News From Nigeria
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday signed the bills for the establishment of additional two universities in the State – Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology.
He assented to the bills transmitting Lagos State Polytechnic in Ikorodu, Isolo and Surulere campuses to the University of Science and Technology as well as Adeniran Ogunsanya Colleges of Education, Ijanikin and Michael Otedola College of Primary Education, Epe to Lagos State University of Education.
The signing ceremony, which took place at the Lagos House, Marina, was witnessed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Mr. Tokunbo Wahab and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), members of the Governing Councils and management staff of the tertiary institutions, among others.
Speaking after signing the bills, Governor Sanwo-Olu, said Lagos and its indigenes are now blessed with two additional universities to the existing Lagos State University (LASU), established in 1982 by the first Executive Governor of Lagos State, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
He said: “We are doing this very quickly because we need to take this law to the National Universities Commission (NUC), that will do their due diligence and we are believing they will give us a timely approval when all of us will go and receive the certificates for the establishment of the two universities.
“We believe that the transmission will be smooth. We believe that the process would be without any hindrance. We believe that we will do a good job at ensuring that what is best is the only thing that we do for Lagos. I feel so delighted and proud of all of us creating history today and I believe that indeed generations coming after us will remember this very bold, audacious decision that we have taken.
“The two institutions that have now been transmitted into universities are institutions that have produced professionals, students, lecturers among other notable men and women in our society. I feel what we have done is a proper thing for the existing staff, both academic and non-academic and more importantly for the students today and the future students that would be coming in to be able to recreate their future and be in a position that we are turning out the leaders of tomorrow.”
Speaking earlier, Wahab said the establishment of the Lagos State University of Education (LASUED) and Lagos State University of Science and Technology, will solve issues relating to admission for Lagos State citizens.
Wahab also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for putting his full weight behind the establishment of the two additional universities. He also appreciated the Lagos State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa for believing in the process.
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02 FEBRUARY 2022
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Historicizing and Prognosticating Education and Internal Security Challenges in Nigeria
Yakubu A. Ochefu Ph.D.,
Fellow Historical Society of Nigeria (FHSN), Member, Nigeria Academy of Letters (MNAL)
Introduction
I will discuss the subject of education and internal security in Nigeria from a historical perspective, and prognosticate what is likely to happen if we do not address some of the challenges with the ideas that I will share. I do not intend to dabble into any definitional or conceptual issues. I take the liberty to assume that in an audience such as this, the meaning of keywords of the subject under discussion (education and internal security), is well known. I will proceed first by dealing with the various types of internal security challenges that have confronted us since 1960. Undertaking this historical journey will reveal that many of these challenges date far back and are rooted in one word: injustice (real or perceived). The challenges also seem to roll over from one decade to another, and from one zone to another. Thus, when kidnapping was rampant in the Niger Delta between 2000 and 2005, it was pretty rare in the northern parts of this country. Now, it is the other way round. I review the security governance framework and demonstrate how its constitution compounds the challenge of security provisioning.
Regarding education, I will x-ray our educational provisioning from two perspectives. One is from the ongoing disruption of higher education and its implications, and the second is on how weak the nexus between education and security is. I will conclude the lecture with ideas and suggestions on how we can use education to tackle the internal security challenges and make a prognosis of the near future of what may happen if we do not.
Historicising Internal Security Challenges in Nigeria
Since independence in 1960, Nigeria has recorded over thirty significant security challenges in the six decades. These range from politically or religiously motivated violence to criminal activities. The table below presents these challenges in historical sequence over a ten-year cycle.
| SN | Decade | Security Challenge | Location |
| 1. | 1960-1970 | Tiv Riots | Tiv Land |
| Political Crisis in Western Nigeria | Western Nigeria | ||
| Declaration of Niger Delta Republic | Niger Delta | ||
| First and Second Military Coups | Nationwide | ||
| Pogroms and the Nigeria Civil War | Nationwide | ||
| 2 | 1970 -1980 | Ugep Massacre | Cross River State |
| 3
|
1980 -1990 | Bakolori Peasants Uprising | Sokoto State |
| Maitasine | Kano, Bauchi, Borno, and Adamawa States | ||
| SAP Riots | Across Nigeria | ||
| Kafanchan Riots | Kaduna State | ||
| 4 | 1990-2000 | Zango-kataf Crisis | Kaduna State |
| Ijo-Itsekiri Crisis | Delta State | ||
| Bakassi Boys | South East | ||
| Ogoni Uprising (MOSOP) | Niger Delta | ||
| NADECO | South West | ||
| First Jos Crisis | Plateau State | ||
| Kwanta-kwanta bandits | North East | ||
| Ife-Modakeke | Osun State | ||
| Aguleri-Umuleri | Anambra State | ||
| 5 | 2000 -2010 | Tiv-Jukun Crisis and Military Invasion of Tivland | Benue/Taraba State |
| Odi Crisis | Niger Delta | ||
| Kaduna (Sharia) Crisis | Kaduna State | ||
| Second Jos Crisis | Plateau State | ||
| MEND | Niger Delta | ||
| Ogaminana Crisis | Kogi State | ||
| 2007 Election Riots | Northern Nigeria | ||
| Boko Haram | North East | ||
| 6 | 2010 -2020 | Farmers Herders Conflicts | Across Nigeria |
| IPOB | South East | ||
| ESN | South East | ||
| ODUA Republic Agitation | South West | ||
| Banditry | North West |
A quick look at the above inconclusive list shows that we can situate the nature and character of security challenges into four domains. These are the politically and economically motivated, the religiously motivated, criminally motivated, and those rooted in migration and settlements. A common thread that binds these four domains is injustice and its perceptions. Some have their roots in political, economic and socio-spatial arrangements that date back to colonialism. From the list, we can also discern that a number of them are recurring. The crisis in Jos started in the mid-1990s. Also, that of Southern Kaduna. Several scholars have opined that Boko Haram has its roots in the teachings of Mohammed Marwa, the founder and leader of the Maitasine sect that exploded all over northern Nigeria in the 1980s. If this is true, it means that forty years on, we have not learnt anything about managing the root causes of social problems that make people susceptible to religious manipulations. This is where the nexus between education and security comes to play.
Internal Security Sector Governance Framework
Security sector governance combines the concepts of ‘security’ and ‘governance’ and shares with the concept of human security, a concern for the welfare and safety of individuals and groups, which suffer most from a poorly governed security sector. From a governance perspective, security sector governance covers the public sector responsible for exercising the state monopoly of coercive power.1 From a purely security perspective, security sector governance reflects the broad notion of security because it does not cover the military alone but acknowledges the importance and predominant role of non-military security forces in some countries. Indeed, governments increasingly face security challenges in governance sectors that have not been viewed as relevant from a traditional security perspective. This includes the relevance of border security in the aftermath of trans-border Boko Haram raids or the activities of ethnic and political militias.
Security governance sets the security sector on two pillars: (a) the security forces and (b) the relevant civilian bodies and processes needed to manage them. These encompass: state institutions which have a formal mandate to ensure the safety of the State and its citizens against acts of violence and coercion (e.g., the armed forces, the police and paramilitary forces, the intelligence services and similar bodies; judicial and penal institutions) and elected and duly appointed civil authorities responsible for control and oversight (e.g., Parliament, the Executive, the Defence Ministry, etc.).
The security sector in most countries is generally divided into five main groups of actors:
In addition to the above, a number of actors directly or indirectly influence the content and implementation of security policy. They fall into two main groups: non-statutory security organisations and non-statutory civil society bodies.
The Governance Challenges in the Security Sector.
The Governance Challenges in the Security sector in Nigeria cannot be treated outside of the historical context of the evolution of the Nigerian State and its operation since independence. As Fayemi and Olonisaki have pointed out, to understand the nature of the challenges and offer solutions, an assessment of Nigeria’s political environment is critical.2 For example, to what extent has the question of the nation been settled (national framework)? What do the constitution and other laws say about the control of the security forces (legal basis of the security sector)? What is the mission, purpose and nature of the security forces (professional stance of the security forces)? What is the interaction between the composition of security forces and the composition of society as a whole?; does the mission derived from security threats correspond to the size, composition and equipment of the security forces? Are resources used to fulfil the identified mission of the security forces, or are they misused in various ways (financial management of resources)? What are the roles of non-state security actors (positive and negative) and how effectively do the key oversight agencies – legislature, civilian bureaucracy, civil society – function in general (accountability)?3
It is clear from the above questions that fundamental challenges exist in the governance of the security sector and if these are not dealt with, the mandate to protect the lives and property of citizens will remain seriously compromised. I take the personal view that given the inherent legal and structural challenges facing the security sector in Nigeria that translates to how it is composed and operates, nobody will get an A* grade in providing explanations as to why they have performed so badly. The outcome of the sector’s poor performance is all too clear to us and warrants no further elaboration here. Before we proceed to proffer suggestions on how security governance can be improved, let us briefly discuss the education imperative and its role in determining security outcomes.
New Knowledge and Disruption of Education as a 21st Century Defining Moment
In the past forty years, the nature and character of higher education delivery globally have changed. We are in a world that is currently being driven at a breakneck pace, with new ways of doing old things, improvements and alternative solutions to virtually everything we need and do. Most segments of society are caught up in these changes and educational delivery is not an exception. Indeed, it has been suggested that the disruption of education as we know it today is going to count as one of the most defining moments of the 21st Century.3 I will point out just a few of them to buttress the point.
To contextualise all these, some of the biggest companies in the world in terms of valuation, such as Alphabet Inc (Google), Apple, Meta (Facebook), Microsoft, and Amazon, have stated that they now no longer require University degrees as entry requirements to work there. More so, 10 of the top 20 in-demand jobs did not exist fifteen years ago.4 Social Media Manager, Site Engine Optimisation Specialist, Mobile Applications Developer, Big Data Analyst, Green Energy Engineer, Cloud Computing Specialist, Digital Marketing Specialist, Drone Operators, Natural Language Process Operators, etc. Most of these jobs have developed not from within the traditional academic systems/ research outcomes but largely due to the cross-application of ideas from widely disparate disciplines. The rigid academic compartments and academic silos that we used to know are giving way to functionalities that are geared towards solving 21st century problems. Indeed it has been opined that in another ten years, what we need to know to operate as knowledgeable/educated citizens would have radically changed.5 Parinita Gohil, Co-Founder, Learning Delight, an Indian based company, contextualises this change very well when she notes that;
The relationship between students and teachers has undergone a complete transformation ever since the advent of technology. This is because today’s student has access to a variety of sources for information, as opposed to simply learning what is being taught at school. The methodology of teaching for such curious minds, therefore, is evolving as well, and becoming more and more interactive and engaging, thanks to digital means. 6
Google Classroom is currently one of the most widely used online educational tools, with more than 40 million users and growing, where teachers, students, and parents manage class assignments, quizzes and discussions.6
So, what will the future of education look like?
Education soon will become highly personalised. Learning content will become (already is, actually) available on-demand, enabling students to design and build degree programmes and/or learning outcomes from a wide variety of institutions offering particular courses. Universities will be masters of content aggregation, working as intellectual talent and knowledge providers and competing with other bodies such as research and data firms. As aggregators, they will recover their investments from royalties and license fees from the content, knowledge and other intellectual property activities provided by academics and professionals that they engage. The best universities will become like the big football clubs or entertainment companies who will go all over the world identifying, investing in, and harvesting the returns from great bents. Institutions that cannot invest in content aggregation and technologies will find it harder to compete and cover their operating costs, especially in terms of tuition pricing. The application of dynamic tuition pricing to content will see to this. Those without endowments and or public funding support will struggle to survive. The emergence of the phenomenon of a “lone wolf scholar” who plies his trade in cyberspace and owes no allegiance to an established institution will grow substantially. With online campuses and courses like Udemy, Coursera, FutureLearn and EdX, scholars can teach online and earn good pay without contending with a conventional university’s institutional rigidities.8
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, it is essential that we know that the Disrupted Educational System is already here. Prominent actors are: Coursera, Udemy, Khan Academy, Alison, LinkedIn Learning (formerly Lynda.com), Udacity, CodeAcademy, Iversity, SkillShare, and General Assembly are already doing all we talked about above. According to Coursera, they “envision a world where anyone, anywhere can transform their life by accessing the world’s best learning experience“9They currently have 35 million students, I82 Partner Universities and Corporations from 27 countries, offering 3,393 courses and 250 specialisations. Udemy has 30 million students taking 100,000 different courses that are 100% online. Cost ranges from $10 to $300. Alison has 13 million Learners from 195 countries, 1,000 courses from which 1.5 million students have graduated since they started in 2007, all for Free. Udacity gave us the concept of a “Nano Degree“. Their mission is, “to democratise education” through the offering of world-class higher education opportunities that are “accessible, flexible, and economical”.10 They currently have 8 million learners from 208 Countries taking over 40 courses.
The greatest beneficiaries are Students, parents, and the “Eduprenuers” in all these. Decreased cost of content combined with increased competition among professors and lower average ROI for universities per professor will lead to lower tuition costs and greater choice. Great professors with interdisciplinary knowledge—the great aggregators will see license and royalty fees go up as they command economies of scale in distribution. Existing institutions with large endowments and the capacity to invest in great talent will tighten their grip on the upper end of the education market. At the same time, others struggle to compete and survive. Public-Private Institutions, for-profit, and publicly traded universities will emerge as ownership models. The class of “edupreneurs” will grow and overtake existing institutions providing significantly increased personal choice for all from pre-school to post-graduate studies. 11
Perspectives of Security Education
As with many aspects of our educational curriculum, the security component is badly outdated. First, it is not given the prominence that it deserves. Second, it is only in the last twenty years that security studies have emerged as a distinct academic discipline in our University curriculum from under the broad subject matter of Sociology and Criminology. Third, even with the ongoing review of the benchmark minimum academic standards being conducted by the regulatory body, the National Universities Commission. (NUC), security education is not included in the general studies courses, a rather curious omission in an age where security considerations in both the physical and cyberspace realms have become prominent. I want the distinguished members of the audience to pause a bit and reflect on simple things like description and direction. When you ask an average Nigerian to describe whom he saw or provide directions to a location, the chances are that you are often left more confused than before you asked. The fact of the matter is that we do not teach these items in school. If I ask the HOD of Sociology whether their students regularly visit police stations on excursions or if their students undertake their internships with the police, the answer will be no or not much. You will find students of primary and secondary schools going on excursions to airports, national assembly, secretariat, etc., but never to a police station. Why?
Several reasons account for the lapses as mentioned above. The first is the historical and legacy issues arising from our understanding of what constitutes security, its framework and architecture. For example, the legal environment that defines the structure and composition of the armed security forces. The Nigeria Police Force ranks as one of the largest globally under one command structure.12 The Inspector-General of Police is answerable only to the President. The Governor as the CSO of the State cannot direct the State Commissioner of Police (and in the same vein all the other Federal security-related agencies in the State), without prior approval from the Headquarters. This usually translates to a loss of valuable response time or no response at all to security challenges in the State. The matter is a constitutional one that must be viewed in the light of global best practice as far as policing and security provisioning are concerned. Critical to the legal environment is the issue of legislative oversight on Security matters. Security votes can go unaccounted for, and legislative or civil society oversight of security matters hardly exists.
The second is the relationship between security and justice. For many poor people, judicial outcomes constitute what Piccato describes as “a lottery of impunity”.13 Where there is no justice, and where people practically get away with “murder” mainly due to rule by patronage and misuse of governmental instruments of coercion to entrench political and social inclusion, some people will react by taking “laws into their hands”. St. Augustine asks and answers, “What are kingdoms without justice? They are just gangs of bandits.”14 And as Richard Engel puts it; Insurgencies are easy to make and hard to stop. Only a few ingredients need to combine to create an insurgency; like oxygen and fire, they’re very common and mix all too often. The recipe is, simply, a legitimate grievance against a state, a state that refuses to compromise, a quorum of angry people, and access to weapons.15
The third is the issue of a Security Ecosystem Map (SEM). How many states in Nigeria have one? Probably very few. Without a SEM of the environment, it is impossible to map security threats and deal with them as they arise. This is why formal security organs of Nigeria, more often than not, respond to security challenges as they arise. Being proactive is not a very popular consideration in operationalising security matters. It also translates to poor Intelligence gathering and sharing. Do we have any training methodology on how to develop a Security Ecosystem Map for the wider society? Without an SEM of the environment, it is challenging to map security threats and deal with them as they arise.
Poor use of technology to enhance security operations, especially in profiling, threat analysis, surveillance, crime scene investigation, and forensic analysis, is another factor. For example, to what extent do we apply tracking technologies in the criminal enterprise known as kidnapping for ransom? Have our security authorities ever used “dye bombs” when making ransom payments? What is being done regarding cybersecurity as it relates to crime, terror and many forms of harassment, especially on social networks? Is first level cybersecurity training provided as a given or is it subscribed as a speciality?
Education and Security in the Cyber Domain
Cyberspace is the notional or virtual environment where communication over computers and other networks occurs. It is the symbolic space or plane that is created on any communication infrastructure such as the Internet. The Internet is a global computer network providing various information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardised communication protocols. The World Wide Web (www) is a service that exists on the Internet. While the term cyber predates the Internet and the Web, it has emerged as the catchphrase for most of the activities that take place on it. You can think of a website that exists on cyberspace. When you go “online”, you are in cyberspace. In that space, you can carry out virtually any activity. In that regard, the adjective cyber can relate to over 50 different words ranging from activity, actions, phenomena, and timeline to individual and group pursuits or interests. Cybersecurity, cybercrime, cyberwar, cyberterrorism, etc., to mention just a few. 16
Apart from Outer space, it is the largest unregulated and uncontrolled domain made entirely by humankind in History. Another unique feature is its relative age. Although electrical and electronic forms of communication are at least over 100 years, the convergence technology that drives the cyber domain is about 60 years old. Added to its relative “youth” is the speed of its evolution. Five years is considered very old in cyberspace, while ten is ancient. Also, like all previous domains, cyber encompasses the good and the bad. In our current global and digital world, the cyber domain is crucial. It drives critical national functions such as economic development, education, commerce and financial transactions, social interactions, medical and health, government operations, national security, and defence. As a result of this, the Nigerian government in its 2014 National Cybersecurity Policy envisaged a safe, secure, vibrant, resilient and trusted community that would provide opportunities for its citizenry, safeguard its national assets and interests, promote peaceful interactions and proactive engagement in cyberspace for national prosperity.17
It may interest us to note that at the level of the cyber domain, which currently drives several aspects of our daily lives, the general knowledge of the domain is abysmal. Worse still is that those who make policy with regards to a domain in which over 50% of the stated population call “home”, are stark illiterates when it comes to the baseline knowledge about it. This is not peculiar to Nigeria. General Michael Hayden, former Director of the CIA, described the cybersecurity knowledge gap and the dangers it presents thus; “Rarely has something been so important and so talked about with less and less clarity and less apparent understanding. . .I have sat in very small group meetings in Washington…unable (along with my colleagues) to decide on a course of action because we lacked a clear picture of the long term legal and policy implications of any decision we might make.” 18
Given that innovation was critical to the growth of cyberspace, some of the earliest adopters were criminal elements. Europol’s 2020 Internet Organized Crime Threat Assessment has identified an expanding cybercriminal economy exploiting increasingly Internet-enabled lives and low levels of what is referred to as digital hygiene.19 This expansion of cybercrime has been estimated to have grown in the UK by 2016, to the point that it surpassed the financial impact of traditional crime. In his seminal book; “Future Crimes: Inside the Digital Underground and Battle for our Connected World”, Marc Goodman extensively x-rays the modern cybercrime enterprise as a full-fledged service, multi-product, highly profitable global organisation capable of taking down an individual, company or government at will. Using corporate strategies such as supply chain management, global logistics, creative financing, just-in-time manufacturing, workforce incentivising and consumer needs analysis, Cybercrime Inc is the new mafia raking in over 12 billion USD in 2015 alone.20 Companies like Innovative Marketing pioneered ransomware and Network distributed criminality as evidenced by the 2013 ATM attacks during which 45 million USD was stolen in an operation that lasted ten hours in 27 countries and 36,000 transactions. In the Darknet, marketplaces exist for the purchase of Cracking software and or services, crypto-currencies, pirated music and films, illicit drugs, weapons, documents, credit cards, assassins for hire, human trafficking, child pornography and human organs. Crime-as-a-Service as a business model that is enjoying tremendous growth with the advent of cloud services and cryptocurrencies, has flourished in cyberspace.21
Distinguished audience, ladies, and gentlemen, since our digital assets are as important as our physical assets, it is important to understand that cybersecurity is no longer just about protecting assets. It’s about enabling our nation to take full advantage of the vast opportunities that the ecosystem of cyberspace now offers for business, education, government, and virtually every aspect of our society. However, these opportunities can be hazarded by rapidly emerging cyber threats from hackers (hacktivists), organised crime, nation-states, and terrorists. Both businesses and government must fully understand the full spectrum of threats and system vulnerabilities and address them effectively and efficiently. From a financial and human resource perspective, the cost of doing so is huge. However, the price for not doing so is far greater. According to the CBN, the value of online transactions in Nigeria as at 2019 was 107.9 trillion naira.22 Worldwide spending on ICT according to the International Data Corporation in 2020 is 5 trillion USD.23 As provided by the Cybercrime Act, 0.005% of this amount should be used to fund Cybersecurity development. This translates to approximately 3.7 billion naira or about 100 million USD. This figure pales into insignificance compared to 1.9 billion pounds invested in cybersecurity by the UK Government in 2016 alone. As we mature in the age of cyber or digital democracy with its attendant fake, hate and trash news and the need to strike a balance between freedom and security, you will agree with me that we have arrived at exciting times.
Some Propositions to Consider
The extent to which security challenges affect governance in Nigeria can be seen from the wanton destruction of property and loss of lives whenever a breach in security occurs. Where public property built with taxpayers’ money is destroyed, the citizens will have to pay to rebuild them. Where private property built with hard-earned money is destroyed, it sets the individual or family back by several years. Where lives are lost, they cannot be replaced. Herein lies the nexus between education, security, governance and development. Chairman of the Convocation Lecture, Pro-Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, PAAU, I belong to a tendency of historical studies commonly referred to as Active History. We like to proffer propositions and prognosticate outcomes using the framework of futurology studies.
In the light of the problems of insecurity and other ethno-political tendencies, a significant facet of the challenge for national cohesion lies in the State’s capacity to nip in the bud tendencies towards all forms of impunities by any persons or groups. Such persons and groups have taken undue advantage of the inadequate presence of government in places like our poorly manned borders and remote rural areas. Their nefarious conducts such as cross-border banditry, terrorists’ attacks, smuggling, illicit trans-border trafficking in drugs and human beings, and human organs have severely undermined the authority and legitimacy of the Nigerian nation-state. This is a fundamental and existential threat and if not progressively reversed in another three years, the country will descend to a rule by ungoverned warlords.
The education of citizens on security matters is virtually non-existent in Nigeria. Beyond radio jingles on “reporting suspicious persons” there is no defined programme on inculcating a culture of “secureness” amongst our people. This should be a continuous exercise at all levels of the educational systems and our formal and informal establishments. We should consider introducing a compulsory course at the general studies level that focuses on security. When we talk of STEM, do we imagine for once that the S can mean Security rather than Science? Have we bothered to make any investment in providing “Security Laboratories” in the programmes that teach security? Do we teach the PEACE Framework and Evidence-Based Threat Analysis and Mitigation Techniques? Is the model of creative problem-solving (CPS), which has been rated very highly by security education experts, part of our security education training? To answer this question, I foresee the emergence of an International Centre for Security Education in one of the Universities in Kogi State that will lead Nigeria in new thinking on education and security.
Auditing of the security framework and the development of a security ecosystem map will help determine whether the need to hire a professional security company to complement the activities of the traditional agencies will arise. The role of private Security providers is a point to note. Given as we mentioned earlier, the inability of formal state organs to provide security, the number of private providers have snow-balled in recent times. This phenomenon is not unique to Nigeria. In the United States of America, official private security providers out-number public ones by 3:1. In South Africa, the factor is 4:1. We do not have the statistics for Nigeria, but if the information credited to the Civil Defence Corp is to be believed, the factor may be as high as 2:1. Outstanding security companies are not cheap but will provide services that formal providers cannot.
The cost of end-to-end security operations is expensive. Security funding is usually far below the budget line in the vicious competition for funds to pay salaries and pensions to build and maintain critical infrastructure. This is itself a significant threat. The inability to pay for competent security personnel and provide requisite equipment and training leaves us under-protected. This cost can be supplemented through creative funding of security services. Some states are beginning to charge a “security levy” as part of the revenue profile of the State. This helps create a reserve fund used to provide equipment and training for the security agencies.
The adoption of technology solutions for security management will go a long way in helping to meet security challenges. The use of biometric identity management systems, attendance management systems, closed-circuit cameras, and “mystery shopper” devices provide a sense of “big brother is watching you”. It also helps to reduce the propensity for deviant and criminal behaviour. Technology-driven campus, public spaces, and private establishments security will grow exponentially in the next five years. So will technology-driven farm security. Developments and trends in technology and innovation in agriculture, especially in terms of new ways of feeding farm animals, using a ‘total mixed ration’ to reduce labour costs, increase animal health and give farmers greater flexibility with feed ingredients. Fodder and other grasses are big businesses that several parts of Nigeria can begin to develop seriously. The late Professor Emmanuel Agishi and his colleagues at Ahmadu Bello University in the late 1980s developed Signal Grass and Verano Stylo as fodder. They successfully demonstrated how they could manage the relationship between farmers and herders. Investments in livestock genetic technologies and the use of radio frequency identification (EID) for range management using the award-winning Botswana model will lead to better management of farmers and herders’ relationships. Technology-based “Early Warning Systems” in notable flashpoints will also help mitigate reactionary responses to attacks when they do happen.
Lastly, I can only lend our voices to what many others have suggested in the past, that the Nigerian State must deal with the twin evils of youth unemployment and underemployment, and corruption. The State must be seen as willing and able to instil a sense of justice to the underlying issues that drive people to take up arms against each other and/or the State. Like St. Augustine warns, the State itself may be seen as the bandit. The nexus between ancestral owners of lands/migrants/settlers has to be couched in a constitutional legal framework to address the perspectives of each group. Addressing such questions as; Who are the combatants; who trains and arms then? Who provides logistic support for them? Who provides security and judicial cover for them? As you may bear me witness, how many persons have been successfully prosecuted in this country in crimes involving communal crisis, kidnapping and banditry? Very few compared to the volume of crimes committed. Are hate crimes part of our criminal jurisprudence? No! Social media-promoted hate crimes, and profiling of persons based on ethnicity, gender and religion must be comprehensively addressed. It will continue to grow and provide accelerants for violence in our communities if not.
Conclusion
Throughout the history of humankind, differences over political and economic opportunities, ethnicity and religion have often degenerated into conflict situations. It stems from feelings of injustice, cultural superiority, intolerance, teachings and principles inherent in tenets of the religion, and political/economic interests. Peoples who have suffered tremendous neglect in opportunities that ordinarily would have accrued to them from Federal and State governments are quick to view government not as partners in progress but as agents of oppression. Democratic governance depends on the ability of the State to extend the rule of law and essential protection to excluded and marginalised groups. Thus, protecting lives and property is a central pillar on which governance rests and performance is measured. Without relative peace and security, economic and social growth and development of society cannot proceed. Throughout history, when governments have been unable to provide security, that vacuum is filled by various individual and group actions. In some cases, state authorities have used structured deprivation, ethnicity and religion as frameworks for engagement. Inter-group and intra-group clashes have been promoted to ensure that certain regions remain disunited. The ongoing displacement of populations from their traditional homelands in parts of the Niger and Benue River basins with loss of actual and potential economic opportunities are examples of this.
Given the social dynamism in Nigeria and the unpredictable nature of national and global security trends, in particular, one needs a good mixture of knowledge and skills, technology, funding, and luck to mitigate the challenges we face daily in Nigeria. Madame VC, as the Chief Security Officer of PAAU, you need to be proactive, resourceful and creative to be on top of the campus security situation. The Local Government Chairman will do the same at that level, and your visitor will do the same at the State. That concentric ring of actions provides a firm lid on security challenges.
Finally, I agree with President Goodluck Jonathan, who said,
…if we do not spend billions educating our youths today, we will spend it fighting insecurity tomorrow. And you do not have to spend on education just because of insecurity. It is also the prudent thing to do. Nigeria, or any African nation for that matter, can never become wealthy by selling more minerals or raw materials such as oil. Our wealth as a nation is between the ears of our people.24
I rest my case.
End Notes
CHIEF ALBERT KORUBO HORSFALL
By Godknows Igali, PhD
INTRODUCTION
Though much constrained by professional norms to a life of near anonymity and subdued social exposure, the great national service of one of Nigeria’s ace security professionals, Chief Albert Korubo Horsfall who is also a key witness to the Nigerian story, even as he joined the ranks of octogenerians on 22nd December 2021 remains sparsely told. The significance of Horsfall’s service though in the peculiar dimly setting of his vocation, was the fact that he leveraged on his profound knowledge of the country and its people to impact on national peace and integration at different levels. A lifetime intelligencer, he is today, a traditional aristocrat among the Kalabari sub-group of the Ijaw ethnic nationality, an active figure in the effort at peace in the Niger Delta and a vocal voice in framing the country’s democracy.
A DESCENT OF KALABARI HERALDRY
Horsfall’s call to duty traces its roots to a family tree of service in prestigious positions in defense and commerce. Buguma his hometown in Rivers State had for the past two hundred years become noted as one of the main commercial entrepôts was in the forefront of what the British, called “Legitimate Trade”. This form of commerce started as an alternative to Transatlantic Slave Trave when it was abolished in 1807. His town is also the seat of the traditional authority of the Kalabari Kings and people dating back to the 1550’s. The town has also been a centre of social and cultural life especially in the interaction between the various peoples of the Niger Delta and the South-East hinterland. Buguma, in recent times, also raised such Nigerian celebrities as Prof. Tam David West, Highlife King, Cardinal Jim Rex Lawson, great footballer Taribo West, frontline actress Hilda Dokubo. In general, very progressive Kalabari people boast of producing some of Nigeria’s first set of Western educated elites.
The peculiarity of Horsfall’s life lies in the fact that his own immediate family traces its origin to a fiery warrior, Chief Omekwe, who was one of his Kalabari’s most celebrated knights in shining armour. Omekwe who founded the dynasty during the late 18th century, was considered the foremost Admiral of Kalabari war fleet, at a time when national strength was determined by gunboat diplomacy. He therefore left his progeny with a DNA of soldiery strands; recognizing the worth of service to community amidst a background of geo-strategic consciousness. Young Albert Horsfall’s engrossment with a lifestyle of regimentals was further aided by being nurtured by his uncle, Alex Horsfall, who at the time was a senior personnel in the colonial service in the divisional headquarters at the nearby town of Degema. At a very young age therefore, he became exposed to service, order and uniform; interacting both with Nigerian and British officials.
THE CALL TO SERVE AND THE NIGERIA POLICE STORY
After completing his Primary school at Degema, he went to Christ School of Commerce, Onitsha for his secondary education. Horsfall’s family background is one of relative affluence garnered from their active mercantilist pursuit and control of the palm oil trade. Many expected therefore, that like his several kinsmen, and indeed as was the case with the Kalabaris in general, he will join, euphemistically speaking, the seeming pitting of wits to proceed to the United Kingdom to further his education. On the contrary, in 1962, at the tender age of 17, he opted to join the uniform service being the Police Force of the infant Nigeria state. Like his contemporaries who were among those who joined the Nigeria Police Force, professional training was organized by British Officers following common ordinances and manuals imposed on the entire former colonies around the world.
In retrospect, what is known as the Nigeria Police Force was first established in 1820, but about sixty years later, that is by 1879, another body known as Hausa Constabulary was formed. Shortly afterwards, that is in 1888, the Royal Niger Company, one of Britain’s main trading outfits at the time moved more inland along the River Niger in search of produce, establishing its own Police Unit, a Constabulary at Lokoja. This was again, followed in 1894 by the Niger Coast Constabulary based in Calabar and then the Lagos Police in 1896. This was first of its kind directly controlled by the colonial government.
With the establishment of the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates on 1st January 1900, the Police became somewhat reorganized and bifurcated into what came to be known as the Northern Nigerian Police and the Southern Nigerian Police. Even after Lord Frederick Lugard’s amalgamation of 1914 heralding the formal birth of the Nigerian nation and enactment of the Clifford’s Constitution of 1922, this operational structure continued until 1930 when the formalized Nigeria Police Force was created.
This notwithstanding, the Nigeria Police Force even after the country’s independence in 1960 remained under the command and influence of British colonial officials for some time. Training of persons such as Horsfall and his contemporaries at the Police College was therefore essentially carried out under the watchful eyes of British officials with courses shared between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. This produced some of the best Cops ever known in Nigerian history. This includes the likes of former Inspectors General of Police, Louis Edet, Kam Salem, M.D. Yusuf, Adamu Suleiman, Sunday Adewusi, Aliyu Attah, Ibrahim Coomasie as well as many others since the country’s return to democracy under the current fourth republic.
Against this backdrop, Horsfall completed his cadet training and was commissioned as an Assistant Superintendent of Police in 1965. On account of his outstanding brilliance and performance during the training, he was deployed to the intelligence branch then known as Special Branch. Due to the delicate nature of those vested with intelligence gathering, men of that branch, along with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) with whom they work very closely, who are still largely plain clothed and are regarded as “elite core”. Hence, they are picked from among the best at any time. In his own case, Horsfall who was atop posted to work directly under the Branch Commissioner, Major J.J. Sullivan, who had already carved out a niche for himself as one of the crack British detectives of his time. Furthermore, he had the more than usual privilege of working under the hawk-eyed first indigenous Commissioner of Police in charge of the intelligence branch of the Police, Chief T.H. Fagbola.
To sharpen his professional skills, he was later sent to the United States of America for a training course under the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). This was just enough for him to acquire the added professional skills to encounter a most risky stint any intelligence officer could face. He was deployed down deep south and embedded to accompany the Nigerian troops during the Civil War (1967-1970). His bit was tough, sent to operate in places such as Opobo, Calabar and Port Harcourt, amongst the war epicentre. Fortunately, the coastal terrain was within the biosphere in which he was raised, hence aiding his outstanding performance while on that tough assignment. With the end of the war, he was posted to different stations around Nigeria and rose steadily into command positions in service.
A “STOOL PIGEON” IN AN ERA OF REORGANIZATIONS
The years of military rule in Nigeria were marked by spirals and straddling occurrences of military coups and instincts of military war lordism counter coups. In particular, shortly after the failed Dimka military coup in 1976 which claimed the life of the then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed (1938-1976), the Nigerian security architecture had to be reconfigured. This led to the removal of the Special Branch from the Police as it had also become common practice in many other countries. A new entity known as Nigeria Security Organization (NSO) was created to deal with all issues pertaining to internal security, as well as large aspects of foreign intelligence and counter intelligence. In other words, it was highly specialized to deal with national security as different from mere crime detection and prevention, and external intelligence gathering from the Research Department of the then Ministry of External Affairs.
Under this new organizational setup, Horsfall then at the rank of an Assistant Commissioner of Police became one of the most senior officers from the Special Branch of Police and CID to become part of this new organization. Since the raison d’etre for setting up the new organization was to fill the gap of failed intelligence which led to the assassination of the country’s ruler, the initial staffing of the NSO included a good presence of military personnel side by side Police counterparts. Horsfall easily stood out as one of its most outstanding staff from the latter group. He therefore had the opportunity to work with some of the best from military intelligence such as then Col. Abdulahi Muhammed, who later as a retired General, became Chief of Staff to President Olusegun Obasanjo in 1999 and then Col. Aliyu Gusau who also rose to become a General, Chief of Army Staff, National Security Adviser and ultimately Minister of Defense.
The NSO attracted an unusual ill-fame on account of overzealous activities of some of its staff. In particular, the hard liner approach to political repression, clamp down on civil activism, the failed kidnap of Second Republic Minister of Transport, Alhaji Umaru Dikko in 1984 and similar activities became its albatross. However, Horsfall stood out as a very competent, nonpartisan and dispassionate staff who carried out his duties with equanimity. Acknowledgingly, his thoroughness was bolstered by the fact that he went on to take a study leave to become a lawyer, and quite often exercised courage on balancing expectations of political pressure and respect for humanity of others.
With the continued political changes during the military hey days and the emergence of President Ibrahim Babangida as Head of State in 1985, further reforms in the following year, 1986, brought about the creation of new security organizations, to focus on External Intelligence, Defense Intelligence and Domestic Security. The external intelligence aspect led to the establishment of a dedicated body answerable directly to the President. This led to the creation of the National Intelligent Agency (NIA). Similarly, the NSO was reformed and renamed State Security Service (SSS), though now better known by the more pliant acronym Department of State Services (DSS).
These developments happened at a time when Horsfall had risen high in service becoming one of two Deputy Directors-General of the NSO and ultimately Acting Director General after the removal of his erstwhile boss, Amb. Muhammed Rafindadi in 1985. With the creation of the two separate organizations, he became the first Director General of the NIA in 1986 and later on moved to the DSS as its second Director General in 1990. After a less than boring and risky career, he retired in 1992.
Fortunately for Horsfall, the very difficult task of heading two very serious national security agencies, the only Nigerian to have ever done so and making great success out of them, was possible because of his broad based training and exposure in all three branches of civilian security CID, Special Branch and External Intelligence). He was able to create the greatest level of impact and saw the laying of the foundation for them to become viable organs of government and critical blocks for expression of statehood in the post military era. For one, he is credited for the building of their respective physical infrastructure in the Federal Capital Territory, setting up their respective Training Schools and the complex paraphernalia of their concealed work. Unfortunately, these are not places easily opened for public viewing and scrutiny.
CALLING BACK FROM RESERVE
Not surprising, one year after his pullout, this gold fish which even at 80 years, still has no hiding place, was called out again in 1993 to head the newly created Oil Mineral Producing Area Development Commission (OMPADEC). This institution was specially created by President Ibrahim Babangida’s government to accelerate the impact of proceeds from oil and gas industry in the infrastructural and social development of the Niger Delta. Horsfall whose coastal community of Buguma lies close to the Cawthorne Channel, with multiplicity of major crude oil fields such as Soku, Belema, Ekulama, Robertkiri, Awoba, etc, was able to undertake, in the short period he was there, multiplicity of projects. Leveraging on his contacts with persons such as Nigeria’s current ruler, President Muhammadu Buhari, who at the time was Chairman of the defunct Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), he focused particularly on completion of ongoing educational projects. As life would have it, a Hydro-zoologist, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan who later became Nigerian President, was one of his pioneer staff at OMPADEC.
On the flip side though, OMPADEC was a near banana peel for Horsfall. For the first time in his brilliant career, he came under various claims of impropriety leveled against the body which he headed after it was scrapped in 1995. This typified a case of the hunter becoming the hunted as he came under intense public scrutiny and vilification. At a point he had to retreat out of Nigeria to enable the security agencies carry out thorough investigations. Various fact-finding panels including one headed by the irreproachable public economist and anti-corruption czar, Prof. Sam Aluko. However, the spurry of investigations all returned a verdict of not guilty. Conversely, all these turned out to work for his public image as OMPADEC became a reference point for productive public sector spending.
Horsfall continued his life as a lawyer and community leader within the Kalabaris, and the Niger Delta. Intermittently however, he has also been called to carry out other national assignments requiring his peculiar, even though uncanny experience. These included his appointment in 2005 as President Obasanjo’s Special Envoy for peace in (the) Niger Delta; a position which he resigned shortly afterwards to contest for the office of President of Nigeria and was succeeded in 2006 by Amb. Godknows Igali. This office later metamorphosed in 2009 into the present Presidential Adviser on Amnesty Programme under President Umaru Yar’adua (1951-2010). Similarly, the then Governor of Rivers State, Chibuike Amaechi (now Minister of Transportation), in 2010 appointed him to help conceptualize and implement post militancy rehabilitation of affected youths in the State.
CONCLUSION
It was the great American writer Ain Fleming, reputed for his “James Bond” series who once wondered aloud, that someone “was a secret agent and still alive. Thanks to his exact attention to the details of his profession”. Perhaps, at 80 years of age, Horsfall, a man of meticulous points, haven handled some very engaging duties, has every reason to share the gratification of survival and longevity. In the lonely walk of his service, like many of his colleagues in the intelligence and security services, whose avowed turf is the welfare of the realm, and stay awake when others are asleep, his roles in fitting together the puzzle of nation building are better left to imagination. Hence, the ancient Chinese strategist, Sun Tzu postulated in his seminal work, “The Art of War”, such persons are the silent but restless weavers of the threads which bind the internal dynamics of states together and form the bonds on which the human family thrives.
Like the good old book says “Do you see a man skilled in his work? They will stand before kings and they will not stand before obscure men”. At this new age, this national figure remains counted as one of the greatest Nigerians ever and appears still ready for more tasks whenever duty calls.
Chief Horsfall lives in Ikoyi, Lagos with his wife, of near lifetime, Ma Henrietta.
Congratulations.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, on Tuesday assured delegates participating in today’s primary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) that he has no preferred candidate among the aspirants jostling for the ticket of the APC for the Akure federal constituency bye-election.
Governor Akeredolu, who declared that he is not supporting anybody in the primary election, encouraged all delegates to vote according to their conscience.
The Governor addressed the delegates at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Park, Akure, alongside the seven aspirants and members of the election committee led by deputy Governor of Anambra State, Nkem Okeke.
Arakunrin Akeredolu urged the delegates to conduct themselves in peaceful manner to sustain the existing peace in the state and the party.
He said:”I have said it over and over again that I have no candidate. I’m supporting nobody, go and vote according to your conscience.”
The Governor warned the delegates against any form of violence , stressing that they should all cast their votes in peaceful manner.
He informed the delegates that the election 8-member committee has assured of level playing ground, adding that they will be free and fair to everyone.
Governor Akeredolu explained that the APC had conducted several primaries in the state including governorship primary that produced him without any rancour, while urging the delegates to ensure the bye-election primary is violence free.
The Governor disclosed that whoever emerges as candidate of the party during the primary would be supported by all to ensure overwhelming victory at poll.
He said he is confident that APC would emerge victorious at the February 26, 2022 bye-election.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
Febuary 1, 2022.
February 1, 2022
Gbajabiamila commiserates with Shitta-Bey Family of Lagos over death of Former State Lawmaker
The Speaker of the House of Representatives Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila has commiserated the Shitta-Bey family of Surulere, Lagos over the demise of a former member of the Lagos State House of Assembly who once represented Surulere 1, Hon. Lateef Shitta-Bey.
Gbajabiamila said Shitta-Bey, who represented Surulere Constituency 1 from 2003 to 2007, worked tirelessly for his people.
The Speaker recalled how Shitta-Bey contributed immensely to the development of his constituency, noting that he was one politician worthy of emulation.
He sent his condolences to the people of Surulere Constituency 1, especially the Shitta-Bey family, for the loss.
Speaker Gbajabiamila prayed Allah to reward the late Lateef Shitta-Bey with Jannatul Firdaus.
January 30, 2022
Press Statement
PDP Accuses Gov. Umahi of Unleashing Terror on Opposition in Ebonyi State
…Demands Immediate Release of State Publicity Secretary
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accuses Ebonyi State Governor, Engr. Dave Umahi, of unleashing terror on innocent Nigerians, particularly opposition PDP members and other dissenting voices in Ebonyi State.
The PDP is alarmed by reports that Governor Umahi is using a heavily armed killer squad, currently disguising under the “Ebube Agu” security outfit, as a political weapon to arrest, attack and inflict grievous bodily harm on Nigerians and particularly PDP members in Ebonyi State.
Since Governor Umahi made the error in his devastating adventure of moving from the PDP to the All Progressives Congress (APC) where he is unrecognized and frustrated, he has reportedly resorted to terrorizing innocent Nigerians, especially PDP members in a desperate bid to create fear, panic and siege mentality on citizens of Ebonyi State as a prelude to rigging the 2023 general elections.
The PDP invites Nigerians to note how Governor Umahi instigated the illegal arrest of the Ebonyi State Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Nwoba Chika Nwoba, and kept him in detention without justification on the strength of a draconian law that did not pass through the established due process of lawmaking.
Just recently, a prominent member of the PDP and former member the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Linus Abaa Okorie, was declared wanted by Governor Umahi without any accusation or charges levelled against him.
Our Party vehemently rejects such violation of Fundamental Human Rights going on in Ebonyi State and calls on Nigerians to hold Governor Umahi and the APC responsible for acts of violence and terrorism in Ebony State.
The PDP also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of our State Publicity Secretary in Ebonyi State as well as other innocent Nigerians reportedly detained in various facilities in the State.
As a Party, we urge President Muhammadu Buhari, the National Security Adviser and the Police High Command to immediately step into the situation which is a serious threat to the security of Ebonyi State in particular and that of the nation in general.
This is because any breakdown of law and order in Ebonyi State will have a ripple effect on the fragile security situation in the entire South East region of the country and beyond.
Governor Umahi must be called to order. He must learn to live with the consequences of his ill-advised decision. He committed a political suicide by joining a party of “political bandits” and “warlords” where he has no future and should not vent his frustration on other Nigerians.
In any case, the PDP wants Governor Umahi and the APC to know that no amount of intimidations, harassments, threats and attacks will bend the will of the people in their resolve to vote out the APC in 2023.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
ILLEGAL CRUDE OIL REFINERIES RUINING OUR HEALTH, NATIONAL ECONOMY- WIKE
*Tells Chief of Defence Staff, General Irabor to support fight, punish culpable officers
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike says illegal crude oil refinery operators are causing great health hazard to residents in the State and destroying the national economy, which his administration will not tolerate.
Governor Wike made the declaration when he received on courtesy visit, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor on Friday at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The Governor told the Chief of Defence Staff the importance of the war against illegal crude oil refinery activities because the proceeds from the oil and gas sector sustain the country.
“You and I know that one product we have today that has kept this country going is oil and gas, which I will say is the main source of our revenue in this country today.
“And so, we must as a people, as a government, it doesn’t matter whichever faction you may be or whichever divide you may be, or you may find yourself. What is important you must defend any of our national assets.”
Governor Wike assured that his administration will not spare any meaningful measure that can be deployed to stem illegal crude oil refinery activities in the State.
He said those engaged in the criminal activities need to ask themselves about the kind of money they are making by sabotaging the national economy.
“I will do anything within my powers to see that it is put to stop. I owe it as a duty, first by making sure that government is not losing revenue.
“Whenever we lose national revenue it trickles down. It affects us at the State and Local Government levels. So, that is on the revenue aspect of it.”
The Rivers State Governor pointed to the issues of health, occasioned by soot, that results from the criminal activities.
“I am willing to fight it and will continue to fight it. Some people are trying to politicise it, that you are doing it against certain ethnic group. That can’t change me, it doesn’t matter. ”
The governor said in his meeting with traditional rulers and other stakeholders, he had warned that no body indicted as operator of illegal refinery will escape the full wrath of the law.
Governor Wike assured that his administration is ready to give the security agencies necessary logistics support as they join with the State to fight the menace.
He stated that some major sites have been identified and what is required is for adequate security protection to be given to all those assigned to destroy the sites.
“So, I am going to give them every support. I have declared this fight as the war against terrorism. I will treat them (operators of illegal refineries) worst than Boko Haram, because they are stealing from our economy and killing our people.”
Governor Wike told the Chief of Defence Staff to give his officers and men final directives to join hands with the Rivers State Government in the fight of illegal oil bunkering in order to stem further destruction of the environment and the national economy.
Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor informed that he was in Port Harcourt as part of tour of military formations in the Niger Delta to assess security strategies and to also motivate officers for greater efficiency.
General Irabor expressed delight over the audacity shown by Governor Wike in championing the fight against illegal crude oil refinery activities that have been a great threat to the oil and gas Industry.
He said the military had long desired such government focused strategy towards the security of oil and gas asset and hoped that other governors will emulate it, which will enhance their security operations.
Kelvin Ebiri
Special Assistant Media to the Rivers State Governor
January 28, 2022.
January, 31 2022
Press Statement
PDP Constitutes Ekiti State Post-Primary Reconciliation Committee
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has constituted a Post-Primary Reconciliation Committee (PPRC) for Ekiti State.
The Committee is charged with the sole mandate of reconciling all our stakeholders in Ekiti State including all aspirants in the just concluded Governorship Primary Election in the State.
This is in line with the commitment of the NWC to ensure an amicable resolution of all issues as our Party sets for a victorious governorship election in Ekiti State.
The members of the Committee are as follows:
The NWC urges all aspirants, leaders, critical stakeholders of our Party in Ekiti State to remain focused on the success of the PDP in the forthcoming governorship election in the State.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH SENATOR FOLARIN ON LOSS OF WIFE, ANGELA
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Senator Teslim Folarin, the lawmaker representing Oyo Central senatorial district, his children, family members, and friends who mourn the passing of the Senator’s wife, Chief (Barr.) Angela Nwaka Folarin.
The President’s prayers and thoughts are with the Folarins as they grieve the departure of a beloved wife and mother, urging them to find solace and strength in the truth that the Almighty God is always with us through the good and difficult seasons of life.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 28, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI COMMISERATES WITH INNOSON ON MOTHER’S DEATH
President Muhammadu Buhari extends heartfelt condolences to Chief Innocent Chukwuma, Chairman/CEO of Innoson Group of Companies Limited, on the passing of his mother, Mama Martina Chukwuma, aged 101.
The President joins the Chukwuma family, relatives, and the people of Nnewi in Anambra State in honouring the life of a matriarch, who birthed, trained, nurtured and prayed for the well-being of all her children, including a very successful entrepreneur, whose successes in business is recognised worldwide.
As the funeral ceremonies of Mama Martina begin, the President urges members of the Chukwuma family and all that honour her memory to remember that the departed embodied the scriptural truth that those that watch over the affairs of their household, do not eat the bread of idleness.
The President prays that the peaceful circumstances of the homecoming of the centenarian to her Maker will bring divine comfort and solace to her family and those that mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 30, 2022
NEXT ADMINISTRATION WILL INHERIT A STABLE DEMOCRACY, REVAMPED SECURITY FORCES, PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEDGES
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday in Abuja pledged his commitment to hand over a strong repositioned agriculture-led, diversified home-grown economy, stable democracy and revamped armed and security forces to the next Administration.
Speaking at a dinner in honour of the 2022 Committee of Business, Political, Media and Civil Society Leaders, the President said he was looking forward to completing his tenure in 2023, leaving a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria with 24 years of uninterrupted democracy.
Assuring Nigerians that his administration will finish strong in the last lap of his tenure, the President said:
”I am gradually entering my final year in office. It is a period I intend to spend not only on consolidating on the achievements of the past seven years but also to leave a legacy for a united, peaceful, and prosperous Nigeria.
”I take this initiative to mean that you all intend to collaborate with this administration in that direction.
”For those among you who are politicians, you must look beyond gaining power to how you can leverage public positions in the process of societal change. To the businessmen and women among you, there is great glory in public service.
”The question that should be uppermost always is: How do we leverage our business endowment for the greater good of our country?
”I am delighted that members of the Nigerian elite have woken up to the fact that the task of changing this society is a task for all of us, whether we are in the private or public sector. Knowing that, we have enormous challenges as a nation, but they are not beyond our capacity to overcome if we embrace a new approach.
”We cannot retreat to our ethnic cocoons, nor can we continue to seek solace in our past. We must champion the idea of a Nigeria where every citizen would be proud to call their own. That is the charge before you.”
Expressing delight on the new consciousness by the Nigerian elites to work together with the political class and civil society to build a better Nigeria, President Buhari noted that building consensus around issues of the economy, national security, governance, and such other critical areas of national life is a sure path to the future we seek to build.
”As we all know, I have been very critical of the Nigerian elites, essentially because some of us have not always demonstrated that we can rise above personal gain, political partisanship as well as ethnic and religious differences when the situation demands that we all speak and or act as one in the interest of our country.
”There are also many among our elites for whom profit remains the only motivation for any and every enterprise.
”But now, I feel heartened that a more collaborative social enterprise model for resolving our common challenges is being forged.
”I must commend this initiative and its conveners. This is the kind of spirit I have always advocated because it is what we need at this time as we seek to build our society for peace, security and prosperity through dialogue while narrowing the gap between rich and poor.”
On the activities of the Committee, the President acknowledged that he was aware that attendance at their inaugural meeting on Sunday cut across a broad section of the society in the public, private sectors, civil society, and the youth.
The President lauded the group for rising above all ethnic and religious divides for the common good, describing the feat as ‘‘fantastic’’.
The President, who said he had wished the group had convened earlier, advised them to try and accommodate a few more interests in their next meeting as they take a ”deeper dive into our national challenges and proffer workable and sustainable solutions for the near, medium, and long term.”
”It is our desire to finish strong in the next 16 months and ensure all hands are on deck for the last lap. We are doubling our efforts against all forms of insecurity, equipping our armed forces and strengthening the police.
”We are determined to continue the war against corruption and fight poverty, we remain focused on building an all-inclusive economic opportunity for all citizens. ”
The President told the meeting that despite the enormous problems inherited when he assumed office almost seven years ago, he can look back with satisfaction that this administration has kept faith with the people and has done well even amid dwindling resources for reasons that are well beyond our control.
”But we probably would have fared even better if we secured the support of most of you that are here today, know that while government comes and goes, the country must remain and thrive.”
President Buhari used the occasion to wish politicians, at the dinner, interested in elective positions in the 2023 polls the best, advising that ”there is nothing better than experience in leadership.”
Responding to concerns raised by Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State on the resurgence of military takeovers in Mali, Guinea and Burkina Faso in August 2020, September 2021 and January 2022, respectively, the President said he strongly believes that ‘‘Nigeria has passed through that stage for good.’’
On the political situation in some West African countries, Fayemi said:
”We believe Nigeria has a manifest destiny to protect democracy not just in Nigeria but also in our region. But in doing that we must ensure that our politicians adhere strictly to constitutional principles and I am happy that our President’s position on leaders seeking third term is well known.”
Giving further insight on the workings of the Committee, Governor Fayemi said Nigerians who have benefitted from the country in good time, serving in different capacities, have a duty to support the country.
“What the Committee has tried to do is to develop an elite consensus on security and economy, ” he said.
He said the Committee would take advantage of the President’s consistent leadership, relentless passion and patriotism to ensure a seamless transition, while ensuring that the achievements of this administration are sustained and followed through for the benefit of the country.
“Here we have PDP and APC chieftains and we hope by the time we finish this work, what we will present to the President is void of partisan colorations. It is from people who want Nigerians to succeed.”
The Convener of the Group and Chairman of THISDAY/ARISE Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena said with Nigeria facing a ”historic transition like no other”, and with crisis across Africa and at home, the 2022 Committee emerged to ”defend the national interest.”
”The 2022 Committee was put together to defend Nigeria in a time of crisis and in a time of transition, we must defend the national interest,’’ he said, noting that membership of the group has been carefully selected from the business community, investors, governors, security sector and elder statesmen.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 31, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI LAUNCHES N62 BILLION HIV TRUST FUND AS NIGERIA TARGETS ELIMINATION OF MOTHER-TO-CHILD TRANSMISSION BY 2030
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday in Abuja launched a N62 billion trust fund to help Nigeria end AIDS as a public health threat and place more people living with HIV on treatment annually.
Speaking at the launch of the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria (HTFN), the President pledged that his administration would continue to prioritize health interventions to address killer diseases and public health emergencies.
”At the last United Nations General Assembly High Level Meeting on HIV/AIDS, I made a call for a renewed global action to address the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Africa.
”Ending AIDS as a public health threat in Nigeria will require increased domestic funding. We have continued to make good our commitment of placing more people living with HIV on treatment annually using national resources.
”However, strong domestic resource mobilization with an enduring partnership and shared responsibility is required to sustain the response to HIV and other emerging public health emergencies,” he said.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria’s purposeful partnership with the private sector in the response to COVID 19 pandemic had provided a readily available financing solution to leverage on to sustain the HIV response.
He commended the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS for their efforts in establishing the HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria to secure a generation of babies free of HIV.
He also expressed delight with the attendance in person of notable global key players in HIV response and from the private sector at the event and the pledges made.
”Going forward, I hope The HIV Trust Fund of Nigeria will galvanize more of the private sector and other partners to surpass the target of Sixty-Two Billion Naira in the next five years,” he added.
In his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha announced that since 2005 about 6.2 billion dollars has been spent on HIV response in Nigeria.
”About 80 per cent of the funds were contributed by external donors, mainly the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Private Sector contributed 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent of total funds with the rest of funds provided by the Nigerian government.”
Acknowledging NACA’s efforts to promote resource mobilisation to complement existing external support, Mustapha said the Federal Government has sustained the treatment and financing of 50,000 PLHIV annually.
He said the launch of the HTFN will guarantee funding from the private sector-led resources for HIV interventions especially for the elimination of the Mother-to-Child transmission of the virus.
”Since 2005, about 6.2 billion dollars has been spent on HIV response in Nigeria about 80 per cent of the funds were contributed by external donors mainly the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) and the Global Fund to fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria. The Private Sector contributed 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent of total funds with the rest of funds provided by the Nigerian government.”
Chief Launcher and Chairman and CEO of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote said the mission of the private sector led fund proposed by NACA alongside the Nigeria Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) is to ensure mobilisation of resources towards eradication of AIDS in Nigeria, starting with the Prevention of Mother-to-Child transmission of the virus.
”I am reminded that we have 2 million of our compatriots living with HIV/AIDS and it is our collective responsibility to bring this number down to zero,” he said.
Dangote, who is Africa’s richest man, appealed to individuals and corporate organisations in the country to donate generously toward the Fund, currently chaired by Dr Herbert Wigwe, the Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc.
”We would like the private sector to work in partnership with the Federal Government on a 50-50 basis which we believe will help us eliminate Mother-to-Child transmission of HIV/AIDS in Nigeria,” he said.
Also speaking, the Director-General of NACA. Dr Gambo Aliyu thanked the President for his commitment and support for the HIV response in the country, noting that as a direct result of his intervention, NACA now procures HIV commodities at manufacturers’ rate, as a result of which more Nigerians living with HIV have been placed on treatment from domestic resources.
He said within the last 3 years, the agency has identified and placed on treatment an additional 900,000 persons living with HIV, bringing the total number of Nigerians on HIV treatment to 1.7 million.
”This unprecedented feat puts Nigeria on a fast-track lane to control HIV spread by 2023.
”However, despite these achievements, our national coverage of prevention of mother to child transmission is less than 50%, leading to about 22,000 cases of mother-to-child transmission of HIV every year in the country,” he said.
Justifying the need for the Fund, the Director-General said providing life-long treatment to all PLHIV even after successfully stopping new HIV infections would require a domestically sustainable financing mechanism.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 1, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI PROMISES TO HONOUR AGREEMENTS WITH ASUU
President Muhammadu Buhari says the Federal Government remains committed to honouring promises made to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to prevent disruptive strikes, engender uninterrupted academic programmes and improve funding of education institutions.
The President made the pledge on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving members of the Nigeria Inter-Religious Council (NIREC) led by the Co-Chairs, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev’d Dr. Samson Olasupo Ayokunle.
Commending the leadership of NIREC for intervening in the year-long strike by ASUU and holding consultations with the parties, the President said no society which wishes itself well neglects its educational system and all its component parts.
President Buhari urged NIREC that in its subsequent consultations with members of ASUU, it is important that they share with them that Government regards them and the service they provide to the nation very highly.
”However, they should be cognizant of the fiscal pressures that we are currently facing. Nevertheless, we remain committed to honoring our promises.
”For their part, I would like to encourage ASUU to continue to work with us towards finding resolutions to the challenges that confront us.
”My administration is committed to this engagement and dialogue, and I urge them to stay the course towards a joint resolution in the best interest of our children and nation,” he said.
Responding to issues raised by the leadership of NIREC on finding sustainable solutions to the perennial and disruptive strikes that threaten the sanctity and integrity of the nation’s university system, the President said he had directed his Chief of Staff, the Honourable Ministers of Labour and Employment and Education to make resolving this issue a priority.
The President said he had received briefing from the Minister of Labour, detailing where we are today given the various interested parties, and he apprised the meeting as follows:
”To show our commitment, several payments have been made over the last 6 months, addressing several of the issues you raised – details of which the Minister of Labour and Employment can make available to you.
”Funding has also been provided for infrastructure development across several public universities and several of them have begun drawing down on this facility to improve their level of infrastructure
”Finally, and perhaps the most contentious of issues regarding the decision to use either the Integrated Payroll and Personal Information System (IPPIS) or the University Transparency Accountability Solutions (UTAS).
”As you may be aware, IPPIS was introduced as a means of blocking leakages. Through IPPIS, the Federal Government was able to save over N100 billion annually from the core civil service alone. In view of the resistance from ASUU we devised UTAS which is now on the table.
”I have also been informed that the System Assessment Report conducted by NITDA has been shared by the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy to all stakeholders including ASUU, and they are to make the appropriate modifications and report their recommendations.”
CAN President, while speaking on behalf of the Council, said the meeting with the President was on the single point of averting strikes in the universities and the challenges of ASUU, which they consider to be of national interest.
Dr Ayokunle told the President that from NIREC’s meeting with ASUU on January 10, 2022, the university lecturers outlined that the bone of contention between the Union and Federal Government centred on eight issues including inconclusive renegotiation of 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, UTAS, IPPIS and distortion in salary payment challenges.
According to him, other contentious issues are visitation panels to Federal Universities report issues, funding for revitalisation of public universities, earned academic allowance, state universities and promotion arrears.
The NIREC leadership, while acknowledging that some of the issues have been addressed by the Government, appealed to President Buhari to direct the immediate return to the table to conclude the re-negotiation of the 2009 agreement.
”If the renegotiation process continues to conclusion, issues that the Government is not comfortable with can be re-negotiated with a view to reaching only implementable agreements. We believe that with renegotiation in place, other issues will be adequately addressed along the line,” the NIREC Co-Chair said.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
February 1, 2022
SERAP sues Buhari, others over ‘missing N3.1bn in Finance Ministry’
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Muhammadu Buhari “over his failure to probe allegations that over N3bn of public funds are missing from the Federal Ministry of Finance, and to ensure the prosecution of those suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing public funds.”
The suit followed the grim allegations by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in the 2018 and 2019 annual audited reports that N3.1bn of public funds are missing, misappropriated or unaccounted for.
In the suit number FHC/L/CS/148/22 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order of mandamus to direct and compel President Buhari to ensure the investigation of the alleged missing N3.1bn of public funds, the prosecution of anyone suspected to be responsible, and the recovery of any missing public money.”
In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “The allegations that over N3bn of public funds are missing amount to a fundamental breach of national anticorruption laws and the country’s international obligations including under the UN Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a state party.”
According to SERAP, “Investigating and prosecuting the allegations, and recovering any missing public funds would serve the public interest, and end the impunity of perpetrators.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “The consequences of corruption are felt by citizens on a daily basis. Corruption exposes them to additional costs, and undermines economic development of the country, trapping the majority of Nigerians in poverty and depriving them of opportunities.”
Joined in the suit as Respondents are Mr Abubakar Malami, SAN, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation; and Mrs Zainab Ahmed, Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning.
SERAP is arguing that, “It is in the interest of justice to grant this application. The suit is in keeping with the Nigerian Constitution of 1999 [as amended], particularly the provisions on oath of office by public officers, and section 15[5] which requires the authorities to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
SERAP is also arguing that, “Complying with constitutional requirements and international standards on transparency and accountability would ensure effective and efficient management of public resources, and put the country’s wealth and resources to work for the common good of all Nigerians.”
The suit filed on behalf of SERAP by its lawyers Kolawole Oluwadare and Ms Adelanke Aremo, read in part: “The failure to investigate the allegations of grand corruption in the Ministry of Finance constitutes a grave violation of the duty placed on the authorities to take appropriate measures to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public finances.”
“President Buhari’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the investigation and prosecution of allegations of corruption, as well as recovery of any missing public funds is contained in Section 15[5] of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides that ‘the State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power’, and in the Oath of Office in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.”
“The Oath of Office of the President is considered of such importance that section 140 of the 1999 Constitution provides that the President cannot perform his or her respective official functions as President without taking the oath of office.”
“Granting the reliefs sought would help to address the adverse consequences of alleged diversion of public funds on the human rights of poor Nigerians.”
“Mandamus is a high prerogative writ which lies to secure the performance of a public duty. It gives command that a duty of a public nature which normally, though not necessarily is imposed by statute but is neglected or refused to be done after due demand, be done.”
“If there is a discretion to perform the duty, the court has the power to examine whether the discretion to refuse to act has been properly exercised.”
“Transparent and accountable public financial management is a key pillar of good governance, and of vital importance to create and maintain fair and sustainable economic and social conditions in the country.”
“Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption impose legal obligations on the Buhari administration to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds, and to promote sound and transparent administration of public affairs.”
“According to the report of the Auditor-General for 2018, the Ministry of Finance spent N24,708,090.00 on pre-retirement training but without any document. The consultant hired also failed to quote any price as cost of the training but the Ministry paid N5,670,060.00 to the consultant.”
“Request for payment from the consultant was dated 20 January 2017 while the first payment voucher in his favour was dated 13 January 2017 (7 days before his request).”
“The Ministry also reportedly failed to account for N2,885,772,493.27 released to the Ministry from the Service Wide Vote to take care of estacodes and other allowances for representing the Federal Government in meetings, and contribution to Organization for Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).”
“The money was spent without approval, and any documents. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been mismanaged.”
“The Ministry also reportedly awarded a contract on 17th May 2017 for N98,540,500.00 without any document, contrary to the Public Procurement Act. The project was not also budgeted for. There was no evidence of performance of the contract. The Ministry also deducted N9,354,809.52 as WHT and VAT but without any evidence of remittance. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”
“The Ministry also reportedly spent N98,759,299.20 between January–December 2017 without any document, contrary to Financial Regulation 601.”
“According to the 2019 report of the Auditor-General, the Ministry paid N20,466,744.00 as cash advances to staff of ‘You-Win’ between 8 February and 18 December, 2018 but the Ministry has failed to retire the money.”
“The advances were granted for the purchase of store items, repairs and other services that would have been made through the award of contract. Government lost N2,046,674.40 which would have accrued as taxes had these jobs been undertaken through award of contracts. The Auditor-General wants the money recovered.”
“The Ministry also reportedly paid N15,471,850.00 to two consultants for capacity building in Kano and Adamawa States but without any supporting document, contrary to paragraph 603 (1) of the Financial Regulations. The Auditor-General is concerned that the money may have been diverted, and wants it recovered.”
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
30/1/2022
Lagos, Nigeria
Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org
Twitter: @SERAPNigeria
Website: www.serap-nigeria.org
For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202
1
January 31, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
CDWR SUPPORTS THE STRIKING ABUJA PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS AND URGES NLC AND PARENTS TO SUPPORT THEIR DEMANDS
WE CALL ON NUT TO MOBILISE MEMBERS TO FIGHT FOR ADEQUATE FUNDING OF PUBLIC EDUCATION
The Campaign for Workers and Democratic Rights (CDWR), Federal Capital Territory, (FCT) Chapter, welcomes the decision of primary school teachers of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in FCT-Abuja to go on strike over their unpaid promotion arrears. The strike was first embarked on by both primary and secondary school teachers, with a five-day warning strike in November 2021.
Unfortunately, the last strike which was meant to force the Area Council chairmen to pay the outstanding entitlements of the teachers was later called off by the State Wing Executive Council (SWEC) of NUT following a limited concession which largely affected only secondary school teachers without any concrete commitment to the primary school teachers.
This was why the primary school teachers refused to resume work along with their secondary school counterparts immediately after the end of the warning strike. They however suspended the strike in December 2021 following an agreement with the areas councils. It is therefore, the failure of the Council Chairmen across the FCT to fulfil the initial commitment made with the primary school teachers that informs the ongoing strike of primary school teachers across the FCT.
This is the height of insensitivity and irresponsibility by the Area councils and the FCT Ministry. CDWR condemns this and calls on the teachers, who are protesting the non-implementation of promotion arrears from 2014 to 2018 and its 2020 and 2021 annual increments as well as the refusal to upgrade qualified teachers, to step up the struggle to get their deserved entitlements. This should include congresses across the NUT in the area councils and schools, leaflets and press statements to make sure students and parents are carried along in the struggle and protests to put pressure on the FCTA.
The fact is that the authorities of the area councils and the FCT ministry are not taking the demands of the striking teachers seriously because their top functionaries do not have children in the public primary schools. We believe there’s no better time to press home these demands radically than this moment when the FCTA elections are coming up and some of these irresponsible political representatives will be seeking reelection.
We call on the Nigeria Labour Congress and pro-masses organisations as well as associations of parents to actively support the struggle and demands of the striking teachers and prevail on the Area Council chairmen and the Minister of FCT to immediately meet their legitimate demands. This support is also important so that the children of working class people and the poor who are the majority in public primary schools are not denied access to education.
We also call on the NUT and NLC to fight for, in addition to the demand on the welfare of public school teachers, both at primary and secondary schools, adequate funding and democratic management of schools including the provision of necessary facilities. This is in order to guarantee decent working conditions and the provision of quality public education. This is the only way to ensure quality education is not priced out of the reach of children from the working class and poor background.
SIGNED:
Omole Ibukun
Coordinator, CDWR FCT Abuja
Fuel Tanker Explosion: Okowa visits scene
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta on Thursday, called for immediate assessment of the cause of the petroleum product tanker explosion, which razed down no fewer than 25 houses and destroyed valuables worth millions of naira in Ohoror community in Ughelli North Local Government Area of the state.
The incident, which occurred on Wednesday night in the community located along Warri-Portharcout Expressway, reportedly claimed two lives in the two trucks involved in the explosion.
Okowa made the call when he visited the scene of the incident.
He commiserated with the community on the tragedy and gave assurance that government would take steps to cushion the effect of the inferno on victims.
The governor said that no effort would be spared in putting out the fire completely and directed the State Director of Fire Service to remain on ground untill the fire was completely extinguished and other oil trucks posing a threat to the community were evacuated.
The governor who was accompanied by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sherrif Oborevwori and Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, commended the Fire Service for prompt response and advised the community to keep off from the fire scene in addition to being vigilant to avoid loss of lives as government was working hard to contain the spread of the explosion.
Briefing the governor earlier, the state’s Director of Fire Services, Mr Eugene Oziwele, said that his men were alerted at dawn and he quickly mobilized to the community.
He added that fire-fighting trucks were mobolised from Ughelli to ensure that the fire was extinguished completely.
Also briefing the governor, President-General of Uwheru Kingdom, Chief Macpherson Igbedi, said that no fewer than 20 houses were gutted by the fire and appealed for more efforts in evacuating an abandoned tanker laden with gas from exploding.
He said two trucks conveying gas and diesel rammed into each other at the Ohoror junction before the explosion occurred.
The Chairman of Ughelli North Council, Chief Godwin Adode, was on hand to conduct the governor round the affected area.
LEAD BY EXAMPLE, OKOWA URGES PUBLIC SERVANTS
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, has charged public servants to show exemplary leadership by making honesty and dedication to duty their guiding principle in order to overcome the challenges plaguing the nation.
The governor gave the charge on Monday in Asaba while swearing in members of Delta State House of Assembly Service Commission which has Mrs Cordelia Anyangwu as Chairman.
Represented by his Deputy, Mr Kingsley Otuaro, Okowa emphasised that once leaders showed good example through good leadership conduct, followers would be forced to adjust thereby improving productivity in the nation’s economy.
He said that if discipline was entrenched in public office, some of the challenges of the country would become a thing of the past.
“This event is another step in our resolve to strengthen and reposition the administrative machinery of the State House of Assembly and other arms of government for optimum performance.
“Your appointment is no doubt a recognition of your record of experience, hard work and contributions to the development of Delta State,” he said.
He urged the new chairman and members of the commission to see their appointment as a call to service and an opportunity to contribute to the growth and sustainable development of the State and its legislature.
“I urge all of you to be team players who should make honesty and dedication to duty your guiding principle, including leading the way of good conduct for other staff to follow by being disciplined, conscientious and punctual to work.
“I charge the newly inaugurated chairman and members of the commission to work assiduously to achieve desired objectives’’.
According to Okowa, the State House of Assembly Service Commission is saddled with the responsibility of managing the workforce of the State Assembly.
“The key responsibilities of the Commission include the appointment of staff to all offices of the State House of Assembly; to promote, transfer and confirm such appointments, including the discipline of erring officials.
“It is on record that the Executive and the Legislative arms of government in the State enjoy a good working relationship and State legislature has long been enjoying financial independence.
“The inauguration of the chairman and members of the assembly service commission will also enhance the administrative independence of the State legislature,” he said.
The governor commended public servants in the State for their continued loyalty, understanding and support and lauded the chairman and members of the immediate past commission for their services to the government and people of the state.
“My dear Deltans, while recognising the challenges we face and the need to overcome them, let us note the progress we have made so far in the life of this administration.
“Let us continue to build on the prevailing peace in the State and do nothing that is capable of heating up the polity.
“We will continue to do our very best by the grace of God, to give effective leadership with integrity, fairness, justice and honour to every part of our dear State,” he stated.
The governor congratulated Mrs Anyangwu for emerging as the Chairman of the Commission, which also has Dr Philomena Onyearone, Chief Timothy Umukoro, Mrs Komboye Mowoe, Sunday Ebireri, Chief Innocent Okofu and Andrew Ukavwe as members.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, Anyangwu expressed gratitude to God for the opportunity given her and members of the commission to serve the state and thanked Governor Okowa for deeming them fit to serve.
“This is a position of trust and confidence. We assure you that we will carry out our activities diligently with absolute loyalty as our guiding principle and will do everything possible to move the Commission forward.”
The ceremony was attended by member Representing Warri Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Chief Thomas Ereyitomi; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Chief Sheriff Oborevwori, represented by the Deputy Speaker. Mr Ochor Ochor; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Theresa Diai, President, Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Patience Elumeze, among others.
PRESS RELEASE
COMPLETION OF LEKKI PORT FINAL SOLUTION TO APAPA GRIDLOCK, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday said completion of the Lekki Port will put an end to the intractable Apapa gridlock, the congestion along Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, port access roads and Apapa environs.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement at the Opening Ceremony of the Africa Business Convention, organised by Business Day Newspaper at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, where he noted that “The final solution to Apapa gridlock will be the completion of Lekki Port.”
The Governor said several measures would be put in place to ensure Apapa is congestion-free, saying that “we need to change the officials regularly to ensure there is no compromise in services rendered.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu who spoke passionately about his administration’s commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy to millions of Lagosians through the THEMES developmental agenda for Greater Lagos said his government has completed iconic projects within the State in the last two and half years.
He also cited some of the infrastructural projects such as Lekki Deep Port, 4th Mainland Bridge, Red and Blue line rails and Imota Rice Mills, among others that are ongoing or in the pipeline, which according to him would be completed and become operational within the next 24 months.
The Governor said the process leading to the commencement of the construction of the 4th Mainland Bridge, which starts from Badore in Ajah and ends in Ikorodu, would be completed before the second quarter of the year.
He said: “Lagos is, in addition to being Africa’s most populous megacity, the continent’s premier business and investment destination, and we will continue to do all within our power to remain so.
“As I speak, several landmark public and private infrastructure and investment projects are underway or nearing completion in Lagos State; the biggest single-train Petroleum Refinery in the world, one of the largest Rice Mills in the world, one of the largest and most modern Deep-Sea Ports on the continent, and West Africa’s biggest Light Rail network. Within the next 24 months, we expect all of these to be operational.
“We are also Africa’s Startup capital, ahead of Nairobi, Cape Town and Johannesburg, in terms of the number of startups and in terms of investment inflows and the size of exits. Flutterwave and Paystack, two of the most prominent African unicorns of the decade, were born here.
“In addition, we are home to several major investments ongoing in real estate, like Eko Atlantic on the edge of Victoria Island, and Alaro City on the Lekki Peninsula.”
Speaking at the event, the Publisher of Business Day Newspaper, Mr. Frank Aigbogun, applauded Governor Sanwo-Olu for the great work he has done in ridding Apapa of traffic gridlocks and for delivering on his promise to the people of Lagos State.
He said: “When we had the interview, which I moderated, hosted by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry before the elections in 2019, Apapa dominated that conversation. I don’t know how often you go to Apapa Mr. Governor but I think between 23 and 27 minutes these days, you get Apapa.
“When I have an appointment with people, they often will get to the office before I get there because they would make so much room for traffic and they don’t find any traffic on the way; so they are there waiting for me in the office. So, Mr. Governor, I want to acknowledge the work that you have done and to commend you and your team for delivering on your promise.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
01 FEBRUARY 2022
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PRESS RELEASE
2023: TINUBU IS MOST SALABLE CANDIDATE FOR PRESIDENT – SANWO-OLU
The indisputable capability of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to effectively manage human and material resources for visible progress stands him out as the most qualified Nigerian to be president in 2023, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said on Thursday.
The Governor said Tinubu’s qualification rests on his demonstrated capacity in deploying a mix of genius and statecraft to nurture a city on the brink to a flourishing economy, noting that the progress in Lagos remains a visible experiment initiated by the APC National Leader.
Sanwo-Olu drummed support for the Tinubu candidacy during the formal inauguration of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (ABAT) Movement’s Working Committees in Ikeja GRA. The Movement was conceived and set up by members of Governor’s Advisory Council (GAC) in Lagos for the actualisation of the presidential ambition of the former Lagos Governor.
The Governor was in company of his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, and all members of the State Executive Council.
Also, APC leaders across the State’s 57 local councils and a large number of party supporters thronged the event’s venue to lend their support.
Sanwo-Olu said Nigeria had continued to shoulder the burden of the black race, stressing that the country’s transformation into a stable economy would be a source of pride to the black man.
In 2023, the Governor said the country was in need of a capable leader with progressive ideas to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari and build on the progress recorded by the current administration.
Tinubu’s practicable ideas in governance, Sanwo-Olu said, makes him the most qualified successor and salable choice for the job.
The Governor said: “Our country is the most populous black nation in the world and the responsibility that comes with that is enormous. No doubt that the destiny of the entire black race is tied to the greatness of Nigeria. If our country must be great, we have the responsibility to choose the leadership that will bring about true transformation across every facet of our national life. Who is that rallying figure that should lead us in this journey?
“The answer is deeply connected to our mission and purpose here today. That person must be a detribalised Nigerian and a bridge builder, who has been tested and trusted. A thinker who must sustain the legacy our current president is leaving behind. That person is the reason we are inaugurating this Movement for the actualisation of his presidential ambition. That person is our great leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Let us tell the naysayers and those who are still in doubt that we are ready to work for the realisation of this ambition, because Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is the Number one salable candidate for the president. We will preach this gospel with diligence, dedication and high sense of commitment. Asiwaju is an unfolding success story our nation deserves at this time.”
Sanwo-Olu said Tinubu’s name is synonymous with growth and development, noting that the APC National Leader possessed a Midas touch to positively turn around the resources of the country for general good.
The Governor said the event was to raise foot soldiers, team leaders and cheerleaders who would pursue the Movement’s objectives and cascade down its messages to every voter at the ward level with commitment and passion.
He charged all selected for leadership roles in the Movement to reflect Tinubu’s political ideals of openness and tolerance in their engagement and mobilisation.
Sanwo-Olu said: “We must see ourselves in line with Asiwaju’s political ideals. To be open to all, tolerate various interests and embrace everyone. We must reflect those ideas of our leader in our utterances and actions. You cannot afford to disappoint us on this mission.”
APC stalwart, Cardinal James Odumbaku, said the forthcoming general election presented another opportunity for Nigerians to make the right choice to keep the country on the path of development.
He said the electorate must get it right by electing a tested and credible leader to steer the leadership of the country, stressing that the movement believed Bola Tinubu remains the right man for the top seat.
He said: “Tinubu is a tested leader to lead Nigeria out of the woods. We will work with passion to ensure he emerge as party candidate and also win the presidential election.”
GAC leader, Prince Tajudeen Olusi described Tinubu as “a genius” in statecraft, saying the APC National Leader is a salable article in the political market.
“We have to be prepared and determined, because the contest would be a battle of might and strength,” the GAC leader said.
The Movement’s Director-General, Honourable Oyinlomo Danmole, said ABAT structure was different from other support groups set up across the country for the actualisation for Tinubu’s presidential ambition.
Reeling out the organs and structures, Danmole said all cluster groups within the Lagos APC have representation in the movement, with the inclusion of every locality in the State.
The DG said seven-man committee had been set up in each of the 57 local councils in Lagos, with each committee headed by coordinators.
At the ward level, he said the movement maintained similar committee structure of seven persons across the 377 wards, adding that registration to be part of the ward committee would be made open to Lagosians in the coming days.
Other speakers at the event included the former Deputy Governors, Mr. Femi Pedro, and Abiodun Ogunleye, and representative of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dolapo Badru, among others.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
27 JANUARY 2022
Lagos land owner files suit against Carter-Tech Limited for fraudulent breach of Agreement
A Lagos based land owner, Mr. Christopher Folajoye Awosika and Mrs. Esther Olufunmilayo Awosika, has filed a suit before a Lagos High Court, against Carter-Tech Limited for breach of agreement over a parcel of land measuring approximately 1.183 hectares of land at Ologolo ancient Village, Lekki-Epe Express Way, Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
Awosika, in suit No. LD/6846GCMW/2020 through his lawyer, Ade Oshodi, told the court that he rightfully purchased the said property from the Ologolo family, the original owners in 1996. Awosika is said to have enjoyed peaceful possession of his land, and even rented it out to a company at some point as a storage facility. However, events took an adverse turn when sometime in 2017, 21 years after he bought the land and 17 years after he had laboriously completed the sand filling and perimeter fence, Awosika (claimants) executed a Finance and Development Agreement for the construction of 50 housing units over the property with (Carter-Tech Limited) the defendant. The claimants’ contribution to the agreement was their land while the defendants were responsible for finance, construction and development.
The counsel also told the court that his clients’ agreed share of the subject property upon completion is 18 housing units while the defendant’s share is 32 housing units.
He also told the court that, “the defendants have since completed the subject property which they termed: ‘Atlantis 2’ and have refused to put the claimants in possession of their housing units despite repeated demands. In fact, despite the ages of the claimants who are both in their late 70’s, the defendants, Carter-Tech Limited through its directors, One Jerry, Samson and Mrs Olopade drove the claimants out of the premises when they approached them for their entitlement in the development” and have since employed various nefarious means to deny them access to the land.
This necessitated the claimants to institute the above action at the High Court of Lagos State claiming amongst other reliefs, the units they are entitled to under the Joint Venture Development Agreement and damages for the fraud perpetrated by Carter-Tech, the defendants.
Notwithstanding, sometime in 2020, the claimants had obtained an order restraining the defendants from selling or alienating any of the 50 housing units, but the (Carter-Tech) defendants have flouted this order of court and has been selling the housing units to unsuspecting third parties/public.
Oshodi, therefore urged the Hon. Justice Oyekan-Abdullah of the High Court of Lagos State to grant an application filed by the claimants to either order the defendants to deliver the claimants’ housing units to them or direct that the official receiver of the court takes over the premises pending the hearing and determination of the suit.
But the application was truncated by the application of Aluko &Oyebode to change counsel from one Yomi Alagbada who earlier acted for the defendants in the suit. Yomi Alagbada however sought to challenge the change of counsel application on the grounds that the defendant (Carter-Tech Limited) still owes his Chambers legal fees. Cater-Tech Ltd were therefore unable to resolve the issue of legal representation.
Justice Oyekan-Abdullah adjourned the matter till 23rd February, 2022 for further proceedings.
PRESIDENT BUHARI SENDS VIDEO/RADIO BROADCAST TO ZAMFARA PEOPLE, AS BAD WEATHER ABORTS CONDOLENCE VISIT
Arising from the cancellation of his scheduled trip to Zamfara State on Thursday due to inclement weather conditions, President Muhammadu Buhari has made a broadcast to the people of the State.
Please find below the text of the broadcast.
My dear people of Zamfara State.
It pains me that I can no longer be with you today as I had planned. I had just finished what I came to do in Sokoto at the BUA cement facility and was looking forward to meeting you.
I have been told that the trip cannot hold anymore because of bad weather which has made it impossible for my helicopter to fly to Gusau from Sokoto.
I understand how you feel about this development but I know that you will agree with me that Allah knows best. I particularly sympathize with your Governor, Bello Matawalle and his cabinet who have put everything in place to make the visit a successful one.
I look forward to a more weather-friendly period when I will visit.
I am directing our security agencies to sustain the onslaught against terrorists, restrict cross-boundary infiltration and all unauthorised access to the goldmines in the state.
The Federal Government and the Zamfara State Government are working to ensure that peace returns to all parts of the State in the shortest possible time and we expect all citizens to cooperate with, and support in all ways, the Armed Forces and other security agencies.
God bless the people of Zamfara State.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 27, 2022
WE’LL DEFEAT FORCES OF EVIL, PRESIDENT BUHARI ASSURES ON CONDOLENCE VISIT IN SOKOTO
President Muhammadu Buhari has again directed the nation’s Armed Forces and other security services to deal decisively with any person or group undermining efforts at achieving sustainable peace, security and stability in the country, assuring that the country will ultimately defeat the forces of evil..
Speaking at the palace of Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, President Buhari said:
“I gave them specific orders not to spare any bandit or terrorist threatening the lives and property of innocent Nigerians.”
The President, who commiserated with the Government and people of Sokoto over the recent loss of lives and property as a result of outrageous attacks by bandits and other criminal gangs, assured the people that he remains unrelenting in his resolve to put an end to heinous criminal activities in the state and other parts of the country.
The President wrote in the visitors’ register: “My condolences to the Sultanate, the Government, and people of Sokoto State over the recent mindless killings by bandits and terrorists.
“Nigeria shall win the battle over evil.”
The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal and the Sultan thanked the President for the show of sympathy assuring him of continued support towards peace and stability in the country.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 27, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI INAUGURATES 3 MILLION METRIC TONNES BUA CEMENT PLANT IN SOKOTO, SAYS POLICIES ON JOB CREATION, ECONOMIC DIVERSIFICATION WORKING
President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday in Sokoto inaugurated a new 3 million metric tonnes per annum BUA Cement Sokoto Line 4 Factory, expressing delight that the Federal Government policies on economic diversification, job creation and creating an enabling environment for businesses to thrive are working.
Speaking at the inauguration of the plant, described as the largest private sector employer of labour in the North-Western part of Nigeria, the President pledged that his administration would continue to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of huge reserves of resources in different parts of the country.
The President recounted that in 1985 as the then Head of State, he was at the same location to commission the 2nd line of the facility.
”Today, almost thirty-seven years later, to commission the fourth line is a very special day for me personally.
”As you all know, one of the key economic pillars of our administration has been to create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive. This is necessary for job creation and indeed, for our economy and national security.
”In the past few weeks, I visited Ogun and Kaduna States where I observed many private sector investments in action. And today, I am here in Sokoto to commission this multi-billion Naira project.
”It is therefore very clear for all to see that our policies are working. Progress is gradually being made in all parts of the country,” he said.
The President thanked the Founder of BUA Cement, Abdul Samad Rabiu and the entire team for the great work they are doing in supporting the government’s economic diversification and job creation agenda.
He noted the company, which has completed four new cement plants of similar capacity in the last five years in different parts of the country and is set to complete two more plants soon, had shown through these investments that they believe in Nigeria and its potential.
Commending BUA and other entrepreneurs for making Nigeria self-sufficient in cement and a net exporter of the strategic product, the President said:
”I am pleased that through these investments, BUA Cement has created employment opportunities for our citizens. Today, BUA is the largest employer of labour in the North-West region.
”I always remind Nigerians that every region, indeed every State, in Nigeria sits on huge reserves of resources. For example, in this area, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara can boast of rice production, gold and other precious metals development and of course, heavy industries like cement manufacturing.
”As a Government, we introduced policies and mechanisms to support such investments in a legal, ethical and inclusive manner.
”For example, we have the National Food Security Council on Food Security Matters and the Presidential Artisanal Gold Mining Development Initiative to develop local artisanal gold mining and ensure health and safety of mining workers and protect the environment.
”We remain prepared to support serious investors to set up businesses that will take advantage of these opportunities through value addition so as to take advantage of the huge market here, as well as in the greater African region and the world at large.”
Highlighting other efforts to bring even development to all parts of the country, the President expressed confidence that the Ajaokuta–Kaduna–Kano (AKK) gas project, when completed, will bring gas for domestic and industrial purposes from the South South region to the South East, North Central and North West Geopolitical zones.
He said the AKK project would significantly reduce cost of operations for industries in the regions.
The President also used the occasion to reassure Nigerians that his government would continue to invest heavily in roads and rails to ease movement of people, goods and services, with a view to facilitating trade while lowering logistics costs associated with the inefficiencies of bad roads and bridges.
On security, President Buhari reiterated his commitment to bring peace and stability to all parts of Nigeria, listing a raft of measures undertaken by this administration to ensure that normalcy returns to the country.
”We continue to recruit and equip security personnel while expanding our social investment programs to support the youth and some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.
”You should all be reassured that we will win this battle against the criminal elements looking to destabilize our nation by hindering the progress of our economy.
”I want to now call on all entrepreneurs and businesses to emulate what is being done here.
”The task of nation building requires all hands to be on deck. The public and private sectors must collaborate if we are to achieve our aim of collective peace and prosperity across the entire nation.”
Abdul Samad Rabiu, Chairman, BUA Cement, who commended the President for creating the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, acknowledged the support of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and its Governor in setting up the gigantic project.
He announced that, ”so far, we have invested over a billion dollars in the past four years and we urge the CBN to continue to support industries like ours that use locally sourced raw materials to add value.”
He pledged that BUA would continue to invest more in the cement industry until Nigeria is self-sufficient and the commodity is made available, accessible, and affordable for all Nigerians.
”In the past 6 years, we have completed 4 plants – two in Obu, Edo State and two in Sokoto (of which this Sokoto line 4 is the fourth) with BUA’s total production capacity now standing at 11.5million tonnes with the completion of this plant.
”Next year, we intend to complete the construction of two new plants of 3 million metric tonnes each for which construction is ongoing – one in Edo and the other, here in Sokoto.”
The Chairman of BUA said he looked forward to President Buhari commissioning these plants next year which will bring total production capacity to 17.5million metric tonnes.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 27, 2022
Former Commissioner for Information in Edo State, Prince Kassim Afegbua, on Sunday described as immoral for former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age.
‘’Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar cannot assume the role of a perpetual candidate or professional aspirant year in, year out, of the party as though the party was established for him alone. It defeats all sense of logic for such an old man to attempt another round of political contestation at a time the general feeling and mood in the country supports a younger Nigerian from the Southern extraction of the country’’.
He also advised Atiku to quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria.
‘’ For me, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria. It will be against the run of play and natural justice for any aspirant of Northern extraction to show interest in the 2023 presidential election within the Peoples’ Democratic Party threshold. It will offend national sentiments, emotions and logic for anyone from the North to show such interest given our diversities and hetereogenous political configurations. Given PDP’s doctrine of political power balancing and fairness, it will be against its own unwritten rule to cede the ticket to any Northern aspirant least of all Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’’.
In a statement titled ‘’ 2023: Atiku and the age of Methuselah politics’’, the Edo State People’s Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain said after the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar abandoned all the members of the party and sought refuge in far away Dubai, thus exposing the PDP members to the intimidations, harassment and threats posed by the desperate APC’s power oligarchs.
‘’It was a case of a General abandoning his troops in the battle field. Rather than draw strength from his presence, his absence exposed us to all manner of challenges. He was in Dubai and left us to our fate. When it mattered most for us to reach out to our candidate for motivation and necessary encouragement, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar vanished to thin air. Knowing full well that political activities were to take off, he suddenly resurfaced and became a frontliner in his quest to fly the party’s flag once again. That, to me, amounts to gross political selfishness and greed, which must not be allowed to flourish in our contemporary engagements. Even those who are promoters-in-chief of Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration know in their heart of hearts that it is a project that is dead on arrival’’.
Afegbua urged the leadership of the PDP to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative
‘’Having concluded the convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, with a new leadership that looks promising, the Party will have to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative. With the abysmal performance of President Muhammadu Buhari on account of age, incompetence and lack of capacity and political will to take deliberate and sustained action to bail out the country from all manner of challenges, it will be immoral for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age.
Specifically, Afegbua reaffirmed his position on power shift come 2023.
‘’The Southern geopolitical zones of Nigeria have eminently qualified Nigerians and parade great minds who are competent and ready to take a shot at the number one job. Those who are advancing very nebulous theory of seeing the northern population as a stimulant to win the sympathy of the North against the South are either ignorant of the real demographics or at best, just playing the ostrich. No one in the North should take away what belongs to the South. That will be hurting the consciences and feelings of the average southerner. If the argument is to suffice for example, for an Atiku presidency, he will be finishing his first term of four years at age 81. And were he to become a candidate in 2023 again, and per adventure he loses the election, are we, as PDP, going to reserve the position for him or any other Northerner in 2027? These are very curious scenarios which cannot be overlooked. For 2023, an Atiku candidacy will be like promoting an expired product in the face of very compelling reason to look down South in our quest to wrestle power from the fractured APC’’.
He urged Atiku and other Northern aspirants to support the aspiration of upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag
‘’Earlier last year, I was conscripted into the Technical Committee for Atiku presidency. Having attended three meetings of the group, I found my spirit and conscience permanently in conflict with the ethos of justice, fairness and equity, which the south deserves. A Nigerian of southern extraction deserves to be given unfettered opportunity to represent the party in the 2023 presidential contest. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his northern aspirants should support the aspiration of upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag. Anything short of such will be tantamount to standing logic on its head, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective interest and aspirations of the Southern aspirants. I will therefore implore the new management and members of the National Executive Committee of the PDP as well as the National Working Committee to speak with one voice in ensuring that the South is given what is due to it. Doing that, will mean promoting the fundamental principles of democracy of all inclusiveness and participation. Let it be known that I will not hesitate to commence the process of mobilizing, sensitizing and conscientizing like minds and team up with other stakeholders to drum up the necessary support that will birth a Southern candidate for the party. Justice should not only be served, it must be seen to have been served’’.
‘’Nigerians in their millions are tired of seeing the faces of persons who have dominated the political space in the last forty years and yet, unwilling to take a bow. In the spirit of the new thinking and paradigm shift, please tell them to allow us to breathe’’ he added.
PRESS STATEMENT.
2023: ATIKU AND THE AGE OF METHUSELAH POLITICS.
Having concluded the convention of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, with a new leadership that looks promising, the Party will have to rise above board to produce a presidential candidate from the Southern part of the country to complete the narrative. With the abysmal performance of President Muhammadu Buhari on account of age, incompetence and lack of capacity and political will to take deliberate and sustained action to bail out the country from all manner of challenges, it will be immoral for Alhaji Atiku Abubakar to continue to express interest in seeking election in the 2023 presidential election having attained the retirement age. He cannot assume the role of a perpetual candidate or professional aspirànt year in, year out, of the party as though the party was established for him alone. It defeats all sense of logic for such an old man to attempt another round of political contestation at a time the general feeling and mood in the country supports a younger Nigerian from the Southern extraction of the country.
For me, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar should quit his quest for presidency and support a southern Nigerian candidate in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, that will assuage the feelings of stakeholders from the Southern part of Nigeria. It will be against the run of play and natural justice for any aspirànt of Northern extraction to show interest in the 2023 presidential election within the Peoples’ Democratic Party threshold. It will offend national sentiments, emotions and logic for anyone from the North to show such interest given our diversities and hetereogenous political configurations. Given PDP’s doctrine of political power balancing and fairness, it will be against its own unwritten rule to cede the ticket to any Northern aspirànt least of all Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
After the 2019 presidential election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar abandoned all of us in Nigeria and sought refuge in far away Dubai, thus exposing us to the intimidations, harassment and threats posed by the desperate APC’s power oligarchs. It was a case of a General abandoning his troops in the battle field. Rather than draw strength from his presence, his absence exposed us to all manner of challenges. He was in Dubai and left us to our fate. When it mattered most for us to reach out to our candidate for motivation and necessary encouragement, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar vanished to thin air. Knowing full well that political activities were to take off, he suddenly resurfaced and became a frontliner in his quest to fly the party’s flag once again. That, to me, amounts to gross political selfishness and greed, which must not be allowed to flourish in our contemporary engagements. Even those who are promoters-in-chief of Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration, know in their heart of hearts that it is a project that is dead on arrival.
The Southern geopolitical zones of Nigeria have eminently qualified Nigerians and parade great minds who are competent and ready to take a shot at the number one job. Those who are advancing very nebulous theory of seeing the northern population as a stimulant to win the sympathy of the North against the South are either ignorant of the real demographics or at best, just playing the ostrich. No one in the North should take away what belongs to the South. That will be hurting the consciences and feelings of the average southerner. If the argument is to suffice for example, for an Atiku presidency, he will be finishing his first term of four years at age 81. And were he to become a candidate in 2023 again, and per adventure he loses the election, are we, as PDP, going to reserve the position for him or any other Northerner in 2027? These are very curious scenarios which cannot be overlooked. For 2023, an Atiku candidacy will be like promoting an expired product in the face of very compelling reason to look down South in our quest to wrestle power from the fractured APC.
Earlier last year, I was conscripted into the Technical Committee for Atiku presidency. Having attended three meetings of the group, I found my spirit and conscience permanently in conflict with the ethos of justice, fairness and equity, which the south deserves. A Nigerian of southern extraction deserves to be given unfettered opportunity to represent the party in the 2023 presidential contest. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his northern aspirànts should support the aspiration of an upwardly mobile and younger elements from the South to fly the PDP flag. Anything short of such will be tantamount to standing logic on its head, and a deliberate attempt to undermine the collective interest and aspirations of the Southern aspirànts. I will therefore implore the new management and members of the National Executive Committee of the PDP as well as the National Working Committee to speak with one voice in ensuring that the South is given what is due to it. Doing that, will mean promoting the fundamental principles of democracy of all inclusiveness and participation. Let it be known that I will not hesitate to commence the process of mobilizing, sensitizing and conscientizing like minds and team up with other stakeholders to drum up the necessary support that will birth a Southern candidate for the party. Justice should not only be served, it must be seen to have been served.
Nigerians in their millions are tired of seeing the faces of persons who have dominated the political space in the last forty years and yet, unwilling to take a bow. In the spirit of the new thinking and paradigm shift, please tell them to allow us to breathe.
Signed…..
PRINCE KASSIM AFEGBUA.
FORMER COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION,
MEMBER, PDP,
WARD 5, AWUYEMI OKPELLA.
EDO STATE.
FEDERAL MINISTRY OF WORKS AND HOUSING
Office of the Special Adviser on Communications
Headquarters, Mabushi P.M.B. 111, Garki – Abuja, Nigeria
PRESS STATEMENT
FASHOLA CONDOLES WITH ADENIRAN OGUNSANYA FAMILY
OVER DEATH OF FORMER SSG
The Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN has condoled with the Adeniran Ogunsanya Family, the Government and people of Lagos State over the passage of the former Secretary to the State Government, Princess Adenrele Adeniran Ogunsanya.
Expressing deep shock and sadness over the death of Princess Adeniran Ogunsanya, who served as Secretary to the State Government from 2007 to 2011 during his first tenure as Governor of Lagos State, Fashola said that her passing was a huge loss not only to the historic town of Ikorodu and Lagos State but to the country in general.
In a Press Release signed by the Special Adviser on Communications to the Hon. Minister, Fashola noted that Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya’s single minded devotion to public service, politics of inclusion and women advocacy as well as her humaneness would be sorely missed by all.
A scion of the famous Adeniran-Ogunsanya family whose patriarch served meritoriously as Minister in the First Republic, Fashola said that Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya brought her rich experience to bear while serving as the Secretary to the State Government in the Class of 2007-2011 in the Lagos State Cabinet which he had the privilege to lead.
While praying that Almighty God will grant the immediate family members of the deceased the fortitude to bear the sad loss, Fashola implored them to take solace in the fact that Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya throughout her earthly sojourn bore aloft and admirably without stain the banner of committed public service for which the family had always been known. He also prayed that Almighty God grants her soul peaceful repose.
HAKEEM BELLO
SPECIAL ADVISER,
COMMUNICATIONS
TO THE HON. MINISTER
South-South women mount pressure on Akpabio
Women in the South-South geo-political zone on Tuesday applauded the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Godswill Akpabio for imprinting his integrity on all that he did in the private sector, Akwa Ibom State and the Senate.
The women also commended Akpabio for pouring out his milk of kindness to the Niger Delta people and contributing to the stability of the polity.
At the inauguration of the South-South Women Political Front (SSWPF) in Port Harcourt, the women appealed to Nigerians in the Diaspora as well as foreigners to put pressure on Akpabio to contest the 2023 presidential election.
‘’Mr. President is comfortable with the prospect of Akpabio taking over from him. The Niger Delta Affairs Minister is hardworking, honest, suave and accommodating. He is in the best position to serve the country’’
The inauguration attracted hundreds of women across the length and breadth of the South-South geo-political zone.
The women spoke on physical development in the Niger Delta region, judicious utilization of funds, vision, discipline and credibility.
Spokesperson of SSWPF, Dr. Doris Ogba disclosed to reporters after the meeting in Port Harcourt that they had gone far in their discussion with prominent politicians from the North, South East and South West on power shift come 2023.
‘’ Senator Godswill Akpabio has political credibility and strong network across the country. He is a detribalized man and a man of the people. He is building bridges of peace and understanding between the South and the North of this country’’
The women praised Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and other ethnic groups in the region for supporting Akpabio.
They also pounced on the leadership of the project Niger Delta (PND).
‘’The comments made by Timpre Ebebi are offensive, bigoted and disgusting. He does not speak on behalf of the region and his views certainly don’t reflect those of the region’s leaders’’
The women emphasized continuous investment in infrastructure, security, education and health in the region.
They also highlighted Akpabio’s devotion to moral purity, capacity for honesty, anti-corruption posture and the critical need to work together in view of moving the region to the next level.
“JULIUS BERGER IS PREFERRED CONTRACTOR BECAUSE OF THE COMPANY’S PROVEN AND UNMATCHED PROJECT DELIVERY RECORDS”
–Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu at Flag-off of Ojota-Opebi Link Bridges and approach Roads
Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-olu has described Nigeria’s leading engineering construction company, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, as one company that has a proven record of matchless construction jobs in the country, adding that the foregoing is one of the reasons why the state government chose the company as its preferred contractor to handle its legacy project which was flagged off in Ikeja Wednesday afternoon.
The governor spoke at the flag-off of its legacy project; the Ojota-Opebi Link Bridges and approach Roads in Lagos State
In his speech, Sanwo-olu said that “Julius Berger has a proven track record for foremost construction jobs; it has wealth of experience especially in the type of terrain where this project covers. We had no choice but to choose them as our preferred contractor. In addition, to show their commitment, Julius Berger has already moved to site and are ready to work.” He therefore enjoined the famously reliable Julius Berger to try to complete the project within 18 months adding, “…you have 20 months to deliver the job. However, I want to stretch you a bit. Deliver the project in 18 months so that you will once again write you name in the history book of Lagos. You have done it before; you can do it again.”
Saying that Lagos state government and Julius Berger are partners who have made the project execution stage possible, Governor Sanwo-olu explained that the project which was conceptualised over 20 years ago by previous governments in the state, was long abandoned till his government picked it up for execution only last year.
“We are not just building roads but solving traffic problems with enhanced interconnectivity to make life more meaningful to all our people in Lagos state. Presently, there is no direct access link between Opebi and Maryland and Ojota. Hence there is the need for this legacy project which will also have an interchange at Maryland for commuters’ convenience with reduced traffic gridlock all over Lagos,” the governor said.
Earlier, the Special Adviser to the governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr Aramide Adeyoye assured that the project will not be abandoned, saying: “…the project has been awarded to Messrs Julius Berger Nigeria Plc who had successfully carried out extensive studies and engineering investigations along the project alignment as far back as 20 years ago when it was first conceived. The contactor is determined to work assiduously to deliver the project in 20 months. At this stage it is noteworthy to reassure all that the administration of Governor Sanwo-olu is determined to ensure that the project does not end up being abandoned as necessary funding mechanism has been put in place to guarantee its timely completion.”
Present at the event were top Lagos state government officials including the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat.
Led by the Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Lars Richter, Julius Berger delegation included Regional Manager, Commercial, Region West, Mr. Alexander Bauer, Regional Manager, Technical, Region West, Thomas Balzuweit and Engr. Nath Ikem. Others were, Engr Adegbenga Osunlana, Engr. Bolaji Johnson, Engr. Rasheedat Anifowoshe, Mrs Victoria Biachi and Media Relations Officer, Emmanuel Isibor.
Former Edo State Commissioner for Information, Prince Kassim Afegbua on Monday dismissed insinuations from some quarters that he had anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.
‘’Following my interrogation of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspiration and the urgent need to cede the nomination of the PDP ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria, the alarm bells have been let loose. Expectedly, I have been called all manner of names and accused wrongly, just to extract a pound of flesh from me for daring to question the rationale for Atiku presidency in 2023 at the age of Methuselah. I do not have anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but I disagree with his latest resolve at being a professional aspirant or perpetual candidate from 1991 till date. Politics has a process and timing’’.
He also advised the country’s former vice president not to hesitate to contribute his own quota in his capacity as a senior citizen towards the development of the nation.
‘’Alhaji Atiku is mortally misplaced at this moment. Having put up such a strong showing in 2019, I thought very sensibly, that was the climax of a journey that started in 1990 when he initially aspired to preside over the country with Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, easily called M.K.O Abiola. Alhaji was in that equation even though at the end of the day, he was prevailed upon to step down for MKO Abiola. And the rest is history’’.
In a statement in Abuja on Monday, Afegbua said the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable.
‘’Nigeria is a plural society with several political interests competing for attention. It is a country of many tribal leanings and clannish configurations. After the EndSars protest and the lukewarm attitude of the current president before he reluctantly addressed the nation, it became obvious that the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable. Nigerians now yearn for younger leadership who is upwardly mobile to preside over the affairs of the nation, leaders who have the technical ability and managerial acumen to preside over our disparities and ethnicities, and create a balance towards national cohesion and stability. Nigerians are looking forward to welcoming a new dawn in our body.of politics, some.kind of paradigm shift that would.give opportunity to our younger generation to politically assume a pride of place in the scheme of things’’
The former spokesman of Atiku said for stability and good governance to be achieved in Nigeria, there must be a rejection of travelling the road of the aged.
‘’ President Buhari has not helped matters. He has raised very curious remarks about the sanctity of travelling the road of the aged. Aside from being taciturn, president Buhari is not creative and result-driven. His go-slow style has affected our reading of the older generations who appear unwilling to quit the stage while the ovation is still loud. Buhari’s standoffish attitude and leadership weakness has become Atiku’s albatross. President Buhari has pointedly declared that at 79, working 6 to 8 hours daily is no joke, reason why it will be an exercise in self-destruct to chart the course of an Atiku post Buhari era’’.
He urged Atiku to honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck.
‘’From 1990 till date, Atiku Abubakar has featured in our politics at regular intervals. Remove 32 years away from Alhaji Atiku’s age; you will readily see the beauty.of a young man who got involved at such a middle age to seek the presidency of the country. After 32 years, he should honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck. That is the beauty of life’s evolutionary process. Seeking for that same position which he sought for in 1990 at this age and time is like performing a surgical operation with a blunt scalpel. His closest was the 2019 experience. Bookmakers said he won the election, but INEC thought otherwise’’
Afegbua lamented how Atiku vanished to thin air after the 2019 presidential election.
‘’After the 2019 election, when the dust of that election had not settled, when tempers were still high and emotions were still boiling, Alhaji Atiku simply vanished to thin air. He was no where to be seen. His next address was Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. When the party members wanted to see him, they had to travel to Dubai. The tribunal came, and Alhaji was nowhere near the courts. Imagine how it would have been seeing him with his Lawyers inside the courtroom, it would have given a sense of motivation and encouragement to all the factors that participated in that election. We waited, kept our eyes on the road, thinking he would join us. Alas!! He was away in the comfort zone of Dubai’s architectural wonders while we remained here in Nigeria like orphans or fatherless children. The tribunal case ended on a loss note. That was to mark another evolutionary watershed in the history of electoral petitions in Nigeria. But in all of the actions, Alhaji Atiku was absent’’.
He said it was time to discuss power shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023.
‘’When they are seeking for election, they try to act as father-figure, pretending to have the interest of the people at heart, but when you need them to give you protection, they hide in the comfort zone of their empire. For those of us who were Spokesmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, it was difficult getting to sit Alhaji Atiku down to robustly engage, at least to glean from his perspectives on issues. After the election, and after his escape from the shores of Nigeria, there was no post-election thank you. And this is not about material gratification. Far from it! It was simply by way of hosting a meeting to say; guys, you all are great. You made me proud and gave your all. I appreciate. No way!!. Instead, for two years, Alhaji Atiku was in Dubai, and left us in the lurch. When he returned to the country and the idea of recontesting struck his mind, he wrote personalized letters to some chosen associates, supporters and stakeholders. When I got my own letter, I asked a couple of questions. Aside from being a regular face in the political firmament of Nigeria, like Robert Mugabe to Zimbabweans, Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration was wrongly footed. The pendulum of the political equations and algorithms has to shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023’’.
He urged Atiku to support a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people.
‘’After an unbroken 8 years run by President Buhari, it will be immoral for any Northerner to aspire to govern the country on another run of 8 years. That would be injustice of the first order. Even if the equation becomes so compelling, we could opt for a younger element to fill the void. Contesting for presidential elections since 1990 till date without success is enough indication that he was not destined to be. At this age and time, I would rather he supports a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people. Political greed and selfishness has its own undercurrent. Just like power and its aphrodisiac, it makes men blind to their real intentions. Their eyes will be fixated on the aplomb of power, its allure and appurtenances. But the dynamics of the moment and the learned experiences from President Buhari’s gloomy and uneventful leadership have combined to hurt the dialectics of an Atiku aspiration’’.
Specifically, Afegbua called for geo-political zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement.
‘’The country must consciously engage with diverse interests across the land. Individual and collective interests must be cultivated. Geopolitical zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement are the required process to build national cohesion. And with the way the country has become, a Southern presidency is one that will invariably calm frayed nerves and put paid to some agitations that have been threatening the unity of the country’’.
He urged Nigerians not to devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirant and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990
‘’The route I have taken is one borne out of my deep conviction that Nigeria needs to chart a new course of action. It is one that reminds me that if we choose to do things differently, we will achieve greater success than devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirant and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990. I hold no grudge. It is out of love that I have spoken truth to the man, and I welcome all the insults and abuses. Not long, my interrogations would yield the desired result and I do hope that Alhaji Atiku would not end up gnashing his teeth to lament the turn out of events with the usual malaproprian bluff; had I know. The resources he intends to lavish at this political contestation should serve other purposes that could impact on the wellbeing of his followers and supporters. The binoculars for the 2023 presidential contest does not pick the image of Alhaji Abubakar. The earlier he quits the race, the better for his cherished history, the better for his political trajectory. Those who are waiting to profit from his involvement might not like my invocations, but in the long run, it will form a basis to assess the totality of his political emanations as he ages on’’.
The Edo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain advised Atiku to learn from Mugabe’s journey in Zimbabwe that ended in infamy and public disgrace.
‘’At 77 in 2023, I will rather quit politics, such a vocation where insults are hurled at you, than stay put in the name of putting up a try. When the sunshine of Mugabe of Zimbabwe was ebbing, he frowned at those who gave him honest advice and romanced those praise singers who said he was the father of the nation of Zimbabwe. At the end, his fall from glory was the denouement of a journey that ended in infamy and public disgrace. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, I still wish you well’’.
PRESIDENT BUHARI PLEDGES EQUITY, FAIRNESS AND JUSTICE TO ITSEKIRIS
President Muhammadu Buhari has pledged a fair deal to the Itsekiri people of Delta State, while also extolling the patriotism of His Royal Majesty, Tsola Emiko, Ogiame Atuwatse III, the Olu of Warri Kingdom.
The President spoke at State House, Abuja, Wednesday, while receiving the monarch and some of his chiefs.
“I’m grateful for your visit, and impressed by your patriotism. I’ve taken note of your requests, and will work on them as soon as politically possible,” President Buhari said.
The Olu of Warri said the visit was to primarily thank the President for sending a high-powered delegation to his coronation as the 21st monarch of the Kingdom, “and for your kind felicitation, goodwill and solidarity.”
He pledged the loyalty of Itsekiri people to “one united Nigeria, as we support your government’s aspiration to provide security and economic prosperity to all Nigerians, irrespective of tribe, creed or religion.”
Describing President Buhari as “a dogged patriot and fervent believer in Project Nigeria,” the Olu drew attention to what he called “some burning issues that are dear to our hearts.”
The issues included the under-utilization of the four ports in Warri, Koko, Sapele, and Burutu, all in Delta State, reconstitution of the NDDC Board, immortalizing the first Finance Minister of the country, Chief Festus Okotie-Eboh, and resuscitation of the Ogidigben EPZ Project, which has reportedly been abandoned.
On the NDDC Board, he said he believed the President would soon reconstitute it, “as an interested party, we genuinely want a better deal for us in the Niger Delta, as we believe charity begins at home. By this, we mean that we Niger Deltans must be ready to put the betterment of our people first in all we do. Putting our people first is the only way to make our lives better.”
On the entourage of the Olu of Warri were Chiefs Brown Mene, Oma Eyewuoma, Thomas Ereyitomi, Daniel Reyeju, Dere Awosika, and Mr Julius Rone.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)
January 26, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI GREETS AYO BAMGBOSE, NIGERIA’S FIRST PROFESSOR OF LINGUISTICS, AT 90
President Muhammadu Buhari felicitates with Professor Emeritus Ayo Bamgbose, the first Professor of Linguistics in Nigeria and the Foundation President of the Nigerian Academy of Letters (NAL) on the occasion of his 90th birthday January 27, 2022.
The President uses the occasion of the erudite professor’s birthday to thank him for his excellent contributions to education and scholarly understanding of Nigerian languages.
The President notes that through Bamgbose’s widely published books, journals and reviews, the renowned professor’s dedication and versatility in Orthographies of Nigerian Languages, which is recognised both nationally and internationally, will continue to be an important guide to the academia, knowledge seekers and the general public, who seek to understand Nigeria’s cultural and linguistic diversity.
President Buhari joins family, friends and well-wishers in praying that the nonagenarian enjoys more years of health and happiness.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 26, 2022
PRESIDENT BUHARI WISHES NIGERIAN ATHLETES PARTICIPATING IN BEIJING 2022 WINTER OLYMPICS SUCCESS, CONGRATULATES CHINA
On behalf of all Nigerians, President Muhammadu Buhari wishes Nigerian athletes participating in the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games success at the competition.
President Buhari trusts that Nigerian athletes participating in different events will excel at the competition, surpassing the previous record in PyeongChang, South Korea, in 2018, when the nation competed for the first time.
Recognising that the Olympic Games is a platform for closer friendship and cooperation between countries, the Nigerian leader sincerely hopes that all athletes, in the pursuit of their Olympic dream, would promote the core values of the Games: excellence, friendship and respect.
The President congratulates China on hosting the Winter Olympics, lauding Beijing for making history as the first “dual Olympic city” in the world’s Olympic history, having hosted the Summer Olympics in 2008.
As a friendly and brotherly country to Nigeria, President Buhari affirms the support of the Nigerian government and its people to China.
He believes that with China’s rich experience in organising international events, the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, with the slogan “Together for a Shared Future”, will be delivered as a splendid, exceptional and extraordinary Olympic event for the world.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
January 25, 2022
IS ATIKU THE MUGABE OF NIGERIA POLITICS?
Following my interrogation of the Alhaji Atiku Abubakar’s presidential aspiration and the urgent need to cede the nomination of the PDP ticket to the Southern part of Nigeria, the alarm bells have been let loose. Expectedly, I have been called all manner of names and accused wrongly, just to extract a pound of flesh from me for daring to question the rationale for Atiku presidency in 2023 at the age of Methuselah. I do not have anything personal against Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, but I disagree with his latest resolve at being a.professional aspirànt or perpetual candidate from 1991 till date. Politics has a process and timing. The timing for a fresh mandate for Alhaji Atiku is mortally misplaced at this moment. Having put up such a strong showing in 2019, I thought very sensibly, that was the climax of a journey that started in 1990 when he initially aspired to preside over the country with Late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola, easily called M.K.O Abiola. Alhaji was in that equation even though at the end of the day, he was prevailed upon to step down for MKO Abiola. And the rest is history.
Nigeria is a plural society with several political interests competing for attention. It is a country of many tribal leanings and clannish configurations. After the EndSars protest and the lukewarm attitude of the current president before he reluctantly addressed the nation, it became obvious that the age of methuselah in Nigeria politics was no longer fashionable. Nigerians now yearn for younger leadership who is upwardly mobile to preside over the affairs of the nation, leaders who have the technical ability and managerial acumen to preside over our disparities and ethnicities, and create a balance towards national cohesion and stability. Nigerians are looking forward to welcoming a new dawn in our body.of politics, some.kind of paradigm shift that would.give opportunity to our younger generation to politically assume a pride of.place in the scheme of.things. President Buhari has not helped matters. He has raised very curious remarks about the sanctity.of travelling the road of the aged. Aside from being taciturn, president Buhari is not creative and result-driven. His go-slow style has affected our reading of the older generations who appear unwilling to quit the stage while the ovation is still loud. Buhari’s standoffish attitude and leadership weakness has become Atiku’s albatross. President Buhari has pointedly declared that at 79, working 6 to 8 hours daily is no joke, reason why it will be an exercise in self destruct to chart the course of an Atiku post Buhari era.
From 1990 till date, Atiku Abubakar has featured in our politics at regular intervals. Remove 32 years away from Alhaji Atiku’s age, you will readily see the beauty.of a young man who got involved at such a middle age to seek the presidency of the country. After 32 years, he should honourably quit the stage for others to try their luck. That is the beauty of life’s evolutionary process. Seeking for that same position which he sought for in 1990 at this age and time is like performing a surgical operation with a blunt scalpel. His closest was the 2019 experience. Bookmakers said he won the election, but INEC thought otherwise. After the 2019 election, when the dust of that election had not settled, when tempers were still high and emotions were still boiling, Alhaji Atiku simply vanished to thin air. He was no where to be seen. His next address was Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates. When the party members wanted to see him, they had to travel to Dubai. The tribunal came, and Alhaji was nowhere near the courts. Imagine how it would have been seeing him with his Lawyers inside the courtroom, it would have given a sense of.motivation and encouragement to all the factors that participated in that election. We waited, kept our eyes on the road, thinking he would join us. Alas!! He was away in the comfort zone of Dubai’s architectural wonders while we remained here in Nigeria like orphans or fatherless children. The tribunal case ended on a loss note. That was to mark another evolutionary watershed in the history of electoral petitions in Nigeria. But in all of the actions, Alhaji Atiku was absent.
When they are seeking for election, they try to act as father-figure, pretending to have the interest of the people at heart, but when you need them to give you protection, they hide in the comfort zone of their empire. For those of us who were Spokesmen of the PDP Presidential Campaign Council, it was difficult getting to sit Alhaji Atiku down to robustly engage, at least to glean from his perspectives on issues. After the election, and after his escape from the shores of Nigeria, there was no post-election thank you. And this is not about material gratification. Far from it! It was simply by way of hosting a meeting to say; guys, you all are great. You made me proud and gave your all. I appreciate. No way!!. Instead, for two years, Alhaji Atiku was in Dubai, and left us in the lurch. When he returned to the country and the idea of recontesting struck his mind, he wrote personalized letters to some chosen associates, supporters and stakeholders. When I got my own letter, I asked a couple of questions. Aside from being a regular face in the political firmament of Nigeria, like Robert Mugabe to Zimbabweans, Alhaji Atiku’s aspiration was wrongly footed. The pendulum of the political equations and algorithms has to shift to the Southern part of the country in 2023.
After an unbroken 8 years run by President Buhari, it will be immoral for any Northerner to aspire to govern the country on another run of 8 years. That would be injustice of the first order. Even if the equation becomes so compelling, we could opt for a younger element to fill the void. Contesting for presidential elections since 1990 till date without success is enough indication that he was not destined to be. At this age and time, I would rather he supports a younger element from the south as a way to assuage the feelings of the people. Political greed and selfishness has its own undercurrent. Just like power and its aphrodisiac, it makes men blind to their real intentions. Their eyes will be fixated on the aplomb of.power, its allure and appurtenances. But the dynamics of the moment and the learned experiences from President Buhari’s gloomy and uneventful leadership, have combined to hurt the dialectics of an Atiku aspiration. The country must consciously engage with diverse interests across the land. Individual and collective interests must be cultivated. Geopolitical zones balancing through robust interactions and constructive engagement are the required process to build national cohesion. And with the way the country has become, a Southern presidency is one that will invariably calm frayed nerves and put paid to some agitations that have been threatening the unity of the country.
The route I have taken is one borne out of my deep conviction that Nigeria needs to chart a new course of action. It is one that reminds me that if we choose to do things differently, we will achieve greater success than devote time, energy and resources in championing the aspirations of a man who has been a perpetual aspirànt and a recurring decimal in our national politics since 1990. I hold no grudge. It is out of love that I have spoken truth to the man, and I welcome all the insults and abuses. Not long, my interrogations would yield the desired result and I do hope that Alhaji Atiku would not end up gnashing his teeth to lament the turn out of events with the usual malaproprian bluff; had I know. The resources he intends to lavish at this political contestation should serve other purposes that could impact on the wellbeing of his followers and supporters. The binoculars for the 2023 presidential contest does not pick the image of Alhaji Abubakar. The earlier he quits the race, the better for his cherished history, the better for his political trajectory. Those who are waiting to profit from his involvement might not like my invocations, but in the long run, it will form a basis to assess the totality of his political emanations as he ages on. At 77 in 2023, I will rather quit politics, such a vocation where insults are hurled at you, than stay put in the name of putting up a try. When the sunshine of Mugabe of Zimbabwe was ebbing, he frowned at those who gave him honest advise and romanced those praise singers who said he was the father of the nation of Zimbabwe. At the end, his fall from glory was the denouement of a journey that ended in infamy and public disgrace. Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, I still wish you well.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU FLAGS OFF ROAD PROJECT TO LINK OJOTA-OPEBI LINK BRIDGES, APPROACH ROADS
A traffic solution proposed 20 years ago to ease off perennial gridlocks that usually stretch from Sheraton Link Road into Opebi corridor has today become a reality, as Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu flagged off the construction of a carriageway that will solve major traffic conflicts in Ikeja.
The 3.89 kilometre-long road infrastructure will open into Ojota axis in Kosofe, taking traffic from Opebi U-Turn and dropping it at Ikorodu Road via intersection that will be constructed under Odo Iya Alaro Bridge at Mende.
The road will be supported by 276 metre-long deck-on-pile bridge and 474 metre-long mechanically stabilised earth-wall approach sections.
The carriageway, which is a new connectivity, would create an easy exit for commuters leaving Ikeja-Onigbongbo axis towards Ojota and Maryland.
The project was initiated to proffer permanent solution to inadequacies of Opebi Link Bridge and the Opebi U-Turn, and to ease pressure on overburdened routes within Ikeja, with the objective to reduce travel time along the corridor.
At the groundbreaking event, Sanwo-Olu also announced that the State Government had successfully procured additional three sets of train for the Lagos Blue Line Rail project expected to be completed before the end of the year. The rail line traverses Okokomaiko and Marina.
The news came a week after the Governor completed the deal for the procurement of two Talgo trains in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in the United States (U.S.) for the Lagos Red Rail Line project, stretching 37-kilometre from Abule Egba into Oyingbo.
Speaking on the road infrastructure, Sanwo-Olu described the project as “another landmark progress” recorded by his administration towards delivering requisite infrastructure in Lagos. The ceremony, he said, demonstrated the priority accorded the welfare and well-being of the residents in line with his Government’s drive towards delivering a Greater Lagos Vision.
He said: “This flag-off ceremony demonstrates the priority we accord the well-being of the people of Lagos, as we are witnessing another milestone in the implementation of the Traffic Management and Transportation Pillar of our administration’s THEMES Agenda and the State Strategic Transport Master Plan (STMP). Prior to this project, there was no direct road linkage between Opebi, Maryland and Ojota. Available roads linking the areas are limited in connectivity options, thus paving the way for the high traffic volume and congestion within the Ikeja traffic network.
“We recognised the need to create permanent solution to the conflicts by initiating another legacy construction project linking Ojota, Opebi and approach roads to connect Opebi Road from its tail end with Ikorodu Road by Odo Iya Alaro. Upon completion, the carriageway will reduce travel time for Lagos and Ikorodu-bound traffic from Opebi. It will also ease the traffic situation at Opebi-Sheraton Link Road and Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way. This legacy project will not only provide a new link to commute around Ikeja and its environs, it will also enhance economic prosperity and life expectancy.”
The Governor stressed that Messr Julius Berger was favoured as preferred contractor for the iconic project, given the civil engineering firm’s capacity and track record in construction on swampy terrains.
Since his administration came on board, Sanwo-Olu said 65 road projects and dozens of junction improvement work have been completed, while over 50 road infrastructure projects were at various stages of completion across the State.
He added that the State Government’s traffic improvement work was being complemented with constant road maintenance. He disclosed that over 832 arterial and tertiary roads, covering 252 kilometres, had been rehabilitated through routine palliative activities by the Lagos Public Works Corporation.
He said: “This is to demonstrate that politics is not about lip service. We have committed substantial resources to the provision of quality roads, waterways, and rail infrastructure to the people of Lagos, just as we have invested in modernisation of infrastructure inherited from the previous administration.
“To give the people commuting options, we initiated the construction of a 37 km track rail project which is steadily progressing, in addition to the complete overhaul of our water transportation system so that we can achieve an efficient and safe transport system that suits our megacity status and befits a 21st century economy.”
Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Aramide Adeyoye, said Julius Berger carried out extensive studies and engineering investigations along the project alignment two decades ago, prompting the State Government to take proceed with the construction.
She said the Governor remained determined to ensure that the project did not end up being abandoned, stressing that necessary funding mechanism had been secured to guarantee the project’s timely completion.
“Aside providing direct link between Opebi and Mende, Maryland and Ojota, this project also has two underpasses and U-Turn that will provide access for Ojota to Ikorodu as well as for Opebi-bound commuters. There is also provision for another underpass U-Turn for Phase 2 of Opebi Link Bridge Project which would eventually set a precedence for Ojota commuters to link the Third Axial Road,” Adeyoye said.
Member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, Hon. James Faleke, who led residents to the flag-off, described the project as “a surprise gift” to Ikeja community, praising the Governor for his vision to open up the swampy channel.
Chairman of Onigbongbo Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Oladotun Olakanle, extended residents’ appreciation to the Governor for kicking off the project.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
26 JANUARY 2022
Press Statement
Dum Dekor Delighted Over Peace In Khana, Gokana
The member representing Khana/Gokana Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Dumnamene Robinson Dekor says he is delighted with the peace and tranquil atmosphere that are pervading the entire communities of his constituency.
Speaking on OgoniTV during an interview at the weekend, the federal lawmaker said he has been busy visiting all the communities in Khana and Gokana Local Government Areas, LGAs, and expressed joy that people are moving about their legitimate businesses unmolested.
He said he became happier with cultural and music carnivals taking place in the day and nights, and commended the Local Government Council Chairmen of the two LGAs as well as security agencies for the synergy and communications, calling on them to sustain the tempo.
The former Deputy Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly as well as former Commissioner for Works in the state said he is pleased with the information that people who fled their communities were now returning home, but urged those still nursing fears to come back.
“As at Friday, we held a meeting with the traditional institution from the three districts in Khana namely Ken Khana, Nyokhana and Babbe, and what we are trying to put together now is a reconciliation committee to reconcile everybody and let them go back to what they are used to doing, which is farming and fishing”, he said.
Rt. Hon. Dekor said he remains unshakable in his determination to provide quality representation to the people of his constituency.
“Part of my slogan when I was coming for electioneering campaign was that we were going to give the people a voice, and by the grace of God we are doing that. Anybody who sees what we are doing will agree with us that we are doing that, even with the limited resources at our disposal.
“Mind you, our responsibility is very well defined which is to make laws and I’m proud to say we are doing very well in that regard. Even if I am not to assess myself, I believe to a great extent, we are representing the people very, very well. Even in terms of attracting projects to our people, we are doing the very best we can.
“As we speak, a bill is underway which has to do with the Niger Delta Institute for Technology and Skills Acquisition which is a federal institution we are putting in place and coming before the House. We hope that by the grace of God and the support of my colleagues, we will drive it to a logical conclusion.
“That is on one hand. On the other hand, we have moved a lot of motions and done a lot of advocacies. As an individual, I have done a lot of advocacy to the extent that some of the little changes we see in HYPREP structure today, I can say we are part of the advocacy that has brought us to where we are today”, he said.
January 26, 2022.
RIVPA Enjoins Journalists To Join Crusade Against Illegal Refineries
The leadership of the Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State (RIVPA) has urged media practitioners in the state to join forces with the Rivers State government and relevant agencies in the fight against soot and environmental pollution across the state.
Making the charge in Port Harcourt, when the newly elected officers of the Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) led by the chairman, Stanley Job Stanley paid him Thank You visit, Pastor Jerry Needam, Chairman of Independent Newspaper Publishers Association of Rivers State said at no time are journalists as information disseminators and change advocates called to task for public good than now and should therefore deploy all their communication skills to sensitize the populace on the dangers posed by illegal crude oil refineries to human health.
Pastor Needam said as professionals, journalists cannot but carry out their duties in this campaign by being dispassionate and committed only to public interest.
He urged the journalists not to get involved in the controversies such serious government measures are bound to trigger especially among political opponents and their supporters.
“Our own take is to inform the public on official policies, decisions, actions and corresponding reactions objectively, truthfully and fairly to all parties involved. Henceforth, any journalist that chooses to be involved and unethical in their reports do so at their own peril,” the RIVPA chairman warned.
Pastor Needam who doubles as the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Sole Administrator, Rivers State Waste Management Agency, RIWAMA, insisted that the greater public good remains the guiding principle for journalism practice and must not be compromised on the altar of personal interests and desires.
Dennis Osadebay University to commence academic activities Feb. – Okowa
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday said Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, would commence full academic activities before the end of February, 2022.
Okowa disclosed this while fielding questions from journalists shortly after inspecting ongoing projects in the new university as well as the offices and residential apartments of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and the Chief of Staff, under construction.
He stated that all the courses of the university presented for the first year programme had been accredited by National Universities Commission (NUC), adding that no fewer than 500 students had already been offered admission to study various courses as accredited for the university.
According to him, more students who meet the admission requirements for the accredited courses in the university would be offerred admission by the institution before the admissions come to an end.
The Governor, who inspected the Administration Building, Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, Faculty of Environmental Science, Faculty of Agriculture and the university’s gate house, expressed satisfaction with the level of work so far executed by the contractors.
While saying that the administrative building and the Vice-Chancellor’s lodge would be completed in March, 2022, he stated that Faculty of Environmental Science which was nearing completion would be ready in February.
On Faculty of Agriculture, Okowa described it as “the star project’’ and said that it would be completed in October, 2022 and that construction of the roads connecting various faculties in the university were on course.
He also inspected the university’s gate under construction and affirmed that the Anwai/Ugbolu road would be expanded and beautified to link Ugbolu and give colour to the university and the Leisure Park and Film Village being built by his administration.
He added that the Faculty of Agricultural Science would accommodate a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-sitting-capacity auditoriums, including the Faculty’s building.
“I am quite satisfied with the level of works done in the various projects at the Dennis Osadebay University.
“We started from the administration block which has gone very far and the contractor has promised to deliver the project in March. From the progress of work, obviously, it will be delivered in March.
“Then, we went to the Vice Chancellor’s Lodge which just started three and half months ago and we have a finishimng date of March. Also this year, and l think that with the work done, that is quite fast and very achievable.
“From there, we went to the Faculty of Environmental Sciences which is near completion. We were told that by the middle of February, they will be through with that project but l am giving them an extension up to the end February.
“I must commend all the contractors for a job well done. We also saw the road project that is ongoing, that takes us very quickly into the Faculty of Environmental Sciences unlike the road we took the last time we went to inspect that project.
“But the biggest is our star project, the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences; it is a huge project. The contractor has told us that he will deliver the project in December but we told him that he should try to find how he can deliver it by the end of September, this year.
“I believe that it is doable. He has a lot of workers on site but l am sure that he can get workers who can even run shift duties.
“That is really a very huge building with a 500-seater auditorium and two 250-seater auditoriums along with the main faculty building
“We believe that by the time they complete the project, there will be a lot of space. We call it Faculty of Agricultural Science but I am sure that it is quite a huge building that will take more than the agricultural sciences faculty.
“So, for the Dennis Osadebay University, a lot has been done. We are happy with the progress of work recorded in the university and l do hope that at the beginning of April, there will be a change in that campus. For now it is no longer looking like a glorified primary school,” he added.
At the new SSG and Chief of Staff official quarters and offices, the governor announced that the project would be completed in March, 2022, and pledged his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in line with contractual agreement.
The Governor, in company with some commissioners, was conducted round the projects by the project consultant, Mr Kester Ifeadi.
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU HONOURS EX-LAGOS CP, AS AIG ODUMOSU BOWS OUT OF POLICE FORCE
The immediate past Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu, on Tuesday, inspected the final parade as a cop, taking a bow out of the Police Force.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in his note of commendation, said Odumosu served Lagos and the country with every mental and physical strength he is endowed with, saying it was time for the star crime buster to drop off the uniform for a post-service life.
Odumosu’s retirement from the Force followed his recent attainment of the rank of AIG, after which the statutory retirement age set in. He was enlisted in the police on March 3, 1990 and served for 32 years.
The AIG took a bow at the Pull-out Parade and Valedictory Ceremony organised in his honour by the Lagos State Government at the Police Training Ground in Ikeja.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council, representative of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), former IGP, Alhaji Musiliu Smith (rtd), Oba of Lagos, Alayeluwa Rilwan Akiolu, wife of the Minister of Works and Housing, Dame Abimbola Fashola, Commissioners of Police from Southwest states, Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials and family members of the retiring officer.
Odumosu, an astute law enforcement officer nicknamed “Tango One” for his exceptional skill in flushing out criminals, served as first chairman of Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Enforcement Unit (Taskforce) and also the Commander of the State-funded Rapid Response Squad (RRS).
Sanwo-Olu described Odumosu as “nemesis” of criminally-minded elements, noting that the ex-Lagos Commissioner of Police had a deep knowledge of the nooks and crannies of the State.
The Governor thanked the outgoing AIG for his service to Lagos during which the State recorded receding crime rate. The Governor said Odumosu attended to his constitutional duties with vigour, courage and without giving excuses, adding that he led officers serving in the State’s Police Command from the front throughout his tenure as Commissioner.
The Governor said: “Hakeem Odumosu’s appointment in November 2019 as Commissioner of Police in Lagos came with much expectation, as it was believed that his arrival would bring the long-sought succour which many Lagosians yearned given the security challenges facing the State then. These expectations came as a result of his very deep knowledge and understanding of what security architecture of Lagos should be.
“Tango One, as we all call him, came with wealth of experience, and new approaches to pursue effective policing. Those approaches led to an improvement in security of lives and property in Lagos. He came, he saw and he is bequeathing a well-informed and motivated police command to officers serving in Lagos. He discharged his duties with diligence and emerged as outstanding police officer. I am happy to be at this occasion, which is a deserving farewell to AIG Hakeem Odumosu out of the Nigeria Police Force.”
Sanwo-Olu said Odumosu led the police in Lagos at challenging periods, pointing out that his stewardship brought back discipline and deepened character across hierarchies in the Command, especially the rank and file.
The Governor said Odumosu was leaving a big shoe in the Command, given his meritorious accomplishment as crime buster. He charged the new Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, to take up the gauntlet and build on the structure laid by his predecessor.
“It would be a disservice to AIG Odumosu if the level of policing in Lagos goes down after this moment. The least we can do is to ensure the labour of Odumosu is not in vain. I charge the new Commissioner of Police and all officers serving in Lagos Command to show renewed commitment to fight crimes and ensure security of lives is raised to the level where the State would be the envy of others in the country,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Deputy Inspector General (DIG) in charge of Southwest operations, Johnson Kokumo, who represented the IGP Usman Alkali Baba, said Odumosu, throughout his years of service, did not fit into the description of “mercantile police officer” – term used to portray unethical officers, stressing that the AIG was leaving a legacy of diligence, hard work and strictness in the Force.
Smith, who is chairman of Police Service Commission, said it was time for Odumosu to take a rest after an accomplishing career in the police and settle down as a family man.
In his valedictory speech, Odumosu, accompanied by his wife, Alhaja Nafisat, said he was not leaving the Force out of tiredness, but quitting to experience civil life, having attained mandatory retirement age.
He noted that his decision to join the police was not out of joblessness but his desire to serve his fatherland after his first degree in Arts at Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria, Kaduna State.
Odumosu, who also holds a Law degree, two Master’s degrees and Diploma certificates, advised young officers to embrace discipline, which he described as the “bedrock of the Force”.
He said: “I want to make it known that, despite challenges I faced in the course of my career, I have no regret joining the Force. The police properly groomed me to become a professional law enforcement officer that can stand tall among his peers anywhere in the world.
“As Lagos RRS Commander, the job toughened me to frontally confront daredevil armed criminals whose passion was robbing banks. Since then, bank robbery incidents in Lagos nosedived. Today, I am proud to say that there was no single bank robbery throughout my tenure as Commissioner of Police in Lagos.
“It is time for me to quit the state and continue my journey into civil life. I have played my role and delivered my line. I am retiring today, but I am not tired. Nigeria Police Force will continue to be my constituency.”
Odumosu thanked the All Progressives Congress leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sanwo-Olu and Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola for being pillars of support throughout his service years in Lagos.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 JANUARY 2022
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU MOURNS DEMISE OF EX-LAGOS SSG, ADENIRAN-OGUNSANYA
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has mourned the passing of former Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya.
Adeniran-Ogunsanya, the daughter of prominent Ikorodu born politician and associate of the late Nnamdi Azikiwe, Prince Adeniran Ogunsanya, died after a brief illness on Tuesday at 74.
She was the Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG) during the first term in office of former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) between 2007 and 2011.
Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Tuesday, praised the late Princess Adeniran-Ogunsanya’s contribution to governance, growth and development of Lagos State during her tenure as the scribe of the State.
The Governor who commended the late politician and businesswoman for her impactful roles in Lagos politics, especially in Ikorodu division, commiserated with leaders and the entire people of Ikorodu on the demise of their illustrious daughter.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Lagos State, I want to express my sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the family, friends and political associates of the late Secretary to the Lagos State Government (SSG), Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya.
“The death of Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya is a big loss to Lagos State. She made a lot of positive impact and contributions during her lifetime to the growth and development of Lagos State as SSG. She also made significant impact in Lagos politics when as member of the ruling party, especially in Ikorodu.
“I pray that God will grant Princess Adenrele Adeniran-Ogunsanya eternal rest and give the immediate family, friends, political associates and the people of Ikorodu the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss,” Governor Sanwo-Olu prayed.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
25 JANUARY 2022