News From Nigeria
The Movement for National Reform (MNR) on Friday rationalized its hostility towards the actions of the initiator of a draft bill seeking the restructuring and new model of government in Nigeria, Dr. Akin Fapohunda.
‘’The attention of MNR has been drawn to a strident advocacy that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN). The champion of the said advocacy is Dr. Akin Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President by substantiating a draft earlier rumoured in the public and denied by the government. This is curious and worrisome as such a matter of national interest affects the collective destiny of all of us as citizens of Nigeria’’.
The movement also contended that it would not be out of place to lift the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism.
‘’Let it be known that We the People in MNR share the same sentiments about the need to restructure the FRN to one that works for all, but we differ significantly in strategy with the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda. We wish to caution that the art of statecraft requires very careful attention to details in order to eschew social dislocation of the life and livelihoods of citizens by succumbing to fleeting clannish sentiments. We hold the views that all Nigerians will benefit from lifting the suspension of the 1963 CFRN to amend it with contemporary realities for seamless reversion to true democracy and republicanism. We firmly stand on this premise’’.
The Movement in a statement in Abuja accused Fapohunda of seeking to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 to the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFRN).
‘’The catch phrase, “We the People” is the DNA from which any democratic constitution must draw its life. As a result, it is important to interrogate the position of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in seeking for a conversion of an annexure of Decree 24 of 1999 to the CFRN via a private member Bill at the National Assembly (NASS)’’.
Titled: An addendum to the Memorandum of the Movement for National Reform (MNR) to the House of Representatives Constitution Review Committee of April 6, 2024, the Movement said it was unfortunate that Fapohunda who has zealously offered himself as a consultant to Mr. President descended so low to making unguarded statements.
‘’MNR hereby wish to consider the altruism of Dr. Fapohunda’s motivation against other schools of thought on the ongoing public discourse on the CFRN. It is very revealing and indeed interesting that NINAS with over 25 years of research and advocacy issuing for a brand new CFRN and not such a quick fix of Dr. Fapohunda. MNR view on the subject matter is rooting for a repeal of four junta decrees to pave way for LIFTING OF SUSPENSION of the 1963 republican CFRN for amendment with contemporary realities to rejuvenate the existing presidential style federation akin to that of USA plus necessary modifications that suit our cultural environment. The silence of Patriots about their preference for the 2014 Confab report cum draft constitution should not be disregarded’’.
The statement signed by MNR Constitution Review Committee Chair, Prof. O. Igho Natufe and Secretary, Dr. Yemi Adegoke reiterated that the MNR is clearly focused on the democratic exigencies for NASS to restore the suspended 1963 republican CFRN for amendment rather than the so-called 1999 CFRN.
‘’Our stand gives due recognition to NASS as elected legislative representatives of We the People’. The solo effort of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second coming on subject matter is curious. In his first coming of 2021, Dr. Akin Fapohunda was Secretary of an erstwhile Eminent Elders Forum that made a presentation to NASS on 9.2.2021, which did not prosper. That exercise focused on the 1963 CFRN’’
The group said events so far pointed to the fact that it is obvious that the tackles act of Fapohunda is a plot to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions.
‘’At his second coming in 2024, same Dr. Akin Fapohunda position has shifted from his support for the 1963 CFRN to now push a narrative that seeks to convert an annexure of decree 24 of 1999 as the CFRN and to redefine the federating units from the existing structure of littoral states to shadow notional geopolitical regions. How a draft by an individual will be different from decrees by few under the military that has rendered the democratic tenets of the nation impotent should be of deep concern to every true democrat’’.
Noting that the activities of Fapohunda if not checked could affect the hopeful democracy in the country, the group said it is advisable to restore the 1963 CFRN from suspension for amendment with contemporary realities such as the existing littoral states in order to recalibrate the Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) in consonant with global best practices that will be modified to align with the cultural traits of the FRN, recognizing the rights of the indigenous ethnic nationalities as the core federating units of the country’’.
‘’The efforts of Dr. Akin Fapohunda in his second outing woefully fail the democratic litmus test of We the People in all ramifications. The 1963 CFRN is the only democratic template upon which the Republican strands of Nigeria are hinged
The Movement urged Fapohunda to stop throwing caution to the wind.
‘’The fear of electoral supremacy of yore from any part of Nigeria will be diminished by the recalibration of the governing system along the path of true federalism that reflects the republican import of ethnic nationalities. In the likelihood of the FRN going the way of USSR/Czechoslovakia, the littoral states in each notional geopolitical zones will easily ‘amalgamate’ into respective standalone Republics they deem fit. Upon the restoration and subsequent amendment of the 1963 CFRN, the emergent entities from the ashes of the FRN will be on sound tenets of democratic foundation; the path of Dr. Akin Fapohunda will birth such entities from the chaotic oligarchy of junta decrees like the burdensome decrees 1 of 1966, 34 of 1966, 104 of 1979 & 24 of 1999’’.
‘’A cursory perusal of the Bill proposed by Dr Fapohunda reveals disturbing provisions for matters of person(s)-specific pursuits rather than secular provisions that are broad in outlook and purview. Such provisions as those in Section 6(g) on transhumance, Section 17(1)(a) on federal government lands in the federation, Section 18(1) on the role of the governor of a littoral entity (state), and section 22(7) on open grazing of livestock are impulsive enough to stir deep and unsavoury hunches in citizens’’ the statement added.
Members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee representing the six geopolitical zones include Mr. Aaron Daniel Ladan, Sir Amorighoye Sunny Mene, Barrister Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, Barrister Gbenga Awosode, Barrister Matthew Godfree, Barrister Ozegbe S. Ogokuni, Barrister Edward Ekpoko, Chief Emeka Diwe, Chief Ike Nwalunor and Da Jonathan S. Akuns.
Others are Dr. Ayodele Ojajune, Dr. Chris Enemuoh, Dr. Diamond Longjel, Dr. Philip Idaewor, Dr. Sola Olunuga, Elder Ben Osawe, Engr. Ikem Nwandu, Prof. Ezekiel Kolawole Ogundowole, Mr. Isa Nuhu and Mrs. J. Adedeji.
Prof. Benjamin Okaba, Prof. Chris Akpotu, Prof. Friday Emenka Udeh, Prof. Jerry Chukwu Okolo, Prof. Nath Agu, Prof. Adaobi Patricia Ugbomeh, Prof. Julie Nwabogo Umukoro, Rev. James Pam, Mr. Rex Essenowo, Mr. Taiwo Akinola, Mr. Tony Ede, Mr. Wole Aina and Mr. Yerima Shetima are also members of the MNR Constitution Review Committee.
Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has urged the 36 state governors in the country and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mr Nyesom Wike to “disclose details of federal allocations meant for local governments in your state and the FCT and the actual disbursement of the allocations to the local governments since the return of democracy in 1999.”
SERAP also urged them “to promptly invite Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments in your state and the FCT since May 1999.”
Former president Muhammadu Buhari had in December 2022 stated that, “If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100m, N50m will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.’”
In the freedom of information requests dated 27 January 2024 and signed by SERAP deputy director Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Nigerians have the right to know the details of actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations in your state and the FCT.”
SERAP said, “States and the FCT should be guided by transparency and accountability principles and proactively publish information pertaining to their actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments.”
According to SERAP, “Opacity in the amounts of federal allocations actually disbursed to local governments in your state has continued to have negative impacts on the fundamental interests of the citizens and the public interest.”
The FoI requests, read, in part: “We would be grateful if the recommended measures are taken within 7 days of the receipt and/or publication of this letter. If we have not heard from you by then, SERAP shall consider appropriate legal actions to compel you and your state and the FCT to comply with our requests in the public interest.”
“Transparency in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local governments is fundamental to increase accountability, prevent corruption, and build trust in democratic institutions, and strengthen the rule of law.”
“Implicit in the freedom of expression is the public’s right to know what governments are doing on their behalf, without which truth would languish and people’s participation in government would remain fragmented.”
“Transparency would ensure that the allocations are not diverted into private pockets, and increase public trust that the money would be used to benefit Nigerians resident in these local government areas.”
“SERAP is seriously concerned that years of allegations of corruption and mismanagement of federal allocations meant for local governments have contributed to widespread poverty, underdevelopment and lack of access to public goods and services in several states.”
“Ensuring transparency and accountability in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations in your state would also improve the enjoyment by Nigerians of their right to natural wealth and resources.”
“You have a legal responsibility to promote transparency and accountability in the actual disbursement and spending of federal allocations meant for local government areas in your state, and to ensure that the allocations are dully and fully disbursed to the local governments.”
“SERAP is concerned that despite the country’s enormous oil wealth, ordinary Nigerians have derived very little benefit from oil money primarily because of widespread grand corruption, and the culture of impunity of perpetrators.”
“Combating the corruption epidemic in the spending of federal allocations meant for local government areas in your state would alleviate poverty, improve access of Nigerians to basic public goods, and enhance the ability of the local governments to effectively and efficiently discharge their constitutional and statutory responsibilities.”
“According to our information, the 36 states in Nigeria and the federal capital territory, Abuja, have collected over N40 trillion federal allocations meant for the 774 local governments areas in the country and FCT.”
“The Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursed to states N225.21 billion federal allocations meant for local governments in November 2023 alone. States also collected N258,810,449,711.47 federal allocations meant for local government areas in December 2023.”
“However, there is opacity in the actual disbursement of federal allocations to the local government areas in your state. States and the FCT have over the years failed and/or refused to disclose the portion of federal allocations that are disbursed by state governors.”
“SERAP notes that former president Muhammadu Buhari recently alleged that state governors routinely pocket or divert federal allocations meant for local governments areas in their states.”
“According to Buhari, ‘If the money from the Federation Account to the State is about N100 million, N50 million will be sent to the chairman but he will sign that he received N100 million. The chairman will pocket the balance and share it with whoever he wants to share it with.’”
“SERAP also urges you to provide details of the transparency and accountability mechanisms that have been put in place to ensure that the trillions of naira of federal allocations that have been received by your state and the FCT are not embezzled, misappropriated or diverted into private pockets.”
“Section 162(6) of Nigerian Constitution 1999 (as amended) provides that each state shall maintain a ‘State Joint Local Government Account’ into which all allocations to local government councils from the Federation Account and from the Government of the State shall be paid.”
“Section 162(5) makes it mandatory that amounts standing to the credit of the councils will be allocated to the States for the benefit of their local government councils.” “Section 13 of the Nigerian Constitution imposes clear responsibility on your state to conform to, observe and apply the provisions of Chapter 2 of the constitution.”
“SERAP notes that Section 15(5) of the Nigerian Constitution requires public institutions to abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power. Section 16(2) further provides that, ‘the material resources of the nation are harnessed and distributed as best as possible to serve the common good.’”
“Nigeria has made legally binding commitments under the UN Convention against Corruption to ensure accountability in the management of public resources. Articles 5 and 9 of the UN Convention against Corruption also impose legal obligations on your state to ensure proper management of public affairs and public funds.”
“The public interest in publishing the information sought outweighs any considerations to withhold the information. Nigerians are entitled to the right to receive information without any interference or distortion, and the enjoyment of this right should be based on the principle of maximum disclosure.”
Kolawole Oluwadare
SERAP Deputy Director
28/1/2024
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
January 27, 2024
Press Statement
PDP Demands Release of Abducted Lagos Party Chairman, Others
…Tasks Tinubu on Security
The national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) demands for the immediate release of its Lagos State Chapter Chairman, Hon. Philip Olabode Aivoji, who was abducted on his way to Lagos from Ibadan, Oyo State capital after a very important Party assignment.
The PDP is seriously concerned about Hon. Aivoji’s well-being and safety especially considering his age and health status.
Our Party condemns the distressing spate of kidnap for ransom, mindless killings, marauding of communities and other acts of terrorism across the country under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s watch and calls for urgent action to ensure the release of all those held in kidnappers’ dens in various parts of the country.
The alarming situation is an agonizing confirmation that the security intelligence, command, operation and coordination structure under President Tinubu has collapsed.
It is lamentable that despite widespread outcry by Nigerians, the Tinubu administration remains insensitive, nonchalant and laidback on security matters.
Despite the killing of over 5000 Nigerians with the maiming and kidnapping of many more since he took office on May 29, 2023, President Tinubu has not taken any concrete Presidential measure to stem the carnage beyond issuing insipid press statements and extemporaneous security orders whenever an attack occurs.
More heartrending is that the Tinubu-led APC administration continues to play to the gallery by mouthing false assurances while many Nigerians are languishing in kidnappers’ dens and families grieving over the daily killing of our citizens by terrorists.
Our Party however appreciates and commends the efforts of our gallant men and women in uniform for their patriotism, courage and determination in the fight against terrorism, kidnapping and other social vices plaguing our country despite daunting challenges.
The PDP charges the security high command to take urgent steps to secure the release of Hon. Aivoji and all other Nigerians trapped in abductors’ camps in various parts of the country.
Our Party calls on Nigerians to be at alert and continue to support our security agencies in their efforts to safeguard our nation at this very critical time.
Signed:
Hon. Debo Ologunagba
National Publicity Secretary
UNDERSTANDING THE SCHISM BETWEEN THE ORODJE OF OKPE KINGDOM AND THE OKPE UNION BY PROF. O. IGHO NATUFE, PRESIDENT GENERAL, OKPE UNION WORLD WIDE
January 25, 2024
Introduction
On January 10, 2024, the College of Physical Education Mosogar chapter of the National Association of Okpe Students (NAOS) organized an Okpe Cultural Day to promote Okpe Culture and Okpe Identity. They invited the National Leadership of the legitimate Okpe Union as well as the illegal Okpe Union imposed by HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. We gathered that severe pressures were exerted on the organizers of the Okpe Cultural Day event by some Palace Ekakuro, ordering them not to invite the legitimate Okpe Union. Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin, the General Secretary of Okpe Union worldwide was there to represent the legitimate Okpe Union. So also was Okakuro Joseph Aboze with his colleagues from the illegal group. Okakuro Aboze expressed his disappointment at the presence of Barr. Akpederin, and told the students that he and his group would depart from the venue after his address, explaining that they would not sit at the same venue with, according to him, a group that had taken the Orodje to court and planned to send the Okpe Monarch to prison. In his attempt to establish the supremacy of the Orodje, he declared: “There is no Union in Okpe without Okpe Kingdom”.
Characteristically, Okakuro Aboze focused on the effect and not the cause of the schism between the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom and the Okpe Union. He did not brief the Mosogar students and fellow Okpe nationals present at the event, about the series of peace initiatives that were aborted by the Orodje. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to debunk the propaganda of the illegal group led by Okakuro Aboze by providing a step-by-step review of the schism. But before going into the details, let us start with Okakuro Aboze’s falsification of Okpe History when he declared that: “There is no Union in Okpe without Okpe Kingdom”.
A kingdom exists because there was a Nation that produced it. Thus, a kingdom cannot be superior to the Nation that birthed it. This is particularly true of the Okpe Kingdom where the Okpe Nation congregates to elect one of its male citizens as the Orodje via a democratic electoral process. The sovereignty of an Orodje does not grant him an absolute or dictatorial power or authority, but is derived from the results of the electoral process on behalf of the Okpe Nation. When the four princely brothers, our ancestors – Orhue, Orhoro, Evbreke, and Esezi – decided to establish the Okpe Kingdom, they did so from the bowel of the Okpe Nation. Unfortunately, the kingdom under the first Orodje collapsed in 1779 leading to an interregnum of 166 years. (See https://okpeunionng.net/orodjes-of-okpe-kingdom/) During this period, there were no Orodjes because there was no kingdom, but Okpe Nation continued to exist and represented by power brokers in several autonomous Okpe communities.
Thanks to the Okpe Union, the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era was resuscitated in 1945. From its inception in 1930, the Okpe Union launched a campaign for the restoration of the Okpe Kingdom, irrespective of the opposition of several influential Okpe leaders who were apprehensive about the likelihood of our having another dictatorship akin to the rule of HRM Esezi l. It was not until 1943 that Okpe leaders acquiesced to the demands of the Okpe Union for the resuscitation of the Okpe monarchy, after the Sapele land case which got to the West African Court of Appeal (WACA).The invitation by the British colonial government for the revival of the Udogun Okpe in the late 1920s was for the purpose of its indirect rule policy. It is an incontrovertible fact that the Okpe Union birthed the Okpe Kingdom in the modern era that produced HRM Esezi ll (1945 – 1966); HRM Orhoro l (1972-2004); and HRM Orhue l (2006 – present). This brief narrative succinctly demonstrates that Okpe Union existed in Okpe Nation “without Okpe Kingdom”as the Okpe Nation thrived as several autonomous communities with solidarity “without Okpe Kingdom”. I am sure that Okakuro Aboze is aware of this Historical fact, but elected to falsify it in order to propagate a false thesis to mislead the Okpe Nation. We therefore reiterate that there is a modern Okpe Monarchy because there was an Okpe Union in an Okpe Nation that fought for its restoration in 1945, after almost 200 years of interregnum. The Okpe Monarchy was not restored to enthrone dictatorship and/or an absolute monarchy, as feared by the influential senior Okpe leaders that were opposed to the restoration of the Okpe Kingdom. In fact, to underline the symbolic role of the Okpe Union in Okpe History, Okakuro Senator David O. Dafinone, the Master of Ceremony at the coronation of HRM Orhue l, on July 26, 2006, asked the Okpe Union three times in Okpe Language:
“Okpe Union, are i hweri ta ghene ahẹ Felix Mujakperuo siyẹ aga-ẹ Orodje Okpe?”
The above means in English Language: “Okpe Union do you agree that Felix Mujakperuo be crowned as Orodje of Okpe Kingdom?” Okpe Union responded Yes on each occasion.
The Orodje’s Coup d’état
The Okakuro Robert Onome-led NEC of the Okpe Union was ridden with internal crisis from the day of its election on November 19, 2016. The Orodje had made a couple of attempts to reconcile the warring parties. At a meeting he had convened at the Palace on Sunday, October 3, 2020, the Orodje announced his dissolution of the NEC and barred its members from contesting for elections for two years and as well announced an Interim Committee. I had spoken with the Orodje on September 24 and September 29 before the purported dissolution of October 3, 2020. I initiated the September 24th call to discuss the NEC crisis, while the September 29th call was initiated by the Orodje primarily to seek my opinion on why the Okpe Union of North America (OUNA) was not a branch of the Okpe Union in Nigeria. He sought for my opinion because he knew I was the Founding President of OUNA before his coronation. We hosted him at OUNA’s 3rd AGM at College Park, MD, USA, on August 31 – September 3, 2007 where he delivered a landmark Keynote Address, emphatically stressing the uniqueness and distinctiveness of Okpe as an ethnic nationality in Delta State. (See https://okpeunionng.net/tradition-and-governance/)
Moments after the Orodje dissolved the NEC on October 3, 2020 I ranged him to register my opinion followed by a memo to him on October 5, 2020 in which I offered him a pathway to resolving the deepening crisis occasioned by the October 3 dissolution.
Prior to October 3, 2020, I made spirited efforts to mediate the internal crisis in NEC. I held a series of discussions with Okakuro Onome and Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin. They were the President General and General Secretary, respectively at that time. The discussions were progressing well as both parties agreed to participate at the Annual General Assembly (AGA) slated for November 14, 2020, at the Okpe Hall, Sapele. Unfortunately, further discussions were thwarted by the Orodje’s purported dissolution of October 3. However, my memo to the Orodje on October 5, 2020 continued my peace initiatives. For the first time, I am making excerpts from my memo to the Orodje public, because of the series of enquiries I have received from concerned Okpe nationals asking to know the role I had played at securing peace between the Orodje and the Okpe Union, long before I was elected the President General of the Okpe Union. It should be stressed that, immediately after the October 3, 2020 event, two Okpe nationals based in the Diaspora signalled their intentions to contest for the President General position. Their intentions were warmly received in several Okpe platforms.
I have provided below long excerpts from my memo of October 5, 2020 to the Orodje seeking for a peaceful resolution of the schism. Referring to the internal NEC crisis in the Okpe Union between 2016 and 2020, I wrote to the Orodje as follows:
“These series of crises completely paralyzed the Okpe Union during the past four years, thus denying Okpe a voice in the community of ethnic nationalities in both Delta State and in Nigeria. We became irrelevant in Delta State where we are recognized as the most populous mono ethnic nationality”.
“As concerned Okpe nationals most of us were worried at the purposeless leadership of the NEC. When we spoke on September 24, 2020, you informed me that you had instructed your Secretary to invite the leaders of NEC and other Okpe leaders to a meeting at the Palace on October 3, 2020. We talked briefly about the forthcoming Annual General Assembly (AGA) of the Union scheduled for November 14, 2020, at Okpe Hall, in Sapele. I recall suggesting that you send a senior Okakuro to observe the proceedings on November 14. The decision of the October 3 meeting at the Palace was a surprise to most Okpe nationals. I rang and spoke with you moments after the meeting ended. This is the subject of my memo to you. It is not my intention to challenge your decision, but rather to appeal for a reconsideration of certain aspects of the decision. In doing so, I will attempt to speak truth to power while respecting your position as the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom. I will do so as both a cousin and friend”.
I continued:
“The Dissolution Decree, as I have christened the decision of October 3, is akin to a military coup. Without prejudice to the good intentions of the decision, there is a grave concern about the precedent setting inherent in the decision. For example, the barring of members of the dissolved NEC from contesting in a new election raises fundamental issues about their human rights vis-à-vis the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Has a prima facia case been established against these former NEC members? Can this decision be sustained in a Court of Law? While it may be valid under an absolute monarchical system, I suggest that we examine its validity in a non-monarchical system like the Federal Republic of Nigeria. As I alluded to above, the decision establishes precedence for future Orodjes to adjudicate disputes in any Okpe organization. It removes the power and authority of internal conflict resolution from the respective organs of these organizations and drags the Orodje into political interference in the management of these organizations. My fear is, once this becomes an established modus operandi, the Orodje becomes a fair game for politicians and political parties. This will pull us into a system anchored on the divine rights of Kings engaged in a perpetual struggle vis-à-vis the peoples’ voice with severe consequences for democracy building and constitutionality”.
“Okpe Union is a members’ only organization whose members belong to respective branches or regions. It is observed that only three out of nine persons on the Interim Committee are members of the Okpe Union: Professor EmurobomeIdolor, Chief Barr. Bright Igbako and Professor Kenneth Eni. The establishment of the Interim Committee and its composition is regarded in several quarters as an attempt to make the Okpe Union an administrative arm of the Palace. I hope this is incorrect, for it will be injurious to both Okpe Kingdom and the Okpe Union”.
“The Constitution of the Okpe Union provides justification for the scheduled AGA of November 14, 2020 as a viable occasion to resolve the Union’s crisis. We have endured the poor governance and shambles of the dissolved NEC for almost four years. Okpe Union members and stakeholders in Nigeria and the Diaspora succeeded in raising more than 1,000,000 naira (One Million Naira) within 36 hours to host the AGA, surpassing the AGA Planning Committee’s budget of 950,000.00 naira (Nine Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira). The main agenda item is to elect a caretaker committee that will appoint an electoral committee towards the election of a new NEC proposed for early or mid-March 2021. It is my understanding that 30 out of 32 branches and regions have registered to attend the AGA. It was clear that the people had spoken and prepared to reorganize and rebuild a viable Okpe Union. My plea, Umogu, is for you to utilize the existing structure of the Union in facilitating the emergence of a new and purposeful Okpe Union. It is instructive that you dissolved the NEC and NOT the Okpe Union”.
“Since the venue and funds for the AGA have been secured, I recommend the following for your due considerations.
“Umogu, Umogu, Umogu, it is my sincere plea that you accept the above recommendations. By doing so, your role in saving the Okpe Union from disintegration and/or fragmentation will be inscribed in GOLD for posterity.
May your reign be long, peaceful and prosperous.
God bless you”.
Attempts at a Resolution
Before the election of the current NEC on May 15, 2021, which I am privileged to lead, and since then, NEC has engaged in the search for peace on several occasions
Prior to the intervention of the Rev. Dr. Osume-led Okpe Peace Reconciliation Committee in the search for peace, NEC had gone to court in Sapele praying the Court to restrain members of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee and its agents from parading themselves as leaders of the Okpe Union. When Rev. Dr. Osume intimated us about his committee’s peace mission, he requested that we withdraw the case from court so as to give peace a chance. We obliged. However, immediately we withdrew the case from court, the Palace wrote to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) requesting them to recognize the Interim Executive Committee. This was a plot to oust the democratically elected NEC from CAC recognition. Thus, it was obvious that the intention of the Orodje-imposed Interim Executive Committee was not to seek a peaceful resolution to the conflict but to gain time in its treacherous move to get CAC to recognise them and register their appointed new Board of Trustees and prevent the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union from being recognised by the CAC. Faced with this treachery, we elected to file a suit at a Federal High Court in Lagos. HRM Orhue l, the Prof. Idolor-led Interim Executive Committee and the CAC were served as defendants in the case.
To demonstrate the insincerity of the Orodje-imposed committee in respecting the court process, they obtained a court order in Abuja to appoint an illegal Board of Trustees, without disclosing to the Abuja Federal High Court that they were already defendants in a Lagos Federal High Court on the same subject. Furthermore, we already lodged an application at the Lagos Federal High Court with a similar prayer much earlier and known to the CAC, the Orodje and the illegal Interim Executive Committee. They surreptitiously acquired a certificate of incorporation; an issue that is being handled via an appropriate channel. It is worth noting that the judgment of the Federal High Court, Lagos has nullified the Board of Trustees appointed by the Illegal Interim Committee and all other actions by it.
Exposing the Falsifications
Even after the judgment of the Federal High Court ruled in favour of the Okpe Union on January 19, 2023, we still opened a window for an out-of-court settlement, on the proviso that the illegal group respects and complies with the Judgment. Interestingly, Okakuro Aboze did not mention this to the NAOS students in Mosogar on January 10, 2024. For example, he did not inform them that, upon his receipt of the Federal High Court Judgment of January 19, 2023, he and his colleagues informed the Udogun-Okpe of their decision to “step aside” from their illegal status so as to allow the Judgment to reign. But, according to him, Udogun-Okpe rejected their decision to “step aside”. By his own revelation, he and his group decided to continue playing their roles as sycophants because they lacked the courage to speak truth to power. He made this revelation on August 9, 2023 at a peace meeting convened by Okakuro Oghenevworo Jemikalajah and two other Ekakuro. Okakuro Aboze and Mr. Ochuko Abegbe represented the illegal group, while the Okpe Union was represented by Messrs Okpako Ayaruja, Kingsley Ehensiri Akpederin, Esq. and Dr. Lucky Akpere. While he recognized the grounds for the victory of the democratic Okpe Union as legal, he however pleaded that his illegal group be allowed to remain in office for the first four years before they would hand over to the democratically elected NEC of Okpe Union. We rejected his conditions for resolving the conflict as they tantamount to crowing the illegal group with a toga of legitimacy. We insisted on their compliance with the judgment of the Federal High Court, which declared that the Orodje lacked the power and authority to dissolve the NEC of the Okpe Union and impose an illegitimate leadership on the Okpe Union
It is important to state that, since the October 3, 2020 purported dissolution of the NEC of Okpe Union, the Orodje and his imposed illegal group label us and those who support the truth as “dissidents” and “enemies” of the Okpe Kingdom, simply for disagreeing with the illegal dissolution of the NEC. Some persons in a bid to weaken the support base of the Union have been promising members of Okpe Union and other Okpe citizens that are supporting Okpe Union, that the Orodje would recommend them for employment/appointment in the Delta State Government, if they withdrew their support. We consider this a despicable act as it transforms the Orodje into an employment agent for the Delta State Government. Interestingly, in 1994, Ms. Liz Truss called for the abolishment of the British Monarchy. She was NOT declared an enemy of the United Kingdom and neither was she denied access to gainful employment. On September 6, 2022, she was invited by Queen Elizabeth ll to become the 3rd female Prime Minister of Britain. It is imperative that we as enlightened Okpe nationals guide Okpe traditional institutions along the path of democracy and reject any tendency towards absolute monarchy.
Why did the Orodje shift from his strong position as a promoter of Okpe as a distinct ethnic nationality that he brilliantly articulated on September 1, 2007 (See https://okpeunionng.net/tradition-and-governance/) to become an apologist for Urhobo ethnic nationality by permitting his Udogun Okpe–in-Council to propagate a false thesis that “Okpe Kingdom is one of the twenty four (24) Kingdoms of contemporary Federated Urhobo Nationality of Delta Central Senatorial District.” (OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCY, SEN. DR. ARTHUR IFEANYI OKOWA, GOVERNOR OF DELTA STATE. RE: RECOGNITION OF OKPE AS A DISTINCT ETHNIC NATIONALITY, VANGUARD, Lagos, Nigeria, July 13, 2021, p.20.)? This was not only a blatant distortion of Okpe History but a regrettable public denial of Okpe Identity. History will Judge if this seismic shift was influenced by the Orodje’s personal interest or by Okpe national interest.
Commenting on an article entitled “IS OKPE STILL URHOBO?” that was posted on the Okpe People’s Forum (WhatsApp) platform on November 28, 2023, two erudite Okpe sons responded in strong defence of Okpe Identity. Barr. Ehensiri Akpederin declared: “When the leadership of a people claim the identity of a neighbouring nation for political correctness, they have wittingly or unwittingly opted to destroy their own identity, language, arts and the self esteem of the people of their nation or ethnicity. May the Okpe Nation be saved from betrayers”. Prof. Kenneth Eni opined in that same platform that: “Well, it’s only a few Okpe people who do not know their roots that will trumpet Okpe as Urhobo. The Urhobo people have not really considered Okpe as Urhobo. This is not coming as a surprise to me. The more Okpe is not included in this type of affair, the better for the identity struggle”.
Concluding Remarks
The purported dissolution of the democratically elected NEC of the Okpe Union, by the Orodje on October 3, 2020, has introduced a divide in Okpe Nation. Note that the Orodje’s purported dissolution took place 42 days before the scheduled AGA/Meeting of the Okpe Union to elect a new NEC. It was a stratagem to enforce the conversion of Okpe Union as one of the Administrative Units of the palace under the Orodje’s control, a process which he had put in place in an organogram of Okpe Kingdom administration in 2019. This became evident in August 2021 when the head of the interim regime he imposed declined to participate in a mediation process on the ground that he would only participate if instructed by the Orodje. It became obvious that the Orodje’s decision of October 3, 2020 was primarily to obliterate any semblance of checks and balances in the Okpe Kingdom. This he hoped to achieve by paralysing the capability of the Okpe Union via its conversion to an administrative unit of the Palace, a plot which will deny Okpe citizens a voice in Okpe Nation. Since 1945 the Okpe Union has been that force for checks and balances in the system. The Orodje’s policy is to gradually concentrate power under his ambit and steer Okpe Nation into an autocratic/dictatorial polity. The current drift towards dictatorship does not augur well for the peaceful growth and development of the Okpe Nation. If the influential Okpe elders that opposed the resuscitation of the Okpe Monarchy were alive to witness this current drift, it is only best to imagine what their thoughts would be.
Unfortunately, very unfortunately, the first Orodje of Okpe, Esezi l abandoned the democratic structure and embraced absolute monarchy, an action which led to his demise and ushered in a period of almost 200 years interregnum of the Okpe monarchy. HRM Orhue l’s action of October 3, 2020 is a sad throw-back to the medieval concept of the “divine rights of kings” which challenges the fundamental thrust of democratic practice in Nigeria and in Okpe Nation. It also ridicules the basis of the democratic election process that the Orodje cultivated during his campaign for the Orodjeship in 2004-2006. This prompted a prominent Okpe Scholar/Journalist to lament in January 2022:
“I worry for Africa and Nigerians. More for the Okpe who are still buried in the womb of medieval mentality”. (An Okpe Scholar/Journalist, January 15, 2022.)
While the Orodje’s action is challenged by a group of pro-democracy Okpe nationals, a pro-absolute monarchy group is propagating the deceased medieval concept of the “divine rights of kings.” This division caused by the Orodje’s intrusion into the administration of the Okpe Union has facilitated an inimical atmosphere injurious to peace, law and order in Okpe Nation. Several Okpe belonging to the pro-democracy group are being harassed and intimidated by some members of the pro-absolute monarchy group whose source of authority is left to conjecture. This is reminiscence of events in the (then) Soviet Union when scores of Soviet citizens, at the minutest of criticism framed in Marxist-Leninist prism, were labelled “dissidents and revisionists”, arrested and incarcerated in the infamous gulag system of imprisonment scattered across the Soviet Union. Interestingly, the pro-absolute monarchy group has categorized the Okpe Union members as “mischievous” and “dissidents” for speaking truth to power while some Ekakuro have threatened several members that the Orodje would cause their arrests if they continued supporting the Okpe Union. Since the Mosogar NAOS Okpe Cultural Day event, we have gathered from various sources close to the Orodje, that the Palace is contemplating to either ban NAOS and/or establish a counter Okpe students association to be controlled by the Palace. It is preposterous that the Palace will conceive of banning NAOS that it did not establish or to consider establishing a counter Okpe students association. It is baffling that this is the Palace’s approach to building a strong Okpe Nation. How much has the Palace contributed to NAOS activities in the past 17 years?
A polity that does not accommodate dissenting views forfeits the rights to be referred to as a democracy. It is within this prism that, for example, citizens assess the performance of their political and traditional leaders, including in Okpe Nation. The dividends of democracy that leaders frequently pronounce imply a basket of essentials that includes good governance, demonstrable accountability, and dialogue with constituents, responsible management of public wealth, respect for contending views, etc. When regime regulators and their praise singers stifle open debate on socio-political issues, they render democratic institutions impotent and cause serious injury to peace and development in the polity. Just as we wrestle with political leadership at all tiers of government on this existential challenge, it is imperative that we do the same with our traditional leadership. Failure to do so is hypocritical and mere sycophancy.
Unfortunately, History is replete with occasions where hypocrites and sycophants gain the attention of political and traditional leaderships in prosecuting citizens that dare to speak truth to power. We witness this appalling phenomenon in both democratic and dictatorial polities. The unjustly prosecuted become respected citizens following the expiration of the previous regimes and the hypocrites and sycophants become vicious critics of the expired regimes which they had hitherto praised to high Heavens. Thus, sycophants and hypocrites are always ready to change their tunes when the regimes they mislead cease to exist. Like Nigeria, the failed giant of Africa, we are witnessing the failure of Okpe to exert itself as a giant in Delta State. Are we to achieve this laudable historical mission by hiding under the identity of another ethnic nationality?
Regarding Okpe Nation, when it is articulated that the “words of the Orodje must be obeyed” and opposing views are characterized as “mischievous” and “dissident,” then it is obvious that we are encouraging autocracy and dictatorship to reign. Democratic tenets are disregarded and mediocrity, in most cases, is enthroned. Fortunately, the nature of the Okpe Monarchy does not historically reflect absolute monarchy, as in the making of the throne of the Orodje; the four Ruling Houses who take turns to produce the occupant of the throne designed a limited office as against that of the Oba of Benin, for example, which is absolute. While we, members of Okpe Union, revere HRM Orhue l, Orodje of Okpe Kingdom, it must be emphasised that this reverence empowers us to also speak truth to him. Our reverence does not mean we should be sycophants and hypocrites.
Finally, it must be noted and for the avoidance of doubt, the Federal High Court, Lagos Division, in its judgment delivered on January 19, 2023, on the Okpe Union Autonomy Suit (Suit No. FHC/L/CS/603/2022) filed by the democratically elected National Executive Council, clearly upheld the autonomy of the Okpe Union as its founding fathers had intended it for the ordinary Okpe man to have a voice in the affairs of the Okpe Nation.
God bless the Okpe Union.
God bless the Okpe Nation.
God bless the Orodje of Okpe Kingdom.
Prof. O. Igho Natufe
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, ARBITRATORS & NOTARY PUBLIC
GOTTGUNST VILLA
27, Gbiaye Street
3rd Marine Gate, Warri, Nigeria
Tel: 08033136059
E-mails: info@amaetulegal.org
amaetulegal@yahoo.com
ama.etuwewe@amaetulegal.org
www.amaetulegal.org
JANUARY 2, 2023.
THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MAITAMA,
ABUJA.
Dear Sir,
RE: PENDING SUIT FILED BY THE ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY; ORDER OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA, TOGETHER WITH AN APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE THE PURPORTED SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION OF MRS. L
AURETTA ONOCHIE AND CHIEF SAMUEL OGBUKU AS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR RESPECTIVELY OF THE NDDC BY THE SENATE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CARRIED OUT ON DECEMBER 21, 2022, IN THE FACE OF THE PROCESSES AND ORDER OF COURT IN SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022, IN WHICH YOU ARE A PARTY.
MATTERS ARISING THEREOF:
As you are aware, we act as Solicitors to the ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY ably represented by CHIEF EDWARD EKPOKO, MR. EDWARD OMAGBEMI & ENGINEER VICTOR WOOD, whom we shall hereinafter refer to as our Clients and we write to you on their precise, concise and unequivocal instructions.
iii. A Declaration that the nomination of the 5th Defendant who hails from a non-oil producing area in Delta State as the next Chairman of the Niger-Delta Development Commission is unlawful and contrary to the intent and purpose of the Niger-Delta Development Commission Act.
vii. A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of the Niger-Delta Development Commission Act, 2000 as amended, the Plaintiffs as suitable members of the ltsekiri nationality of Delta State are qualified to be nominated as the next Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger-Delta Development Commission.
viii. Any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
10.0. Our Clients on December 12, 2022, filed an ex-parte application seeking the following reliefs from the Federal High Court, Abuja, to wit;
AND/OR
11.0. As is customary, our Clients accompanied the ex-parte application with a motion on notice filed on December 12, 2022, seeking the following reliefs to wit;
AND/OR
12.0 The Federal High Court on December 15, 2022, in refusing reliefs 1 and 2 of our Clients’ ex-parte application filed on December 12, 2022, ordered the parties in the suit not to take any step that will render nugatory our Clients’ pending application for interlocutory injunction filed on December 12, 2022.
13.0 The Court also emphatically ordered that any act or step or action taken in order to render nugatory. the outcome of our Clients’ motion for interlocutory injunction filed on December 12, 2022, and scheduled for hearing on January 11, 2023, shall be a nullity. A copy of the said Order has been duly served on all the parties including your office.
14.0 Despite the fact that all the Defendants, your office inclusive, were served with the originating process, our Clients’ application for interlocutory injunction and the order of the Court restraining all parties from acting otherwise, the leadership of the Senate of the National Assembly proceeded to screen and confirm Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, on December 20, 2022.
15.0 Further displeased by the brazen act of the National Assembly in proceeding defiantly to screen and confirm Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger Delta Development Commission in gross and total disregard to the order of Court restraining all parties from taking any step capable of rendering nugatory our clients’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction,, our Clients on December 22, 2022, filed an application at the Federal High Court seeking inter alia the following relief;
AN ORDER setting aside the purported screening and confirmation of the 5th and 6th Defendants on December 20, 2022, by the 3rd and 4th Defendants during the pendency of the order of this Honourable Court delivered on December 15, 2022, restraining the parties from taking any step that may render nugatory the outcome of the Applicants’ pending application for interlocutory injunction.
All the Defendants have been served with the said application.
16.0 Whilst our Clients’ suit and in fact their most recent application to set aside the screening and confirmation of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC by the Senate of the National assembly has not been determined, our Clients are aware and already in the public domain, that the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is making plans and has circulated letters to that effect, to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku on January 4, 2023, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, as ·the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC. The Minister has hinged his brazen disregard of the order of the court and the due process of law, on the purported approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is the 1st Defendant in the suit under reference.
17.0 As the Chief Law Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a party in the suit, you are doubtless aware of the position of the law which is to the effect that once there is a pending litigation, all parties to the suit are expected to stay every action that will adversely affect the outcome of the adjudicatory process so as not to render the said process a nullity and foist upon the court a fait accompli. We most humbly refer you to the case of EZEGBU v. F.A.T.B. LTD. (1992) 1 NWLR PART 220 PAGE 699 PARTICULARLY AT PAGE 724, where NIKI TOBI J.C.A. (as he then was) stated thus:
“Where a matter is before a court of law, none of the parties can legally or lawfully take any unilateral decision that will prejudice or tend to prejudice the hearing or adjudication of the matter by the court. Parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court are under a legal duty not to do anything to frustrate or make nonsense a possible court order. They must, whether they like it or not, wait for the court order. They must whether they like it or not wait for the court to take a decision one way or the order. The procedure at arriving at a decision may be slow. It may even be sluggish. But the parties cannot jump the gun and do their own thing their own way. That will be tantamount to undermining the integrity of the court. What I am saying in effect is that a party who has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court is not entitled to resort to self-help. That will be chaos and disability of the social equilibrium if the opposing party reacts.
None of the parties to a litigation process before a court of law is allowed to take the law into his own hands and foist upon the court a fait accompli thereby rendering it impossible for the court to arrive at a decision one way or the other on the merit of the issue before it render any decision it may take nugatory or futile”.
18.0 Furtherance to the reliefs being claimed by our Clients in the suit, there is a pending application filed by our clients seeking an injunction against the Defendants for an order of Court restraining the Defendants from taking steps capable of rendering nugatory the pending application for interlocutory injunction and an application seeking to set aside the confirmation made by the Senate of the National Assembly, which step more to undermining the Judiciary’s role and the Rule of Law, has pre determined the issues presented by our Clients for judicial determination in the substantive suit.
19.0 Having notified your humble self and the other Defendants of the pendency of an application for injunction, we wish to draw your attention to the following judicial authorities on the duty of a party or parties where there is a pending application for injunction. In the case of ELF MARKETING (NIG.) v. J.L. OYENEYIN 8: SONS (1995) 7 NWLR PART 407, PAGE 371 AT 380 PARAGRAPHS A-8, the Court held thus:
“Once the court is seized of a matter, no party has a right to take the matter into his own hands. Thus, after a defendant has been notified of the pendency of a suit seeking an injunction against him, even though a temporary injunction be not granted, that party acts at his peril and is subject to the power of the court to restore the status wholly irrespective of the merit as may be ultimately decided…”
20.0 Furthermore, in the case of OKEKE-OBA v. OKOYE (1994) 8 NWLR. PART 364, PAGE 605 AT 617-618 PARAGRAPHS H-A, the Court stated as follows:
“The general practice is that an application for an order of interlocutory injunction, all activities affecting the res, here the land in dispute, are automatically terminated as a mark of respect to the court before whom the application is pending. Such practice is encouraged by counsel in good chambers consistent with the ethics of the profession”.
21.0 THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022: CHIEF EDWARD EKPOKO 8: 2 ORS. v. THE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 8: 5 ORS.
22.0 We wish to state without any iota of doubt that in the light of the development set out herein, no step whatsoever should be taken by the Federal Government to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as same will not only jeopardize the outcome of the litigation process but concomitantly operate to completely erase the confidence reposed in the Judiciary by the common man and a clog in the wheel of the administration of justice.
23.0 We have cause to believe, as documentary evidence clearly suggests, that the Federal Government through the Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is making frantic and brazen efforts to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger Delta Development Commission despite the pendency of the suit as well as several applications, and order made by the Court, with the sole aim of stealing a match, stultifying the ·court process and bringing the Rule of Law to ridicule.
24.0 CONCLUSION:
Our Clients have done all that is required of them by submitting for judicial consideration and determination their grievances against the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government, it behooves these Arms of Government to resist the urge to defy the Judiciary and indeed the judicial process by refraining from conducts which will render nugatory issues presented by our Clients to the Court.
25.0 The attendant implications on the faith and belief of the common man are dire and would almost be dampened if the Executive and the Legislative Arms of Government continue to bond towards shattering the fabric and fibre of the judicial process upon which true democracy is enshrined; which the Judiciary seeks to mend and this certainly does not bode well for the Rule of Law if a precedent of Executive and Legislative disregard to court orders, is so easily displayed with impunity, just before the forthcoming general elections.
26.0 Having fought to ensure that there is peace and stability in the Country, it would be manifestly antithetical to the goals of this Administration of which you are a key player, if solely for a refusal to await and comply with the judicial process, all the Executive has worked for in the past seven (7) years, translates to naught.
27.0 We are of the firm belief, taking into cognizance the judicial authorities referred to above, that as the Chief Law Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a strong proponent of the Rule of Law, you will not in any way advise the President and indeed the Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, to proceed with the inauguration of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku on January 4, 2023, as the Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC and or concretize their positions, pending the outcome of the adjudicatory process already initiated by our Clients.
28.0 Trusting you will advise the relevant parties on the need to allow the judicial process take its course and refrain from taking steps which will ridicule the Rule of Law and further weaken our nascent democratic structure.
We remain,
Very truly yours,
PP: AMA ETUWEWE (SAN) & CO.
AMA ETUWEWE, SAN.
CC: THE HONOURABLE MINISTER
MINISTRY OF NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS
ABUJA.
AMA ETUWEWE (SAN) & CO.
LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, ARBITRATORS & NOTARY PUBLIC
GOTTGUNST VILLA
27, Gbiaye Street
3rd Marine Gate, Warri, Nigeria
Tel: 08033136059
E-mails: info@amaetulegal.org
amaetulegal@yahoo.com
ama.etuwewe@amaetulegal.org
www.amaetulegal.org
JANUARY 2, 2023.
THE HONOURABLE ATTORNEY GENERAL AND MINISTER OF JUSTICE
ATTORNEY GENERAL’S CHAMBERS
MINISTRY OF JUSTICE MAITAMA,
ABUJA.
Dear Sir,
RE: PENDING SUIT FILED BY THE ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY; ORDER OF THE FEDERAL HIGH COURT ABUJA, TOGETHER WITH AN APPLICATION TO SET ASIDE THE PURPORTED SCREENING AND CONFIRMATION OF MRS. LAURETTA ONOCHIE AND CHIEF SAMUEL OGBUKU AS CHAIRMAN AND MANAGING DIRECTOR RESPECTIVELY OF THE NDDC BY THE SENATE OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY CARRIED OUT ON DECEMBER 21, 2022, IN THE FACE OF THE PROCESSES AND ORDER OF COURT IN SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022, IN WHICH YOU ARE A PARTY.
MATTERS ARISING THEREOF:
As you are aware, we act as Solicitors to the ITSEKIRI ETHNIC NATIONALITY ably represented by CHIEF EDWARD EKPOKO, MR. EDWARD OMAGBEMI & ENGINEER VICTOR WOOD, whom we shall hereinafter refer to as our Clients and we write to you on their precise, concise and unequivocal instructions.
iii. A Declaration that the nomination of the 5th Defendant who hails from a non-oil producing area in Delta State as the next Chairman of the Niger-Delta Development Commission is unlawful and contrary to the intent and purpose of the Niger-Delta Development Commission Act.
vii. A declaration that by virtue of the provisions of the Niger-Delta Development Commission Act, 2000 as amended, the Plaintiffs as suitable members of the ltsekiri nationality of Delta State are qualified to be nominated as the next Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger-Delta Development Commission.
viii. Any further order(s) as this Honourable Court may deem fit to make in the circumstances.
10.0. Our Clients on December 12, 2022, filed an ex-parte application seeking the following reliefs from the Federal High Court, Abuja, to wit;
AND/OR
11.0. As is customary, our Clients accompanied the ex-parte application with a motion on notice filed on December 12, 2022, seeking the following reliefs to wit;
AND/OR
12.0 The Federal High Court on December 15, 2022, in refusing reliefs 1 and 2 of our Clients’ ex-parte application filed on December 12, 2022, ordered the parties in the suit not to take any step that will render nugatory our Clients’ pending application for interlocutory injunction filed on December 12, 2022.
13.0 The Court also emphatically ordered that any act or step or action taken in order to render nugatory. the outcome of our Clients’ motion for interlocutory injunction filed on December 12, 2022, and scheduled for hearing on January 11, 2023, shall be a nullity. A copy of the said Order has been duly served on all the parties including your office.
14.0 Despite the fact that all the Defendants, your office inclusive, were served with the originating process, our Clients’ application for interlocutory injunction and the order of the Court restraining all parties from acting otherwise, the leadership of the Senate of the National Assembly proceeded to screen and confirm Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively, of the Niger Delta Development Commission, on December 20, 2022.
15.0 Further displeased by the brazen act of the National Assembly in proceeding defiantly to screen and confirm Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger Delta Development Commission in gross and total disregard to the order of Court restraining all parties from taking any step capable of rendering nugatory our clients’ motion on notice for interlocutory injunction,, our Clients on December 22, 2022, filed an application at the Federal High Court seeking inter alia the following relief;
AN ORDER setting aside the purported screening and confirmation of the 5th and 6th Defendants on December 20, 2022, by the 3rd and 4th Defendants during the pendency of the order of this Honourable Court delivered on December 15, 2022, restraining the parties from taking any step that may render nugatory the outcome of the Applicants’ pending application for interlocutory injunction.
All the Defendants have been served with the said application.
16.0 Whilst our Clients’ suit and in fact their most recent application to set aside the screening and confirmation of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC by the Senate of the National assembly has not been determined, our Clients are aware and already in the public domain, that the Honourable Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs is making plans and has circulated letters to that effect, to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku on January 4, 2023, at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel Abuja, as ·the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC. The Minister has hinged his brazen disregard of the order of the court and the due process of law, on the purported approval of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who is the 1st Defendant in the suit under reference.
17.0 As the Chief Law Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and a party in the suit, you are doubtless aware of the position of the law which is to the effect that once there is a pending litigation, all parties to the suit are expected to stay every action that will adversely affect the outcome of the adjudicatory process so as not to render the said process a nullity and foist upon the court a fait accompli. We most humbly refer you to the case of EZEGBU v. F.A.T.B. LTD. (1992) 1 NWLR PART 220 PAGE 699 PARTICULARLY AT PAGE 724, where NIKI TOBI J.C.A. (as he then was) stated thus:
“Where a matter is before a court of law, none of the parties can legally or lawfully take any unilateral decision that will prejudice or tend to prejudice the hearing or adjudication of the matter by the court. Parties who have submitted to the jurisdiction of the court are under a legal duty not to do anything to frustrate or make nonsense a possible court order. They must, whether they like it or not, wait for the court order. They must whether they like it or not wait for the court to take a decision one way or the order. The procedure at arriving at a decision may be slow. It may even be sluggish. But the parties cannot jump the gun and do their own thing their own way. That will be tantamount to undermining the integrity of the court. What I am saying in effect is that a party who has submitted to the jurisdiction of the court is not entitled to resort to self-help. That will be chaos and disability of the social equilibrium if the opposing party reacts.
None of the parties to a litigation process before a court of law is allowed to take the law into his own hands and foist upon the court a fait accompli thereby rendering it impossible for the court to arrive at a decision one way or the other on the merit of the issue before it render any decision it may take nugatory or futile”.
18.0 Furtherance to the reliefs being claimed by our Clients in the suit, there is a pending application filed by our clients seeking an injunction against the Defendants for an order of Court restraining the Defendants from taking steps capable of rendering nugatory the pending application for interlocutory injunction and an application seeking to set aside the confirmation made by the Senate of the National Assembly, which step more to undermining the Judiciary’s role and the Rule of Law, has pre determined the issues presented by our Clients for judicial determination in the substantive suit.
19.0 Having notified your humble self and the other Defendants of the pendency of an application for injunction, we wish to draw your attention to the following judicial authorities on the duty of a party or parties where there is a pending application for injunction. In the case of ELF MARKETING (NIG.) v. J.L. OYENEYIN 8: SONS (1995) 7 NWLR PART 407, PAGE 371 AT 380 PARAGRAPHS A-8, the Court held thus:
“Once the court is seized of a matter, no party has a right to take the matter into his own hands. Thus, after a defendant has been notified of the pendency of a suit seeking an injunction against him, even though a temporary injunction be not granted, that party acts at his peril and is subject to the power of the court to restore the status wholly irrespective of the merit as may be ultimately decided…”
20.0 Furthermore, in the case of OKEKE-OBA v. OKOYE (1994) 8 NWLR. PART 364, PAGE 605 AT 617-618 PARAGRAPHS H-A, the Court stated as follows:
“The general practice is that an application for an order of interlocutory injunction, all activities affecting the res, here the land in dispute, are automatically terminated as a mark of respect to the court before whom the application is pending. Such practice is encouraged by counsel in good chambers consistent with the ethics of the profession”.
21.0 THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF SUIT NO. FHC/ABJ/CS/2294/2022: CHIEF EDWARD EKPOKO 8: 2 ORS. v. THE PRESIDENT, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA 8: 5 ORS.
22.0 We wish to state without any iota of doubt that in the light of the development set out herein, no step whatsoever should be taken by the Federal Government to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as same will not only jeopardize the outcome of the litigation process but concomitantly operate to completely erase the confidence reposed in the Judiciary by the common man and a clog in the wheel of the administration of justice.
23.0 We have cause to believe, as documentary evidence clearly suggests, that the Federal Government through the Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, is making frantic and brazen efforts to inaugurate Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku as the substantive Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the Niger Delta Development Commission despite the pendency of the suit as well as several applications, and order made by the Court, with the sole aim of stealing a match, stultifying the ·court process and bringing the Rule of Law to ridicule.
24.0 CONCLUSION:
Our Clients have done all that is required of them by submitting for judicial consideration and determination their grievances against the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government, it behooves these Arms of Government to resist the urge to defy the Judiciary and indeed the judicial process by refraining from conducts which will render nugatory issues presented by our Clients to the Court.
25.0 The attendant implications on the faith and belief of the common man are dire and would almost be dampened if the Executive and the Legislative Arms of Government continue to bond towards shattering the fabric and fibre of the judicial process upon which true democracy is enshrined; which the Judiciary seeks to mend and this certainly does not bode well for the Rule of Law if a precedent of Executive and Legislative disregard to court orders, is so easily displayed with impunity, just before the forthcoming general elections.
26.0 Having fought to ensure that there is peace and stability in the Country, it would be manifestly antithetical to the goals of this Administration of which you are a key player, if solely for a refusal to await and comply with the judicial process, all the Executive has worked for in the past seven (7) years, translates to naught.
27.0 We are of the firm belief, taking into cognizance the judicial authorities referred to above, that as the Chief Law Officer of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and a strong proponent of the Rule of Law, you will not in any way advise the President and indeed the Minister of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, to proceed with the inauguration of Mrs. Lauretta Onochie and Chief Samuel Ogbuku on January 4, 2023, as the Chairman and Managing Director respectively of the NDDC and or concretize their positions, pending the outcome of the adjudicatory process already initiated by our Clients.
28.0 Trusting you will advise the relevant parties on the need to allow the judicial process take its course and refrain from taking steps which will ridicule the Rule of Law and further weaken our nascent democratic structure.
We remain,
Very truly yours,
PP: AMA ETUWEWE (SAN) & CO.
AMA ETUWEWE, SAN.
CC: THE HONOURABLE MINISTER
MINISTRY OF NIGER DELTA AFFAIRS
ABUJA.
Zipowei, Crown Troupe of Africa and Blackedge Productions will perform in Lagos.
Gifted Steppers, JP Artistic Troupe and selected up-coming solo artistes will also perform at this year’s National Theatre Festival of Unity
Zipowei, a graduate of the University of Ibadan and currently participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), made her debut in the music scene with the official release of her first single, “Free Falling,” in October 2022″ a statement issued Friday morning by the Director of Communications, MediaGate Nigeria, Mr. Victor Oki said.
The 2022 National Theatre Festival of Unity with the theme Celebrations is designed to consolidate upon the gains of the first two editions.
The theme was carefully chosen to give Nigerians an opportunity to take stock of God’s abundant blessings in their lives.
The edition which runs from 16-18th December 2022 falls within the last four months of the tenure of the President Muhammadu Buhari led democratic government.
‘’It is therefore only fitting to leverage this festival to take stock of the achievements of President Muhammadu Buhari despite daunting challenges foist on Nigeria by escalating global economic recession and daunting security challenges’’.
The festival shall commence on Friday 16th December 2022 with a new addition to the activities- a virtual roundtable on play creation anchored by the Nigerian Centre of International Theatre Institute (ITI-UNESCO).
The innovative roundtable shall feature two leading Nigerian playwrights and former Chief Executive Officers of the National Theatre of Nigeria, Professors Femi Osofisan (2004-2007) and Ahmed Parker Yerima (2007-2014) as mentors and lead speakers.
The panellists shall include the three National Theatre Play Reading Series-award winning playwrights.
The National Theatre Festival of Unity was introduced in 2020 as an annual event by Professor Sunday Enessi Ododo, (fsonta, fta, fnipr,fsna, fana, FNAL), the General Manager/CEO of the National Theatre.
The maiden edition which featured music, dance, and stand-up comedy held at the National Theatre complex, Iganmu-Lagos from 10-13th December 2020.
The festival was conceived to celebrate life, build bridges of unity, promote peace and harmony as well as rekindle hope in humanity following the disruption by the Coronavirus pandemic which rocked the globe.
Accordingly, the maiden edition had the theme: Healing Nigeria. In Nigeria, besides the pandemic, there was also the unprecedented youth protest that engulfed the nation shortly thereafter.
The maiden edition offered Nigerians and residents alike fresh opportunity to engage and enjoy live performances which were temporarily suspended because of the pandemic.
Continuing in its tradition of preaching hope and perseverance amongst Nigerians, the National Theatre hosted the second edition of the festival from December 10th- 12th, 2021 under the theme Enduring Optimism.
The 3-day event which also held at the National Theatre, Iganmu- Lagos featured more events than the maiden edition. The new events include carnival procession, film show, visual arts exhibition and awards ceremony. These were in addition to the usual live-theatre performances, music, stand-up comedy and dance.
The festival aimed to encourage advancement of the performing arts throughout the country, create opportunities for up- coming Performing Artistes and aid the promotion of social development and improvement of quality of life.
Born in Lagos, Nigeria, Zi always knew she wanted to be involved in the music scene. From primary school choirs to secondary school mini sessions in her classrooms during free periods, she always seized the opportunity to belt out a few tunes.
On some occasions, this involved approaching random classmates in hallways and singing to them.
Writing songs since age 13 has helped Zi develop her formula as she delivers lyrics laced with vulnerability and soul in expressions of love, hope, healing, and fun
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU INAUGURATES STATE TECHNICAL, MONITORING COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING REGULATIONS MONITORING
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Thursday inaugurated the State Technical Committee (STC) and State Expatriate Monitoring Committee (SEMC) on Engineering Regulations Monitoring (ERM).
Governor Sanwo-Olu while inaugurating the committees at Lagos House, Ikeja, urged them to ensure that all infrastructure in the State meet the global standards of engineering practice.
The Governor warned that nothing short of the best standards will be tolerated and therefore urged the Committees to come up with stringent regulations that will guide the ethics and practices of the profession, as well as adherence to project specifications.
He said: “We have, with all sense of responsibility, given priority to the development of infrastructure. My tour of the State will demonstrate the attention of our administration to massive construction of roads, bridges, housing, water infrastructure, among others.
“The inauguration of the Lagos State Technical Committee of the Engineering Regulations Monitoring of COREN is the birth of a new dawn in what I consider COREN’s effort to revolutionalise the practice of engineering in Nigeria in general and Lagos State in particular.
“With this inauguration, the era of mediocrity should be gone. Engineering must take its pride of place and be the driver in our development effort in the State.
“Let me reiterate that in carrying out engineering projects in Lagos State, there will be no tolerance for quackery. In the same token, no Engineer will be allowed to supervise any project except he/she is duly registered by COREN and possesses current practising license. Possession of current Practising License shall be a condition for prequalification by Licence by all companies assigned to carry out engineering projects in the State.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu who congratulated members of the Lagos State Technical Committee and Lagos State Expatriate Monitoring Committee, for being found deserving of the selection, urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them and perform the assignment with maximum commitment and credibility.
He said “In selecting, the members of the Lagos State Technical Committee and Lagos State Expatriate Monitoring Committee, extreme care and diligence were applied. It is also ensured that these nominees are from very reputable organisations.”
Speaking earlier, the President of Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) Engr. Ali Rabiu FNSE, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for being strategic and deliberately enhancing available human and material resources to serve the people of Lagos State.
He said Governor Sanwo-Olu led administration is being applauded for many projects in the State, which are transformational projects meant to improve the qualities of life in Lagos State
“You are transforming the state into an industrial and economic wonderland of the continent. This is particularly true in Mr. Governor’s efforts in the construction of over 308 roads and the delivery of the red and blue rail project, which he promised to be operational by the first quarter of 2023,” he said.
The Committees are to be guided by the responsibilities of locating document organisations and practitioners and report to the Registrar; verify and monitor the professional competence of works approving Officers; act as COREN watchdogs on maintenance, upholding Engineering codes of practice in public works, prohibit default, and ensure that all such works are in accordance with Engineering design and specification by Registered Engineers; among others.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
15 DECEMBER 2022
Royal families in Okere-Urhobo have condemned the role of Chief Louis Okumagba in the 30 plots released by the Delta State government to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State.
They described it as a negative development and a minus for peace and development in Delta State.
In a letter titled: ‘’Attempt / efforts to cause communal war, fanning the embers of communal dispute, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and criminal defamation of characters of our clients; Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo kingdom of Delta State, all committed by Mr. Louis Okumagba – a call to investigate the allegation herein, the families urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good office to investigate allegations against Louis Okumagba, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiri and the Urhobo of Okere Urhobo Kingdom.
’’God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom’’
Counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, L O. Egboyi & CO said in the 1974/76, the then government of Mid-Western Nigeria acquired a part or portion of our client’s land for public purpose.
‘’In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So, it entered into agreement with our client family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients’’
The Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri are made up of the popular Okumagba family of Warri, Okere- Urhobo kingdom.
‘’Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri. Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thugs and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Headquarters’, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Rights action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. The action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police’’.
The families said the suit of the suspect against the Police was dismissed by the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba).
‘’While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo’’.
This incitement, according to the families, created several apprehensions in the minds of locals, which has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
‘’Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our clients namely, Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had a one-on-one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him’’.
The legal practitioners described Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu as bunch of responsible families
‘’Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families are known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society. Our clients therefore take the allegation of hiring assassins by its members very seriously, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country’’.
The families also deplored the actions of Louis Okumagba and urged the Inspector General of Police to use his good offices to investigate the allegations and anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
‘’So, if investigation reveal the named individuals as assassins or connected to the attempt assassination of the suspect, as he alleged, they should be so indicted and prosecuted. But otherwise, the law on criminal defamation as enshrined in the Criminal Code and status in Nigeria are still very potent and alive. We assure you of our client’s co-operation with your men in the investigation of this petition’’.
……………………………………………………
Legal Practitioner, Corporate & Property Consultants
No 9, Effurun / Sapele Road
Opposite High Court Junction,
Effurun .
TEL: 08035759764
Email: luckyegbuyi@ gmail.com
Our Ref: LOE/IGP/COM/BREA/OKUMAGBA/1/22 Your Ref……………
THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE,
NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE
EDET LEWIS HOUSE
ABUJA.
Sir.
RE: ATTEMPT / EFFORTS TO CAUSE COMMUNAL WAR , FANNING THE EMBERS OF COMMUNAL DISPUTE, CONDUCT LIKELY TO CAUSE BREACH OF PEACE AND CRIMINAL DEFAMATION OF CHARACTERS OF OUR CLIENT ; OLODI, OKI AND IGHOGBADU FAMILIES OF WARRI IN THE OKERE – URHOBO KINGDOM OF DELTA STATE, ALL COMMITTED BY MR. LOUIS OKUMAGBA – A CALL TO INVESTIGATE THE ALLEGATION HEREIN
We are counsel to the Olodi, Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri in the Okere – Urhobo Kingdom, herein called our Clients.
The Olodi , Oki and Ighogbadu families of Warri, make up the popular Okumagba family of Warri , Okere- Urhobo kingdom.
Our clients are the owners of all the land in the entire Okere-Urhobo kingdom Warri.
In 1974/76, the then government of Mid-Western Nigeria acquired a part or portion of our Client’s land for public purpose.
In 2017, the Delta State government gave part of this acquired land to Messrs. Seriviri Nig. Ltd. for the purpose of partnership (Leisure Park) with the state government, covered by a certificate of Occupancy. Considering the size of the land given to Seriviri Nig. Ltd, for the partnership, it could not utilize the entire land. So it entered into agreement with our Clients family, wherein, it released 30 plots thereof back to the family – our clients
Certain Mr. Louis Okumagba who is the black sheep of the family started to foment trouble, disturbing and threatening Seriviri Nig. Ltd, with thuggery and dangerous weapons which led to his arrest in 2019 to the Police Force Head Quarters, Abuja. After being granted bail by the police, the suspect (Mr. Louis Okumagba) rushed to file a fundamental Human Right action against the Police, at the Delta State High Court, sitting in Warri. That action stalled the prosecution of the suspect (Mr. Louis) by the Police.
We wish to inform you that suit, of the suspect against the Police, has been dismissed by the Delta State High Court, Sitting in Warri, with a specific order of the Court directing the police to arrest and prosecute the suspect (Mr Louis Okumagba). A copy of the enrolled order is herein annexed as annexure as Annexure A.
While the Police were looking for the suspect for arrest and prosecution as directed by the Court, the same suspect went to social media (Opera news) to declare that “there will be looming danger of war/crisis between the Itsekiri and Urhobos”, thereby inciting, promoting and instigating communal war between the two peaceful co-existing communities of Itsekiri and Urhobo.
This incitement has created several apprehension in the minds of locals, which apprehension has affected the hitherto peace that reigned and pervaded the two communities.
Furthermore, the suspect posted on the same social media that some named members of our Clients namely; Chief Gideon Okumagba, Stanley Oki, Chief Victor Okumagba, Engr. Prince Ojuvwu Okumagba and others, sent assassins to his house to kill him, but that he escaped by the whiskers. He confirmed that he had one on one confrontation with the assassins, who confirmed the named members of our Clients above, as the people who commissioned them to eliminate him.
Our Clients are bunch of responsible families known throughout Nigeria for their peaceful disposition. The named individuals are distinguished and respected members of the Okumagba family and the Nigeria Society.
Our Client therefore takes the allegation of hiring of assassins by its members very serious, especially in this era of Security challenges in the country.
It is against the background of the foregoing that we have the instruction of our Clients to petition you to use your good office to investigate these allegations against the suspect, so as to prevent a monumental communal war/crisis between Itsekiris and the Urhobos of Okere Urhobo Kingdom. God forbid a repetition of what happened in 1997/98 in Okere-Urhobo Kingdom.
So, if investigation reveal the named individuals as assassins or connected to the attempt assassination of the suspect, as he alleged, they should be so indicted and prosecuted. But otherwise, the law on criminal defamation as enshrined in the Criminal Code and status in Nigeria are still very potent and alive.
We therefore urge you to use your good offices to investigate these allegations of our Client and cause anyone found culpable to be brought to book.
We assure you of our clients co-operation with your men in the investigation of this petition.
Yours faithfully
L.O. EGBOYI ESQ
CC;
The Head:
Olodi, Oki and Ighogbudu families,
Of Okere-Urhobo Kingdom, Warri
2023: WE CANNOT AFFORD TO BE DISTRACTED BY THE BUSINESS OF RELIGION- GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has condemned the incursion of religion into the political arena of the country, adding that it portends danger for the polity ahead of the 2023 general election.
Governor Akeredolu, who stressed that the solution to the challenges faced in the country will not be found in the faiths of individuals, noted that a person’s religious persuasion is based on personal conviction.
The Governor spoke on Wednesday at the 1st year Monograph of Memorial Lecture and Celebration of Life of Professor Bankole Olusiji Oke, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State capital.
Arakunrin Akeredolu delivered the Lecture titled “Nigeria: The Politics Of Religion In A Transitional Society.”
While pointing out that the public space must remain secular, the Governor noted that the current agitations for a faith-based political representation are anchored on certain misapprehension of the requirements for leadership in a multi-ethnic state such as Nigeria.
He stressed that the incursion of religious agitation is driven by mischief to set the people against themselves to attain political power, adding that any religious leader who ignores knowledge and competence as necessary criteria for measuring leadership capacity is an apostate.
The Governor, who warned that the earlier the people stop the dangerous and divisive faith-based campaign the better for country, added that any war fought to establish the supremacy of a faith over others can only end in tears.
“The manipulative skills of politicians as being currently put to use will aggravate an alrea
dy bad situation.” He said.
Governor Akeredolu explained that the clamour for the restructuring of the polity and agitation for power shift must gain prominence over the debate on representation based on religion.
“The military handed over power, eventually, in 1999 and there has been civil rule since that time. Nigerians celebrate the fact that the democratic experience remains unbroken ever since. There appears to be an understanding that power must rotate between the North and the South.
“This understanding witnessed the contest of two candidates from the Southwest for the Presidency. It was part of the unwritten agreement that the power equation must be balanced to allay the fear of domination harboured by the people of the South.
“There is a conscious attempt not to disrupt the extant agreement. There has been a seamless transition from one civilian regime to another since 1999, the longest in the political history of the country.
“The current political permutations raise strong suspicions about an undeclared motive to thwart the arrangement that has been working for the country. The rotation of the office of the President has always been between the North and the South since the inception of the Fourth Republic.
“The attempt to disrupt the process of democratic transition using all manner of subterfuge heralds forebodings of unpleasant consequences.
“But beyond the agitation for power shift is the quest for economic independence of the states under the current political arrangement. The clamour for the restructuring of the polity should gain currency more than the unprofitable noises made for representation based on religion.
“Those who overheat the polity for personal aggrandizement should lend their voices to the issue of resource generation and control by the federating units.
“As the country prepares for another transition in 2023, it is only reasonable to expect that the arrangement, which has engendered peace for almost two decades, subsists for the benefit of all. Any attempt to change this design to assuage personal ambition can only worsen the already bad situation.
“Our people must reject any overweening cravings which may impact negatively on the polity. The current noises made on the need to have people occupy offices on the basis of religion is not only dangerous, but, annoyingly, does not portray politicians as those who are interested in public good.
“Religion has always been a weapon of manipulation in a transitional society. Religious leaders rely on the gullibility of their followers to participate, actively, in politics, while presenting a façade of spirituality. A country in the process of evolution cannot afford to be distracted by the business of religion.
“Granted that it is expected of political gladiators to magnify even the most irrelevant of issues to score cheap political points, it is profitable for the leaders of thought, especially religious leaders, to act decently. The contestation for a political office and fight for relevance must not be used as an excuse to mislead the people.
“Most reasonable people will question the economic logic which propels a country, purportedly practicing Federalism, to run a monolithic economy. Let all those who agitate for representation do so on the basis of economic participation first. This should be the fundamental consideration.
“The warped mentality which predisposes the elites, both the clergy and political, to always indulge in permutation on the expectation of largesse sharing is deplorable.”He said.
The Governor also described the controversy trailing the recent choice of the presidential candidate of the ruling APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a Muslim, to pick Senator Kashim Ibrahim Shettima, another Muslim, as his Vice-Presidential candidate, as most regrettable.
“This choice has generated needless controversies. Those who spearhead this apparent mischief either ignore or are oblivious of the fact that the position of the Vice President, as provided in the 1999 Constitution, as amended, is innocuous. The occupier of that office can only act as directed by the President who wields the real executive power.
“It appears that these protests are symptomatic of the level of distrust among the members of the political class who will do anything to grab power. The brazen incursion of religion into the political arena portends danger for the polity. Quality representation had absolutely nothing to do with the belief of a political office holder.
“The leadership of the two popular religions, Christianity and Islam, must avoid making inflammatory statements capable of causing chaos in the polity. This is the time all patriotic citizens must speak with one voice on the need for economic emancipation of the regions. We must begin to seek ways to remove the odious shackles of dependence which has almost run the whole country aground.
“We should all condemn and seek to end a system which promotes indolence. We must encourage all parts of the country to contribute to the economic development. We should all tap into our respective areas of comparative advantage as it was in the First Republic.
“And, consequently, we cannot afford to make the mistake of electing our leaders on mendacious and sentimental premises. Just as no reasonable person will choose to be driven by a driver on account of ethnicity and religion, only the competent aspirants with manifest capacity should be considered.
“A heterogenous society must have its affairs controlled by knowledgeable leaders with proven records of public service. Motivational speeches and copious quotes from the Holy writs can only inspire. The job of the President of a country in distress requires capacity, forthrightness and courage.” He concluded.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
PRESIDENT BUHARI CELEBRATES CHIEF AKINTOLA WILLIAMS AT 103
President Muhammadu Buhari joins family and friends of renowned accountant, Chief Akintola Williams, to celebrate his 103rd birthday, appreciating God for grace of long life, strength and impact, particularly in service to the country.
President Buhari felicitates with Chief Williams for scoring many firsts, which brought the spotlight to Nigeria and Africa, being the first Nigerian to qualify as a chartered accountant in England in 1949, and starting the first indigenous chartered accounting firm in Africa in 1952.
The President notes other historic achievements of the chartered accountant in establishing Association of Accountants in Nigeria in 1960 with the goal of training accountants, being a founding member and first President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and full involvement in setting up the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
On his 103rd birthday, President Buhari acknowledges the many recognitions and awards he has received, including appointment as Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in 1997.
The President continues to rejoice with the chartered accountant, and prays for his wellbeing.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2022
PRESS STATEMENT
Akeredolu Clears Air On Arrest Of Kuje Prison Escapee, Idris Ojo
The attention of Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has been drawn to the announcement of Idris Ojo as one of the attackers of St Francis Catholic Church, Owo, arrested by the security agencies.
Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.
The Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.
“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.
“Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.
“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up.” The Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu urged members of the public to remain vigilant and give necessary supports to the security agencies in the State.
Signed:
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS JOHN CHIAHEMEN, VETERAN JOURNALIST
President Muhammadu Buhari is saddened to learn of the death of John Chiahemen, a former Reuters Bureau Chief for Nigeria, extending deep condolences to his family, friends and colleagues, including everyone in the various media organizations where he worked.
The President recalls that as a veteran newsman with the reputable international news agency and Editor of Reuters Africa, Chiahemen was respected for his brilliant contributions and editorial role of covering news about Africa from a business and development perspective, beyond the narrow stereotypes of disaster and poverty.
The President believes that the remarkable legacies left behind by one of Nigeria’s most accomplished journalists will continue to inspire current and upcoming members of the fourth estate of the realm.
President Buhari prays for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased and comfort for those who mourn.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 10, 2022
PRESIDENCY SEEKS MORE MEDIA PARTNERSHIP IN NATION BUILDING
Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina has solicited for continued partnership with the media in order to help the government and citizens realise the Nigeria of their dream.
Mr Adesina said this Tuesday at State House, Abuja, when he received the Ace Leadership Award presented to him by the management of Love FM 104.5 Abuja as part of its Merit Awards 2022. The Award ceremony proper had earlier taken place in June.
While expressing his appreciation to the organisation for considering him worthy of the award, Adesina said:
“The media should partner with the government instead of being adversaries. What you find in the media at times is that they are so adversarial to government, which does not have to be. This is our country and we don’t have any other one.
“If they send the country into a tailspin through too much criticism, even the media won’t even be able to do its work. So, we should always bear in mind that it is our country and whatever we make of it is what we get.”
Presenting the award, the representative of Love FM, Ewuzie Anele Lilian, expressed the organisation’s pride in the work of Mr Adesina as a journalist, having got to the peak of his career through dint of hard work:
“We are happy to identify with you because we know how you started. You rose through the ladder and here you are, still doing the media work. We know it is not everybody that will accept what you are doing.”
She assured the spokesman of the support of Love FM despite some reports that suggest otherwise. “Sometimes we criticise you, we learnt that from you anyway. Before you got here, you were criticising others. We have come to say congratulations despite all that has happened. We are proud at the level you have reached and pray that God will sustain you and give you more wisdom to deal with the challenges associated with the job,” she added.
Abiodun Oladunjoye
Director (Information)
August 10, 2022
WE’II CONTINUE TO MAINTAIN PEACE IN ONDO-GOV AKEREDOLU
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu,SAN, has assured that his administration will continue to maintain peace in the State,stressing that it is the responsibility of government.
The Governor commended the security agencies over the arrest of terrorists involved in the June 5, 2022 attack on St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo.
Governor Akeredolu spoke in his office on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to his office by officers of the Federal Fire Service, led by the South West Zone L, Commander and Assistant Comptroller of Fire Service, James Olatunji.
The Zone comprises Ondo, Osun and Ekiti States.
While thanking the Almighty God for the arrest of the perpetrators, the Governor noted that the blood of the innocent worshipers spilled in a sacred place of worship and the fervent prayers of the people also contributed to their arrest.
Arakunrin Akeredolu, who reiterated his administration commitment to protecting the people and their property, reemphasised that the recent shooting in Owo had nothing to do with the June 5 attack.
He said:”We knew about this about a week ago. Arrest has been made over a week ago. I know there was ongoing investigation and because of that, there was no need for us to make it public so that the security agencies, especially DSS, who were majorly involved are not compromised.
“The arrest were made about last week, we were briefed, but we had a pact with them not to go public and as at this morning two other people were arrested.
“We know that now that it has been made public, the security work may be difficult. We must thank Almighty God that this arrest has been made. Where they attacked was a sacred place and the prayers of the people have been answered.
“The blood of the innocent people they killed are crying. What happened in Owo thereafter, the recent shooting, was not to maim or kill. By the grace of God, we will continue to find a way to maintain peace in this state. That is what we owe our people.”
The Governor while stressing the importance of the fire service, said if not for their timely interventions at different occasions, properties worth several billions of naira would have been lost to various fire incidents in different parts of the state
Earlier, the Zonal Commander, James Olatunji, appreciated Governor Akeredolu for the harmonious relationship among the State government, the Federal and State Fire Services as well as all the security agencies in the state, adding that Governor Akeredolu has consistently supported the Federal Fire Service in the state with logistics and other important needs to boost their activities.
He also applauded the Governor for making the state safe and habitable for the citizenry by improving on the security architecture across the state, just as he expressed the readiness of his team to key into the security architecture of the state to further secure the lives and property of the poeple.
Olatunji revealed that between January 1 and August 9, 2022, the Service saved five lives while one life was lost during fire incidents. He added that property worth N3.139bn were saved just as the state lost property worth N164.2m.
According to him, the properties included houses, shops, market, event centres, fuel tankers, trucks and others.
He said a total of 46 cases were recorded during the period under review.
He added that just last Friday afternoon, he personally led a crew of fire service to Sijuwade area where properties worth N50m were saved.
He also gave the Toll Free emergency number as 112 and Ondo State Federal Fire Service emergency number 08133006400, in case of fire outbreak.
Richard Olatunde
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
August 10, 2022.
LAGOS TASKFORCE CLAMPS DOWN ON OKADA OPERATORS PLYING BANNED ROUTES
… Says Okada Passengers Risk Three Months Jail Term
The Lagos State Taskforce has continued its enforcement of the ban on commercial motorcyclists, popularly known as Okada, that ply restricted highways, particularly in the six Local Governments Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas across the State.
Speaking on the exercise which took place in Agege/Fagba, Apapa and Ajah, the Chairman of the Agency, CSP Shola Jejeloye, described the activities of the recalcitrant okada operators as rebellious and vowed to ensure those who continue to disregard the ban would have their bikes confiscated and crushed by the State Government.
Jejeloye further stated that 322 bikes have been seized since the commencement of the week-long raid in the aforementioned areas of the State, assuring citizens that more will be done until the State’s vision of maintaining safety and sanity on Lagos roads is actualised.
“We intend to continue embarking on raids across the State towards ensuring a total clampdown on bike operators violating the ban on plying major highways in the six Local Governments Areas and nine Local Council Development Areas till total compliance is attained”, he stated.
While warning Lagosians who patronise recalcitrant okada operators to desist, CSP Jejeloye declared that passengers would henceforth be arrested and prosecuted with the okada operators.
His words: “Both passengers and riders are culpable if found operating on routes banned by the State Government and both will face a penalty of either three months jail term or N50,000 fine, or both as pronounced by the courts”.
The Chairman, therefore, enjoined Lagos residents to embrace alternative means of transportation which are safer and in line with the State’s inter-modal transportation vision.
Mr. Peter Obi, call your supporters to order, falsehood and disinformation will not win election
The Tinubu Campaign Organisation has appealed to the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Mr. Peter Obi to call his supporters to order and to allow this election circle to be about issues that will advance the growth, progress and stability of Nigeria.
In a statement by its Director of Media and Communications, Mr Bayo Onanuga, the TCO admonished the Labour Party presidential candidate to get his supporters to desist from spreading lies, malice and denigrating other candidates, especially Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
TCO further states that Nigeria will be better for it and the electoral process will be enriched if the 2023 presidential campaign sticks to issues of good governance that will lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty rather than being dominated by the ravings of guttersnipes, who do not wish the country well.
Mr. Onanuga noted that the Tinubu Campaign Organisation saw the need to appeal to Mr. Obi to rein in his supporters after investigating the origin of the fake report claiming that the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo wrote a letter to the All Progressives Congress Presidential Candidate, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asking him to support Peter Obi and take care of his health.
President of Ghana via his official Twitter account has vehemently debunked the fake news as a product of deliberate mischief with the intent to deceive the public.
“I have written no such letter to the APC leader, and it will not occur to me to do so. Ghana and Nigeria boast of decades of cordial, strong and brotherly relations, and I am not going to be the one to interfere in the internal affairs and politics of Nigeria,” said President of Ghana via Twitter.
“We have found that the fake news about Akufo-Addo’s letter was first published on June 22 by a rogue platform, whose url reads as worlsnews.space (sic) and site identity as World of News.
“A content analysis of the site clearly showed that it is a Biafra news platform. The fake news was reposted on Facebook by Peter Obi Support Group, same day – a clear proof that Biafra campaigners and Peter Obi supporters are the same.
“Both the Facebook account and the website are replete with fake stories about Bola Tinubu, including a fake story credited to former governor Akinwunmi Ambode, alleging that Tinubu demanded N50billion monthly payment from him. The spuriousness of the statement is in the evidence that Lagos did not begin to clock N50billion revenue until after Ambode left office. Tinubu could not have demanded N50billion monthly payment from Ambode when the state government didn’t make such in a month throughout the tenure of Mr. Ambode.
“The pirate website, which the Facebook account feeds on also parades malicious fake news and headlines such as “ I am old, but my blood is young, please vote for me – Tinubu begs youth” .
“There is also the most wicked of all headlines: When I became president, I will Build more prison (sic) for Igbo’s and IPOB members – Tinubu”.
“The big surprise in all of these is that all the headlines have no supporting stories, and clicking them may bring virus to your computer.
“We have come to a point where it becomes imperative to tell Mr. Obi to show leadership and disavow his supporters who are employing fake news and disinformation as deliberate tools to deceive and poison the minds of unsuspecting Nigerians,” Mr. Onanuga reiterated.
Bayo Onanuga
Director, Media & Communications
Tinubu Campaign Organisation
PRESS RELEASE
LAGOS’LL STRENGTHEN PARTNERSHIP WITH U.S. ON SECURITY, TECHNOLOGY, GOOD GOVERNANCE, SAYS SANWO-OLU
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday said the State Government will strengthen its partnership with the United States and work closely to deepen a mutually beneficial relationship on security, business, entertainment, technology and good governance, among others, to better the lives of the citizens.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the statement on Wednesday while receiving the new United States Consul General, Mr. Williams Stevens, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Lagos House, Marina.
The Governor said Lagos State Government is looking forward to using the opportunities and mutually beneficial partnerships between the State and the United States to better the lives of residents and create an atmosphere where businesses can thrive.
He said: “We know too well that you will do bigger and greater things with the government and the people of Lagos. The relationship that the government has with your office is great; it is phenomenal but beyond that, it is really about our people. It is about ensuring that we can use our opportunity to better the lives of our citizens and businesses both in institutions and the country.
“Over the last couple of months in Lagos State, we have seen direct investments from big American companies that have seen the need for them not to just verbalise that the future is in Africa but the future is actually in Lagos and we need to take those steps.
“We know that indeed this is where the huge number of youth population; the opportunity is here in tech, financial services, entertainment and tourism. This is where everything comes together. So, I am excited. We believe working closely with your office, we will be creating success on both sides and we will be building a mutually beneficial relationship.
“Security is paramount for you, myself and for our citizens. We will be taking that forward. I am sure over the period we will deepen the relationship further and build a visible clear vision for our cities.”
In his remarks, the United States Consul General, Williams Stevens said his country was poised to improve the economic relationships, bilateral trade and work together to combat crime while partnering to prioritise education, cultural engagement and entertainment, among other initiatives that would lead to investments in the state.
Stevens, who described the economic relationship as the foundation of any partnership as well as security, promised that the United States will partner with Lagos State and the Federal Government in combating trans-national crimes and ensure the security of lives and properties of residents, which according to him is key to creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive.
He said: “We are focused on security. We are focused on ensuring that we are working together with Nigerian organisations and law enforcement to combat international crime and help the people here safer and more secure, which actually directly connects to trade investment.
“We are also focusing on the human concept on regulations, health, partnership, democracy, governance, preparation for the upcoming elections; everything we can do to ensure that people who are here in Lagos State and around Nigeria can have the opportunity to live healthy and safer.”
Stevens, who described Nigerian entertainers as global stars, said there is a partnership between Americans and Nigerians both in films and music in the classic entertainment industries.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 AUGUST 2022
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU RECEIVES HOMECOMING TREATMENT, AS GOVERNOR INSPECTS INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS ON LAGOS ISLAND
…Residents hail Governor on the progress of 10-storey New Massey Hospital, Adeniji Adele Road projects
An exercise for an extensive inspection of the ongoing infrastructural upgrade in Lagos Island, on Wednesday, turned to a homecoming event for Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as a tumultuous crowd of residents trooped out to welcome the Governor back to his home base.
Sanwo-Olu, who hails from Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area, was in the community to inspect the progress of the ongoing construction of Tapa-Okepopo streets, Adeniji Adele Road and construction of new 10-storey Massey Children Hospital.
The exercise literally turned into a rally when the residents, in showing their appreciation for the projects, joined the Governor on a walk from Adeniji Adele Road into adjoining streets.
Sanwo-Olu was in company of members of the State cabinet and top Government functionaries.
Inspecting the road projects, Sanwo-Olu expressed satisfaction on the pace of work, but urged the contractor to take the advantage of the good weather to scale up construction activities and deliver the projects at the end of the year.
Adeniji Adele Road, before its expansion and dualisation, used to be a single lane. The condition of the road deteriorated due to perennial flooding. The upgrade project, which is at 65 percent completion, now has interlocked bricks with lidded and channelised drainage to address water overflow.
At the new Massey Children Hospital, Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, conducted the Governor round the site, where the 547 piling caps required to fully raise hospital structure had been completed.
Sanwo-Olu also observed the civil work on the multi-level car park for the hospital.
He said: “Today, we are here for the on-the-spot assessment of the ongoing reconstruction of Tapa-Okepopo streets and Adeniji Adele Road on Lagos Island. Messrs Julius Berger, the contractor, had informed us that the entire project is at 65 per cent; it shows that we are on track and we can complete the project before the end of the year. Interlocking bricks have been laid; the drainages have been largely completed and the whole area looks new.
“We also inspected the construction of the new Massey Children Hospital, where we noticed the two buildings that are supposed to be coming up on the site. The nine-storey car park, which is currently at the third floor and the 10-storey children hospital. All the 547 piling caps required to fully raise structure on the hospital site have been completed. The contractor has been working double hard on the terms of the project.”
Sanwo-Olu led the team to Ilubirin where a flood protection channel is being built by the Office of Drainages in the Ministry of Environment and Water Resources to address water back flow to low plain areas in the city.
The Governor said a temporary wall had been erected across the water pumping channel to prevent back flow of water from the Lagos lagoon to Lagos Island environ.
Without the barricade, Sanwo-Olu said water would naturally be flowing back from the lagoon whenever there are high tides.
He said: “Significant part of Lagos is below sea level. When water rises from the lagoon, it can flow back to the city. The main observation today is that we are constructing a new 1-kilometre diversion channel from Ilubirin Estate that will take water unto the Lagos lagoon. We are also expecting three high-capacity pumps that are arriving next month. When this is done, issues around flooding on Lagos Island could have been significantly solved.”
The flood prevention effort, the Governor said, would be shifted to Ojo-Giwa collector and Thomas collector on Lagos Island for permanent solution.
Sanwo-Olu’s final stop was at the Lagos Island General Hospital in Aidan, Marina, where the State Government has carried out extensive rehabilitation of outdated facilities in phases.
In the first phase of the work, the Sanwo-Olu fully redesigned and upgraded the hospital’s Accident and Emergency section, Surgical Emergency wards, and training rooms.
The second phase of the project had the Pharmacy department and catering section rehabilitated. Eye Clinic, Administrative Building, Ambulance Bay, Relative Waiting Area and Children’s Surgical Wards were fully renovated in the third phase of the work.
The final phase, Sanwo-Olu said, will ensure full upgrade of the Pathology Department and construction of new wards to accommodate more patients on referral.
“In the new hospitals we are building, we have included the construction of Doctors’ Quarters just as we have in Lagos Island General Hospital. We are currently building quarters for doctors in Gbagada General Hospital and another one on General Hospital, Isolo. This is to improve the condition of service for our doctors and other health professionals supporting them,” the Governor said.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
10 AUGUST 2022
Osun State INEC and PDP Trying to Compromise Electoral Documents*
The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Osun State Chapter, has received an authentic information about the activities of certain individuals in the Osun State office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and some unscrupulous elements in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in attempts to compromise the contents of the electoral results of Forms EC8A and EC8B vis-à-vis the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) reports which contain the records of the actual number of persons accredited to vote in each polling unit.
Having read the Petition filed by our candidate, Alhaji Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola and our party, the APC, the PDP (PDP) and their collaborators in the INEC, Osogbo office, have entered the panic mode and have been making frantic efforts to manipulate the electoral results and other documents.
Everyone can recall that the Petition we presented to the Electoral Tribunal on Friday, the 5th day of August, 2022 made detailed and undeniable allegations of non-compliance with the Electoral Act, 2022 with established vagaries and inconsistencies between the numbers of persons accredited by BVAS and the actual numbers of persons that voted in each polling unit.
By the above, we were able to establish over-voting in 749 polling units across ten local government areas of Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ila, Ilesha West, Irepodun, Obokun, Olorunda and Osogbo Local Government Council Areas.
We got it from a reliable and an authoritative source that the INEC officials in Osogbo, working for PDP and its candidate, Ademola Adeleke, have embarked on an urgent process of manipulating the contents of the BVAS report in order to defeat the unassailable allegations and evidence at our disposal.
It is on record that the certified true copies of most documents are with us and any attempt to doctor, manipulate, tamper with or utter such documents in the custody of INEC shall be resisted strongly.
We use this medium to call on all lovers of democracy and electoral justice to prevail on INEC and PDP to allow a peaceful determination of the electoral dispute as submitted to the Electoral Tribunal sitting in Osogbo.
Furthermore, we consider it pertinent to warn all officials of INEC office, Osogbo and their PDP collaborators to desist from any criminal activity capable of compromising a fair determination of our Petition.
If the PDP and the INEC know that they won the election fair and square without any malpractice or corrupt practice, they should come and defend our allegations without deceiving the public or making electoral justice impossible.
We shall not hesitate to put in motion criminal prosecution against any attempt to defeat the ends of justice.
Thank you.
*Prince Gboyega Famoodun,*
Chairman, All Progressives Congress,
Osun State Chapter.