News From Nigeria
SLEEP WELL, UNCLE P
Certainly, your death is a great loss to the good people of Isoko, Okpe and Agbon.
As we mourn our departed uncle, let us give thanks to God Almighty for his very exemplary and accomplished life.
Let us be comforted by the knowledge that Barrister Paul Erove is returning to his Creator as a very blessed and fulfilled man.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim to serve as the Minister of Youth, pending her confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The President has further approved the nomination of Mr. Ayodele Olawande to serve as the Minister of State for Youth, pending his confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Dr. Jamila Bio Ibrahim is a young medical doctor and most recently served as the President of the Progressive Young Women Forum (PYWF). She has also served as the Senior Special Assistant to the Kwara State Governor on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Mr. Ayodele Olawande is a community development expert and youth leader in the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC). He most recently served in the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Innovation from 2019 to 2023.
President Tinubu charges the above-mentioned nominees to ensure that they consistently reflect the dynamism, innovative zeal, and unyielding productivity that are synonymous with the young people of Nigeria as they discharge their duties.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 17, 2023
SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘failure to stop Wike, Umahi, others from collecting retirement benefits’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the failure to stop the former governors who are now serving as ministers in his administration from collecting life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their states while they serve as ministers.”
The ministers mentioned in the suit are: Badaru Abubakar; Nyesom Wike; Bello Matawalle; Adegboyega Oyetola; and David Umahi. Others are: Simon Lalong; Atiku Bagudu; and Ibrahim Geidam.
SERAP said, “the ministers are to be joined in the suit as Defendants.”
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1855/2023 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers to stop collecting life pension, and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their respective states.
SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Tinubu to instruct the former governors who are now serving as ministers to forthwith return any pensions and ‘retirement benefits’ collected by them since leaving office to the public treasury.”
SERAP is also seeking: “a declaration that the failure by President Tinubu to publicly instruct former governors who are now serving as ministers to stop collecting life pensions, exotic cars, and other ‘retirement benefits’ from their states while serving as ministers is a violation of his constitutional oath of office.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “Compelling and directing President Tinubu to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers would serve the public interest, especially given the current grave economic realities in the country.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The appointment of those who collect life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ as ministers is an arbitrary and unlawful exercise of discretion and presidential power of appointment.”
According to SERAP, “While many pensioners are not paid their pensions, former governors serving as ministers get paid huge severance benefits upon leaving office, and are poised to enjoy double emoluments on top of the opulence of political office holders.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The Tinubu government has constitutional and international legal obligations to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits while serving as ministers.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers, Kolawole Oluwadare and Andrew Nwankwo, read in part: “The appointment of former governors who collect life pensions while serving as ministers is implicitly forbidden by the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the country’s international legal obligations.”
“Constitutional oath of office requires public officials to abstain from all improper acts, including collecting ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers. This is clearly inconsistent with the public trust and the overall objectives of the Constitution. A false oath lacks truth and justice. The oath statements require the oath takers to commit to uphold and defend the Constitution.”
“Stopping the former governors from collecting double emoluments would ensure that the country’s wealth and resources are used for the common good and benefit of the socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians rather than to satisfy the opulent lifestyle of a few politicians.”
“Compelling President Tinubu to stop the former governors from collecting any ‘retirement benefits’ would ensure that the exercise of presidential power of appointment is entirely consistent with requirements of the Nigerian Constitution and the fundamental principles of integrity and honesty.”
“The following former governors are now ministers in the Tinubu administration: Badaru Abubakar (former governor of Jigawa State and Minister of Defence); and Nyesom Wike (former governor of River State and FCT Minister).”
“Others include: Bello Matawalle (former governor of Zamfara State and Minister of State for Defence); Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola (former governor of Osun State and Minister of Transportation); and David Umahi (Minister of Works).”
“Others are Simon Bako Lalong (former governor of Plateau State and Minister of Labour and Employment); Atiku Bagudu (former governor of Kebbi State and Minister of Budget and Economic Planning); Ibrahim Geidam (former governor of Yole State and Minister of Police of Affairs.”
“The states currently implementing life pensions and other ‘retirement benefits’ for former governors reportedly include Jigawa, Kebbi, Jigawa, Ebonyi, Yobe, and Rivers. These states owe workers’ salaries and remain the poorest in the country.”
“Several of the pension laws in these states include provisions for six cars every three years, a house in Lagos worth N750 million, and another in Abuja worth N1 billion, unrestricted access to medical attention, and pensionable cooks, stewards, and gardeners.”
“Other provisions include 100 per cent annual salaries of the incumbent governor, security operatives and police officers permanently assigned to former governors.”
“In President Tinubu’s inaugural speech as president, he promised that his administration would be guided by ‘the principle of the rule of law, a shared sense of fairness and equity’, and that ‘Nigeria will be governed according to the constitution.’”
“These commitments are consistent with the constitutional duties under sections 5, 130 and 147, and oath of office, under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended).”
“By the combined reading of these provisions, the Tinubu government has a legal obligation to appoint as ministers former governors whose conduct is entirely consistent and compatible with constitutional and international legal requirements.”
“The country’s international legal obligations especially under the UN Convention against Corruption also impose a legal commitment on public officials to discharge a public duty truthfully and faithfully.”
“Life pensions for former governors serving as ministers are entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under the UN Convention against Corruption.”
“The convention specifically in paragraph 1 of article 8 requires the Tinubu government to promote integrity, honesty and responsibility in the management of public resources.”
“Furthermore, Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo in a judgment dated 26 November, 2019 also indicated that double emoluments for former governors are unacceptable, unconstitutional and illegal. Indeed, former governors collecting ‘retirement benefits’ while serving as ministers would clearly amount to taking advantage of entrusted public positions.”
“‘Public function’ means activities in the public interest, not against it. The alleged collection of ‘retirement benefits’ by former governors now serving as ministers amount to private self-interest or self-dealing. It is also detrimental to the public interest.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
17/9/2023
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
Obasanjo’s tenure most successful in terms of economic growth, job creation, and inflation rate in Nigeria – Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Nasir El-Rufai
Former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Nasir El-Rufai , has said the second term of former President Olusegun Obasanjo yielded the most successful in terms of economic growth, job creation, and inflation rate in Nigeria.
Obasanjo governed the country from 1999 to 2007, as the first democratically elected leader of the fourth republic.
El-Rufai, who served as a minister under Obasanjo, said Nigeria, the most populous African country, experienced economic prosperity during his second term extending from 2003 till 2007.
The former governor said Nigeria returned to “proper integrated planning and we also got lucky” at the time.
He made this known on Friday during a session at the Africa in the World conference in Stellenbosch, South Africa, as he clamoured for the need for proper planning to aid the economic growth of any country.
“We have a planning commission in Nigeria but it has not been as effective.”
“If you look at Nigeria’s economic trajectory, the most successful four to five-year period of economic growth, job creation, and reduced inflation was the period of the second term of President Obasanjo in 2003 to 2007, when for the first time, the country went back into proper integrated planning and we also got lucky,” he said.
“Oil prices began to rise but we did not waste the windfall because we had planned. We had an excess crude account (ECA) that was based on fiscal rule that any surpluses above a certain benchmark price of crude oil goes to that savings account.
“And with that, we were able to get rid of all our foreign debt.”
El-Rufai said Nigeria’s fiscal vigour was at its best in 2007, such that when the global financial crisis took place in 2008, “Nigeria did not feel anything”.
“Nothing was felt in Nigeria because Nigeria had a big savings account; we had huge reserves and we were able to absorb the shock without any internal problems unlike most countries,” he said.
100 Days In Office: Delta APC Denounces Former Member, Hon. Silas Bouwe, Over Comments Praising Oborevwori*
The attention of the All Progressives Congress Delta State has been drawn to a grossly misleading and fallacious press release/statement by one Hon. Silas Bouwe, captioned ‘100 Days In Office: APC Stalwart Hails Oborevwori On Projects’ published by the SpadeNigeria, an online news platform.
For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight, the Party hereby states categorically for the uptenth time that the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is not a registered member of the Party in Delta State having been expelled a long time ago by the State Executive Committee of the Party for various acts of anti-party activities and at no time has he been readmitted into the Party as a bona fide member.
Furthermore, the assertion and reference to him by the SpadeNigeria publication as a former state secretary of the Party is not only a journalistic error of monumental proportions, but also hilariously puerile as it is a well known fact that the factional State Executive to which he once belonged to, was declared illegal by the supreme court.
More instructively, is the fact that, the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is presently a known member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), where he ran as a candidate for the house of representatives for Isoko Federal constituency. It is therefore strange to see him granting interviews, falsely representing himself as a member of the APC or do we now assume that the publishers of SpadeNigeria erroneously referred to him as a member of the APC, instead of APGA to which he truly belongs?
We therefore call on the management of SpadeNigeria to be more circumspect by exhibiting due diligence in their reports as more investigation would have revealed the fact that Hon. Silas Bouwe together with other candidates of APGA in Delta State led by Chief Great Ogboru went into alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) against the APC in the 2023 general elections and this was confirmed by the presence of Chief Great Ogboru at the press conference immediately after the announcement of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by INEC. This alliance was further recently cemented by the appointment of Michael Ogboru, the son of Chief Great Ogboru, as a special adviser to the state governor. The conclusion to be drawn here is that this press release by Hon. Silas Bouwe is a continuation of that unholy alliance.
Albeit, the point that must be emphasized for the purpose of clarity devoid of any ambiguity, is that Hon. Silas Bouwe, lacks character and integrity and a notorious serial liar that consistently engages in cheap political blackmail and praise singing in order to curry both political and financial favours from those in authority. And his present interview in question, must be viewed from that prism as a sheepish effort of seeking political relevance for possible personal advancement in this period of seeking appointments.
The pertinent question is what exactly is Hon. Silas Bouwe celebrating?
Is it the secretive and dubious award of the construction of 3 flyovers at the whooping cost of 78 billion purportedly to Julius Berger? Or is it not the same Julius Berger that the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, used in constructing over 15 flyovers at the cost of about 10 -15 billion per flyover?
As earlier expressed in our press release regarding the 100 days in office of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the entire Delta State is in total agreement that there is nothing to celebrate but abject failure and executive dereliction having surrendered his office and duties to his immediate predecessor who is actually in control of the reigns of power in the State.
Conclusively, Hon. Silas Bouwe, while being entitled to his own warped opinions as to the deplorable state of affairs of our dear State, should do so as a member of APGA or any other political party to which he belongs, but not our great Party and thereby maligning the name of the APC as we will not hesitate to take necessary steps, both criminal and civil, in seeking redress against him.
APC Renewed Hope
Signed
Valentine Onojeghuo Esq State Publicity Secretary APC Delta State
13/9/2023.
Tinubu’s rapprochement with UAE is a key economic diplomacy win, says Omo-Agege
Immediate past Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the initiative to restore the mutually beneficial economic relationship between Nigeria and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), describing it as a key win in economic diplomacy.
Reacting to President Tinubu’s meeting with the leadership of the UAE on his way back from the BRICS summit in India, Omo-Agege who is also the Delta State governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) said restoring and strengthening mutually beneficial economic relationships is pivotal to the return to sustainable development.
In a press statement issued by Mr. Sunny Areh, Media Adviser to Senator Omo-Agege, the APC chieftain stated that it takes a bold vision and aggressive diplomacy to revive the important economic relationship between both countries which will ultimately see the restoration of direct flights and the lifting of the visa ban.
“Economic diplomacy is a crucial component of the bid to bring Nigeria’s economy back to the path of growth. We need to harness the opportunities inherent in our relationship with major economic centres. That is why President Tinubu’s initiative and success recorded with his meeting with the leadership of the UAE is commendable.
“It reinforces my confidence and belief in the President that he has the capacity to lead Nigeria out of the present economic doldrum to the path of prosperity. Again, I believe Nigerians will find this as an affirmation that they made the right choice in voting him as our President on February 26,” Sen. Omo-Agege said.
He urged the National Assembly and all Nigerians that genuinely desire a better society to rally round President Tinubu.
“The task of rebuilding our economy is a huge one. It requires getting the private sector and the international business community to buy into the project. Thankfully, our President has succeeded in doing that. With the confidence of the business community in Nigeria’s president and his economic policies, we are on track to becoming a major investment destination once again”, Omo-Agege stated.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU CONDOLES WITH LIBYA OVER STORM DANIEL AND RESULTING FLOODS
President Bola Tinubu extends his profound condolences to the government and people of Libya in the aftermath of the devastating impact of Storm Daniel and the subsequent flooding that has severely affected the eastern regions of the country.
The President further commiserates with all families who have lost loved ones in this monumental disaster and sends his best wishes for a speedy recovery to all who have been injured during the tragic incident.
The Nigerian leader assures the great people of Libya of Nigeria’s unwavering solidarity and goodwill during these trying times, adding that this disheartening loss of lives, homes, livelihoods, and critical infrastructure remains a shared grief that further unites the people of both nations.
“Nigeria is ready to provide all necessary support to assist the Libyan people in overcoming this harrowing tragedy,” President Tinubu concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 13, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW ACTING EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE FEDERAL INLAND REVENUE SERVICE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Hon. Zacch Adedeji as the new Acting Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
The President has directed the erstwhile FIRS Chairman, Mr. Muhammad Nami, to proceed on 3 months of pre-retirement leave, as provisioned by Public Service Rule (PSR) 120243, with immediate effect, leading to his eventual retirement from service on December 8, 2023.
Hon. Zacch Adedeji is hereby appointed in acting capacity for a 90-day period before his subsequent confirmation as the substantive Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service for a term of four (4) years in the first instance.
Hon. Zacch Adedeji is a first-class graduate in accounting from the Obafemi Awolowo University. He most recently served the nation as the Special Adviser to the President on Revenue, following meritorious service terms as the Oyo State Commissioner of Finance and as the Executive Secretary / CEO of the National Sugar Development Council (NSDC).
By these directives of the President, the new appointment takes immediate effect.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW NATIONAL COORDINATOR / CEO OF THE NATIONAL SOCIAL INVESTMENT PROGRAMMES AGENCY (NSIPA)
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of Mrs. Delu Bulus Yakubu as the pioneer National Coordinator / Chief Executive Officer of the National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA), pending Senate confirmation.
The National Social Investment Programmes Agency (NSIPA) (Establishment) Act, 2023, was signed into law on May 22, 2023.
Mrs. Delu Bulus Yakubu is a recipient of a Masters degree in agronomy from the State University of Bio-Technology in Kharkiv, Ukraine, with over 15 years worth of working experience in Social Investment Programme management.
President Tinubu expects the new appointee to convey the highest level of efficiency, transparency, and qualitative service delivery at NSIPA, in his determination to actualize the Renewed Hope agenda of his administration.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU NOMINATES NEW CBN GOVERNOR AND MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR SENATE SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION
President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as listed below:
(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro
(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo
(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor
(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU PROMISES TO RECONSTRUCT ELEME AXIS OF EAST-WEST ROAD; THANKS RIVERS STATE FOR STALWART SUPPORT GIVEN TO HIS ADMINISTRATION
Blessed with enormous human capacity and natural resource wealth, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja, said that neither Rivers State or Nigeria has any business being associated with poverty, insecurity or under-development, assuring that under his leadership, the narrative will be permanently and positively changed.
Welcoming a high-powered 62-man delegation, comprising of leaders from both the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the State House, the President said the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has left big shoes to fill for the new Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and that as one of his most trusted allies, Rivers State will always have direct access to him in their joint march toward sustainable development.
“We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it!
“We are not lazy people. We are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another. I am not a President that will give excuses. I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication to create wealth for all Nigerians. We have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.
“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the nation of people I now lead,” the President thundered.
President Tinubu noted that concerning infrastructure development in Rivers State, he had heard the cries of prominent Rivers sons, with particular reference to the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, linking the Port Harcourt Refinery. On this, the President said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a strong adviser, and would follow up on the issue for prompt action.
“The Honourable Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running and he should be encouraged by the State,” the President affirmed.
Advising the younger generation to be more patient with the processes of government, the President said, “I am the Captain and Chief Salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us. I pledge to work hard, and I pray to God to put me on the right path, not to disappoint Nigerians,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, told the President that the delegation, which included leaders of political parties, and past and present members of the State and National Assemblies across parties, was on a solidarity and thank you visit.
“The people of Rivers State voted for you in the last general elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice. This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the federal government since the inception of democracy in 1999,” he said.
The Governor noted that the delegation greatly appreciated the President for appointing capable sons and daughters of the state into highly strategic positions within his administration.
The Governor particularly thanked the President for the appointments of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity & Official Spokesperson of the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, as well as other sons and daughters of Rivers State into the Boards and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions.
The Governor applauded the President for attracting a $14 billion dollars investment approval for projects nationwide during the G-20 Summit, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State, adding that the State had just allocated 209 hectares of land in support of the new investment.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GBADEBO AT 80
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV), on his 80 years birthday celebration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, said Oba Gbadebo’s visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
The Governor said Oba Gbadebo, who retired voluntarily as Colonel in the Nigerian Army, left the Military with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty in him.
He said: “Oba Gbadebo’s reign as the Alake has been a beacon of wisdom, benevolence and cultural heritage, enriching the lives of his subjects and the larger Nigeria populace. His leadership has been the cornerstone of peace and progress in Egbaland, and his commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage is unparalleled.
“His Majesty’s commitment to peace, unity and progress is well-known and deeply respected. His visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
“On this momentous day, we celebrate not just Oba Gbadebo’s birth but the remarkable life he has led, the lives he has touched, and the legacy he continues to build. His Majesty has indeed been a great source of inspiration and role model to the younger generation.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Lagos State, I wish Oba Gbadebo a happy birthday and pray that the Almighty God continues to bestow on his Majesty, wisdom for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Egbaland.
“As Oba Gbadebo marks this milestone, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years of service to Egbaland, Ogun State and our dear country, Nigeria. May his reign continue to bring prosperity and unity to Egbaland and beyond.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 SEPTEMBER 2023
The Big Five Construct Nigeria Exhibition:
Accolades as leading Brand, Julius Berger and its subsidiaries, is celebrated by quality enthusiasts in Lagos.
The Big 5 Construct Exhibition ended Thursday in Lagos with much accolades from visitors at the event for leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for quality products on display during the three-day international meet.
It would be recalled that Julius Berger had announced recently that its subsidiary companies will be participating at the landmark event. At the just concluded international exhibition, apart from the mother company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, its subsidiaries including Abumet (for premium aluminium and glass works), PrimeTech Design and Engineering (), Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, Julius Berger Facility Management Works as well as Julius Berger Idu Pre-cast Products, were all in active participation at the event in Lagos .
While the Julius Berger brand is uniquely renowned for its extensive portfolio of highly successful engineering construction projects, and the company is now transforming into more than just a construction company that boasts of unique construction capabilities, project management expertise, and state-of-the-art engineering solutions that have solidified its position as a trusted and reliable partner for progress, its aluminium and glass subsidiary, Abumet, displayed outstanding designs, advanced fabrication techniques, offering sustainable solutions to clients’ needs.
Another subsidiary, PrimeTech displayed new and recently updated engineering and architectural designs including its comprehensive range of services, emphasising the company’s signature commitment to delivering efficient and sustainable solutions. PrimeTech’s service offerings include all structural, architectural, infrastructural, mechanical, electrical and pipe design and engineering services as well as work preparation and cost estimation services
Julius Berger Piling and geotechnical services was not left out. The subsidiary displayed some of its products and interacted with visitors to the stand on its piling and geotechnical engineering services with available specialist services in consultancy of varying scope and complexity.
The expansive Julius Berger pavilion at the Big 5 exhibition also had another subsidiary participating. The Idu Precast Products situated in Abuja put on display samples of its block and concrete products all moulded to the acclaimed Julius Berger standard ensuring that they meet the most stringent engineering requirements to withstand every elemental impact.
The Facilities Management Works Services subsidiary also participated with its highly skilled workforce busy interacting with visitors on services available. With the solution-oriented and quality stamp on the also quite experienced Julius Berger Facilities Management Works team, it was clear to significantly impressed visitors that they were the partners of choice for public and private organisations seeking high quality consistent, compliant, integrated asset management solutions.
An early visitor to the Julius Berger stand at the Big 5 exhibition is the Chairman, Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON.
In his remark at the stand he said, “…we have come here to showcase our multi talents and capabilities. We want the world to be reminded that Julius Berger is not just a builder of house and bridges, but that we are into other unique aspects that really affect humanity positively.”
Julius Berger’s Commercial Manager, Mr. Christian Bauer, said the company is delighted to be a participant at the Big5 Construct Nigeria event alongside its esteemed and horizontally integrated subsidiaries. The exhibition, he said, provided Julius Berger with a great platform to showcase the Group’s collective expertise, foster industry collaboration, and highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that will continue to drive Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
As for the CEO of leading properties company, Lichfield Properties Limited, Dr. David Odi “…it was a nice experience moving inside the Julius Berger stand. The feeling I get is that Julius Berger is one big deal where you find a potpourri of highly professional services and products one must require to live a comfortable life.”
THE operations Manager of Abumet, Markus Erhardt was hopeful of the fallouts of the Big 5 show. He said, “…we got valuable contacts and hopefully they would place good orders.”
The Project Evaluation Manager of Abumet, Mr Werner Christian Willegger said,
the exhibition was good. “We expect something productively positive from this exhibition.” Looking around the exhibited Abumet glass and aluminium fabrications in the company’s pavilion, Werner said, “…this shows just a few of our jobs so far and we have marketed this premium grade quality to the equally enthusiastic visitors that you can see.” He added that “…the visitor traffic to our stand has been nice and we are expecting lots of contracts in the next business cycle after this exhibition.
All we had to do was show visitors our perfectly engineered products and they could see the cutting-edge quality for themselves. The marketing was a perfectly joyful activity for us. For Abumet, every client is King, and the feedback we are getting has been good.”
Mr. Karnauke Christoph head of Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, was clearly hopeful of good business post the exhibition. He said, “…it has been a unique experience here. We are very hopeful to convert all the enquiries we have entertained today into concrete contracts soon.”
Other Julius Berger officials present at the exhibition included the Brand Marketing Coordinator of Abumet, Esther Obong-Duruibe; and Mr James Agama and Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr, Heads of Corporate Communications and Media Relations Departments respectively.
The Big 5 Construct Exhibition ended Thursday in Lagos with much accolades from visitors at the event for leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for quality products on display during the three-day international meet.
It would be recalled that Julius Berger had announced recently that its subsidiary companies will be participating at the landmark event. At the just concluded international exhibition, apart from the mother company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, its subsidiaries including Abumet (for premium aluminium and glass works), PrimeTech Design and Engineering (), Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, Julius Berger Facility Management Works as well as Julius Berger Idu Pre-cast Products, were all in active participation at the event in Lagos .
While the Julius Berger brand is uniquely renowned for its extensive portfolio of highly successful engineering construction projects, and the company is now transforming into more than just a construction company that boasts of unique construction capabilities, project management expertise, and state-of-the-art engineering solutions that have solidified its position as a trusted and reliable partner for progress, its aluminium and glass subsidiary, Abumet, displayed outstanding designs, advanced fabrication techniques, offering sustainable solutions to clients’ needs.
Another subsidiary, PrimeTech displayed new and recently updated engineering and architectural designs including its comprehensive range of services, emphasising the company’s signature commitment to delivering efficient and sustainable solutions. PrimeTech’s service offerings include all structural, architectural, infrastructural, mechanical, electrical and pipe design and engineering services as well as work preparation and cost estimation services
Julius Berger Piling and geotechnical services were not left out. The subsidiary displayed some of its products and interacted with visitors to the stand on its piling and geotechnical engineering services with available specialist services in consultancy of varying scope and complexity.
The expansive Julius Berger pavilion at the Big 5 exhibition also had another subsidiary participating. The Idu Precast Products situated in Abuja put on display samples of its block and concrete products all moulded to the acclaimed Julius Berger standard ensuring that they meet the most stringent engineering requirements to withstand every elemental impact.
The Facilities Management Works Services subsidiary also participated with its highly skilled workforce busy interacting with visitors on services available. With the solution-oriented and quality stamp on the also quite experienced Julius Berger Facilities Management Works team, it was clear to significantly impressed visitors that they were the partners of choice for public and private organisations seeking high quality consistent, compliant, integrated asset management solutions.
An early visitor to the Julius Berger stand at the Big 5 exhibition is the Chairman, Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON.
In his remark at the stand he said, “…we have come here to showcase our multi talents and capabilities. We want the world to be reminded that Julius Berger is not just a builder of house and bridges, but that we are into other unique aspects that really affect humanity positively.”
Julius Berger’s Commercial Manager, Mr. Christian Bauer, said the company is delighted to be a participant at the Big5 Construct Nigeria event alongside its esteemed and horizontally integrated subsidiaries. The exhibition, he said, provided Julius Berger with a great platform to showcase the Group’s collective expertise, foster industry collaboration, and highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that will continue to drive Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
As for the CEO of leading properties company, Lichfield Properties Limited, Dr. David Odi “…it was a nice experience moving inside the Julius Berger stand. The feeling I get is that Julius Berger is one big deal where you find a potpourri of highly professional services and products one must require to live a comfortable life.”
THE operations Manager of Abumet, Markus Erhardt was hopeful of the fallouts of the Big 5 show. He said, “…we got valuable contacts and hopefully they would place good orders.”
The Project Evaluation Manager of Abumet, Mr Werner Christian Willegger said,
the exhibition was good. “We expect something productively positive from this exhibition.” Looking around the exhibited Abumet glass and aluminium fabrications in the company’s pavilion, Werner said, “…this shows just a few of our jobs so far and we have marketed this premium grade quality to the equally enthusiastic visitors that you can see.” He added that “…the visitor traffic to our stand has been nice and we are expecting lots of contracts in the next business cycle after this exhibition.
All we had to do was show visitors our perfectly engineered products and they could see the cutting-edge quality for themselves. The marketing was a perfectly joyful activity for us. For Abumet, every client is King, and the feedback we are getting has been good.”
Mr. Karnauke Christoph head of Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, was clearly hopeful of good business post the exhibition. He said, “…it has been a unique experience here. We are very hopeful to convert all the enquiries we have entertained today into concrete contracts soon.”
Other Julius Berger officials present at the exhibition included the Brand Marketing Coordinator of Abumet, Esther Obong-Duruibe; and Mr James Agama and Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr, Heads of Corporate Communications and Media Relations Departments respectively.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of Dr. Olayemi Michael Cardoso to serve as the new Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending his confirmation by the Nigerian Senate.
This directive is in conformity with Section 8 (1) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007, which vests in the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the authority to appoint the Governor and Four (4) Deputy Governors for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), subject to confirmation by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Furthermore, President Bola Tinubu has approved the nomination of four new Deputy Governors of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), for a term of five (5) years at the first instance, pending their confirmation by the Nigerian Senate, as listed below:
(1) Mrs. Emem Nnana Usoro
(2) Mr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi Dattijo
(3) Mr. Philip Ikeazor
(4) Dr. Bala M. Bello
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, the President expects the above listed nominees to successfully implement critical reforms at the Central Bank of Nigeria, which will enhance the confidence of Nigerians and international partners in the restructuring of the Nigerian economy toward sustainable growth and prosperity for all.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 15, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU PROMISES TO RECONSTRUCT ELEME AXIS OF EAST-WEST ROAD; THANKS RIVERS STATE FOR STALWART SUPPORT GIVEN TO HIS ADMINISTRATION
Blessed with enormous human capacity and natural resource wealth, President Bola Tinubu on Thursday in Abuja, said that neither Rivers State or Nigeria has any business being associated with poverty, insecurity or under-development, assuring that under his leadership, the narrative will be permanently and positively changed.
Welcoming a high-powered 62-man delegation, comprising of leaders from both the governing All Progressives’ Congress (APC) and the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP), to the State House, the President said the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has left big shoes to fill for the new Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, and that as one of his most trusted allies, Rivers State will always have direct access to him in their joint march toward sustainable development.
“We are not meant to be in a position to be poor. We will turn the tide! Somewhere, somehow in this storm, there’s a quiet and peaceful place for us. We will locate it!
“We are not lazy people. We are richly endowed. We just need to be our brother’s keeper, and good neighbours to one another. I am not a President that will give excuses. I will work hard for our nation with purpose, determination and dedication to create wealth for all Nigerians. We have no reason to be poor! We will not look back, we will run aggressively forward.
“Today, we may be swimming against the tide. But the waves will soon propel us forward from behind. We will achieve the goals and dreams of our forefathers. I am inspired by the nation of people I now lead,” the President thundered.
President Tinubu noted that concerning infrastructure development in Rivers State, he had heard the cries of prominent Rivers sons, with particular reference to the Eleme Junction-Onne axis of the East-West Road, linking the Port Harcourt Refinery. On this, the President said the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, is a strong adviser, and would follow up on the issue for prompt action.
“The Honourable Minister, Wike, is not just the Minister of FCT, he is also my adviser and an admirer of mine. He has hit the ground running and he should be encouraged by the State,” the President affirmed.
Advising the younger generation to be more patient with the processes of government, the President said, “I am the Captain and Chief Salesman of the country. We have to reverse the trend and achieve possibilities within a short period of time. Our people have high expectations for us. I pledge to work hard, and I pray to God to put me on the right path, not to disappoint Nigerians,” the President concluded.
In his remarks, the Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, told the President that the delegation, which included leaders of political parties, and past and present members of the State and National Assemblies across parties, was on a solidarity and thank you visit.
“The people of Rivers State voted for you in the last general elections based on their belief in fairness, equity and justice. This is the first time that Rivers State is truly feeling the impact of the federal government since the inception of democracy in 1999,” he said.
The Governor noted that the delegation greatly appreciated the President for appointing capable sons and daughters of the state into highly strategic positions within his administration.
The Governor particularly thanked the President for the appointments of the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr. Nyesom Wike; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity & Official Spokesperson of the President, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, as well as other sons and daughters of Rivers State into the Boards and Management of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) and other institutions.
The Governor applauded the President for attracting a $14 billion dollars investment approval for projects nationwide during the G-20 Summit, including the expansion of Indorama Petrochemicals in Eleme, Rivers State, adding that the State had just allocated 209 hectares of land in support of the new investment.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 14, 2023
100 Days In Office: Delta APC Denounces Former Member, Hon. Silas Bouwe, Over Comments Praising Oborevwori*
The attention of the All Progressives Congress Delta State has been drawn to a grossly misleading and fallacious press release/statement by one Hon. Silas Bouwe, captioned ‘100 Days In Office: APC Stalwart Hails Oborevwori On Projects’ published by the SpadeNigeria, an online news platform.
For the avoidance of doubt and to set the record straight, the Party hereby states categorically for the uptenth time that the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is not a registered member of the Party in Delta State having been expelled a long time ago by the State Executive Committee of the Party for various acts of anti-party activities and at no time has he been readmitted into the Party as a bona fide member.
Furthermore, the assertion and reference to him by the SpadeNigeria publication as a former state secretary of the Party is not only a journalistic error of monumental proportions, but also hilariously puerile as it is a well known fact that the factional State Executive to which he once belonged to, was declared illegal by the supreme court.
More instructively, is the fact that, the said Hon. Silas Bouwe is presently a known member of the All Progressives Grand Alliance(APGA), where he ran as a candidate for the house of representatives for Isoko Federal constituency. It is therefore strange to see him granting interviews, falsely representing himself as a member of the APC or do we now assume that the publishers of SpadeNigeria erroneously referred to him as a member of the APC, instead of APGA to which he truly belongs?
We therefore call on the management of SpadeNigeria to be more circumspect by exhibiting due diligence in their reports as more investigation would have revealed the fact that Hon. Silas Bouwe together with other candidates of APGA in Delta State led by Chief Great Ogboru went into alliance with the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) against the APC in the 2023 general elections and this was confirmed by the presence of Chief Great Ogboru at the press conference immediately after the announcement of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori by INEC. This alliance was further recently cemented by the appointment of Michael Ogboru, the son of Chief Great Ogboru, as a special adviser to the state governor. The conclusion to be drawn here is that this press release by Hon. Silas Bouwe is a continuation of that unholy alliance.
Albeit, the point that must be emphasized for the purpose of clarity devoid of any ambiguity, is that Hon. Silas Bouwe, lacks character and integrity and a notorious serial liar that consistently engages in cheap political blackmail and praise singing in order to curry both political and financial favours from those in authority. And his present interview in question, must be viewed from that prism as a sheepish effort of seeking political relevance for possible personal advancement in this period of seeking appointments.
The pertinent question is what exactly is Hon. Silas Bouwe celebrating?
Is it the secretive and dubious award of the construction of 3 flyovers at the whooping cost of 78 billion purportedly to Julius Berger? Or is it not the same Julius Berger that the immediate past governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, used in constructing over 15 flyovers at the cost of about 10 -15 billion per flyover?
As earlier expressed in our press release regarding the 100 days in office of Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, the entire Delta State is in total agreement that there is nothing to celebrate but abject failure and executive dereliction having surrendered his office and duties to his immediate predecessor who is actually in control of the reigns of power in the State.
Conclusively, Hon. Silas Bouwe, while being entitled to his own warped opinions as to the deplorable state of affairs of our dear State, should do so as a member of APGA or any other political party to which he belongs, but not our great Party and thereby maligning the name of the APC as we will not hesitate to take necessary steps, both criminal and civil, in seeking redress against him.
APC Renewed Hope
Signed
Valentine Onojeghuo Esq State Publicity Secretary APC Delta State
13/9/2023.
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FELICITATES ALAKE OF EGBALAND, OBA GBADEBO AT 80
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has congratulated the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo (Okukenu IV), on his 80 years birthday celebration.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Thursday, said Oba Gbadebo’s visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
The Governor said Oba Gbadebo, who retired voluntarily as Colonel in the Nigerian Army, left the Military with impeccable records, exhibiting the true spirit of royalty in him.
He said: “Oba Gbadebo’s reign as the Alake has been a beacon of wisdom, benevolence and cultural heritage, enriching the lives of his subjects and the larger Nigeria populace. His leadership has been the cornerstone of peace and progress in Egbaland, and his commitment to the preservation and promotion of our rich cultural heritage is unparalleled.
“His Majesty’s commitment to peace, unity and progress is well-known and deeply respected. His visionary leadership, coupled with his ceaseless quest for the upliftment of his subjects, has fostered an era of unprecedented growth and prosperity in Egbaland.
“On this momentous day, we celebrate not just Oba Gbadebo’s birth but the remarkable life he has led, the lives he has touched, and the legacy he continues to build. His Majesty has indeed been a great source of inspiration and role model to the younger generation.
“On behalf of my family, the Government and the people of Lagos State, I wish Oba Gbadebo a happy birthday and pray that the Almighty God continues to bestow on his Majesty, wisdom for a continuous reign of peace, prosperity and love in Egbaland.
“As Oba Gbadebo marks this milestone, it is my prayer that the Almighty God will continue to bless him with good health, wisdom and many more years of service to Egbaland, Ogun State and our dear country, Nigeria. May his reign continue to bring prosperity and unity to Egbaland and beyond.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
14 SEPTEMBER 2023
The Big Five Construct Nigeria Exhibition:
Accolades as leading Brand, Julius Berger and its subsidiaries, is celebrated by quality enthusiasts in Lagos.
The Big 5 Construct Exhibition ended Thursday in Lagos with much accolades from visitors at the event for leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc for quality products on display during the three-day international meet.
It would be recalled that Julius Berger had announced recently that its subsidiary companies will be participating at the landmark event. At the just concluded international exhibition, apart from the mother company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, its subsidiaries including Abumet (for premium aluminium and glass works), PrimeTech Design and Engineering (), Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, Julius Berger Facility Management Works as well as Julius Berger Idu Pre-cast Products, were all in active participation at the event in Lagos .
While the Julius Berger brand is uniquely renowned for its extensive portfolio of highly successful engineering construction projects, and the company is now transforming into more than just a construction company that boasts of unique construction capabilities, project management expertise, and state-of-the-art engineering solutions that have solidified its position as a trusted and reliable partner for progress, its aluminium and glass subsidiary, Abumet, displayed outstanding designs, advanced fabrication techniques, offering sustainable solutions to clients’ needs.
Another subsidiary, PrimeTech displayed new and recently updated engineering and architectural designs including its comprehensive range of services, emphasising the company’s signature commitment to delivering efficient and sustainable solutions. PrimeTech’s service offerings include all structural, architectural, infrastructural, mechanical, electrical and pipe design and engineering services as well as work preparation and cost estimation services
Julius Berger Piling and geotechnical services was not left out. The subsidiary displayed some of its products and interacted with visitors to the stand on its piling and geotechnical engineering services with available specialist services in consultancy of varying scope and complexity.
The expansive Julius Berger pavilion at the Big 5 exhibition also had another subsidiary participating. The Idu Precast Products situated in Abuja put on display samples of its block and concrete products all moulded to the acclaimed Julius Berger standard ensuring that they meet the most stringent engineering requirements to withstand every elemental impact.
The Facilities Management Works Services subsidiary also participated with its highly skilled workforce busy interacting with visitors on services available. With the solution-oriented and quality stamp on the also quite experienced Julius Berger Facilities Management Works team, it was clear to significantly impressed visitors that they were the partners of choice for public and private organisations seeking high quality consistent, compliant, integrated asset management solutions.
An early visitor to the Julius Berger stand at the Big 5 exhibition is the Chairman, Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Mr. Mutiu Sunmonu, CON.
In his remark at the stand he said, “…we have come here to showcase our multi talents and capabilities. We want the world to be reminded that Julius Berger is not just a builder of house and bridges, but that we are into other unique aspects that really affect humanity positively.”
Julius Berger’s Commercial Manager, Mr. Christian Bauer, said the company is delighted to be a participant at the Big5 Construct Nigeria event alongside its esteemed and horizontally integrated subsidiaries. The exhibition, he said, provided Julius Berger with a great platform to showcase the Group’s collective expertise, foster industry collaboration, and highlight its commitment to delivering high-quality solutions that will continue to drive Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
As for the CEO of leading properties company, Lichfield Properties Limited, Dr. David Odi “…it was a nice experience moving inside the Julius Berger stand. The feeling I get is that Julius Berger is one big deal where you find a potpourri of highly professional services and products one must require to live a comfortable life.”
THE operations Manager of Abumet, Markus Erhardt was hopeful of the fallouts of the Big 5 show. He said, “…we got valuable contacts and hopefully they would place good orders.”
The Project Evaluation Manager of Abumet, Mr Werner Christian Willegger said,
the exhibition was good. “We expect something productively positive from this exhibition.” Looking around the exhibited Abumet glass and aluminium fabrications in the company’s pavilion, Werner said, “…this shows just a few of our jobs so far and we have marketed this premium grade quality to the equally enthusiastic visitors that you can see.” He added that “…the visitor traffic to our stand has been nice and we are expecting lots of contracts in the next business cycle after this exhibition.
All we had to do was show visitors our perfectly engineered products and they could see the cutting-edge quality for themselves. The marketing was a perfectly joyful activity for us. For Abumet, every client is King, and the feedback we are getting has been good.”
Mr. Karnauke Christoph head of Julius Berger Piling and Geotechnical Services, was clearly hopeful of good business post the exhibition. He said, “…it has been a unique experience here. We are very hopeful to convert all the enquiries we have entertained today into concrete contracts soon.”
Other Julius Berger officials present at the exhibition included the Brand Marketing Coordinator of Abumet, Esther Obong-Duruibe; and Mr James Agama and Prince Moses Duku, Fnipr, Heads of Corporate Communications and Media Relations Departments respectively.
– Chairman, House of Representatives Adhoc Committee, during oversight inspection visit to projects funded by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA
The House of Representatives Adhoc Committee on oversight inspection visit to projects funded by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA has lauded the excellent qualitative works executed by leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc both at the Lagos-Shagamu Expressway and at the Second Niger Bridge, describing them as impressive.
Before the physical inspection of the project, Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ademorin Kuye said their mission was to investigate the funding of some key infrastrucral projects being funded by the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority employing the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund nationwide.
When the team inspected the Lagos -Sagamu Expressway, it underscored the significant expertise employed by Julius Berger for the effective construction of the ever-busy highway with the chairman declaring that, “…we all know the importance of this road towards the overall economic development of the country. Nobody can doubt that Julius Berger has done a great work here. The good engineering works of the project speaks eloquently of top quality and durability. The company has done well.“
Accompanied by other members of the House Adhoc Committee, the Chairman at the end of their investigative inspection of the project, expressed satisfaction with the job done by Julius Berger so far even as he encouraged communities along the project corridor to be at peace withe Julius Berger adding that, the project will be completed this year.
At the Second Niger Bridge project site, the next day, the committee members equally praised the premium grade engineering construction expertise of Julius Berger. “Nigerians ask for roads, they have a masterpiece of a good road connecting the country here. But we know that when you give them road, they will begin to ask for the costs. And that is why we are embarking on this oversight duty to ensure that everyone complied with relevant laws establishing the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund,“ said the Committee Chairman.
Hon Kuye continued, “the essence of our duty is to ensure that the funding by NSIA was judiciously spent. We are impressed so far. Very soon, work on this road will end and effective road use will begin.“
Turning to the Julius Berger team, the Chairman said, “what you have done is commendable, very commendable, but we have to explain to Nigerians the process that birthed this wonderful edifice, including the challanges of that process.“
On the Committee’s team were Hon. Ademorin Kuye, Timiehin Adelegbe, Hon. Isa Muhammed Anka, Hon. Umar Yabo, Hon Festus Akingbaso and Hon. Nasiru Isika.
The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) was represented by Mr. Kola Owodunmi, Dr. Adepoju Anthony and Nduka Okoronkwo while the Project Manager, Engr. Clemens Mueller of Julius Berger led other officials of the company to receive the House adhoc Committee Chairman and members at the site of the Second Niger Bridge.
CSR PROJECT: JULIUS BERGER RENOVATES, RESTORES DILAPIDATED PRIMARY SCHOOL IN ABUJA, FCT
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recently handed over the renovated LEA Primary School Jahi – Kado Kuchi, FCT Abuja, worth 32.5 million naira, under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Known for only excellent quality deliveries in its works, the scope of the project undertaken by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc included the renovation and complete rehabilitation of the 6 classroom blocks, including the roof, walls and the classrom floors of the school. It also included the provision of furniture for classrooms and staffrooms, and the installation of a playground for the students and a complete repainting of the entire 6 blocks of classrooms.
The intervention was done in collaboration with Stewards of the Environment for Sustainable Change Initiative (SESCI). Speaking at the handover ceremony, SESCI’s Convener, Mrs Adiza Ujo, narrated the origin of the laudable intervention. According to Adiza, “…we visit schools to promote care for the environment and to also pay school fees for indigent students, but after vising LEA Primary School Jahi Kado Kuchi last year, we realised that the environment is totally unconducive for learning and the magnitude of the rehabilitation work needed to put the school back in shape could only be undertaken by capable and willing corporate organisations. We reached out to a couple of organisations and only Julius Berger responded.“ She added that, “In January this year the Julius Berger team came along with us to assess the level of damage and the amount of renovation that needed to be done, and to our surprise they were ready to singlehandedly finance the project.“ To graphically capture the appreciation and excitement by stakeholders at the handing over ceremony by Julius Berger, Mrs Adiza enthused, “…here we are today, the students are happy, the two communities of Jahi and Kado-Kuchi are happy, the teachers are happy and UBEB is also happy. Julius Berger has done very well, and we want to thank them very much”.
Handing over the completed project, Julius Berger’s Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. James Agama, expressed his excitement at the reception given to the company‘s delegation. He explained that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is committed to improving education and literacy in its project communities, and that the company continues to look forward to such opportunities because of the long-lasting positive relationship between the people and Julius Berger. He said that the renovation is one of many other interventions made by the company in the FCT this year. He enjoined the school management to make good use of the facilities provided and ensure that its impact is felt by the children in the communities.
In his appreciation speech, the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Chairman, Dr. Alhasan Sule thanked Julius Berger for the laudable project. According to him, “the intervention is the largest so far by any private organisation, recorded by the Board in recent time,“ adding that “the initiative proves that Julius Berger truly and indeed cares about its host communities and about education.“ With gratitude, Dr Hassan Sule further said and promised, “…we will prove to you that we appreciate what you have done here by ensuring the enrolment of more pupils in this school. We send our appreciation to the Management of Julius Berger.“
Also speaking, the school’s Head Mistress, Mrs Arhanmhunde Edith, thanked Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and conveyed appreciation messages from community leaders and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to the company.
The FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Chairman, Dr Alhasan Sule was accompanied by the Mr. Habibah Aliyu-Barau who is the Board’s Director of Primary School Services, and Architect Monsur Muhammed Sule, the Board’s Director of Fiscal and Project Planning.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a dynamic group of companies, seamlessly expanding horizons from its engineering background into diverse sectors. It harnesses an entrenched culture of excellence, responsibility, courage, and collaboration to sustainably redefine possibilities and shapes industries with ingenuity and unwavering commitment.
The Alema of Warri Kingdom, Chief Emmanuel Oritsejolomi Uduaghan, has congratulated the Group Managing Director of Income Electrix Limited, Engineer Matthew Edevbie on the conferment of a Doctor of Science in Engineering (Honoris Causa) on him by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University.
In a statement on Sunday, Chief Emmanuel Uduaghan who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Webster Group of Companies said the honorary doctorate degree conferred on Edevbie was evidence of his immense contribution to the development of the engineering profession and the power sector as well as human capacity development in Nigeria and across Africa.
The prominent chief said Michael & Cecilia Ibru University made the right choice by conferring the honorary doctorate degree on Engineer Edevbie.
‘’I am delighted that Engineer Matthew Edevbie has been honoured by the Michael & Cecilia Ibru University in this special way. This is a well-deserved award and highly commendable’’.
Edevbie, a seasoned engineer with over 30 years’ cognate experience in various aspects of electrical engineering concept, design, procurement, construction, operations management, maintenance and consulting was given the honour at the university’s 5th convocation ceremony which held on Wednesday, September 6, 2023.
Engr. Matthew Edevbie attended several prestigious professional courses and workshops including but not limited to: IESE Business School, University of Navarra, Barcelona, Harvard Business School, John. F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University, Massachusetts, Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania and Lagos Business School.
An astute administrator, people manager, Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management and the Nigerian Institute of Management Consultants is a registered member of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Environmental Society,
Edevbie is also an active member of Enterprise Development Services (EDS) of the Lagos Business School. He is the Founder, GMD/ CEO of Income Electrix Group.
Says, It’s A Socio-political Showpiece
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his ingenuity and proactiveness in resolving the visa crisis with the United Arab Emirate, describing the action as a socio-political showpiece.
Akpabio said it was an act of genius for the President to have seamlessly restored diplomatic relations between Nigeria and UAE, considering the economic loss incurred by both nation’s while the unfortunate disagreement lasted.
A statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh on Tuesday stated that with the peaceful resolution of the face-off, both nations were on track to reap bountifully from their ties.
The statement quoted the President of the Senate to have said that, “I have always had confidence in the ability of President Bola Tinubu to turn around the fortunes of our dear nation and this singular achievement has once more rekindled my hope and that of millions of Nigerians in the Renewed Agenda of the All Progressives Congress (APC)- led government.
“I must confess that President Tinubu’s engineering of the process that led to the lifting of the visa ban on Nigerians by the government of UAE is an act of genius and of course, a magnu opus. It smacks of a clear cut economic and political policy capable of launching Nigeria into the comity of lading nations with a high rate of Ease of Doing Business”, he stated.
Akpabio said he was highly elated at the development explaining that it was a strategic move that will reinvent and strengthen consular and economic ties between Nigeria and the UAE.
The Senate President assured President Tinubu that the National Assembly under his leadership would continue to provide the required legal framework to enable the executive implement the good policies outlined in the Renewed Hope Agenda blueprint.
“As a responsible parliament, we will continue to collaborate with the executive through the enactment of effective legislations to make the job of Mr. President an easy one. We will continue to be sensitive to the needs of Nigerians by being proactive in the processing and passage of laws that will stand the test of time,” he declared.
Hon Eseme Eyiboh
S.A.Media and Publicity to the Senate President
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU SECURES LANDMARK DEAL WITH UNITED ARAB EMIRATES ACROSS SECTORS; VISA BAN ON NIGERIAN TRAVELERS IS LIFTED IMMEDIATELY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President of the United Arab Emirates, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, on Monday in Abu Dhabi, have finalized a historic agreement, which has resulted in the immediate cessation of the visa ban placed on Nigerian travelers.
Furthermore, by this historic agreement, both Etihad Airlines and Emirates Airlines are to immediately resume flight schedules into and out of Nigeria, without any further delay.
As negotiated between the two Heads of State, this immediate restoration of flight activity, through these two airlines and between the two countries, does not involve any immediate payment by the Nigerian government.
In recognition of President Tinubu’s economic development diplomacy drive and proposals today presented by President Tinubu to his counterpart, an agreed framework has been established, which will involve several billions of U.S. dollars worth of new investments into the Nigerian economy across multiple sectors, including defense, agriculture and others, by the investment arms of the Government of the United Arab Emirates.
Additionally, President Tinubu is pleased to have successfully negotiated a joint, new foreign exchange liquidity programme between the two Governments, which will be announced in detail in the coming weeks.
In conclusion, the President wishes to commend the UAE President, Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for his unalloyed friendship and his determined effort to join hands with him to fully normalize and reset to excellence, the standard of relations between the two important countries.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 11, 2023
September 11, 2023
Press Statement
Tinubu Legal Team’s Watermark Claim on PEPC Judgment is Self-Indicting – PDP
…Tasks APC to Come Clean
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has meticulously examined the scandalous inscription of the Header of Tinubu Presidential Legal Team (TPLT) on the Certified True Copies (CTC) of the Presidential Election Petition Court (PEPC) judgement currently in circulation.
The knee-jerk admission by the Tinubu Legal Team that it “scanned and watermarked” its copy of the judgment with the inscription, “Tinubu Presidential Legal Team ‘TPLT’ is self-indicting and lends credence to widespread public insinuation of pre-determined manipulation by the APC.
The rush by the TPLT in admitting that it imprinted on the CTC of the judgment smacks of a desperate attempt to dispel public scrutiny and ward off the possibility of more revelations regarding the issue.
The PDP and indeed majority of Nigerians are not satisfied with the claims by the Tinubu Legal Team. This is especially as further examination and expert analysis show that the documents are not scanned and that the TPLT inscriptions are not watermarks but computer default header which usually originates from an author of a document.
The PDP demands that the Tinubu Legal Team should explains how what obviously is a default header on its computer system should be accepted as a watermark.
The Tinubu Legal Team should also disclose to Nigerians what specific time on Friday, September 8, 2023 they received their CTC; what time specifically was the ‘watermark’ imprinted of the document, the identity of the electronic devise with which the ‘watermark’ was made as well as the PDF used in the said watermarking process for independent analysis.
The PDP demands that the All Progressives Congress (APC) should come clean on the issue especially given its notoriety for manipulations.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
Press Statement
Rt. Hon. Dum Dekor Laments Killing Of Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim
The federal lawmaker representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson is pained and dumb-founded by the shocking news of the devastating and barbaric killing of the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), SP Bako Angbashim who lost his life on line of duty over the weekend in the hands of a criminal gang in Ahoada-East Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Lamenting the loss of the gallant crime fighter who, before his recent deployment to Ahoada Division of the Nigeria Police early this year, was the Divisional Police Officer in Bori, Ogoni, Rt. Hon. Dekor said the death of SP Bako is not only a loss to the Nigeria Police, but a calamity to Rivers State and humanity in general.
He described SP Bako as a rare species among his peers who saw crime fighting as a task and hobby to free mankind from the satanic tendencies of men of the underworld and undesirable elements in society and accordingly, distinguished himself in his belief and professional duty.
It takes generations to produce men and officers of his kind anywhere in the world, the federal lawmaker noted.
The federal legislator who is currently the House Committee Chairman of Host Communities in the House of Representatives said the Ogonis, Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas in particular have lost a beloved brother, and friend, noting that the relative peace and calm in Ogoniland today was sequel to SP Bako’s hard stance and fight against all manner of criminality in Ogoni land.
He regretted that the agents of darkness and their sponsors who are enemies of peace, order and general well-being of the people have at last succeeded in killing love, courage and the joy of the people.
Most regrettably, Rt. Hon. Dekor noted, was the manner and way these cursed and deranged elements butchered a man that had sacrificed his life on countless occasions to save even the lives of their relations from suffering the agonizing experience of a brutal, painful and slow death as he has.
Rt. Hon. Dekor sent his sympathies to the Nigeria Police Force, the immediate family of the fallen hero, the Rivers State government and the Ogoni people, urging all to take solace in the fact that SP Bako was a man of honour and gave up without compromising his respect and regard for the sanctity of life which portrays him as a candidate of Heaven exemplified by the outpouring and immeasurable sympathies, lamentations and kind words on his dignified personality by his admirers and well-wishers across the country.
The Ogoni-born politician, and former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly commended the step already taken by Governor Siminalayi Fubara in placing a bounty on the fleeing leader of the criminal gang in Ahoada-East Local Government Area, and also passionately appealed to the Police and other security operatives to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that all the people involved in the dastardly act and conspiracy are arrested and brought to book so that it will serve an a deterrent to other conscienceless fools that may be plotting such evil in future.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SHOW OF LOVE. I AM BACK!
I am deeply touched by the show of love and affections from eminent individuals, groups, Organisations, political associates, and particularly, the good people of the Sunshine State.
Your outpour of love wrapped in prayers, kind words, cheering messages, affectionate support as well as countless display of varied forms of brotherliness during my recovery process were heart-lifting.
The love and prayers were, indeed, potent enhancers which aided my recovery and deepened my abiding faith in God and service to humanity.
Undoubtedly, gratitude is the greatest spark that lights fire in the soul. I consider these gestures as uncommon privileges which underscores the importance of the gift of humanity.
I appreciate the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for his support and love. Mr. President, you are a reliable ally and a dependable leader. I am deeply grateful.
I equally thank the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima GCON and the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; and all Members of the Senate.
My profound gratitude to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) led by its Chairman and Executive Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq; and the Progressives Governors Forum, (PGF) led by Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma.
My sincere appreciation to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Abass Tajudeen; and all Members of the House of Representatives; Members of the Federal Executive Council; National Leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Chairman, Dr Abdullahi Ganduje and other prominent leaders in the party.
A big thank you to the leadership of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) including prominent members of the inner and outer Bars. My special appreciation to all Honourable Justices of the High, Appeal and Supreme Courts. My Lords, I am grateful.
I am particularly grateful to the people of Ondo State and Nigerians at large for your prayers and supports.
I thank members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Members of the State Executive Council; the recently dissolved Local Government Chairmen; Heads of Security Agencies; Revered Royal fathers ; Both Serving and Retired Bishops, Chief Imam, Clergymen and other religious leaders; Forum of Permanent Secretaries; Labour Leaders, All Civil Servants; Political Leaders across Parties ; Market Women, Artisans and Members of the State Park Management Committee; and as well as others too numerous to mention.
My appreciation also goes to Captains of industries, friends and acquaintances, extended family members, among others. Your kindness and affection are priceless and your love, inestimable.
Above all, I return all glory, honour and adoration to God Almighty for His immense grace, healing and mercy over me and my family. May His mercy and limitless grace continue to abide in us all.
To the good people of Ondo State, our determination and resolve to improve the lives of our people and prosecute our conviction for developing our dear state are unwavering.
We shall continue to toe the path of progress and double our efforts to achieve set goals and objectives in line with the “REDEEMED” agenda of our administration. We are back, and better.
Signed:
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi O. Akeredolu, SAN, CON
Governor, Ondo State.
September 9, 2023.
GOV AKEREDOLU SIGNS LCDA BILL INTO LAW
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu Aketi , SAN, CON, has assented to the bill creating 33 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in the state.
The bill was presented to the Governor for assent by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oladiji Landmark Olamide , during a brief ceremony.
The Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Prince Abayomi Babatunde Akinruntan ; Majority Leader, Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi ; and the Parliamentary Secretary, Hon. Otunba Moyinolorun Ogunwumiju were also present.
With the Governor’s assent, the bill, which had already been passed by the state House of Assembly, now possesses the legal backing for the creation of the LCDAs in Ondo State.
The establishment of these LCDAs marks a substantial step towards fulfilling Governor Akeredolu’s campaign promises and addressing the aspirations of the people for enhanced grassroots development.
Moreover, this initiative underscores Governor Akeredolu’s unwavering commitment to improving public service delivery, as it aims at bringing governance closer to the people, ultimately resulting in more responsive and efficient services.
Governor Akeredolu remains dedicated to delivering impactful projects and innovative initiatives, just as he is poised to redouble his efforts in advancing the development of the Sunshine State.
Signed:
Olabode Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
September 9, 2023.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO MEET UAE AUTHORITIES DURING STOPOVER IN ABU DHABI
President Bola Tinubu will meet with the leadership of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during a technical stopover in Abu Dhabi, UAE, after the President’s departure from New Delhi, India.
The meeting will serve as a follow-up discussion to address specific, salient issues within the bilateral relationship after conversations held during a recent visit by the UAE Ambassador to the President at the State House in Abuja.
The President is to address lingering bilateral issues while maximizing the opportunity of the stopover to equally advance his investment promotion objectives with high-level authorities in the public and private sectors of the United Arab Emirates.
Following a successful investment drive on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit, active participation in the G-20 Summit, and a productive stopover in the UAE, the President is expected to return to Abuja immediately following the bilateral engagement.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2023
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU FORMALLY MEETS WITH THREE MAJOR COUNTERPARTS IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMACY; ADVANCES TO PRACTICAL NEXT STEPS IN BILATERAL RELATIONS
In the hustle and bustle of off-camera activity in the siderooms of the G-20 Summit, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was unwilling to stay away from the action.
The President met with the Heads of State of three nations which have been identified as key partners in his economic development diplomacy drive for local investment and wealth creation.
For the Leader of Africa’s largest economy, a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer of Europe’s largest economy, Germany, presented a unique opportunity to expand ties of prosperity for the people of Nigeria, but with a pragmatic approach toward ensuring the effective execution of agreements struck.
“It is not, for us, only a matter of designing the financial architecture for an expanded economic partnership. It is also about the practicality of aligning the perspectives of your large-scale manufacturers, such as Volkswagen and others, with the reality of the new incentives my government is putting in place for them to come and prosper across multiple value chains and sectors inside of our country,” the President implored.
Apparently intrigued by the specific economic focus of the President’s proposal, German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, responded by acknowledging the mutually-beneficial nature of an escalation in the scale of economic ties with Africa’s largest economy.
“Thank you for this important discussion, Mr. President. I can appreciate this opportunity to advance our economic relations. Your market is unique and our companies have history in Nigeria. We acknowledge the business friendly reforms you have put in place. I am happy to inform you of my desire to visit you in Nigeria in October, which will allow us to carry forward these initiatives,” the German leader confided.
Following President Tinubu’s acceptance of the German Chancellor’s request to visit, the President proceeded to sit down with the Leader of Asia’s fourth largest economy, South Korea, during which, South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol, commended the President’s regional leadership in upholding democratic tenets and norms.
“I wish to commend your strong leadership, following the peaceful transfer of power to you from your predecessor and we see a stable country in West Africa that is growing in stature,” he said.
President Tinubu responded by swiftly steering the discussion toward his economic focus as he immediately advanced proposals for an enhanced South Korean presence in Nigeria’s local manufacturing sector.
“We will leave nothing hanging. We will finalise what we agree to and we will execute. We will work point by point with you to secure rapidly implementable MoUs across sectors of partnership that will involve the active presence of your biggest firms, not just in terms of Nigerian consumption, but in local Nigerian production, from telecommunications to technology, and oil & gas,” the Nigerian leader affirmed.
The South Korean President responded in agreement, noting specifically that Nigeria’s education, technology and energy sectors are of utmost interest to South Korean investors and that he will mobilize his business community to take advantage of new Nigerian incentives for local industry.
Offering an invitation to visit Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu would conclude formal discussions at the G-20 with the Asian giant and host nation, which had invited Nigeria to the G-20 Summit, as he met with Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi.
“There are many lessons our nation can learn from the rapid progress that India has made under your leadership. We see fantastic opportunity between our nations across sectors, such as agricultural development, but specifically, there is more we can do to advance ICT innovation and the emergence of Blue-Chip FinTech growth in Africa. Nigeria has the local players who can drive it from the front,” the Nigerian leader confidently asserted.
The hosting Head of State responded in the affirmative to the economic partnership proposal, even as he expressed gratitude for the Nigerian leader’s invitation to visit.
“Our teams must now stay close in touch to detail our priority areas of upscaled cooperation with respect to agriculture, defense industries capacity building, and even FinTech growth. I see your commitment. We believe there are immense prospects for Nigeria in the UPI (Unified Payments Interface) and we will ensure that we come together and make progress on these fronts very rapidly,” the Indian leader concluded.
During the G-20 sideline meetings, President Tinubu also had substantive, informal exchanges of views with U.S. President Joe R. Biden; European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen; and World Bank President, Ajay Banga, amongst many others.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 10, 2023
Akeredolu is a Signature of God – Senator Jimoh Ibrahim
The Senator representing Ondo South Senatorial District of Ondo State, Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR has described the returning of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, the executive Governor of Ondo State in sound health of mind and body as an evidence that the Lord is afar from the wicked, but hears the prayer of the righteous.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim gave the remarks at his residence in Abuja, on Sunday, in his reaction to the return of Governor Akeredolu to the State last Thursday, after a successful medical trip to Germany, adding that Governor Akeredolu is a signature of God.
The billionaire businessman turned politician expressed the flowing of joy in his heart on the returning of his State Governor in sound heart saying; “This is the season that the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it because healing of Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is from above, coming down from the father of the heavenly healer who does not change like some people who are shifting shadow.”
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for answering the prayers and supplications of the good people of Ondo State for the devine health and safe return of Governor Akeredolu back to his job to continue delivering more dividends of democracy across the eighteen local government areas of Ondo State.
Specifically, the Igbotako born Senator thanked God that his prayers over the restoration of the health of Governor Akeredolu were answered, as the Governor returned in sound health and not in body bag.
It could be recalled that Senator Dr. Jimoh Ibrahim, CFR was angered to the point of placing a curse on the wicked people who were busy spreading rumour of death of the Governor when he was in Germany for medical purposes, in the name of playing politics and undue advantages.
I dedicate my tribunal victory to God, says Abba Moro
The Senator representing Benue South Senatorial District in the Senate, Comrade Patrick Abba Moro, has dedicated his victory at the tribunal to God and members of his constituency, who gave him a second mandate in the February 25, 2023 National Assembly election to remain their representative in the Red Chamber.
The National Assembly Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Makurdi, on Sunday, reportedly dismissed the petition filed by Comrade Daniel Onje, the candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) for Benue South in the 2023 general election, challenging the triumph of Senator Moro of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Justice Ory Zik-Ikeoeha, who delivered the ruling of the tribunal made up of three justices, was reported to have declared that the petitioner had failed to prove allegations of irregularities contained in his prayers.
According to Justice Zik-Ikeoeha, the APC candidate equally could not prove allegations of non-qualification of Moro who is serving his second term in office as Benue South Senator to vie for the senatorial seat, maintaining that the senator had won by majority of the valid votes cast at the polls.
In his reaction to the verdict of the tribunal, Moro said: “I dedicate my victory at the election tribunal to God and the good people of Benue South Senatorial District.
“Today’s judgement has reaffirmed the mandate freely given to me by my constituents and further spurred me to keep working very hard for them and Nigerians at large, and this I will continue to do with all the strength in me.
“I call on my opponent and all aggrieved parties to put the election behind them and come to join hands with me so that we collectively build the Benue South of our dreams.
“To me, it’s no victor, no vanquished; we are all winners.”
Moro, a grassroots politician, is widely viewed as a performing senator, who has worked diligently to justify the mandate given to him by the people of Benue South Senatorial District by delivering to their doorsteps the dividends of democracy since he was first elected in 2019.
STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE
PRESIDENT TINUBU TO G-20 LEADERS: AS AFRICA’S LARGEST MARKET, ECONOMY, AND DEMOCRACY, NIGERIA IS READY TO PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN G-20
President Bola Tinubu, on Saturday in New Delhi, India, expressed Nigeria’s commitment to play a major role within the G-20 and contribute to shaping a more equitable world.
Addressing world leaders at the 18th G-20 Leaders’ Summit, the Nigerian leader called for global unity and cooperation in tackling pressing challenges, fostering inclusiveness, and establishing a fairer world order.
While acknowledging the vital role of the G-20 in shaping a rules-based world order that promotes shared prosperity and security, President Tinubu emphasized that most of today’s pressing issues are “international in character and cannot be addressed without multilateral cooperation.”
“Therefore, stronger collaboration, cooperation, and partnerships among diverse regions are the pathways to a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for our world.
“This is why the role and contributions of the G-20 in shaping a new world order that is fair and rules-based can not be over-emphasized. A world that lives as one family, but is divided by staggering income inequalities and uneven access to basic social goods by the vast majority of our people cannot result in a peaceful and secure world where shared prosperity is achieved.
“I hasten to add that such rules and global governance structures of our collective dreams must be collectively designed, collectively owned, and collectively managed. This is consistent with the true spirit of One Family, mutual respect, and sustainable development.
“Nigeria is poised, able and willing to be a major player in this family of the G-20 and in shaping a new world, without whom, the family will remain incomplete,” he said.
The Nigerian leader congratulated India for hosting the historic summit and for successfully landing on the moon under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He described the achievement as an inspiration to all developing countries of the Global South.
On the issue of African Union (AU) inclusion in the G-20, the Nigerian leader welcomed the decision, saying it “opens opportunities for future membership of the group in a manner that reflects the relative balance of power and inclusiveness of humanity as One Family.
Reflecting on the theme of the Summit: ‘One Earth. One Family. One Future,’ President Tinubu stressed the interconnectedness of global affairs and the need for collaborative efforts.
He underscored the importance of tackling challenges related to technology, energy transition, and access to credit, as well as the growing socio-economic divide between those who have and those who do not.
The President urged greater solidarity among nations, tasking advanced economies to support disadvantaged regions in the Global South and to promote climate justice.
President Tinubu also called for the strengthening of international frameworks for resource mobilization and governance that are based on the principles of justice, equity, and fairness.
In addressing the sub-theme of Session II of the Summit, which is One Family, President Tinubu highlighted the magnitude of challenges facing humanity today.
“The need for us to work together as one family has, therefore, become more imperative. We must strive to create a world of inclusiveness in which everyone has access to the basic necessities of life, and in a manner that widens and strengthens the ownership of our planet regardless of one’s economic, social, and political status.”
President Tinubu urged the Global North, advanced economies, and multilateral institutions to mobilize resources and direct efforts to where help is needed most in the disadvantaged Global South.
“By doing so, we will be building a society anchored on the strong values of tolerance and mutual respect, where diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation take precedence over competition, conflict, and divisions, which are based on inflexible ideologies and belief systems,” the President concluded.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
September 9, 2023
OMO-AGEGE GREETS OTIVE IGBUZO AS HE CLOCKS 60
Former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege has congratulated his erstwhile Chief of Staff, Dr. Otive Igbuzor on his 60th birthday.
Omo-Agege, in a congratulatory message, said “Igbuzor deployed his oratorical and strategic qualities in his leadership style and thus providing a work environment which immensely contributed to the great strides and modest successes my office recorded when he served as my Chief of Staff.”
In the message personally signed by him, the former Deputy President of the Senate described Igbuzor as a man of sterling qualities, even as he prayed to Almighty God to grant him many more fruitful years.
“Being a Pastor, he brings his humanitarian attributes to bear in all his dealings, not surprisingly because of his Marxian socialist background from his Students movement days at Uniben.
“I thoroughly enjoyed the company of Dr. Otive Igbuzor, a Pro-Democracy activist of no mean repute, a humanitarian, writer, lecturer, consultant and a firm believer in Project Nigeria and was privileged to have had him as my Chief of Staff.
“On behalf of my family, I want to thank God for your life and to wish you many happy returns of today. As you continue to strive to make our dear nation the envy of other nations through your impactful contributions and selfless service to humanity, I pray that you will live long to see the rewards of your labour.”
Signed:
Sunny Areh,
Media Adviser to Senator Ovie Omo-Agege
Subsidy removal: SERAP gives 36 governors 7 days to disclose details on spending of N2bn palliative
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed to each state by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.”
According to reports, the Federal Government recently disbursed N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative package for each state of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT), to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.
In the open letter dated 9 September 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish the details on spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement of funds to your government.”
SERAP said: “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the fuel subsidy relief funds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights.”
According to SERAP, “Transparency and accountability in the spending of the N2 billion and any subsequent disbursement to your state would help to reduce the risk of corruption, mismanagement, diversion, or opportunism.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The oversight afforded by public access to the details of the spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know details on spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinise, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the fuel subsidy relief funds.”
“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect the poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians in several states, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about how the N2 billion fuel subsidy relief funds are spent.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on your state to publish details of spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.”
“SERAP urges you to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative and any subsequent disbursement of public funds to your state.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/9/2023
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
ribunal: My victory was arranged by God – Umeh
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has said that God did everything to pave the way for his overwhelming victory during the 2023 elections and in the tribunal where a number of petitions were filed against his triumph.
Umeh, a Chieftain of Labour Party (LP), made the remarks while reacting to the tribunal judgements which upheld his election as the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.
In a statement he personally signed, the Ohamadike Ndigbo, said: “To the glory of God, this is the second Judgment in the various Petitions filed against me. On Wednesday, the Election Petition Tribunal in Awka dismissed the Petition of the NNPP and her Candidate for lack of merit and abuse of court process. Today (Friday) also, the Petition by APGA and her Candidate was dismissed. This happened to be the big one because it generated lots of tension and hype. But I have remained calm over the period since after the Election because I knew I won the Election and I did not do anything to compromise the process.
“The Election went as designed by the Electoral Commission and the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, convinced that I will represent them better than any other candidate, voted overwhelmingly for me. I scored over 103,608 votes, the person who came second scored 69,702 votes (that’s the APGA Candidate), the PDP Candidate scored 49,532 votes. So looking at the margins, I did not see what anybody could go to the Tribunal to look for, as I was clearly the choice of the people. But they have gone to the Tribunal to claim all sorts of things and make so much noise about them. Mine is that I am a great stickler to due process, I always study the law and I follow it judiciously.”
Continuing, he added: “There was a High Court Order against my nomination on the 26th of January this year but the Appeal Court set it aside on the 23rd of February (just two days to the Election) and I won. I was surprised that someone could go to the Tribunal to rely on the same Federal High Court Judgement to attempt to say that I was not a Candidate in the Election.
“So, this Judgment was well considered. I commend the Tribunal because they took all the issues they raised and trashed them based on Law. So there’s nothing anybody can complain about against this Judgement.
“I am happy because this Judgment has put to rest the distractions. No matter what they intend to do further, the distractions have abated. So that I can concentrate fully to work for my people. We have a lot of work to do for them, so it is important that we be given the space to go all out and do that work. Our people are challenged in Nigeria; my Constituency is challenged in Nigeria and I want to be given the opportunity to confront their problems head-on.
“With this victory, I think the coast is now very clear unless anybody has intentions to do anything further. But even if they do anything further, God who arranged my victory will not allow them. My victory was orchestrated by God. It was God who did everything—saw me through the Elections, gave me the victory and today, emphatically, all Petitions have been dismissed!”
The LP stalwart further stated: “September 8th is a special day for me, I am a Catholic and a Marian Devotee. I am a great follower of Mother Mary and today is Her birthday. When they scheduled the Judgment on September 8th, I knew ‘they’ have lost. So I give all the glory to God. I dedicate this victory to the Blessed Virgin Mary whom the Judgement coincided with Her birthday.
“I congratulate the Anambra Central people on this victory. The way they fought for me in this Election show that they desire to have me as their Senator. I also want to thank all my supporters, my Campaign Organization, the Ohamadike Media Team, they are very formidable.
“I thank my Lawyers, the lead Counsels and for me, my personal Lawyer, Sir Patrick I.N. Ikwueto SAN who has been my lawyer since 2005. All my legal exploits, every time Victor Umeh wins, it has been through his hard work. In this Petition, Chief Barrister Alexander Ejesieme SAN partnered him. He was the lead Counsel to Labour Party. So we all worked together. And their submissions became unassailable to see the Tribunal agreed with them in all the points of law they raised and the Petition was actually struck out for lacking in merit.”
Saturday 9, September 2023.
Press Release
Ikate Kingdom Gets White Cap Chiefs, As Oba Elegushi Confirms new Olowa, Alawe Of Ikate
In line with extant tradition and customary laws on the composition of the Elegushi-in-council, the traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has concluded the rites for the installation of new Olowa and Alawe of Ikate kingdom, following the transition of the last occupiers of the two thrones.
The rites, concluded within the conclave of the palace, saw the coronation of High Chief Salisu Oluwadare Elegushi as the new Olowa of Ikate kingdom and High Chief Mukail Olamilekan Elegushi as the new Alawe.
With the completion of all rites, the new White Cap chiefs will go into seclusion for 7 days, and this will be followed by an elaborate celebration to present the new chiefs to the public.
This development has therefore put the Elegushi-in-council in its full strength, to help in the administration of the kingdom under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi to be ably assisted by the Odofin of Ikate, Opemolua of Ikate, Olisa of Ikate, Aro Oba of Ikate, Eletu of Ikate, Olowa of Ikate and the Alawe of Ikate kingdom.
Signed
Temitope Oyefeso
Special Assistant, Public Affairs to HRM
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc recently handed over the renovated LEA Primary School Jahi – Kado Kuchi, FCT Abuja, worth 32.5 million naira, under its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative.
Known for only excellent quality deliveries in its works, the scope of the project undertaken by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc included the renovation and complete rehabilitation of the 6 classroom blocks, including the roof, walls and the classrom floors of the school. It also included the provision of furniture for classrooms and staffrooms, and the installation of a playground for the students and a complete repainting of the entire 6 blocks of classrooms.
The intervention was done in collaboration with Stewards of the Environment for Sustainable Change Initiative (SESCI). Speaking at the handover ceremony, SESCI’s Convener, Mrs Adiza Ujo, narrated the origin of the laudable intervention. According to Adiza, “…we visit schools to promote care for the environment and to also pay school fees for indigent students, but after vising LEA Primary School Jahi Kado Kuchi last year, we realised that the environment is totally unconducive for learning and the magnitude of the rehabilitation work needed to put the school back in shape could only be undertaken by capable and willing corporate organisations. We reached out to a couple of organisations and only Julius Berger responded.“ She added that, “In January this year the Julius Berger team came along with us to assess the level of damage and the amount of renovation that needed to be done, and to our surprise they were ready to singlehandedly finance the project.“ To graphically capture the appreciation and excitement by stakeholders at the handing over ceremony by Julius Berger, Mrs Adiza enthused, “…here we are today, the students are happy, the two communities of Jahi and Kado-Kuchi are happy, the teachers are happy and UBEB is also happy. Julius Berger has done very well, and we want to thank them very much”.
Handing over the completed project, Julius Berger’s Head of Corporate Communication, Mr. James Agama, expressed his excitement at the reception given to the company‘s delegation. He explained that Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is committed to improving education and literacy in its project communities, and that the company continues to look forward to such opportunities because of the long-lasting positive relationship between the people and Julius Berger. He said that the renovation is one of many other interventions made by the company in the FCT this year. He enjoined the school management to make good use of the facilities provided and ensure that its impact is felt by the children in the communities.
In his appreciation speech, the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Chairman, Dr. Alhasan Sule thanked Julius Berger for the laudable project. According to him, “the intervention is the largest so far by any private organisation, recorded by the Board in recent time,“ adding that “the initiative proves that Julius Berger truly and indeed cares about its host communities and about education.“ With gratitude, Dr Hassan Sule further said and promised, “…we will prove to you that we appreciate what you have done here by ensuring the enrolment of more pupils in this school. We send our appreciation to the Management of Julius Berger.“
Also speaking, the school’s Head Mistress, Mrs Arhanmhunde Edith, thanked Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, and conveyed appreciation messages from community leaders and the Parents Teachers Association (PTA) to the company.
The FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Chairman, Dr Alhasan Sule was accompanied by the Mr. Habibah Aliyu-Barau who is the Board’s Director of Primary School Services, and Architect Monsur Muhammed Sule, the Board’s Director of Fiscal and Project Planning.
Julius Berger Nigeria Plc is a dynamic group of companies, seamlessly expanding horizons from its engineering background into diverse sectors. It harnesses an entrenched culture of excellence, responsibility, courage, and collaboration to sustainably redefine possibilities and shapes industries with ingenuity and unwavering commitment.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country to “disclose details on spending of the N2 billion palliative recently disbursed to each state by the Federal Government, including the names of beneficiaries and details of the reliefs so far provided with the money.”
According to reports, the Federal Government recently disbursed N2 billion out of the N5 billion palliative package for each state of the federation and the federal capital territory (FCT), to address the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy.
In the open letter dated 9 September 2023 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “It is in the public interest to publish the details on spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement of funds to your government.”
SERAP said: “Nigerians have the right to know how their states are spending the fuel subsidy relief funds. It is part of their legally enforceable human rights.”
According to SERAP, “Transparency and accountability in the spending of the N2 billion and any subsequent disbursement to your state would help to reduce the risk of corruption, mismanagement, diversion, or opportunism.”
The letter, read in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within seven days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall take all appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state to comply with our request in the public interest.”
“The oversight afforded by public access to the details of the spending of the N2 billion palliative and any subsequent disbursement would serve as an important check on the activities of your state and help to prevent abuses of the public trust.”
“The constitutional principle of democracy also provides a foundation for Nigerians’ right to know details on spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative. Citizens’ right to know promotes openness, transparency, and accountability that is in turn crucial for the country’s democratic order.”
“The effective operation of representative democracy depends on the people being able to scrutinise, discuss and contribute to government decision making, including on the fuel subsidy relief funds.”
“SERAP notes that the removal of subsidy on petrol continues to negatively and disproportionately affect the poor and socially and economically vulnerable Nigerians in several states, undermining their right to adequate standard of living.”
“The Freedom of Information Act, Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution, article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights guarantee to everyone the right to information, including about how the N2 billion fuel subsidy relief funds are spent.”
“By the combined reading of the provisions of the Constitution of Nigeria, the Freedom of Information Act 2011, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, applicable throughout Nigeria, there are transparency obligations imposed on your state to publish details of spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative.”
“The Nigerian Constitution, Freedom of Information Act, and the country’s anti-corruption and human rights obligations rest on the principle that citizens should have access to information regarding their government’s activities.”
“Your state cannot hide under the excuse that the Freedom of Information Act is not applicable to your state to refuse to provide the details being sought, as your state also has clear legal obligations to provide the information as prescribed by the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution, and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Ratification and. Enforcement) Act.”
“SERAP urges you to invite the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to jointly track and monitor the spending of the N2 billion fuel subsidy palliative and any subsequent disbursement of public funds to your state.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
10/9/2023
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
ribunal: My victory was arranged by God – Umeh
The Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Chief Victor Umeh, has said that God did everything to pave the way for his overwhelming victory during the 2023 elections and in the tribunal where a number of petitions were filed against his triumph.
Umeh, a Chieftain of Labour Party (LP), made the remarks while reacting to the tribunal judgements which upheld his election as the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District.
In a statement he personally signed, the Ohamadike Ndigbo, said: “To the glory of God, this is the second Judgment in the various Petitions filed against me. On Wednesday, the Election Petition Tribunal in Awka dismissed the Petition of the NNPP and her Candidate for lack of merit and abuse of court process. Today (Friday) also, the Petition by APGA and her Candidate was dismissed. This happened to be the big one because it generated lots of tension and hype. But I have remained calm over the period since after the Election because I knew I won the Election and I did not do anything to compromise the process.
“The Election went as designed by the Electoral Commission and the people of Anambra Central Senatorial District, convinced that I will represent them better than any other candidate, voted overwhelmingly for me. I scored over 103,608 votes, the person who came second scored 69,702 votes (that’s the APGA Candidate), the PDP Candidate scored 49,532 votes. So looking at the margins, I did not see what anybody could go to the Tribunal to look for, as I was clearly the choice of the people. But they have gone to the Tribunal to claim all sorts of things and make so much noise about them. Mine is that I am a great stickler to due process, I always study the law and I follow it judiciously.”
Continuing, he added: “There was a High Court Order against my nomination on the 26th of January this year but the Appeal Court set it aside on the 23rd of February (just two days to the Election) and I won. I was surprised that someone could go to the Tribunal to rely on the same Federal High Court Judgement to attempt to say that I was not a Candidate in the Election.
“So, this Judgment was well considered. I commend the Tribunal because they took all the issues they raised and trashed them based on Law. So there’s nothing anybody can complain about against this Judgement.
“I am happy because this Judgment has put to rest the distractions. No matter what they intend to do further, the distractions have abated. So that I can concentrate fully to work for my people. We have a lot of work to do for them, so it is important that we be given the space to go all out and do that work. Our people are challenged in Nigeria; my Constituency is challenged in Nigeria and I want to be given the opportunity to confront their problems head-on.
“With this victory, I think the coast is now very clear unless anybody has intentions to do anything further. But even if they do anything further, God who arranged my victory will not allow them. My victory was orchestrated by God. It was God who did everything—saw me through the Elections, gave me the victory and today, emphatically, all Petitions have been dismissed!”
The LP stalwart further stated: “September 8th is a special day for me, I am a Catholic and a Marian Devotee. I am a great follower of Mother Mary and today is Her birthday. When they scheduled the Judgment on September 8th, I knew ‘they’ have lost. So I give all the glory to God. I dedicate this victory to the Blessed Virgin Mary whom the Judgement coincided with Her birthday.
“I congratulate the Anambra Central people on this victory. The way they fought for me in this Election show that they desire to have me as their Senator. I also want to thank all my supporters, my Campaign Organization, the Ohamadike Media Team, they are very formidable.
“I thank my Lawyers, the lead Counsels and for me, my personal Lawyer, Sir Patrick I.N. Ikwueto SAN who has been my lawyer since 2005. All my legal exploits, every time Victor Umeh wins, it has been through his hard work. In this Petition, Chief Barrister Alexander Ejesieme SAN partnered him. He was the lead Counsel to Labour Party. So we all worked together. And their submissions became unassailable to see the Tribunal agreed with them in all the points of law they raised and the Petition was actually struck out for lacking in merit.”
Saturday 9, September 2023.
Press Release
Ikate Kingdom Gets White Cap Chiefs, As Oba Elegushi Confirms new Olowa, Alawe Of Ikate
In line with extant tradition and customary laws on the composition of the Elegushi-in-council, the traditional ruler of Ikate-Elegushi, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi has concluded the rites for the installation of new Olowa and Alawe of Ikate kingdom, following the transition of the last occupiers of the two thrones.
The rites, concluded within the conclave of the palace, saw the coronation of High Chief Salisu Oluwadare Elegushi as the new Olowa of Ikate kingdom and High Chief Mukail Olamilekan Elegushi as the new Alawe.
With the completion of all rites, the new White Cap chiefs will go into seclusion for 7 days, and this will be followed by an elaborate celebration to present the new chiefs to the public.
This development has therefore put the Elegushi-in-council in its full strength, to help in the administration of the kingdom under the leadership of His Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Ademola Elegushi to be ably assisted by the Odofin of Ikate, Opemolua of Ikate, Olisa of Ikate, Aro Oba of Ikate, Eletu of Ikate, Olowa of Ikate and the Alawe of Ikate kingdom.
Signed
Temitope Oyefeso
Special Assistant, Public Affairs to HRM
Delta Women on Wednesday congratulated Chief Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan for her victory at the Tribunal.
They also praised the tribunal for remaining the protector of the oppressed.
A statement issued in Warri by the Delta Women Political Vanguard (DWPV) said Akpoti-Uduaghan’s victory at the tribunal was well deserved as “it is the will of a democratic majority”.
‘’Your victory at the Tribunal shows that the wonderful people of Kogi Central clearly authorized your candidature’’.
The election petition tribunal sitting in Lokoja declared Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) winner of the February 25 Kogi Central Senatorial election.
The statement signed by the DWPV President General, Chief Alice Umukoro, described the tribunal’s judgement as brilliant and straightforward.
‘’Your victory is a testimony of your recognition, immense ability and contributions to Kogi State’’.
The women thanked the wonderful people of Kogi Central for the confidence reposed on Akpoti-Uduaghan.
Justice K.A. Orjiakoin, the tribunal Chairman in his ruling on Wednesday said Uduaghan scored 54,064 votes to defeat his closest rival Sadiku-Ohere of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who polled 51,291 votes.
The tribunal urged Ohere to pay Akpoti-Uduaghan N500, 000 for the cost of the petition.