the challenges faced by quantity surveyors. This partnership is expected to contribute positively to the growth and advancement of the sector, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and sustainable construction projects in Nigeria. We believe this partnership will reinforce Julius Berger’s leadership in Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Development.”
On the delegation of the NIQS Foundation Board of Trustees to the event include Director-General, NIQS Foundation, Qs. Dr. Celestina N. Eke; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Olusegun J. Ajanlekoko, NIQSF Secretary BOT, Osaretin Okoro, Secretary General of NIQS, Rotimi Bola Ojelade, Former FCT Chairman, representing the NIQS President, Qs. Okaru Joseph A; NIQSF BOT Member, Rabiu Suleiman Yusuf, Project Manager, NIQSF, Ihebuzor Uzomeshina Obinna; Learning, Research and Grant Writing, Tanko Muhammed Lawal; NIQSF Desk Officer to NIQS Foundation, Taofeek Bunmi Adefisayo,
The Julius Berger delegation to the event was led by the Director Administration, Alh. Dr. Abdulaziz Isa Kaita ably supported by Chief Risk Officer, Shakira Mustapha, Human Resource Coordinator, Mohammed Nasiru, Qs. Gabriel Victor Idah, Qs. Mary Helen Wumba, Emmanuel Isibor and Olivia Uzoma.
ABUJA, FCT, JANUARY 28, 2025
PRESS STATEMENT
The former Vice President and Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, like a badly broken record, has continued to point fingers at the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the festering rot in his party, and the spectacular dysfunction of opposition parties generally.
At the national conference on Strengthening Democracy in Nigeria held in Abuja on Monday, January 27, 2025, Atiku, warned that the nation’s democracy was somewhat imperiled by judicial involvement in electoral matters. Also, without a shred of evidence, Atiku alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was paying certain opposition leaders a whooping 50 Million Naira each to discombobulate opposition parties in the country.
It was in the Atiku era as Vice President, particularly in 2003 and 2007, that the PDP conducted the worst elections in our political history. We cannot possibly forget how Atiku’s PDP heavy-handedly captured most South-West states and vowed to remain in power for 60 years. It was in those same years that Atiku’s former boss and then President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, infamously described election as a “do or die affair” in a desperate attempt to annex Lagos. If democracy was neither derailed nor endangered in those perilous days, is it now that elections are by far freer, fairer and more credible that Nigeria risks losing democracy?
The judicial branch of government is a constitutional creation like the executive and legislative branches with its constitutionally defined powers to adjudicate disputes among citizens and between citizens and the state. Atiku cannot wish away or seek to abolish enshrined power of the courts to intervene in civil disputes, including electoral disputes, in cases where the authority of the court is validly invoked by a litigant.
It is a thing of irony that Atiku, who is Nigeria’s most prolific electoral litigator, would make such a ludicrous claim that judicial involvement in electoral matters is a threat to democracy. His criticism of the courts and the electoral process rings hollow given his long history of using the courts to further his political agenda. It’s time for him to take a step back and let the democratic process unfold without his interference.
Nigeria’s democracy is far stronger than Atiku’s political ambitions. We deserve better than petty politicking and alarmist rhetoric from an elder statesman. As a veteran politician, one would expect Atiku to understand that while democracy may be about winning election, it is, more importantly, about respecting the will of the electorate and working towards the greater good of all. Atiku should focus on rebuilding his party and offering constructive solutions to Nigeria’s challenges.
Atiku’s allegation that the APC-led administration was paying out 50 Million Naira to some opposition figures is simply bogus and laughable. Atiku knows that his political desperation is responsible for the PDP’s catastrophic disintegration. Peddling rumors and unsubstantiated allegations should be beneath anyone in the standing of an elder statesman, a former Vice President and a serial contestant for the exalted office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The bizarre suggestion by opposition figures like Atiku, Peter Obi, and recently, aggrieved leaders like Mallam Nasir El-Rufai that our great Party may be complicit in the internal corrosion of opposition parties is pitiful, and only an incompetent alibi for their crass failure to manage their own affairs. They cannot govern their parties but tout their ability to govern Africa’s most populous country.
As discerning citizens, Nigerians know better than to be distracted by the false alarm and hollow allegations of desperate politicians whose only goal is shore up their political relevance in the build up to 2027 general elections.
Signed:
*Felix Morka, Esq.*
National Publicity Secretary
All Progressives Congress (APC)
STATEHOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU LAUDS ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF DIASPORAN NIGERIANS
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday in Abuja, said the positive reports on Nigerians in the diaspora would inspire the younger generation on values that enhance the nation’s image.
The President commended diasporan Nigerians while receiving Letters of Credence from the High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Pasquale Salvaggio, and the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, Dr Julius F. Sandy, at the State House.
President Tinubu also received Letters of Credence from Legesse Geremew Haile, the Ambassador of Ethiopia to Nigeria, and Archbishop Michael Francis Crotty, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Nigeria.
The Canadian High Commissioner told President Tinubu that Nigerians are active in education, sports, science, health, and business in his country.
He said Nigerians in Canada demonstrate high responsibility, civility, and purposefulness when pursuing their goals.
“For us, Nigeria is a key partner. You are the largest country in Africa, with one of the largest economies. You are also Canada’s largest trading partner in Africa.
“I would like to advance the positive relations over the years. The diaspora in Canada is dynamic and strong. We have Nigerians in government, business, science, and sports. We want to build the ties further,” the Canadian High Commissioner said.
Salvaggio, who had previously worked in Ghana and Cote’Ivoire, said Canada seeks to expand its interest in oil and gas, ICT, and agriculture in its partnership with Nigeria.
President Tinubu lauded Nigerians’ accomplishments abroad, describing them as an inspiration to many.
“It is good to hear about how Nigerians are doing well in the diaspora again,” he said.
In another meeting with the High Commissioner of Sierra Leone, President Tinubu affirmed that Nigeria’s interest in developing the West Coast and Africa remains a priority.
The President told the envoy that Nigeria’s decades-long investment in Sierra Leone has contributed to Africa’s progress and promoted bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner thanked the President for Nigeria’s support in keeping the country together.
“In Sierra Leone, more Nigerians are doing business than Sierra Leoneans. Most of my teachers in school were Nigerians. There is no difference between a Nigerian and a Sierra Leonean when you are walking in the street of Freetown,” the High Commissioner said.
At another meeting with the new Ethiopian envoy, President Tinubu discussed the warm relations between Nigeria and Ethiopia.
“We need to continue pursuing peace in our continent. We need to work hard together to promote peace and stability. Our challenge in Africa is insecurity. Insecurity detracts from development. We do not have anybody that will bring peace to us, except we work for it,” he said.
The Ambassador of Ethiopia remarked, “I am in Nigeria to build on the achievements of my predecessors. We will focus on culture. Our cultural relations are a big industry, already enhanced by the Ethiopian Airline.”
After receiving the Letter of Credence from the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican, President Tinubu commended the Catholic Church for its investments in education and interventions to reduce poverty.
“We have a lot of value for education in Nigeria, and the Catholic Church has done a lot in that regard, as well as in fighting poverty. Education reduces ignorance and poverty,” he added.
President Tinubu said he looked forward to receiving the Vatican’s leadership in Nigeria.
Bayo Onanuga
Special Adviser to the President
(Information & Strategy)
January 30, 2025